Storytelling is “Sticky Business”

I just returned from the BDO Conference in Las Vegas, and it was an exciting time for me and my colleagues from Spiirall! I subscribe to the notion that ALL Business is PEOPLE Business. So, I’m always excited to meet great people in the business. 

My BIG takeaway: Many times, the learning experiences I appreciate the most aren’t about learning something I’ve never heard before, but instead it’s the ones that remind me to stay intentional about doing the things that I know are impactful. 

As the Director of Learning Applications at Spiirall, I spend a lot of time talking about RETENTION. Retaining information, so that you’re ready for application when you encounter a novel situation. 

One of the best tools that we have at our disposal for retaining information is the ART OF STORYTELLING. The brain loves a good story. It can’t get enough of them. I heard some memorable ones in Las Vegas. My memory, admittedly isn’t the best, but I bet I’ll remember:

• A story about Kripa Raguram, who is now a Director at Perkins & Co., submitting 60 applications to CPA (Certified Public Accountant) firms. Hearing nothing from 45 CPA firms and receiving 15 rejection letters.
• A story from Darci Congrove, who is the managing Director at GBQ Partners, talking about a team member who appreciates GBQ and their PURPOSE. That team member was supported by GBQ, when a friend of his from a different organization had recently gone through a similar situation and couldn’t take care of loved ones because he was “out of PTO.”
• A story from Molly Bloom whose life is depicted in the film Molly’s Game. Her story is about BIG Setbacks, humbling experiences, and even BIGGER Comebacks! 
• A story from Jean Calixto, the Business Development Coordinator at Bregante + Company LLP, about navigating the matrix that is healthcare systems. An incredible spirit. Going through a challenge right now, but you’d never know it, by the genuine smile that is always on her face. 

I met so many great people. I learned so many things. Unfortunately, I won’t remember it all. The forgetting curve is real! But I’m confident that the stories will STICK with me.

Don’t forget to incorporate the art of storytelling in your learning programs!