What story are you telling about who you are—and who you’re becoming?

In this episode, Jessy Grossman sits down with Professor Dan P. McAdams, one of the world’s leading experts and field-defining scholars on narrative identity and personality development. Professor McAdams — the Henry Wade Rogers Professor at Northwestern University — has spent his career studying how we weave our experiences into stories that give our lives coherence, meaning, and purpose.

Together, they explore how the stories we tell about ourselves shape the way we lead, adapt, and ultimately leave a legacy — especially during times of uncertainty and change.

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Learn more about Dan McAdams’ work on narrative identity: https://sites.northwestern.edu/studyoflivesresearchgroup/

Join Karrie Sullivan, founder of Culminate Strategy Group, as she delves into the intricacies of AI adoption and organizational transformation. In this conversation, we explore why understanding the human element is key to successful change — and how leaders can meet people where they are, shift mindsets, and show up with confidence through uncertainty.

Let’s stay connected!

Follow me on Instagram @CoachJessyGrossman for leadership insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and tools to help you grow as a leader.

Connect with me on LinkedIn, and connect with Karrie Sullivan to continue the conversation on AI adoption and organizational transformation.

How improv Skills Can Make You a Better Leader (Even If You're Not That Funny)

Megan Redfearn unpacks the surprising links between improv, teams & leadership. In this hilarious and insightful conversation, Megan Redfearn joins Jessy Grossman to explore the unexpected but powerful intersection of improv and leadership. Together, they unpack how the core principles of improv—like “yes, and”, listening deeply, and being present—can dramatically enhance leadership skills, foster psychological safety, and build stronger team cultures. From quirky jokes to grounded leadership wisdom, this episode highlights how improv can be a game-changing approach to collaboration, coaching, and performance.

• Improv builds leadership muscles. It helps develop quick thinking, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.
• “Yes, and” is a leadership superpower. It fosters psychological safety, curiosity, and forward momentum.
• Divergence is necessary. Great teams need different perspectives and healthy tension to innovate and grow.
• Listening is a leadership skill. Improv teaches how to truly hear others and respond with presence.
• Coaching and improv overlap. Both require curiosity, co-creation, and letting go of control.

Connect with Jessy- Website: https://www.zlncoaching.com- Instagram: @coachjessygrossman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessy-grossman/