Why Storytelling Is the Ultimate Leadership Skill You Need in 2025
High-performing professionals have the drive, the strategy, and the expertise but how often are we taught to lean into storytelling to connect with our audience? Whether it’s leading a team, pitching to stakeholders, or delivering a keynote, the ability to tell a compelling story could be the missing link that takes communication—and leadership—to the next level.
Storytelling isn’t just about entertaining people. It’s a bridge to connection. Your story has the power to inspire action, build trust, and make you unforgettable. It’s also an invitation for others to see your authentic self, which fosters trust and empathy. And in 2025, when authenticity and relatability are more important than ever, mastering this skill is a must.
Why Your Story Matters
Your story is more than a timeline of events—it’s a window into who you are, what you stand for and how you got to where you are. Sharing it helps you to:
Foster Self-Awareness: Reflecting on your experiences reveals patterns, lessons, and growth. As you reflect on the chapters of your life, you gain clarity about who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re headed. No knowledge is ever wasted and there is always something to be gleaned from an experience, regardless of whether or not it could be considered positive or negative.
Boosts Your Confidence: Owning and sharing your story reminds you of the challenges you’ve overcome—and why you’re stronger because of them. It’s empowering! Ever reworked your resume and thought, “I’ve done a lot more than I thought!” The same practice applies here. When we take inventory of our achievements, we can quiet the imposter syndrome that may be at play and holding us back or hindering our success.
Captivate Your Audience: People don’t connect with slides or stats—they connect with stories that make them feel something. They want to know that what they’re yearning for is achievable and they need proof. Your successes, and even your failures, create a relatable roadmap for others navigating similar paths.
How Storytelling Elevates Your Leadership
Think about the best leaders or speakers you’ve encountered. Chances are, they didn’t just talk at you—they shared stories that stuck with you. Why? Because storytelling:
Simplifies complex ideas and makes them relatable.
Creates emotional connections that inspire action.
Shows vulnerability and authenticity, which builds trust.
In other words, storytelling can turn good leaders into great ones by revealing the humanness of our connected journeys.
5 Simple Steps to Start Using Storytelling in Your Leadership
Not sure how to tap into your storytelling superpower? Here’s where to begin:
Reflect on Key Moments: What experiences have shaped who you are today? How did they make you feel?
Share the Struggles, Not Just the Wins: People connect with the journey, not just the destination. Highlighting the low points makes the high points even sweeter.
Know Your Audience: Tailor your story to their needs and experiences to make it resonate. You might not know exactly how each person is feeling but we can all relate to themes of “I didn’t know if I could but here I am.”
Keep It Simple: Every great story has a beginning, middle, and end. Focus on clarity and flow. Make sure the details are critical to your story and don’t distract from your main message.
Practice Makes Perfect: Run your story by a mentor or coach. Small tweaks can make a big impact, help you identify blindspots and ensure your story is tailored for your audience.
Why Storytelling Will Be a Game-Changer in 2025
This year, leaders who thrive will be the ones who can connect deeply with their teams and audiences. Storytelling helps you stand out in a noisy world by humanizing your message and making it memorable.
Whether you're presenting to a room of executives or inspiring your team at the next meeting, storytelling will help you communicate with purpose and authenticity.
Let’s Build Your Story Together
I believe everyone has a story worth sharing—and it’s time to share yours. Let’s work together to craft a narrative that inspires, connects, and positions you as the leader you’re meant to be.
If you enjoyed this blog post, here are some other resources you might enjoy:
My book, "Dare To Own You: Taking Your Authenticity and Dreams Into Your Next Chapter": The winner of two Feathered Quill Book awards, and an Book Excellence award, and recommended by Forbes in 2022 as “a teaching memoir”.
My podcast, the "Live Your Best Life with Liz Brunner" podcast: An award-winning and internationally streamed show that highlights powerful stories of re-creation and reinvention from guests who have taken their life experiences, and used that knowledge to create their “next chapters” and live their best lives.
My work as a keynote speaker, executive coach and communication expert. You can read more about more of my services here.
Interested in Taking Yourself or Your Executive Team to the Next Level?
Brunner Communications assists high-profile individuals and organizations in sharpening and developing top level business communication, executive presence, and public speaking skills. Our passionate team provides one-on-one executive business coaching, and runs specialized business workshops. Through customized training, clients learn the necessary skills to become great communicators and build a marketable reputation.