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Coaching Through Stories – Stories that Move Minds: Insights on Storytelling

In this episode of Coaching Through Stories, Dr. Eric Bean sits down with Andrea Sampson, TED-trained speaker coach and founder of Talk Boutique, to explore the art and science of storytelling. 

Andrea has spent decades helping scientists, leaders, and change-makers turn data and insight into stories that shift minds and spark action. From shaping global TEDx stages to guiding organizations through change, Andrea reframes storytelling not just as a tool but as a leadership mindset. She breaks down how stories create alignment, bridge the head and the heart, and help teams navigate uncertainty and resistance.

Listeners will learn how to build compelling narratives rooted in purpose, how stories activate empathy and trust, and why everyone can learn to wield stories as a transformative leadership skill.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why storytelling is a mindset, not a tactic
  • The science behind neuro-coupling and how the story makes your message stick
  • How to turn abstract data into emotionally resonant ideas
  • Storytelling as a tool for managing change and building value-aligned cultures

Highlights:

[02:24] Stories are part of who we are

[03:49] Why storytelling is more than a tactic

[05:11] Andrea’s origin story: from global advertising executive to TEDx speaker, coach, and founder of Talk Boutique

[10:41] The power of values alignment

[11:25] Understanding the difference between a value and a need

[14:17] How the expert mindset and change-maker mindset both limit impact without storytelling

[15:50] The magic of blending data with emotion

[18:49] Why effective leaders must become professional communicators

[19:49] How to identify your core leadership idea and consistently communicate it

[22:30] Using stories to reduce conflict, clarify purpose, and see commonalities

[24:59] Overcoming resistance to storytelling

[35:28] Why not just tell a metaphor?

[42:45] “Be inside that story.”

[44:23] Creating a tension point in storytelling

[49:35] Importance of storytelling at the organizational level

[56:54] There is no such thing as continuity of leadership

[01:01:22] Storytelling to enhance people’s comfort with change

[01:02:37] The “mythology” of organizations: Why honoring your past helps you lead people into a shared vision of the future

[01:03:57] Connect with Andrea Sampson

Learn more about storytelling with Andrea’s toolkit by visiting their

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@talk.boutique

Website: https://talkboutique.com/ 

Are you interested in developing your storytelling and leadership skills? Contact them at HigherEchelon.com