What role does local journalism play in building resilient communities? In this episode, we sit down with Erica Butler, Local Journalism Initiative reporter for CHMA-FM in Sackville, New Brunswick, to explore the power and purpose of community-based reporting.

With over two decades of experience as a freelance journalist covering city politics, the environment, and transportation, Erica brings a deep understanding of how local stories shape public life. She shares what it’s like to report on the everyday triumphs and tensions of small-town living, why trust is essential in journalism, and how storytelling can be a force for community accountability and connection.

Whether you're passionate about journalism, media literacy, or community development, this episode offers valuable insights into why local news matters more than ever.

✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How local reporting builds trust and community resilience

✅ Challenges and opportunities facing local newsrooms today

✅ The impact of small-town stories

✅ How journalists can use storytelling to deepen civic engagement

✅ The future of local journalism in a digital world

📣 Resources Mentioned:

📰 Learn more about Erica’s work with CHMA-FM:

https://www.chmafm.com/welcome/author/erica-butler/

🗞️ Register to participate in the Local News Matters Symposium:

https://bringbacklocalnews.ca/

💬 Enjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations on the impact of storytelling in business, media, and society.

🔗 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@leadwithstorytelling

#LocalJournalism #EricaButler #CHMAfm #CommunityStories #LeadWithStorytelling #MediaLiteracy #TantramarReport #BringBackLocalNews #StorytellingForChange

What happens when data meets empathy? In this episode, we sit down with Tamara Ojeaga, Client Director at Kantar and seasoned market research expert, to explore how storytelling can turn consumer insights into powerful business strategies.

With over 15 years of experience in market research and strategic consulting, Tamara helps brands grow sustainably by translating complex data into clear, culturally relevant stories that drive both business performance and social impact.

She opens up about how storytelling influences decision-making, humanizes data, and empowers professionals—especially introverts—to build authentic personal brands. This episode is a masterclass for anyone navigating brand strategy, market research, or personal growth in today’s data-rich world.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How storytelling influences how businesses interpret and act on market research

✅ Ways to humanize data through narrative to create real-world impact

✅ Cultural nuances brands often overlook—and how to address them

✅ How data-driven stories can support sustainability and social impact goals

✅ The role of storytelling in building an authentic personal brand—especially for introverts

📚 Book Mentioned:

The Smart Money Woman by Arese Ugwu — https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Money-Wo...

📣 Whether you're a marketer, researcher, brand strategist, or an introvert learning to own your voice—this conversation is packed with value.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep up with more inspiring episodes from Lead with Storytelling.

In this episode of Lead with Storytelling, we sit down with Emeka Obia, a dynamic leader and strategist, to explore how storytelling shapes business, culture, and the future of brand strategy.

Emeka shares insights on the role of narratives in influencing decision-making, positioning challenger brands, and crafting stories that resonate in today’s competitive landscape. From understanding cultural shifts to leveraging storytelling for impact, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs, marketers, and brand strategists.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How storytelling influences decision-making and brand perception

✅ Storytelling for challenger brands vs. established brands

✅ Strategies for crafting compelling stories that resonate

✅ How cultural context shapes effective brand strategy

✅ Shaping the future of brand strategists

📚 Book Mentioned:

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell — https://www.amazon.com/Tipping-Point-...

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on storytelling, leadership, and brand strategy!

In this episode of Lead with Storytelling, we sit down with Advita Patel, President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and co-founder of A Leader Like Me, to explore how storytelling shapes inclusive workplace cultures.

Advita shares insights on how leaders can leverage authentic communication to foster belonging, drive employee engagement, and navigate complex conversations around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). She also offers practical strategies for internal communicators to tell stories that create impact.

📌 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How storytelling can be a powerful tool for building inclusive workplace

✅ A Day in the Life of the President, CIPR 😂

✅ The role of internal communication in advancing DEI initiatives

✅ Strategies for leaders to communicate with empathy and authenticity

✅ Common challenges and how to overcome them using narrative techniques

Practical advice for organizations committed to fostering belonging

📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode:

Building a Culture of Inclusivity: Effective Internal Communication for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by Priya Bates and Advita Patel — https://www.amazon.com/Building-Cultu...

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes — https://www.amazon.com/Year-Yes-Dance...

Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking by Jon Acuff — https://www.amazon.com/Soundtracks-Su...

🎧 Enjoyed this conversation? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes exploring the intersection of storytelling, leadership, and inclusive communication.

👉 Share your thoughts! What’s one story that shaped your workplace experience? Drop it in the comments below!

In this episode of Lead with Storytelling, we sit down with Marcus Collins — marketing expert, professor, and author of the bestselling book For the Culture — to explore how culture shapes the way we connect, engage, and tell stories that resonate.

Marcus shares valuable insights on how brands can authentically embed themselves into culture, why storytelling is a powerful tool for driving action, and how understanding human behavior is the key to successful marketing.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How brands can leverage culture to build authentic connections

✅ The role of storytelling in cultural marketing

✅ Understanding consumer behavior and social influence

✅ Examples of successful cultural marketing campaigns

✅ Insights from Marcus’s experiences working with global brands

📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode:

🔸 For the Culture by Marcus Collins — https://www.amazon.com/For-Culture-Ha...

🔸 Cultural Strategy by Douglas Holt — https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Strat...

Connect with Marcus Collins:

LinkedIn:   / marctothec  

Website: https://www.marctothec.com/

🎧 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on the power of storytelling in marketing, leadership, and beyond!

In this episode of Lead with Storytelling, we sit down with Eduvie Martin, President of the International Association of Business Communicators UK and Ireland Chapter, to explore the role of storytelling in building meaningful workplace connections.

