The StrategyStory Podcast

Welcome to The StrategyStory Podcast! We’re a podcast bringing you cutting edge thoughts and real world stories to help you develop your strategy and communications. Born from the work of StrategyStory, a bespoke strategy and communications company based in the Highlands of Scotland and working across the world, this podcast offers research, practical tips and tricks, and fascinating conversations with leading entrepreneurs.  In this trailer you’ll meet your hosts, Kate Hooper and Professor Donald Maclean. They’ll tell you all about how our show works and when to expect the first episode. More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Mixed and mastered by Martha Brownill Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design      

In this opener to The StrategyStory Podcast, Kate and Donald, co-founders of StrategyStory, will give you a taste of what to expect in Season 1.  Throughout the series you'll hear 6 interviews with guests who are pros in the fields of business and storytelling, and you’ll also get access to 4 special ‘Mini Masterclass’ episodes that delve deeper into relevant skills and techniques linked to strategy and communications. More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design  

Leading a team to produce the best possible results is a real skill. Hear from experienced business owners about their route to success. In the first interview of Series 1, StrategyStory's Kate Hooper talks to the impressive Kate Buell-Armstrong of the Admiral Group and Confused.com. They chat about Kate's background in business and how to really engage your team in your business strategies. Themes and Topics: 04:00 - Understanding the success of the Admiral Group and Confused.com 09:50 - Pushing the boundaries  15:38 - Using storytelling to engage your team in your business strategy 19:10 - Managing people to get the best out of them 21:30 - Kate’s top tip for entrepreneurs 23:00 - Kate and Donald’s breakdown of the interview   More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Produced in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design  

In the first of our Mini Masterclasses, Professor Donald Maclean breaks down what we really mean by the word 'strategy'. In under 10 minutes you'll learn about its three main components, how to join these up to create a really ingenious strategy, and common misconceptions to avoid. Themes and Topics: 00.40 – Defining the term strategy 01.16 – The three main components of strategy 03.30 – Joining up the parts 05.20 – What isn’t strategy? More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design

As the founder of an app that helps creators to get their podcasts out into the world, Colin Gray has a lot to say about the power of the voice. Likewise, here at StrategyStory we want to get people talking to each other and figure out better ways for organisations to communicate internally and externally. In this episode of The StrategyStory Podcast, Colin chats to Donald and Kate about how starting a business allowed him to design a working life that suited him, how to foster healthy communication within organisations, and how podcasting helps businesses to personalise what they do. Themes and Topics: 03:38 - Colin's background in astro-physics 07:55 - Finding freedom in your working structure 09:13 - How Alitu has grown organically 12:18 - Running a business whilst building an enjoyable life 17:20 - The current state of bigger corporations 18:40 - Making organisations better places to be 20:06 - How storytelling and podcasting fosters healthy communication within your team 22:22 - The strength of podcasting to build connections 26:53 - Colin's one wish for Alitu  More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design    

Darina Garland is CEO and co-founder of global pizza-oven sensation Ooni, one of the UK's fastest growing companies. Founded in 2012 by Darina and her husband, Kristian, Ooni now employs 350 people across Scotland, America, Germany and beyond. It’s a phenomenal story of entrepreneurship, creativity and growth, which she shares with Kate and Donald in this episode of the StrategyStory podcast.  They discuss OONI's incredible succcess story, some ingenious methods to get teams behind company values, and how OONI develops its vibrant culture as it continues to grow. Themes and Topics: 3:00 - The OONI origin story 6:55 - The strategy behind OONI's global success 12:05 - Growth mindset and the power of a positive outlook 14:15 - Building a values-driven business culture 19:10 - Methods to uphold company values  25:15 - Maintaining company culture as a growing business  32:50 - Scaling a business, trusting instincts and learning from mistakes Psst... You won't normally hear swearing in the The StrategyStory Podcast, but there's a small exception in this episode... It's all in context! You'll have to listen to find out why... More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design  

