In this end-of-year special episode of Leadership Story Talks, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan pause to reflect on the year behind them—and the deeper themes that have emerged through hundreds of conversations, stories, and moments of listening.

Rather than focusing on achievements or milestones, the conversation centers on something more enduring: connection, community, and curiosity. As the calendar turns toward 2026, Jerome and Julienne offer a thoughtful reminder that storytelling isn’t just about being heard—it’s about taking the time to truly listen.

You’ll Hear:

• How Much We Have in Common — Julienne reflects on how every podcast conversation reveals shared experiences and lessons, often hidden until someone takes the time to listen for context.
• Community as an Antidote to Isolation — Jerome speaks to the growing sense of loneliness and division many people are experiencing, and why reaching out—to friends, family, or people you haven’t spoken to in a while—matters more than ever.
• Listening as a Leadership Practice — Both hosts emphasize the simple but powerful act of listening without rushing to respond, and how dialogue—not monologue—is where connection lives.
• The Ripple Effect of Words — Julienne shares a reminder that the impact of listening and kindness often isn’t visible in the moment, but can quietly become the most meaningful part of someone’s day.
• Being Seen, Heard, and Respected — A reflection on why these basic human needs are among the greatest gifts we can offer one another, especially during moments of transition and uncertainty.
• Curiosity as a Way of Life — Jerome looks back on the wide range of guests featured this year—from sports to law and beyond—and how curiosity and openness have led to unexpected discoveries.
• What’s Ahead in 2026 — A glimpse into the future of Leadership Story Talks, including upcoming community-focused storytelling events and new ways for listeners to engage with one another.

This episode is both a holiday message and an invitation: to slow down, to listen more deeply, and to stay curious about the people around you. As Jerome and Julienne remind us, you don’t need a podcast to build connection—just a willingness to reach out and be present.

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 of Leadership Story Talks, Jerome and Julienne reflect on a striking insight from Gabrielle Dolan, author of Story Intelligence: when people compared AI-generated stories with human ones, they consistently found the AI stories technically strong—but noticeably lacking something essential. What was missing wasn’t structure or clarity, but the feeling that the story was real.

That observation becomes the foundation for a deeper conversation about authenticity, instinct, and why human presence still matters—even as AI becomes more capable and more accessible.

Jerome and Julienne explore how audiences intuitively sense when a story is disconnected from lived experience, and why that subtle gap often determines whether a message lands or falls flat.

You’ll Hear:

• Why We Instinctively Sense What’s Missing — Julienne reflects on our deeply human ability to detect when something lacks real emotional presence, and how that instinct shapes trust and connection.
• The Risk of Letting Tools Speak for You — Jerome explains why outsourcing your story—whether to AI, slides, or templates—can result in something accurate but incomplete, where your true voice never fully shows up.
• From Death by PowerPoint to Déjà Vu by AI — A timely comparison between early excitement around presentation tools and today’s enthusiasm for AI, and how over-reliance can quietly erase the human thread.
• AI as Support, Not Substitute — Building on Gabrielle Dolan’s perspective, the hosts emphasize using AI as a collaborator or sounding board—not the storyteller itself.
• Where Authenticity Lives in the Body — Julienne shares a vivid leadership observation: how people physically change when they speak from something that truly matters to them—and why that energy can’t be manufactured.
• Why Even Polished Messages Can Fall Flat — Jerome reflects on why rehearsal and preparation aren’t enough if personal experience is missing, and how small moments of lived truth make ideas memorable.

This debrief is a reminder that while storytelling tools evolve, the core of storytelling does not. Audiences don’t connect to perfection—they connect to presence. And no matter how advanced the technology, the story still needs a human at the center.

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 special edition of Leadership Story Talks, Jerome and Julienne look back on their experience presenting at the international Storytelling Symposium organized by Dr. Anja Timmermann—a gathering of scientists, researchers, and practitioners exploring the role of narrative in making complex work more human and accessible.

What begins as a simple recap unfolds into a rich reflection on risk-taking, preparation, authenticity, and the challenge of storytelling in virtual spaces—especially when you cannot see the audience at all. Julienne shares the vulnerability of telling a deeply personal childhood story to a global, largely unseen crowd, and the surprising lessons that emerged from stepping into the “void” of Zoom with nothing but her voice, intentions, and commitment to authenticity.

Jerome and Julienne explore how simple, relatable stories can bridge cultural and disciplinary divides, how to prepare for moments you can’t fully control, and why trusting your instincts matters more than perfecting a script.

You’ll Hear:

• Bravery in the Blind Spot — What it takes to tell a personal story without audience cues, facial reactions, or feedback—and why doing it anyway builds confidence and connection.
• Simplicity as a Bridge — How everyday stories—neighbors, childhood moments, familiar characters—create common ground across cultures, professions, and languages.
• Practice Without Performing — The value of rehearsing for flow, not perfection, and testing your story with a trusted listener before going live.
• Expect the Unexpected — A surprise microphone failure during the recording becomes a real-time lesson in adaptability, honesty, and embracing imperfection.
• Why Stories Make Moments Memorable — Jerome reflects on why personal narrative transforms panels from forgettable to meaningful—and why leaders should always take the leap when a story fits the moment.

This episode is both a behind-the-scenes look at a global storytelling event and a reminder of what authentic communication requires: courage, presence, simplicity, and a willingness to connect—even when you can’t see who’s listening.

Resources: ~

Storytelling Symposium Website & Video Library:

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