We Are For Good Podcast - Episode 621: "Hold Fast: Storytelling That Grounds, Heals + Connects" Featuring Obiekwe Okolo
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Host: Jon McCoy, CFRE and Becky Endicott, CFRE
Guest: Obiekwe Okolo, Storyteller, Creative Director, and Culture Worker
Introduction
In Episode 621 of the We Are For Good Podcast, hosts Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott engage in a profound conversation with Obiekwe Okolo. The episode, titled "Hold Fast: Storytelling That Grounds, Heals + Connects," delves deep into the art of storytelling within the nonprofit sector. Obiekwe shares his extensive experience and insights on how storytelling can serve as a powerful tool for grounding missions, healing communities, and fostering meaningful connections.
Guest Introduction and Personal Journey (00:38 - 08:57)
Becky introduces the episode by highlighting the focus on "Hold Fast" storytelling—maintaining the core narrative amidst rapid changes and challenges. Jon expresses excitement about finally featuring their friend, Obiekwe Okolo, describing him as a storyteller and creative director who brings authenticity and care to his community-focused work.
Obiekwe’s Background:
- Grew up in Lagos, Nigeria until age 7, then moved to San Antonio, Texas.
- First-generation American immigrant, which significantly shaped his identity and approach to storytelling.
- Early passion for music, specifically percussion, leading him into various bands during high school and college.
- Transitioned from aspiring musician to architecture student, influenced by mentors like Mr. Peavey and Ms. Brown.
- Shifted career focus from architecture to storytelling and marketing, eventually joining Bittersweet Creative and becoming a central figure in their storytelling initiatives.
Notable Quote:
"I’ve spent most of my life trying to figure out just how to do this humanity thing."
— Obiekwe Okolo (02:56)
Bittersweet Creative's Storytelling Approach (09:02 - 23:30)
Obiekwe provides an overview of Bittersweet Creative, detailing its structure and mission. The organization comprises:
- Bittersweet Creative: The for-profit creative agency.
- Bittersweet Foundation: Publishes Bittersweet Monthly, an online magazine.
- Bittersweet Collective: Encompasses all creative outputs under the Bittersweet brand.
Process of Storytelling:
- Nominating Stories: Organizations are nominated by readers based on longevity, structure, impact, and community awareness.
- Story Slam: A collaborative session where the team rapidly ideates and selects stories that resonate deeply.
- Deep Engagement: Stories like "Together Chicago" involve embedding writers within communities to capture authentic narratives without contributing to prevailing negative stereotypes.
Notable Quote:
"The key to healthy communication is relationship."
— Obiekwe Okolo (13:08)
Case Study: Together Chicago (23:30 - 34:31)
Becky highlights the "Together Chicago" story as a standout project. Obiekwe explains the selection and development process:
- Nomination and Selection: "Together Chicago" was nominated in 2023 and selected for its potential impact.
- Deep Embedding: Writer Ann Schneider immersed herself in the community to provide an authentic and nuanced portrayal.
- Collaborative Team Effort: The addition of photographer Corey, a lifelong Chicago resident, enriched the storytelling by providing an insider’s perspective.
Notable Quote:
"If you want it to be full, if you want it to be rich, if you want it to be what you say you want it to be, it takes time."
— Obiekwe Okolo (27:41)
Key Insights on Effective Storytelling (34:31 - 42:52)
Obiekwe emphasizes the importance of specificity in storytelling. Contrary to the common belief that specificity limits relatability, he argues that precise stories can convey universal truths more effectively.
Core Principles:
- Specificity: Detailed narratives resonate more deeply and create stronger emotional connections.
- Relationship-Centric: Storytelling should be rooted in genuine relationships, avoiding exploitative narratives.
- Avoiding Scarcity Mindset: Not every story needs to cater to a broad audience; focusing on the right audience fosters stronger advocacy and deeper engagement.
Notable Quote:
"The more specific a story is, the more universal truth it can convey."
— Obiekwe Okolo (29:47)
Practical Exercises and Takeaways (42:52 - 48:00)
Obiekwe shares actionable strategies to enhance storytelling:
- Slow Down: Embrace slowness in creation and consumption to foster deeper connections and understanding.
- Make It Bigger: Expand ideas by building complex narratives that interconnect various elements and characters.
Practical Exercise:
- Non-Vulgar Listening: Dedicate time to listen to a full album without distractions, allowing the music to inspire deeper creative thought.
- Expanding Ideas: Start with a simple concept (e.g., a tree) and organically build a complex narrative by connecting related elements (e.g., carpenter bees, a scared child, parental reassurance).
Notable Quote:
"Silence is an invitation. It allows us to encounter each other’s spirit."
— Obiekwe Okolo (43:18)
Conclusion and Final Thoughts (48:00 - 54:37)
Becky and Jon reflect on the profound insights shared by Obiekwe. They appreciate his emphasis on listening, relationship-building, and authentic storytelling as foundational to creating lasting impact within the nonprofit sector. Obiekwe encourages leveraging timeless stories and drawing strength from communal and intergenerational narratives.
Final Takeaway: Focus on authentic, relationship-driven storytelling that prioritizes depth and specificity over broad appeal. By slowing down and expanding our imaginative capacities, nonprofit leaders can craft narratives that not only engage but also inspire and heal communities.
Final Notable Quote:
"We have all the stories. Maybe this is a season where we need to stop trying to tell more stories than we're listening to."
— Obiekwe Okolo (52:22)
Connect with Obiekwe Okolo
- LinkedIn: Obiekwe Okolo
- Bittersweet Creative: bittersweetcreative.com
- Bittersweet Monthly: bittersweetmonthly.com
- Coffee Brand: TasteCoffee.com
- Instagram: @ObiekweOkolo
Key Takeaways:
- Authentic Relationships: Build storytelling around genuine relationships to foster trust and deeper engagement.
- Specificity Over Broadness: Craft detailed narratives to uncover universal truths and resonate emotionally.
- Embrace Slowness: Allow time for reflection and deep listening to enhance storytelling quality.
- Make Ideas Bigger: Expand simple concepts into rich, interconnected stories to inspire and connect with audiences.
By integrating these principles, nonprofit professionals can enhance their storytelling strategies, ensuring their missions resonate deeply and create meaningful, lasting impact.