Story-centred leadership
Crafting cultures of change
This engaging and practical book gives readers the tools and insight to become accomplished creators of stories to lead positive change within their organisation and communities.
For millennia, stories have connected us and helped us make sense of the world. Now we must rediscover the potency of stories to effectively respond to the leadership challenges of today. This book will help you engage and motivate others to take action for a liveable planet and equitable world.
“In a world saturated with data but starved of connection and meaning, this book is a vital guide to the leadership we need now.”
Lindsay Hooper, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Packed with relatable examples that will resonate for anyone in a leadership role, the book guides readers through five steps to create powerful stories that bridge divides, catalyse action and accelerate change:
Story listening: walk in the shoes of others to gain empathy;
Story building: craft the ingredients of a compelling narrative;
Story shaping: improve with peer feedback and practice;
Story sharing: seed stories to help grow purpose-led, fearless cultures; and
Story living: strengthen personal leadership to expand influence and impact.
More than ever, we need stories that help us imagine and build healthy, productive workplaces and communities - stories that grow our sense of agency as citizens, grounded in the belief that every voice and every action matters. This book is an invaluable toolkit to help everyone craft stories that inspire themselves and others.
What the critics are saying…
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"My clients have long been seeking a guide to the pivotal art of crafting leadership stories in a way that honours both their complexity and their power. I am thrilled that from now on I can hand them Zoë’s book and watch them create stories that help them listen deeply, inspire well, and grow their organizations and themselves."
Jennifer Garvey Berger, author of Unlocking Leadership Mindtraps and co-founder and CEO of Cultivating Leadership
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"By discovering a bigger, better story of us - where people contribute with a citizen mindset – we can create an empowering alternative story of together. Zoë’s book gives us the tools and inspiration to build that story."
Jon Alexander, author of Citizens: Why the Key To Fixing Everything is All of Us and co-founder of New Citizen Project
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“The role of story in leadership for change has been fundamentally under-utilised. Zoë’s brilliant book gives us the tools, insight and inspiration to fix that."
Solitaire Townsend, Chief Solutionist and Co-founder, Futerra
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“We are not going to fix the mess we are in only by sharing more facts and figures. A brighter future will come not only from more knowledge, but inspiration, emotional connection and personal leadership, and all of that can be fostered by effective story telling. Zoë Arden does a brilliant job of explaining not only why stories are vital, but also how to harness the power of narrative for positive impact."
Tony Juniper CBE, environmentalist and writer
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"Whether you're guiding a team, building a business, or figuring out what kind of leader you want to be, this book offers a refreshing and practical way to lead with heart, build trust, and bring people with you.”
Trent Smyth, CEO, The Chief of Staff Association
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"How successful leaders build, shape, share and live powerful stories that put wind in the sails of their agenda, their followers and the future."
John Elkington, change champion and author of 21 books, most recently Tickling Sharks: How We Sold Business on Sustainability
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"A masterpiece of usefulness. Zoë Arden’s book is more a tool than a tome and needs to be kept deliberately in your travel bag whenever you stray from your base, or whenever you find time and space to reflect on whether, as a leader, you are fit-for-purpose at this time."
Professor Mike Hardy CMG OBE, Chair of Intercultural Relations at Coventry University, Board Chair, International Leadership Association
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“Climate change is, in many ways, the story we've failed to tell. We've reduced it to carbon, net zero targets, and distant polar bears; concepts that feel abstract to most people. If we want to ignite a mass movement, folks need to understand why we're in crisis, how we can solve it, and the role each of us can play. As Zoë so powerfully demonstrates, the best way to do this is through storytelling.”
Clover Hogan, activist and entrepreneur, former Executive Director, Force of Nature
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"This book will reignite your love of stories and remind you of their power to change the world. Zoë gives us the communication tools we need to make our messages more compelling, to touch people's hearts as well as engage their heads, and to turn ineffective rhetoric into urgent action."
Professor Wayne Visser, author of Thriving: The Breakthrough Movement to Regenerate Nature, Society and the Economy
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"Zoë’s book provides a compelling rationale and roadmap for making this happen. It is both academically rigorous and hugely practical and it is an essential resource for all leaders."
Philip Stiles, Director of the Centre for Human Resource Management, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
Who is this book for?
Leaders who seek to inspire their team, organisation and partners to contribute towards a thriving future for all.
Anyone with leadership responsibilities who wishes to develop their ability to weave a purpose-led narrative which captures complex ideas, challenging messages and a compelling call to action.
People in organisations who want a story that will galvanise others to contribute towards a more equitable world.
Managers keen to foster an environment where new ideas and innovations can flourish; who want to contribute to positive change and bring others alongside.
Aspiring leaders and changemakers who wish to create a compelling vision for a sustainable tomorrow.
Individuals who want to build their confidence and capability to engage others in their community in a conversation about climate change and sustainable living.
Businesses that are committed to embedding responsible business practices into their strategy, products and behaviours.
About the author
Zoë Arden works at the intersection of leadership and storytelling. She is a Fellow at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and has supported thousands of leaders globally with her training programmes and influence and impact coaching.