The Leading Story

What often happens at the end of a long change programme? The process of the change has been completed. You've ticked off the milestones and you're seeing initial encouraging signs of early results. The programme thinks it's done. Except the people element - the culture change - is likely not done. Maybe nowhere near done. This last episode in the mini-series is designed to leave you with food for thought about why communication needs to be a continuous process and how to transition from change communication to business as usual. Find out more about Lucy's work at www.theleadingstory.com  Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyeckley/  Mentioned in this episode John Kotter - 'Leading Change' https://www.kotterinc.com/bookshelf/leading-change/  David MacLeod and Nita Clarke 'The four enablers' - Engaging for Success: Enhancing Performance through Employee Engagement, A Report to Government, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, 2009. The Kubler Ross change curve https://www.ekrfoundation.org/5-stages-of-grief/change-curve/  Disclaimer: The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. The Leading Story Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

In this episode, I'm talking about to use stories to bring change to life and help embed it successfully in your organisation.  Individual stories come about through day-to-day events in your organisation. They show change in action and play a vital role in sharing knowledge, building momentum and confidence, and celebrating early successes.   We will look at:   Why storytelling works.   How to structure your stories   Where to find good stories   Who should feature in your stories   Where and how to share them Find out more about Lucy's work at www.theleadingstory.com  Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyeckley/  Mentioned in this episode John Kotter - Leading Change https://www.kotterinc.com/bookshelf/leading-change/ Paul Smith - CAR (context, action, result) framework for storytelling - Lead with a Story: A guide to crafting business narratives that captivate, convince, and inspire, USA: Amacom, 2012. Disclaimer: The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. The Leading Story Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

In this episode, I explain how to create a compelling narrative for your corporate change project. I'll share a mix of communication theory and my own practical experience from 20 years working in corporate communications.  You will hear: What a strategic narrative is Why it's so important when you're communicating business change and transformation What makes a compelling change narrative  How to create your narrative Who should be involved for it to be successful  How you can put your narrative into action to boost the success of your change initiative  Find out more about Lucy's work at www.theleadingstory.com  Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyeckley/  Mentioned in this episode David MacLeod and Nita Clarke 'The four enablers' - Engaging for Success: Enhancing Performance through Employee Engagement, A Report to Government, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, 2009. William Bridges '4Ps' -  Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, 2009. Michael Margolis - Story 10x, Page Two Books, Incorporated, 2019 Disclaimer: The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. The Leading Story Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

Story is a business buzzword at the moment and I'd like to demystify it for you. This episode explores the difference between narrative and storytelling and how they can work together as a powerful communication tool. I'll share my take on the topic, backed up by communication and change theory, to help you use narrative and storytelling to boost the success of your corporate change project. Change narrative is a structured story that helps your employees make sense of change and provides clear, consistent messaging about the change. Storytelling helps people see the change playing out in real life - helping to share knowledge and learning, build confidence in the change and celebrate successes. Listen to find out more… FInd out more about Lucy's work at www.theleadingstory.com Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyeckley/ Mentioned in this episode David MacLeod and Nita Clarke 'The four enablers' - Engaging for Success: Enhancing Performance through Employee Engagement, A Report to Government, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, 2009. William Bridges '4Ps' - Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, 2009. Paul Smith - CAR (context, action, result) framework for storytelling - Lead with a Story: A guide to crafting business narratives that captivate, convince, and inspire, USA: Amacom, 2012. Disclaimer: The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. The Leading Story Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

If you're going to lead people on a change journey, you've got to inspire them with a picture of the future.  This episode explores why your corporate change project needs a clear vision. We'll look at: What we mean by a vision What makes that vision compelling Whose role is it to formulate the vision Why a compelling vision is so important in change communication.  As always, I'll share well documented change and communication theory alongside my own practical experience.  FInd out more about Lucy's work at www.theleadingstory.com  Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyeckley/  Mentioned in this episode John Kotter - 'Leading Change' https://www.kotterinc.com/bookshelf/leading-change/  Paul Smith - 'The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell' - published by Simple Truths, 2019 Disclaimer: The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. The Leading Story Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

Many change initiatives fail or at least fail to deliver their full value. A well planned and executed communication strategy can boost your chances of success.  In this episode, we explore why communication is so important during change and transformation and how you can set your corporate change initiative up for communication success from the beginning - based on communication theory and my own practical experience. I'll share the biggest mistakes I see leaders and change managers make and what you can do to avoid them. FInd out more about Lucy's work at www.theleadingstory.com  Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyeckley/  Mentioned in this episode Paul Harrison's analysis of the content that employees want in change communication - ('Communicating Change' is chapter 6 in Exploring Internal Communication, by Kevin Ruck) John Kotter - Leading Change https://www.kotterinc.com/bookshelf/leading-change/  Disclaimer: The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. The Leading Story Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

