Stories Matter! - How Leaders Use Storytelling to Build Values-Driven Cultures

Hosted by IBGR onAir Talent Gayle Turner & Shelli Jost Brady

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190

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Aug 2025

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About the show

Gayle Turner is President of The Storytellers Channel, Inc. https://storytellerschannel.com/ For close to five decades he has used the power of story to initiate and sustain change while growing leaders and building productive corporate and community cultures. Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn the rest of the story. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgayleturner/ Subscribe to The Storytellers Channel’s newsletter by downloading a FREE audiobook of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart at https://storytellerschannel.com/

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May 17, 2023Episode 112 min

S12 E1 Stories Matter Stories are a Leadership Tool with Gayle Turner

Stories are THE best invention for delivering mental models that drive behavior. You can be a more effective leader if you improve your ability to craft & tell intentional stories. Stories work better than just telling people what to do. Stories work better than just walking the talk and modeling the behavior you want. Stories are not enough on their own, but coupled with clear direction and leaders with integrity stories can help leaders make an exponential impact. Think about your heroes. Who has and does inspire you: at work, in the community, at home? Think history, literature, TV, the movies, and most importantly the people in your life: yesterday and today. What did they do, what do they do that you find inspiring? Do this now! Make notes on individual index cards for each example. Gayle Turner is President of The Storytellers Channel, Inc. https://storytellerschannel.com/ For close to five decades he has used the power of story to initiate and sustain change while growing leaders and building productive corporate and community cultures. Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn the rest of the story. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgayleturner/ If you'd like to explore how clarifying your organization's stories and sharing the stories that exemplify those values can improve performance click here and schedule a time to talk with Gayle. Tags: history of leadership,types of leadership,styles of leadership,what is leadership,leadership coaching,how to define leadership,leadership development,leadership,transformational leadership,leadership concepts,leadership by storytelling,how to become a leader,how to lead people,leaders,how to lead,storytelling,how to manage,how to manage people,managers,leads,manager,principles of management,coaching,lead,manage,emotions,management fundamentals

May 17, 2023Episode 213 min

S12 E2 Stories Matter What is a story with Gayle Turner

Stories are THE best invention for delivering mental models that drive behavior. A Story is a sequence of events where something Changes. If nothing changes, there is no story. You need four things for a story: PeopleIn a PlaceWith a ProblemAnd there’s Progress. i.e. change of some sort. (See above) Previously, you were asked to identify your heroes. Now, ask yourself if any of the examples you collected would be appropriate to share with your colleagues, friends or family as examples of behavior you’d like them to adopt or continue exhibiting. Do this now! Order your thoughts by talking out loud to yourself. (Not to anyone else at this stage) Who are the people in your story? Where are they in time and space? What is their problem? What do they do to overcome the obstacles to their success? Ask yourself if this sequence of events illustrates the lesson (singular) would you like your listener to learn from your story? Remember: At this stage DO NOT share your story with anyone. It’s still a very fragile creation. Easily destroyed by well-meaning, but untrained critics. Gayle Turner is President of The Storytellers Channel, Inc. https://storytellerschannel.com/ For close to five decades he has used the power of story to initiate and sustain change while growing leaders and building productive corporate and community cultures. Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn the rest of the story. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgayleturner/ If you'd like to explore how clarifying your organization's stories and sharing the stories that exemplify those values can improve performance click here and schedule a time to talk with Gayle. Tags: #storytelling #progress #change #mentalmodels #behavior #heroes #lesson #fragilecreation #keepitprivate #nosharing

