Leadership Storytelling: The Power of Storytelling with Impact

Career paths can be unpredictable; something that I have learnt over the years. However, I was always led to believe that careers used to be about climbing a ladder; they were predictable, linear and we knew what was coming next. That was until, I came across the term ‘squiggly career’ – which simply means that it is quite fluid and takes many different paths, meaning that you can develop in different directions (Tupper, H. and Ellis, S. 2020, The Squiggly Career).

The Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme has given me the opportunity to connect with inspiring leaders within the sector who have shared their powerful stories, experiences, career paths and how they overcame obstacles and embraced the mythical career ladder. After all, as human beings, we are all curious about how leaders have got to where they are and the unique paths they have taken in life.

Storytelling is a key tool for leadership, it thrives on inspiration rather than administration, it promotes change rather than stagnation. Some would go so far as to say it is a superpower, because it makes connections, overcomes resistance, communicates values, and inspires action.  Being relatable and authentic is essential to effective impactful storytelling, especially when real experiences, emotions, and perspectives are shared, even if they are sometimes uncomfortable or difficult and perhaps force you to be a little vulnerable.  These stories remind us that setbacks and hurdles are part of the journey and can also be opportunities for growth.

Going back to the basics, storytelling is a fundamental aspect of human life. Since ancient times, stories have been the primary way we share knowledge and connect with each another. In every facet of life, storytelling plays a vital role. It helps us make sense of our experiences, share our values, and inspire others. By telling our stories, we not only find personal liberation, but also provide a roadmap for others who are on a similar journey.

As the programme draws to a close and I reflect on my journey and the lessons I have learned, I have come to realise the importance of impact storytelling and shared experiences. It is a powerful tool for driving positive change, empowering individuals, and reaffirming that no matter where we are on our career journey or where we are heading, there is no definitive blueprint.

The message here is a simple one: to be a successful leader, you influence those around you more than you might think. Please continue to share your stories!

References:

Tupper, H. and Ellis, S. (2020) The Squiggly Career: Ditch the ladder, Discover opportunity, Design your career. Penguin Business. ISBN: 978-0-241-38584-5

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Gurjeet's blog is one of many by members of the 4th cohort of the Housing LIN’s Future Leaders Programme that we are excited to publish in the lead up to our 'sell-out' London conference – A Festival of Ideas: Age-Friendly Homes and Connected Community, taking place on Wednesday, 26 March 2025. We'll be joined by several of the Future Leaders who will be joining sponsor, Inspired Villages Group, that afternoon to share their sector leadership journeys.