Learn how to be a better storyteller by listening to this Mini Masterclass led by Kate Hooper, ex-BBC broadcaster and digital communications whizz. You'll not only find out why storytelling is so important for businesses, but you'll also learn how to craft a great story in 3 simple steps. Themes and Topics: 2:00 - Why do storytelling for business? 4:45 - Step 1 - Know Your Audience 9:32 - Step 2 - Key Elements of Your Business Story 12:43 - Step 3 - Structure Your Story 17:20 - Conclusions - What's the pay-off? More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design  

Introducing a special bonus episode with podcast know-it-all Colin Gray... As the CEO of podcasting app Alitu and all-around podcast bible The Podcast Host, as well as the official partner for The StrategyStory Podcast (!), Colin has a lot to say about the power of podcasting. Phew... that was a lot of 'podcast's in one sentence! This week Kate and Donald dissect their podcast journey with Colin, discussing the lessons they've learned, the power of the voice, using podcasting to propel their business, and Colin's top tips to grow your show. Themes and Topics: 01:50 - What Kate and Donald learnt from creating The StrategyStory Podcast 6:40 - Using podcasting to listen to each other's stories 8:50 - Podcasts harness the power of the human voice 10:50 - Surprises in the podcasting process: joy and accessibility of podcasting 17:47 - Collaboration and working together 20:23 - How to grow your podcast: niche targeting 27:10 - Growing your audience by knowing your audience More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design  

What if storytelling helped you to achieve your business’ dreams? This week Carolyn Currie, Chief Executive of Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES), shares how storytelling is central to her aim to make Scotland world-leading in its support for women-owned businesses. Kate and Carolyn discuss how sharing stories about WES inspires young women and girls, how story drives policy change, and the role of stories in forming compelling strategies and engaging leadership.  Themes and Topics: 00:54 - Donald and Kate introduce the themes of the episode 06:58 - Carolyn's background in business 09:00 - The vision behind WES 10:55 - Shocking statistics: the barriers to entry women business-owners face 17:15 - The role of storytelling in achieving WES's agenda 21:14 - Developing successful strategies: capturing the imagination 27:05 - Carolyn's final message for aspiring women entrepreneurs 29:37 - Donald and Kate's breakdown of the episode More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design  

What is emergent strategy, and how could it revolutionise the way we manage organisations? Find out in this Mini Masterclass where Professor Donald Maclean will be quizzed by Kate Hooper on the ideas behind emergent strategy, how it harnesses creativity, and how it could be managed. Themes and Topics: 1:46 - Why should we care about emergent strategy? 3:15 - Command and control management isn't working anymore 5:16 - Emergent strategy as an alternative - what is it? 10:59 - Why are people interested in emergent strategy? 11:40 - How could it be managed?  More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design  

Devising your business strategy is only the first step - how do you make sure it lands with the people who will deliver it?   StrategyStory believes strong, effective communication is vital in getting people behind a strategy. In this masterclass, Donald Maclean asks Kate Hooper to walk you through her 3 steps to support excellent strategic communication. You'll learn how to use storytelling to engage your team with your strategy in order to drive the action that you want to see. Themes and Topics: 01:40 - Why should you care about communicating strategy? 04:28 - "Culture eats strategy for breakfast" 06:35 - Step One: Bring it to life 11:40 - Step Two: Bring people together 16:16 - Step Three: Bring communications up the agenda 19:05 - Casestudy: Ooni outdoor pizza ovens 24:05 - Summary of the three steps More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design

Back in the hot seat for another Masterclass, Professor Donald Maclean walks us through the concept of "Deep Structure" and how we can use it to lead teams through change. Transformation can be a scary and difficult process for an organisation and its workers. In this episode you'll learn why "Deep Structure" is an important tool in navigating this process, what it is, and how you can harness it in your own business. Themes and Topics: 2:15 - Why is Deep Structure important? 4:35 - Kate and Donald discuss the results of a poll on management styles 7:15 - What is Deep Structure? 9:45 - How can we use Deep Structure in organisations? 12:10 - Deep Structure and transformation 17:40 - Summary More info: Sign up to our newsletter here! Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design