May 17, 2023Episode 312 min

S12 E3 Stories Matter Growing Leaders with Values with Gayle Turner

The process of growing leaders is one of instilling values. Jack Welch, the former GE CEO, said, “Values are behaviors that can be measured.” Storytelling is THE most effective way of coupling our direction with the desired behavior that we model. There are three components to growing leaders. First, explain your values - the behaviors you measure. Second, live by your stated values. Third, tell stories that exemplify the organization’s heroes. Stories of the people whose behavior is laudable. Warning: Failure to walk the talk has serious consequences. Discern your values? Identify the measurable behaviors by which you evaluate your performance and the performance of others. If you or your organization have already discerned your personal and/or corporate values then review them. Articulate how you measure them and then ask yourself how well you’re living them. Get clear on your values, your metrics for evaluating compliance, and assess yourself for how well you’re living by them. NOTE: It’s a waste of time to work on stories convincing others to live by your values if you aren’t. There is a caveat to that last statement. You can say you’re working on this and then enlist your protegees and your colleagues to hold each other accountable as you move forward together. Do this now! Review the stories you’ve identified to see if any of them reflect one of your values. Then, start the process of telling it outloud to yourself while you work toward articulating the behavior you want. Gayle Turner is President of The Storytellers Channel, Inc. https://storytellerschannel.com/ For close to five decades he has used the power of story to initiate and sustain change while growing leaders and building productive corporate and community cultures. Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn the rest of the story. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgayleturner/ If you'd like to explore how clarifying your organization's stories and sharing the stories that exemplify those values can improve performance click here and schedule a time to talk with Gayle. Tags: #leadership, #start with why, #career, #personal growth, #english, #business, #simon sinek, #inspiration, #self improvement,# inspire, #motivation, #self

May 17, 2023Episode 413 min

S12 E4 Stories Matter Structuring Leadership Stories with Gayle Turner

Leaders tell stories for the sole purpose of influencing their listeners’ behavior. As such, Donald Davis’ elegant format of People in a Place with a Problem, and there is Progress requires additional tweaking Paul Smith posits we need: A Relatable HeroFacing a Relevant ChallengeRequiring an Honest StruggleResulting in a Worthy Lesson Take one of the stories you’ve been working on and run it through this lens: Is your hero relatable? Is she facing a relevant challenge? Does it require an honest struggle? Is the lesson worth the time spent listening? Do this now! If you have one that fits the criteria, great. If one is close, massage it to fit the criteria and then start practicing outloud to become comfortable relating this new movie in your head. Gayle Turner is President of The Storytellers Channel, Inc. https://storytellerschannel.com/ For close to five decades he has used the power of story to initiate and sustain change while growing leaders and building productive corporate and community cultures. Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn the rest of the story. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgayleturner/ If you'd like to explore how clarifying your organization's stories and sharing the stories that exemplify those values can improve performance click here and schedule a time to talk with Gayle. TAGS:# leadership coaching, #leadership, #leadership development, #english,#emotions, #coaching, #connection, #ideas, #presentation, #communication, #life, #tedxtalks

February 2, 2023Episode 512 min

S12 E5 Do Something with Gayle Turner

S12 E5 Do Something - Bias for Action, Trusting Employees "Stories are the currency of connection. We use them to connect with people and understand their perspectives." This quote sets the stage for this episode of Gayle Turner's Stories Matter podcast, where he shares his experiences of using storytelling as a leadership tool. Gayle Turner is a professional speaker and consultant who has helped countless leaders improve their public speaking skills. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of storytelling in building connections with an audience. The main message is to become a person worth listening to so that you can effectively communicate your message and inspire others. Gayle shares personal stories and insights from his career to illustrate how storytelling can be used to create memorable and impactful presentations. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the power of storytelling and how it can be used to connect with an audience. They will learn about the key elements of a compelling story and how to use them effectively in their own presentations. Gayle also discusses how to overcome common obstacles that leaders face when trying to incorporate storytelling into their communication. To become a more effective leader, listeners should begin by identifying personal stories that are relevant to their message and audience. They should then focus on crafting these stories using the key elements discussed in the episode, such as: a relatable hero, with a relevant challenge, dealing with an honest struggle in service of a worthy lesson.. Finally, they should practice delivering these stories in a way that is authentic and engaging. Do this now! - Start by reflecting on your own experiences and identifying a personal story that relates to your message. Write out the key elements of the story, such as the conflict, characters, and resolution. Practice telling the story to friends or family members and ask for feedback on how you can improve. Keep refining the story until it feels natural and engaging, then incorporate it when striving to influence the values of those in your charge.. Gayle Turner is President of The Storytellers Channel, Inc. https://storytellerschannel.com/ For close to five decades he has used the power of story to initiate and sustain change while growing leaders and building productive corporate and community cultures. Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn the rest of the story. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgayleturner/ If you'd like to explore how clarifying your organization's stories and sharing the stories that exemplify those values can improve performance click here and schedule a time to talk with Gayle. TAGS: #Storytelling #Leadership #AudienceConnection #Communication #PersonalStory #KeyElements #RelatableHero #RelevantChallenge #HonestStruggle #WorthyLesson #Feedback #Authenticity #Engagement #TheStorytellersChannel #GayleTurner #StoriesMatter #Podcast #ProductiveCulture #CommunityCulture #Influence #Values #EdgarAllanPoe #FreeAudiobook #TellTaleHeart