The Leading Story podcast, with host Lucy Eckley, explores the role of narrative and story in the world of business and leadership. In this series, Lucy will be exploring how narrative and story can influence the success of business change and transformation. The content will be grounded in solid theory, accompanied by Lucy's practical hints and tips. It's designed for anyone leading or communicating change in their organisation. By the end of the series, you will: Understand how to prepare for successful change communication.  Learn how to use narrative and storytelling in your change and transformation programme. Have a simple structure for creating your own narrative and a consistent approach for sharing compelling stories.  Don't forget to subscribe to receive each episode when it's released.  FInd out more about Lucy's work at www.theleadingstory.com  Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyeckley/  Mentioned in this episode John Kotter - Leading Change https://www.kotterinc.com/bookshelf/leading-change/  The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. The Leading Story Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

I can't believe we're already at the final episode of season 1! As we wrap up this first series, I'm taking the opportunity to reflect and share with you my key learnings from the last nine episodes. In this episode, I reflect on the wisdom I've gained from this season's guests and share ideas for putting all that we've learned into action to be a happier and more successful independent consultant in 2021. As independents, we've chosen to take a particular path in life and in our career. We spend a lot of time working so I believe it's really important that happiness is a big part of our success. I also share with you what we can be positive about going into 2021 and how you can choose to lead with an even more inspiring story in the new year. In this episode you'll learn: The six key themes that stood out for me in season one How a portfolio of client types is possible (and the hidden benefit) Why being independent doesn't have to mean working alone Why you're a leader whether you realise it or not My word of the year for 2021 Resources mentioned in this episode: www.buildyourbrandstory.com https://twitter.com/LucyEckley https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyeckley/

This week I'm chatting to internal communication and employee experience consultant, Advita Patel. Advita is managing director of Comms Rebel where she helps organisations revolutionise the way they communicate internally. She's also co-founder of A Leader Like Me, a subscription service for people who are underrepresented in their workplace, currently working with women of colour who are growing in their leadership journey. Advita launched Comms Rebel in January 2020 following carefully laid-out plans…just before the pandemic hit. Shortly before launch she had already ripped up her original 'safe' brand name. She'd registered the company, bought the domain name and got the business cards printed. But she chose to embrace her rebellious nature and go for something more standout and bold – listen to find out why. The underlying theme for all Advita's work is building confidence, connecting and helping people thrive. She has some real words of wisdom to share with us around finding your voice and showing up as a leader in your industry. Listen to hear us talk about: The challenges of launching a business during the pandemic How Advita uses a 90-day plan to stop procrastinating and get the important stuff done The surprising outcome when she asked someone to be her mentor How professional bodies can benefit your business What unleashing your inner rebel could mean for you  Resources mentioned in this episode: Connect with Advita on Instagram Follow Advita on Twitter Comms Rebel website Chris Ducker's Youpreneur summit and incubator Lucy Sheridan – comparison coach Want to start creating your own compelling brand story? Join my FREE 7-day email mini course and start building your story in just five to 10 minutes a day.

Have you ever noticed that when you write about your business you stop sounding like you? You start overthinking, using long words and writing sentences that go on forever! You're not alone. Many business owners spend time and money on fonts, colours and logos. But they pay less attention to what they say and how they say it. Yet nailing the language is every bit as important in building a brand that stands out. In this episode, I'm exploring how you can develop a unique tone of voice that expresses your personality. If you're wondering how to find your voice so you can show up as an expert and a leader, this episode is for you. You will learn: How to connect with your audience How to write like you speak Why using jargon doesn't make you clever What to do if you hate writing Plus, how you can: Use your independent voice with clients Share authentic content from the heart Help other people to find their voice  Resources mentioned in this episode: Want to start creating your own compelling brand story? Join my FREE 7-day email mini course.

This week I'm chatting with Laura Ryan - marketing expert and founder & global chair of Meat Business Women, a professional group for women in the meat industry. Straight from university Laura, a self-confessed 'townie', found herself in the male-dominated meat industry. Fast forward 20 years and her consulting business, Lavenpark, provides strategic marketing, planning and insight for governments, levy boards and commercial organisations Five years ago, Laura noticed she was often the only female in the room at senior level meetings. This inspired her to set up her passion project, Meat Business Women to help showcase the industry as a destination for female talent. Today Meat Business Women is THE global networking group for women working in the meat industry and is recognised by the United Nations. It has more than 5,000 community members across Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and USA. Laura is clearly a role model for women in the meat industry and beyond. I loved our conversation and I hope you will too. You'll hear us chat about: How COVID has fast-tracked the way we work and communicate - opening opportunities for consultants now we don't have to be physically in the room How following your passion can deliver remarkable results, even without a clear long-term strategy How to build confidence and variety and manage risk, through a portfolio approach to consulting Why it's vital to the health of your business to build and nurture your network Resources mentioned in this episode:  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Follow Laura on Twitter Meat Business Women website Find out about Meat Business Women membership Book: How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith  Want to start creating your own compelling brand story? Join my FREE 7-day email mini course and start building your story in just five to 10 minutes a day.

