If You’re Not Shaping the Story, Someone Else Is

Storytelling is powerful because it does what strategy PowerPoint decks and metrics alone can’t:

It makes leadership human.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, and in every season of economic challenges across corporate America, I noticed one theme rise above the noise:

Leaders who could tell honest stories were the ones people followed.

Why?

Because excellent business performance isn’t sustained by numbers alone. It’s sustained by the stories you tell:

1. To your family, about why your work matters
2. To yourself, when pressure and doubt creep in
3. To your teams, when the path forward isn’t clear
4. To customers and communities, when trust is fragile
5. Even to competitors, by what you stand for when no one is watching

Stories create meaning. And meaning creates commitment.

That’s why something Zana said during our recent conversation on the Your Next Promotion: From Invisible To Influential hit so deeply:

“Stories make you honest.”

That’s the real power of storytelling. You can’t hide behind titles, charts, or polished language in a story. A story exposes what you believe, what you fear, and what you’re willing to stand for.

And here’s the uncomfortable truth for leaders:

If you’re not shaping the story, someone else is.

• Silence becomes a story.
• Inconsistency becomes a story.
• Avoidance becomes a story.

You’re not winning personally, professionally, or organizationally, if you’re not leveraging the power of storytelling.

Because leadership isn’t just about results. It’s about whether people believe in the journey you’re asking them to take.

And belief is always built through the story you tell:

Clarity → Action → Impact

Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/P-vqRfkz22A?si=leQA5EWmsBViWD3D

And one more thing.

If you feel invisible, the way out isn’t waiting to be seen. It’s choosing to stop being invisible.

Lead with integrity, and you won’t just feel different. You’ll make a different impact.

If this resonated, share it with someone who’s capable, trusted, and quietly holding back. And if you’re ready to understand exactly what’s constraining your visibility and influence right now,

👉Take my comprehensive assessment across the 7 Pillars of the Executive Leadership Operating System (ELOS) to uncover the top two roadblocks limiting your visibility, influence, and career growth: https://quiz.felixokoth.com

Remember:

Clarity leads to action. Action creates impact.

You don’t wait to feel ready. You begin to pedal — to become steady. 🚴

📩 Ready to go from invisible to influential? DM/message me for a free 1:1 strategy session to help you lead with Clarity, take bold, empowered action, and create lasting Impact in your life. Together, we’ll sharpen your vision, align your actions, and put wheels under your professional career journey.

🔁 Repost this newsletter to help 1M professionals accelerate their career growth, reclaim their confidence, and lead with purpose.

📌Get free audiobook “Become Wealthy and Well Known”: https://wealthyandwellknown.com/audiobook-rpp/?affiliate_code=205237

Felix Okoth, PMP®

Executive Leadership Coach | Global Engineering Leader | Keynote Speaker | Author | Podcast Host

Helping purpose-driven professionals go From Invisible to Influential

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