201. Karen Eber: Amplify your Impact with Storytelling

Karen Eber is an author, international leadership consultant and keynote speaker. Her TED talk, “How your brain responds to stories – and why they’re crucial for leaders”, continues to be the source of inspiration for millions. As the CEO and Chief Storyteller of Eber Leadership Group, Karen helps companies build leaders, teams, and culture one story at a time. She is a guest lecturer at universities including the London School of Business, Stanford, and MIT. Now she’s the author of the book THE PERFECT STORY. How to Tell Stories that Inform, Influence, and Inspire. Amplify your Impact with Storytelling In this informative and practical interview, Karen shares with us her insights into the transformative power of storytelling, its scientific fundamentals, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical advice for effective storytelling. We’ll hear: * Her journey from a corporate career at companies like General Electric to becoming a consultant, speaker, and author. * The Science of Storytelling, Karen contrasts traditional models like Joseph Campbell’s with recent scientific insights and how the brain processes information emotionally. * Two common mistakes in storytelling. * Why aspiring storytellers must tell stories regularly, emphasizing that the more stories one tells, the better they become, and share practical advice and tips for individuals looking to enhance their storytelling skills.   Related: Leon Conrad and Emily Edgeley Fireside chat on Storytelling   Favorite quotation “Stories are the basic unit of understanding.” — A doctor from Doctors Without Borders. Recommended book A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life by Brian Grazer & Charles Fishman Routine to Shine Every week spend some time curating a list of stories. Make sure to think about things you’ve experienced, meetings you’ve attended, questions you’ve been asked, documentaries you’ve watched and add it to your list of ideas. Links Karen’s website Book: The Perfect ...