From fostering a culture of trust to creating a sense of belonging, Eduvie shares insightful strategies for engaging employees and the impact of authentic communication in the modern workplace.

🔹 What to Expect in This Episode:

✅ The role of storytelling in employee engagement

✅ How leaders can build trust and connection through authentic communication

✅ The evolving landscape of internal communications

✅ Key takeaways from inspiring books on leadership, storytelling, and workplace engagement

📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode:

🔹 Employee Engagement - A Practical Approach by Emma Bridger – https://www.amazon.com/Employee-Engag...

🔹 Nearly All Men in Lagos Are Mad by Damilare Kuku

🔹 The Narrative Age by Frank Wolf

🔹 Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

🔹 Impact Players by Liz Wiseman

🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations on storytelling and leadership!

Storytelling That Sells with Mark Evans 🚀

In this episode of Lead with Storytelling, we sit down with Mark Evans, a seasoned marketing strategist and storytelling advocate. With years of experience helping B2B and SaaS companies refine their messaging, Mark shares how storytelling can drive brand awareness, sales, and customer engagement.

What to Expect in This Episode:

✅ How storytelling creates a competitive edge in B2B & SaaS marketing

✅ The biggest mistakes businesses make with their messaging

✅ Why understanding your audience is key to effective storytelling

✅ Practical techniques to craft compelling brand narratives

✅ Lessons from Mark’s journey from journalism to marketing leadership

✅ Book recommendations to improve your storytelling skills

Resources & Links:

📌 Connect with Mark on LinkedIn:   / markev  

🚀 Work with Mark: https://marketingspark.co/

📖 Book Recommendation: Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug - https://www.amazon.ca/Dont-Make-Me-Th...

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to transform your marketing with the power of storytelling!

In this episode of Lead with Storytelling, we sit down with Dianah Ngamdy, a literary consultant and passionate advocate for African literature. Dianah shares insights on the impact of storytelling, the role of books in shaping cultural identity, and how literature can be a tool for social change.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• Dianah’s journey into the world of literature and storytelling
• How books influence cultural identity and community narratives
• The importance of preserving African stories and voices
• Her work with Stark Pages literary consulting
• The intersection of storytelling, education, and advocacy
• Advice for aspiring writers and storytellers looking to make an impact

Resources & Links

📌 Connect with Dianah on LinkedIn:   / dianahngamdy  

📖 Book Mentioned: The Passport of Mallam Ilia:   / the-passport-of-mallam-ilia  

📚 Check out Stark Pages - A Literary Art Consultancy: https://www.stark-pages.co.uk/

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the power of storytelling and literature! 🎙️✨

In this episode of Lead with Storytelling, we’re excited to speak with Chisom Ezeh, an award-winning book publishing expert, founder of The Publishing Pad, and one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2024. Chisom is passionate about helping authors bring their stories to life and making a lasting impact through their words. From guiding authors on their publishing journeys to inspiring personal growth, Chisom’s work is all about unlocking the power of storytelling.

In this insightful conversation, Chisom shares:

📚 How authors can create, design, publish, and market their books successfully.

✨ The importance of mindset and leadership in personal and professional growth.

🖋️ How storytelling can help build powerful personal brands.

💡 The platforms and strategies authors can use to amplify their stories.

🎨 Insights into her entrepreneurial journey and the mission of The Publishing Pad.

📖 The life-changing impact of the book The Third Door by Alex Banayan and why it resonates with her.

Whether you’re an aspiring author, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves stories, this episode is filled with practical tips and inspiration to help you share your message with the world.

Show Notes:

🔗 Connect with Chisom Ezeh on LinkedIn:   / thechisomezeh  

📖 Check out The Third Door by Alex Banayan:   / the-third-door  

🌐 Visit The Publishing Pad: www.thepublishingpad.com

In this episode of Lead with Storytelling, we’re excited to chat with Nicole Vair, a seasoned storyteller and marketing professional. With a background in journalism and a passion for brand storytelling, Nicole has crafted impactful campaigns for organizations across various sectors, from health and wellness to regional growth. Currently, she leads marketing efforts at Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency, where she uses storytelling to amplify the unique stories that make the Saint John Region thrive.

Nicole dives deep into the art of place branding, sharing her insights on how storytelling can drive community pride, attract new residents, and create a sense of belonging. This conversation is packed with practical tips on weaving stories that resonate and inspire—whether you're working in public sector marketing, community development, or corporate branding.

In this episode, Nicole explores:

🌎 Place Branding Through Storytelling: How stories can shape the identity of a place and connect with both locals and newcomers.

🏡 Building Pride of Place: Using storytelling to highlight the people and organizations driving growth in the Saint John Region.

🎬 Campaign Success Stories: A behind-the-scenes look at impactful campaigns, including a powerful Shell ad and Envision Saint John’s Growth Stories series.

💼 Transition from Journalism to Marketing: How Nicole’s background in journalism has informed her approach to brand storytelling.

🔍 Strategies for Authenticity: Key elements of authentic storytelling that drive engagement and impact.

💡 Creating a Lasting Impression: How to craft stories that resonate long after they’ve been told.

Show Notes:

📲 Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn:   / nicole-vair-0b816a72  

📹 Watch the Campaign Video Referenced by Nicole: Shell Campaign Video    • Katie’s Powering Homes | #MakeTheFuture  

🌱 Explore Envision Saint John’s Growth Stories: Showcasing the people and organizations building the Saint John Region’s future https://www.envisionsaintjohn.com/gro...

Discover how Nicole combines strategic storytelling with a deep commitment to her community, creating campaigns that truly make an impact.

🔗 Listen, learn, and find inspiration for your own storytelling journey!