What if the secret to stronger workplace connections and higher engagement could be found in your mailbox?

In this episode, Jerome and Julienne sit down with Amy Daughters—keynote speaker, author, and advocate of handwritten letters—as she shares the incredible journey that started with writing notes to a grieving acquaintance and led to a profound reconnection with over 600 Facebook friends.

Amy tells a moving story about her father’s unconventional summer camp rituals that taught her the power of being seen. That same power, she’s discovered, lives in the simple act of a handwritten note. From three-sentence messages that employees keep for decades, to short acknowledgments that create champions out of coworkers and customers, Amy demonstrates how analog tools can solve digital-age problems—especially when it comes to leadership and employee engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Why handwriting someone a note may engage them more than any digital message
• How recognition—when made tangible—turns people into champions for your mission
• The impact of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership communication
• How a handwritten culture can counteract disengagement and build lasting trust

Links to learn more and connect with Amy Daughters:

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

X -

Website

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

In this debrief episode, Jerome and Julienne reflect on their conversation with Taylor Scott, author of Lead With Hospitality and the upcoming Give Hospitality. They dive deeper into a powerful quote from Taylor:

Drawing on their own stories, they explore what it really takes to foster that kind of workplace. Jerome recalls a surprising moment of mentorship during his early career in finance, while Julienne emphasizes the enduring power of respect and acknowledgement in professional environments. They highlight how small human gestures can make a big impact—and how sharing lived stories within an organization helps bring core values to life.

Key Takeaways

• Meaningful work is often created not by the task itself, but by how people are made to feel in the workplace.
• Leaders can turn values like “respect” into tangible experiences through small acts of appreciation and support.
• Storytelling helps surface and scale meaningful moments across teams, breaking silos and rebuilding connection.
• You don’t need to overhaul your culture overnight—start with one value, one story, one human connection.

Related Episodes and Resources

• Episode 140: Leading with Hospitality – Interview with Taylor Scott
• Lead With Hospitality by Taylor Scott

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

In this powerful conversation, Jerome and Julienne speak with Dr. Neal Baer—award-winning television showrunner, physician, and educator—whose career has spanned medical dramas like ER and Law & Order: SVU to pioneering a graduate program at Harvard that fuses storytelling and health. Dr. Baer reflects on how his personal journey—particularly coming out later in life—has shaped the narratives he brings to the screen and the classroom.

He shares stories about shaping public perceptions of HIV through characters on ER, introducing groundbreaking health messaging like U=U on Designated Survivor, and mentoring students who are transforming public health through narrative, art, and data.

Key Takeaways

• Leaders and storytellers can create change by pairing emotion with data and action.
• Personal stories and cultural context help bridge gaps in healthcare access and understanding.
• Great storytelling often emerges from personal struggle, risk, and lived experience.
• Storytelling is not just educational or entertaining—it’s how we know we matter

• Books by Neal Baer:
  • The Promise and Peril of CRISPR – Buy on Amazon
• Health & Storytelling Resources:
  • Harvard Medical School’s Master’s Program in Media, Medicine, and Health
• Referenced Work and Contributors:
  • Under the Skin by Linda Villarosa
  • New York Times Magazine article by Villarosa on HIV in the U.S. South
  • Wildhood by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz and Kathryn Bowers
  • Studs Terkel – Working
  • Doris Sommer – Professor at Harvard on narrative and social change

Learn More About Dr. Neal Baer

• Harvard Faculty Profile:
  ghsm.hms.harvard.edu/faculty-staff/neal-baer
• In-Depth Interview:
  ghsm.hms.harvard.edu/interview-neal-baer
• Connect with Dr. Baer:
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

In this short debrief episode, Jerome and Julienne reflect on a powerful moment from their recent conversation with leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry. They explore how a single piece of advice or a simple question—delivered at just the right time—can shape the way we lead, communicate, and relate to others.

Key Themes

• The lasting impact of simple, profound questions
• Mentorship moments that shape leadership philosophy
• The importance of asking, not assuming
• Why answers aren’t always as powerful as the right questions
• The role of listening and pausing in group dynamics and storytelling

Standout Quotes
“How do you want to be received by your audience, and how do you want them to receive you?” – Robert Dickman (via Julienne)

“You’re a giant tractor moving a pebble. Simplify, simplify, simplify.” – Bob Fitzpatrick (via Jerome)

“The answers are in the room. They’ll surface if we give people a pause.” – Julienne Ryan

“It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about the questions you ask.”

Mentioned in This Episode

Robert Dickman – storytelling consultant and author

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan engage with Gary Danoff, an executive coach and former leader at Google and Microsoft.

The conversation explores Gary's formative experiences, particularly his childhood insights into human behavior and communication. They delve into the challenges of career transitions, emphasizing the importance of reframing setbacks as opportunities. The discussion also highlights effective leadership strategies during turbulent times, advocating for personal connections and empathy in leadership roles. Gary shares inspiring stories from his coaching practice, illustrating the transformative power of storytelling and personal engagement in the workplace.