As an independent consultant deciding how much of your backstory to share can be tricky. You want to be memorable and be seen as an expert but you don't want to bore your clients with a long life story. How do you know what's relevant and what should you leave out? It's actually simpler than you think - it's about sharing the right information and the right level of detail of both your personal and professional life, in the right way for your ideal client. If you're wondering about how much of your backstory to share or how to make your story relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode is for you. I share the example of my own story and some simple strategies on how to figure out what the best story is for you: one that makes you stand out, and one your dream clients will remember. In this episode you'll learn: The difference between your backstory and your overall brand story How much of your backstory to share What to do if you feel your story is boring How to make your story relevant during the pandemic What makes you memorable Resources mentioned in this episode: Want to start creating your own compelling brand story? Join my FREE 7-day email mini course.

This week I'm chatting with social media expert, Caroline Drake, from Blossom Social Media. One of the things I love about Caroline's business is how she brings her passion for sport together with her work - managing social media and Facebook advertising for organisations that help people become active. We talk about finding your ideal consulting clients, having more than client type within a niche and how this portfolio has benefitted Caroline's business during the COVID-19 pandemic. We cover many topics in this conversation, including: How Caroline found her first client How a clear niche can help your business be memorable The benefits of niching for Caroline and her clients The importance of values and integrity Ignoring the 'gurus' and following your gut Resources mentioned in this episode: Find out more about Caroline's business Blossom Social Media Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or connect with her on LinkedIn. Want to start creating your own compelling brand story? Join my FREE 7-day email mini course and start building your story in just five to 10 minutes a day.

As an independent consultant, you spend hours each week running your consulting business. You probably spend more time with your clients than you do with your family and friends. So it's important to find people you really love working with. Getting hired by your dream clients is such a hot topic. You want to get known as an expert. You know you need to pick a niche or a specialism but you're worried about turning people away or missing out on opportunities. I totally get it - I've been there! Getting hired by your ideal client is actually much simpler than you think - but first you need to know who they are! This isn't just about creating your ideal customer avatar or persona. It's about getting strategic, thinking creatively and making it as real as possible In this episode you'll learn: How to decide on your dream client How to think beyond traditional marketing approaches to find your perfect fit How to figure out who your dream client is, even if you're just starting out How the pandemic is opening up new opportunities Why you need to be more focused than ever Resources mentioned in this episode: Want to start creating your own compelling brand story? Join my FREE 7-day email mini course.

This week I'm chatting with leadership, team and career coach Moyra Mackie. I'm constantly inspired by Moyra's energy and passion - she's the perfect person to talk to about working with meaning. We cover so many topics in this conversation, including: Finding the right time to start a business Starting and growing a consulting business in a recession How Moyra found her first client Why coaches shouldn't be experts in their client's field Why we're all leaders even in a one-person business Resilience and what's been different in Moyra's business during the pandemic How she accidentally wrote a book in lockdown! I took so much inspiration from my conversation with Moyra and I hope you do too. Resources mentioned in this episode: Find out more about Moyra at moyramackie.com or connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for Moyra's free journal safari taster exercise. Want to start creating your own compelling brand story? Join my FREE 7-day email mini course

Who are you more likely to remember: Someone who looks and sounds like everyone else in your industry? Or someone who dares to be truly different? It's perhaps no surprise that there's something irresistible about someone who clearly loves what they do! Passionate and purposeful people are the ones we want to work with. They make our jobs, our businesses, and our lives fun and exciting. Yet, when we're caught up in demands of day-to-day business, we often forget to be ourselves even though we're doing great work. We lose track of why we're in business who, we're in business for. We forget what makes us excited to be doing what we do and why we chose to do it in the first place! In this episode I share with you my best tips for standing out in your industry and reconnecting with your purpose and passion. Chances are, you started your own consulting business because you love what you do - it's why I created mine. There are other benefits, too, which I also share with you in today's episode: you'll hear why I'm so passionate about helping others with their brand story. Listen for inspiration and thought-provoking questions to help you reconnect with your passion and purpose, so you can stand out in your industry. In this episode you'll learn: • Questions to remind you why you do what you do • Why you have a unique story to share about your business • How to reconnect with your passion and purpose to stand out in your industry Resources mentioned in this episode: Want to start creating your own compelling brand story? Join my FREE 7-day email mini course at http://www.buildyourbrandstory.com/7days

How do you get hired by your dream consulting client? Have you ever thought how your brand story can help? Or how much of your backstory to share? In this brand new podcast, I'm excited to share with you fresh and inspiring ideas to help you build your own compelling story. In this episode I share my own story and what you can expect to hear over the next 10 weeks. This podcast has been in my head for years! Now it's time to share my experiences and insights, along with my inspiring conversations with a hand-picked group of guests. All with the aim helping you to build your own brand and consulting business. You'll hear why I'm so passionate about helping others with their brand story, how I got into podcasts and why I wanted to create this podcast series for you. In this episode you'll learn: Why your brand story is not just your backstory What happened when I set up my own independent consulting business Why I wanted to find an alternative to living the corporate life Lessons from my own story and experiences over the last 10 years What to expect from this podcast over the next 10 weeks Resources mentioned in this episode: www.buildyourbrandstory.com https://twitter.com/LucyEckley https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyeckley/