Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary

Episode #307: Chris Hare – Rewrite the Story Before It Wrecks You
Release Date: April 18, 2025
Host: Vince Chan

Introduction to Personal Storytelling in Transformation

[03:00] Vince Chen:
Vince Chan welcomes listeners to "Chief Change Officer," emphasizing the podcast's mission to foster transformation through authentic, experience-driven conversations. This episode features Chris Hare, a strategic narrative advisor renowned for his "Atomic Storytelling" method, which simplifies complex stories into their most impactful elements. The discussion is part two of a three-part series exploring Chris's experiences and methodologies.

Applying Narrative and Storytelling to Individual Transformation

[07:27] Chris Hare:
Chris introduces the analogy of personal narratives as a "cassette tape" constantly being rewritten. He shares examples of clients whose diverse external narratives (e.g., private equity, venture capital, non-profit work) were unified into a single, authentic internal narrative. This transformation allows individuals to present a consistent story across various audiences, enhancing authenticity and effectiveness.

Notable Quote:
"You're the one that's building with those bricks. You are the one who comes in and assembles those pieces from your past to assemble those new potential futures and that narrative." — Chris Hare [13:58]

Common Blind Spots in Self-Narrative Construction

[14:46] Vince Chen:
Vince discusses the challenges of self-awareness and narrative construction, highlighting how personal blind spots can hinder storytelling and self-understanding.

[15:45] Chris Hare:
Chris identifies "distance and proximity" as major barriers. Being too close to one's own story can obscure broader perspectives, making it difficult to see alternative narratives or solutions. He emphasizes the importance of uncovering hidden narratives and patterns through his coaching, which often leads clients to profound personal and professional transformations.

Notable Quote:
"It's about colliding with stories from your past that you've forgotten about, that you don't value, that you don't think are relevant, and synthesize those because they are a critical part of what made you you." — Chris Hare [15:45]

Chris Hare’s Personal Journey and Overcoming Adversity

[20:51] Vince Chen:
Vince prompts Chris to share his most challenging personal story, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his mental health struggles.

[21:09] Chris Hare:
Chris reveals a deeply personal experience from 2015 when he faced severe mental health challenges while working at Amazon. He describes a negative internal narrative of feeling "stuck," which escalated to life-threatening thoughts. This pivotal moment underscored the critical importance of rewriting one's internal narrative to foster healing and transformation.

Notable Quote:
"That's the power of storytelling, is that when we tell our stories... it also changes us. We have to tell our stories." — Chris Hare [30:20]

Breaking Free from Limiting Narratives

[26:08] Vince Chen:
Vince acknowledges the necessity of transforming personal narratives to achieve desired life outcomes and asks Chris to elaborate on his process for overcoming limiting stories.

[26:55] Chris Hare:
Chris discusses his own journey of shifting from blaming others to taking personal responsibility. He introduces practical steps, such as voicing current narratives and changing input sources (e.g., engaging in fly fishing to foster creativity and connection with nature). This shift in inputs facilitates the rewriting of internal narratives, leading to more empowering and positive life outcomes.

Notable Quote:
"If you continue to put in the same inputs, things likely won't change for you. But changing those inputs allows you to shift not only the narrative but the outcomes of that narrative." — Chris Hare [26:55]

The Power of Authentic and Raw Storytelling

[29:43] Vince Chen:
Vince shifts the conversation to the impact of authentic, raw storytelling, aligning with the podcast’s focus on genuine transformation stories.

[30:20] Chris Hare:
Chris shares a profound personal story involving Pearl Jam's song "Alive." Initially disliking the band, a transformative encounter with Eddie Vedder and a redefinition of the song's meaning led to personal healing. This experience exemplifies how authentic stories can reshape personal narratives and facilitate deep emotional and psychological transformation.

Notable Quote:
"That's the power of storytelling, is that when we tell our stories... it also changes us. We have to tell our stories... but that raw story has the power to shift the future." — Chris Hare [30:20]

Practical Tools for Crafting Personal Narratives

[38:04] Vince Chen:
Vince highlights the importance of raw, authentic stories and asks Chris to provide actionable steps for listeners to craft their own empowering narratives.

[39:08] Chris Hare:
Chris introduces two practical tools:

1. The Movie Theater Exercise:

   • Visualize your life as a movie, observing all scenes—good and bad.
   • Reflect on key moments, relationships, and patterns.

2. Story Synthesis:

   • Identify recurring themes and patterns in your life.
   • Reorganize these elements to create a cohesive, empowering narrative.

Chris offers to share a worksheet to guide listeners through these exercises, promoting self-discovery and narrative transformation.

Conclusion and Teaser for Part Three

[39:48] Vince Chen:
Vince summarizes the discussion on personal transformation through storytelling and previews part three, where Chris will delve deeper into practical tools for developing personal narratives. He also shares a personal anecdote about one of Chris’s exercises, hinting at the emotional impact it may have.

Closing Remarks

Vince Chen:
Vince thanks Chris for his insights and encourages listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and follow the podcast on various platforms. He emphasizes the importance of transforming personal narratives to achieve desired life changes.

Key Takeaways

• Atomic Storytelling: Chris Hare's method focuses on distilling complex narratives into their most resonant elements, allowing for authentic and versatile storytelling across different contexts.

• Internal vs. External Narratives: Transforming internal narratives is crucial for personal growth and overcoming limiting beliefs.

• Authentic Storytelling: Sharing raw, genuine stories fosters deep personal and emotional transformation.

• Practical Tools: Exercises like the Movie Theater and Story Synthesis help individuals craft and reshape their personal narratives effectively.

Notable Quotes:

1. "You're the one that's building with those bricks. You are the one who comes in and assembles those pieces from your past to assemble those new potential futures and that narrative." — Chris Hare [13:58]

2. "It's about colliding with stories from your past that you've forgotten about, that you don't value, that you don't think are relevant, and synthesize those because they are a critical part of what made you you." — Chris Hare [15:45]

3. "That's the power of storytelling, is that when we tell our stories... it also changes us. We have to tell our stories... but that raw story has the power to shift the future." — Chris Hare [30:20]

This episode of "Chief Change Officer" offers profound insights into the power of narrative in personal transformation. Chris Hare's experiences and methodologies provide listeners with practical tools to rewrite their own stories, fostering growth and unlocking potential beyond their current selves.