Featuring Emmy Award-Winning Storyteller Corey Rosen
Key Highlights
- Why storytelling matters for leadership – Corey explains how stories can be more powerful than data when it comes to connection, influence, and clarity.
- The “Story Spine” structure – Learn the simple yet transformative framework Corey uses to help leaders turn everyday moments into meaningful narratives.
- How to handle “I don’t have a story” – Corey debunks this myth and shares how even those who feel story-challenged can uncover powerful personal and professional stories.
- Meeting magic through storytelling – A practical 2-minute exercise to activate voices in the room, shift team energy, and promote deeper engagement.
- From worry to wisdom – Diane and Corey workshop a real-life moment to illustrate how a change in mindset (and structure) reveals leadership growth.
- The leader’s secret weapon – Why listening to others’ stories may be your greatest tool for influence, inclusion, and innovation.
Have you ever felt stuck in a meeting, rattling off bullet points, wondering why your message didn’t land? Or maybe you’ve been told to “be more relatable” as a leader, but weren’t sure how. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone and you’re going to love this episode of The Best Boss Podcast.
In this episode, I sat down with Corey Rosen Emmy Award-winning writer, storytelling coach, and a regular host of The Moth‘s StorySLAM and GrandSLAM live events. Corey’s career spans television, film, and stage, and in our conversation, he brought those insights directly to the leadership world.
We didn’t talk about storytelling as performance. We talked about storytelling as a leadership tool.
The Spine of a Good Story
Corey broke down what makes a story resonate—not just entertain—and why leaders at every level should be using stories to connect, coach, and influence. Whether you’re delivering a keynote or giving weekly feedback, your ability to tell a story might be the key to being heard.
He shared a deceptively simple framework, what he calls a “story spine”, that turns even everyday experiences into something meaningful. And yes, we put it into practice right on the podcast, using a real-life moment that had me rethinking how I prep for interviews (and power outages).
But What If I Don’t Have a Story?
That’s the concern I hear often: “I’m not a storyteller.” Corey addressed that head-on. He believes we all have stories, it’s just a matter of learning to recognize them. And the good news? Being a great storyteller starts with being a great listener.
He even gave one of the most practical meeting hacks I’ve heard in a while: a two-minute partner storytelling exercise that shifts the energy in the room and helps even your quietest team members find their voice. The result? A more connected, engaged, and confident group.
From Performance to Practice
What stood out most to me was Corey’s ability to make storytelling feel accessible, even essential—for leaders. It’s not about spotlight moments or perfect delivery. It’s about helping others feel seen, heard, and inspired.
And if you’re a leader trying to bring out the best in others, that might be your most important job.
Whether you’re building a new team or deep into your leadership journey, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.
Curious how storytelling could transform your leadership? Watch he full conversation with Corey Rosen on YouTube.
And remember, every great leader was once someone’s best boss.
✨ What’s one word or one sentence your best boss ever said to you? Share it at dianescottinc.com/one