Takeaways ~ Gary's childhood experiences shaped his understanding of human behavior.
Reframing challenges can lead to new opportunities.
Empathy is crucial in supporting clients through transitions.
Leaders should engage personally with their teams during crises.
Business is inherently personal, and leaders must connect on that level.
Creating a safe environment fosters clarity and growth for clients.
Career transitions can lead to unexpected and positive outcomes.
Effective leaders lead from the front and show vulnerability.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for leaders to connect with their teams.
Networking and personal connections are vital in today's business landscape.

LinkedIn

Email: gary@garydanoff.com

Podcast: What's Next Now!

Web: www.garydanoff.com

Insta: @garydanoff

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

In this debrief episode, Jerome and Julienne reflect on a powerful insight from Anil Singhal about embracing inevitable disruption and using company values as a steadfast guide through change. The discussion opens with a personal question: When were you faced with disruption, and how did you respond?

Julienne recalls witnessing corporate downsizing and restructuring—scenarios where clear communication and values-based leadership made all the difference. When leaders communicated transparently and demonstrated alignment with core values, they retained trust—and talent.

Jerome shares a deeply personal story of disruption: the birth of his daughter during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to be present post-surgery due to hospital protocols, he found ways to take meaningful action from afar. This moment highlights how disruption often brings a feeling of helplessness, but even small, value-driven actions can have real impact.

Together, they underscore the importance of not retreating during times of crisis, but instead leaning into core values, communicating openly, and finding productive paths forward—even in uncertainty.

Key Takeaways

• Accelerate, Don’t Resist: When disruption is inevitable, facing it head-on and controlling the timeline can mitigate damage and build resilience.
• Double Down on Values: Values shouldn’t fluctuate with circumstances. In fact, they become even more critical during times of upheaval.
• Transparent Communication Builds Trust: During organizational change, people need clarity. Silence and secrecy lead to fear, confusion, and loss of talent.
• Find Your Sphere of Influence: Even if you can’t change the circumstances, meaningful actions within your control matter—for leaders and individuals alike.

Resources

• LISTEN to the interview with Anil Singhal HERE
• Anil's BOOK ~ The 5% Rule of Leadership: Using Lean Decision-Making to Drive Trust, Ownership, and Team Productivity

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

Jerome and Julienne sat down with Taylor Scott—author, keynote speaker, and founder of Lead With Hospitality. Taylor brings over two decades of leadership experience from the hospitality and entertainment industries and shares how a moment at the beginning of his career planted the seeds for his leadership philosophy rooted in making people feel welcome, comfortable, and important.

Key Takeaways

• Great leadership is rooted in humanness, not hierarchy.
• Emotional connection precedes effective management - which means leading with empathy.
• Simple plans, from feeding your team to learning someone’s name, can radically shift culture.
• Organizational values to guide hiring, onboarding, and retention strategies.
• Vulnerability in leadership builds trust.

Taylor's links LinkedIn Instagram Website

Books

• Lead With Hospitality
• Ballgames to Boardrooms
• Give Hospitality (July 8, 2025)

References

• The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
• Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip & Dan Heath
• The Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Heath
• The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn
• Leadership Development Workshops and Edutainment Facilitation Training available at LeadWithHospitality.com
• Support Relief Efforts:
  • Maui Strong Fund – Hawaii Community Foundation
  • American Red Cross Disaster Relief

FREE ~ Action plans from both Lead With Hospitality and the upcoming Give Hospitality

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here

In this debrief episode, Julienne and Jerome reflect on the thought-provoking conversation from Episode 133 with Carlo Odicino, who challenges the commonly accepted notion of "work-life balance." Carlo rejects the idea that work should be viewed as separate from life, arguing instead that we should strive for balance in life itself, integrating both work and non-work activities. Jerome and Julienne discuss the implications of this perspective, particularly for individuals working in purpose-driven industries like life sciences.

Key Takeaways:

• Purpose and Passion in Work: Carlo's point about the connection between passion for one's work and the risk of burnout resonates, especially in fields like life sciences, where people are often deeply driven by a personal connection to their mission. Even in purpose-driven careers, the boundaries between work and personal life can blur, leading to challenges in maintaining balance.
• Life Balance, Not Work-Life Balance: The idea of life balance emphasizes that all aspects of life—work, family, health, and leisure—are interconnected. Finding a balance between these elements is essential, but it requires conscious effort and self-awareness.
• Burnout in Purpose-Driven Careers: Even in industries where people are passionate and driven by a sense of mission, burnout is a real concern. Jerome shares insights from a recent collaboration with a pharmaceutical company where storytelling was used as a strategy to combat burnout and foster a sense of appreciation among employees.
• Celebrating Achievements and Pausing: One approach to addressing burnout is taking intentional pauses to celebrate achievements, both big and small. Recognizing and appreciating the hard work of employees can go a long way in reducing stress and creating a more sustainable work culture.
• Using Stories to Foster Engagement: Sharing personal stories within an organization can help employees feel valued and connected to the larger mission. Storytelling, as seen in the example of the pharmaceutical company, creates a sense of belonging and reinforces the organization's values.

Reflection Prompts:

• How do you currently manage the balance between your work and personal life?
• What boundaries (or lack thereof) do you see in your own life between work, rest, and other responsibilities?
• How can you create more space for celebration and pauses in your work culture to prevent burnout?

Call to Action: Get 25% off our self-paced online course Lead With Your Story, created in partnership wi

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here