February 2, 2023Episode 612 min

S12 E6 Look for the Possible with Gayle Turner

Look for the Possible - The Power of Yes/And Thinking "The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln. In this episode of "Stories Matter," host Gayle Turner emphasizes the importance of having a positive attitude and looking for opportunities to create a better future for yourself. He shares personal stories of understanding where he belonged and respecting his daughter’s understanding of where she belonged and their mutual willingness to pursue their destinies. The main message is that becoming a person worth listening to involves clarity of purpose and a willingness to pursue that mission. Gayle discusses how even children when they have a clear vision and the courage to pursue their goals are destined to succeed. The episode includes real-life examples of people who have applied these principles to achieve success. Listeners are encouraged to adopt a positive mindset and to trust themselves as they strive towards achieving their goals. Do this now! Take some time to reflect on your current situation. Are you where you belong? Identify one area of your life where you feel there’s a disconnect between what you feel you should be doing with your life and how you’re currently investing your energies. and start planning how you can get back on the right track. Remember, your future is in your hands! Gayle Turner is President of The Storytellers Channel, Inc. https://storytellerschannel.com/ For close to five decades he has used the power of story to initiate and sustain change while growing leaders and building productive corporate and community cultures. Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn the rest of the story. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgayleturner/ If you'd like to explore how clarifying your organization's stories and sharing the stories that exemplify those values can improve performance click here and schedule a time to talk with Gayle. TAGS: #CreateYourFuture #PositiveAttitudeWins #FindYourPurpose #ClearVisionSuccess #TrustYourself #DestinedToSucceed #TakeActionNow #SelfReflection #LifeAlignment #PursueYourGoals #ClarityOfPurpose #InvestInYourself #OpportunitiesAreEndless #BelieveInYourself #MakeYourOwnDestiny #FutureInYourHands #StoriesMatter #GayleTurner #AchieveSuccess

February 2, 2023Episode 712 min

S12 E7 Come or Stay at Home with Gayle Turner

Come of Stay at Home - Commitment Do… or do not. There is no try. – Yoda Many people cruise through their workday. Complying to the demands of the letter of the job description, as opposed to committing to the mission and goals of the organization in pursuit of achieving leadership’s vision. Stories are powerful tools for encouraging employees to strive for exceptional performance. If you’re in a leadership position or if you’re only aspiring to be the best you can be, take some time and think about your heroes. The people whose behavior has inspired you and ask yourself how can I apply the same degree of commitment in my life? Do this now! Share an example of the behavior you admire with a friend or colleague and see if you can emulate the courage, commitment, competence, candor, and caring reflected in your hero’s actions. Gayle Turner is President of The Storytellers Channel, Inc. https://storytellerschannel.com/ For close to five decades he has used the power of story to initiate and sustain change while growing leaders and building productive corporate and community cultures. Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn the rest of the story. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgayleturner/ If you'd like to explore how clarifying your organization's stories and sharing the stories that exemplify those values can improve performance click here and schedule a time to talk with Gayle. TAGS: #LeadershipInspiration #CommitmentToMission #EmployeePerformance #HeroBehavior #EmulateExcellence #Courage #Competence #Candor #Caring #InspireOthers #ProfessionalDevelopment #AspiringLeaders #GoalSetting #VisionaryLeadership #OrganizationalGoals #PowerOfStories