In this Mini Masterclass, communications expert  Kate Hooper walks you through her 3 steps to foster an emotional connection to any strategy/ambition/vision/big idea! Using 'Simplify', 'Personify' and 'Amplify', learn how to make your strategy really land by communicating it with your team on a human level. Themes and Topics: 00:50 - Introduction: Simplify, Personify, Amplify 02:24 - Simplify - Turn complex strategies into something people can understand 04:30 - Personify - Let people connect with a strategy by allowing them to see themselves in it 13:00 - Amplify - What is the best method of communication for your team? More info: Sign up to our newsletter here! Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design

"Transformation" is one of those words we hear everywhere. But what does it really mean, and how do we actually bring about change in organisations? In this short masterclass all these questions will be answered by Professor Donald Maclean, who has been researching transformation for over a decade. Breaking it down into three steps: "reimagine", "re-energise", "refocus", he'll walk you through how to shake things up in a way that feels more natural and human. Themes and Topics: 00:52 - Introduction 02:26 - Donald's research 06:00 - Step 1 - Reimagine 08:15 - Step 2 - Re-energise 11:00 - Examples 16:40 - Step 3 - Refocus  21:00 - Recap More info: Visit our website for more information Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook    Contribute your thoughts at hello@strategystory.co.uk  Kate Hooper Donald Maclean Credits: Produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper Delivered in partnership with Alitu Cover art by Cuan Design  

Schools Special Episode   Do you want to create a strategy and communication approach in your school that will actually work?   ‘We often see strategies developed at that leadership level...Then it’s presented to the community, and there’s not the buy-in or the understanding of that strategy, because it hasn’t emerged from the voices of the community." David Burton Principal Consultant, Independent Schools Victoria (ISV)   StrategyStory was set-up to tackle the challenge that around two thirds of strategies fail.    Our solution? Stories drive action and connection, so put storytelling back at the heart of matters.    We've been working in partnership with ISV for six years now. As we prepare to launch a new suite of programs in Australia, we speak with the ISV team about the critical need to embrace a strategic approach to address challenges facing schools. We delve into the significance of storytelling to build community and engagement, while offering some practical tips, and we hear from a Principal leading a school who took part in one of our programs.   You can find out more about the StrategyStory programs for 2024 here.

“If you don't see it, you can't feel it.”Ewen MacIntosh.   There is an art to storytelling, and it could be said that Scotland’s Whisky industry really has that art sussed. Ewen MacIntosh has recently retired from a 33 year career in the family owned, premium spirits company Gordon & MacPhail, the last decade of which he held the position of MD.   In this episode, we hear Ewen’s story and reflect on his time at the company. We also delve into the winning recipe for not just good storytelling, but great storytelling.   Great storytelling captures our minds, our attention and crucially, our hearts.   In this episode you will learn more about Ewen, you will learn more about the Whisky industry, and you will most definitely learn more about some key ingredients required to shape a great, authentic story to reach customers and colleagues.  

Ex-hostage negotiator and now expert speaker on communications and influence, Nigel Taberner has been in some seriously hostile situations. He shares his experience with us and explains how to listen to drive positive outcomes and connect with people quickly, and ultimately, how a succinct strategy is at the heart of success.

An all new series of The StrategyStory podcast! We're kicking off series 2 with none other than Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40, a leader who really puts people at the heart of business. From culture to purpose, storytelling to strategy,  this one is packed with inspiration and insight. If leadership, storytelling, strategy and purpose speak to you, you’ll want to tune in. 

"Uncertainty is opportunity" Professor Donald Maclean is back in the hotseat with Kate Hooper for a masterclass in leadership and how leaders can make the most of opportunities presented through uncertainty.Strategy, leadership, storytelling, and communications... key concepts broken down in less than 15 minutes.Subscribe for more conversations that connect strategy with people, and stories with action! 

In this podcast, recorded earlier this year, we hear from Isle of Harris Distillery MD, Simon Erlanger, who shares the story of the development of the distillery, and how exceptional approaches to storytelling created an iconic brand and business. Simon talks about the important role storytelling plays in creating a community that truly supports a brand through the often challenging journey of international growth, and the importance of staying true to the ethos of a business. This is a story that will inspire and support many others navigating the business landscape and shines a light on the importance of authentic communication.