Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary
Title: The Raw Story Behind the Storyteller: Chris Hare Reveals Secrets of Crafting Stories That Move You — Part One
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Chris Hare
Release Date: November 6, 2024
Introduction
In the latest episode of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan delves deep into the art and science of storytelling with renowned expert Chris Hare. As the podcast marks its 18th career transition for Vince, this episode stands out by focusing on the intricate relationship between stories and narratives in both corporate and personal contexts. Chris Hare, a strategic narrative advisor and coach for industry giants like Amazon and Microsoft, brings his expertise to the fore, offering listeners invaluable insights into crafting compelling narratives that drive change.
Meet Chris Hare
Timestamp: [06:33]
Chris Hare begins by sharing his vision for the future of storytelling. "I'm working to create a future where business leaders and humans are celebrated not just for what they've built, but how they've built it," he states. Chris's journey spans a diverse career path—from advertising to pivotal roles at Amazon and Microsoft. In 2016, he founded his own company focused on marketing, later pivoting to strategic narrative practice around 2019-2020. His methodology, known as Atomic Storytelling, emphasizes breaking down complex stories into their core elements to create narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
Understanding Story vs. Narrative
Timestamp: [09:55]
A central theme of the discussion revolves around the distinction between stories and narratives—terms often used interchangeably but fundamentally different. Chris explains:
"Stories are time-bound. This happened, it started at this time, this thing happened, and then it ended. Narrative is ongoing; it's the architecture that shapes the direction an individual or company is heading."
— Chris Hare [09:55]
He elaborates that while stories fuel narratives, narratives provide the overarching framework that guides decisions and future directions. This distinction is crucial for businesses aiming to align their strategies with their core values and goals.
The Narrative Flywheel
Timestamp: [16:10]
Chris introduces the concept of the narrative flywheel, likening it to a system where stories act as the fuel that propels the narrative forward. This cyclical process involves:
- Collecting Stories: Gathering individual stories from various sources within the organization.
- Synthesizing Patterns: Identifying common themes and directions from these stories.
- Strategic Decisions: Making informed choices about where to focus efforts based on synthesized narratives.
- Experimentation and Learning: Implementing strategies and learning from outcomes to generate new stories.
"The stories are the fuel that flows into the flywheel,"
— Chris Hare [16:10]
This framework ensures that narratives remain dynamic and adaptable, allowing organizations to evolve sustainably.
Narrative vs. Brand: A Symbiotic Relationship
Timestamp: [18:26]
The discussion shifts to the interplay between narrative and brand. Chris argues that the narrative should serve as an umbrella under which all branding and messaging operate. He emphasizes that:
"The strategic narrative is a translation of the business strategy. It should drive every part of the company, from customer experience to operations."
— Chris Hare [18:26]
Using the example of Logitech, Chris illustrates how a CEO's narrative centered on human-centered design transformed the company's culture and operations, leading to significant improvements in efficiency and innovation.
Applying Narrative and Story to Individuals
Timestamp: [22:44]
Expanding beyond corporate applications, Chris discusses how narratives and stories play a pivotal role in personal development and leadership. He likens personal narratives to a cassette tape constantly recording and replaying one's experiences and aspirations. For instance, a CEO grappling with multiple narratives for different stakeholders can benefit from Chris's strategic approach to unify and refine their personal and professional stories.
Notable Quotes
-
Chris Hare on Future Vision:
"I'm working to create a future where business leaders and humans are celebrated not just for what they've built, but how they've built it."
— Chris Hare [07:33] -
Distinguishing Story and Narrative:
"Stories are time-bound... Narrative is ongoing; it’s the architecture that shapes the direction an individual or company is heading."
— Chris Hare [09:55] -
Narrative Flywheel Concept:
"The stories are the fuel that flows into the flywheel."
— Chris Hare [16:10] -
Narrative as Brand Umbrella:
"The strategic narrative is a translation of the business strategy. It should drive every part of the company, from customer experience to operations."
— Chris Hare [18:26]
Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two
As the episode wraps up, Vince highlights the profound impact of narratives in both organizational and personal transformations. He teases the next episode:
"Tomorrow in part two, we'll look at storytelling for personal transformation. As Chris shares some of the best and worst stories he's ever heard, he will also open up about his own mental health challenge."
— Vince Chen [24:28]
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, leave reviews, and engage with the community on social media to continue their journey toward becoming Chief Change Officers.
Follow Chief Change Officer:
Stay updated by subscribing on LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.