February 2, 2023Episode 812 min

S12 E8 Resilience with Gayle Turner

Resilience - Overcoming Setbacks “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” ― Nelson Mandela Gayle Turner shares stories of his parents’ commitment to one another and his father’s response to unexpected obstacles. Obstacles are but inconveniences when approached with clarity of mission and vision. Spend some time reflecting on why you do what you do. Is there a higher purpose? Are you committed to it? What’s the story you’re telling yourself as to what is or isn’t possible for you? Start making notes about how you can get from where you are now, to where your life’s mission is calling you. Don’t avoid it, don’t procrastinate, do this now! Gayle Turner is President of The Storytellers Channel, Inc. https://storytellerschannel.com/ For close to five decades he has used the power of story to initiate and sustain change while growing leaders and building productive corporate and community cultures. Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn the rest of the story. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgayleturner/ If you'd like to explore how clarifying your organization's stories and sharing the stories that exemplify those values can improve performance click here and schedule a time to talk with Gayle. TAGS: #NeverGiveUp #OvercomingObstacles #PurposeDrivenLife #ClarityOfVision #Commitment #InspiringStories #LimitlessPossibilities #Reflection #TakeActionNow #LifeMission

February 8, 2023Episode 912 min

S12 E9 How You Do It with Gayle Turner

I’m starting with the man in the mirror. - Michael Jackson Change begins with us. It’s not others, but we who must model the desired behavior. Coach John Wooden said, “Look for ways to show you care.” U.S. Military officers are taught the 5Cs: Courage, Commitment, Competence, Candor, and Caring. An old adage reminds us that people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Care about the mission, the work, and their people. Take a page out of Socrates book and examine your life. What are your values? Assess yourself. How are you walking your talk? Where can you do better? Look for ways you can manifest the 5Cs in your daily life. Do this now! Gayle Turner is President of The Storytellers Channel, Inc. https://storytellerschannel.com/ For close to five decades he has used the power of story to initiate and sustain change while growing leaders and building productive corporate and community cultures. Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn the rest of the story. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgayleturner/ If you'd like to explore how clarifying your organization's stories and sharing the stories that exemplify those values can improve performance click here and schedule a time to talk with Gayle. TAGS: #ManInTheMirror #ChangeBeginsWithUs #ModelDesiredBehavior #ShowYouCare #5CsOfLeadership #CourageCommitmentCompetenceCandorCaring #PeopleMatter #ExamineYourLife #AssessYourself #WalkYourTalk #ManifestThe5Cs #DoBetterNow

February 9, 2023Episode 1012 min

S12 E10 Superior Thinking with Gayle Turner

Superior thinking doesn't come from being smarter, it comes from learning how to think differently. The ability to think critically and creatively is essential to stay ahead of the curve. Gayle Turner, a leadership development consultant, explains how we can become better thinkers and bring more value to the table. "We need to change with these turbulent," he says. "We need to become better problem-solvers, innovators, and collaborators." Gayle emphasizes that superior thinking isn't about intelligence, but about adopting the right mindset and developing the necessary skills. He encourages listeners to acquaint themselves with Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hat process and shares stories of some of Dr. de Bono’s successes. Start by ordering a copy of Dr. de Bono’s book, Six Hat Thinking. It’s inexpensive, a quick read and the techniques explained will enable anyone to up their game. Gayle Turner is President of The Storytellers Channel, Inc. https://storytellerschannel.com/ For close to five decades he has used the power of story to initiate and sustain change while growing leaders and building productive corporate and community cultures. Check out his LinkedIn profile to learn the rest of the story. https://www.linkedin.com/in/wgayleturner/ If you'd like to explore how clarifying your organization's stories and sharing the stories that exemplify those values can improve performance click here and schedule a time to talk with Gayle. TAGS: #SuperiorThinking #ThinkDifferently #CriticalThinking #CreativeThinking #StayAheadOfTheCurve #ProblemSolver #Innovator #Collaboration #ChangeWithTheTimes #SixThinkingHats #EdwardDeBono #MindsetMatters #SkillDevelopment #UpYourGame #LeadershipDevelopment.