If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time in film, television, and business—it’s that people don’t buy into products. They buy into stories.
Whether you’re pitching a client, leading a team, or standing on stage, the way you communicate your why shapes everything. That’s why storytelling in business isn’t just a nice-to-have skill. It’s a leadership requirement.
I sat down with Tricia Benn on The Beyond Impact Podcast to talk about what it really takes to lead with impact—and her insights on storytelling hit home in a big way.
As the CEO of the C-Suite Network, Tricia has worked with executives and entrepreneurs at every level. Her advice? “If you and your team aren’t telling the same story, you’re pulling in different directions.”
Vision Isn’t Just for the Founder
A lot of entrepreneurs assume that because they know the vision, everyone else does too. But vision doesn’t automatically translate. It has to be communicated—clearly, consistently, and in a way that inspires action.
Tricia put it like this: “If your clients and your team can’t repeat your message back to you, you don’t have a story. You have a script.”
That distinction is everything. A script is memorized. A story is shared. When people feel connected to your story, they take ownership of it. They want to be part of what you’re building.
Tell the Story Only You Can Tell
One of the things I’ve learned through acting is that authenticity always wins. People can spot a performance from a mile away. But a story rooted in truth—your truth—builds trust faster than any marketing campaign.
That’s why storytelling in business works best when it’s specific. Not polished. Not perfect. Real.
Tricia and I talked about how great leaders don’t just sell the what. They connect people to the why. They use personal stories, mission moments, and customer transformations to make the business feel human.
When your story makes someone say, “That’s me”—you’ve got their attention. When it makes them say, “That could be me”—you’ve earned their trust.
Align Your Internal and External Story
It’s not just about what you tell the world. It’s about what you tell your team.
Tricia’s seen this over and over in boardrooms: “You can’t be one person to your clients and another to your staff. The stories have to match.”
I’ve worked with enough organizations to know that if your internal culture doesn’t reflect your external message, people will feel it. And they’ll walk.
Consistency builds credibility. And credibility is what drives real growth.
Hear the Full Conversation with Tricia Benn
We covered everything from early lessons on the farm to leading global companies with purpose. If you’re trying to build something that matters, this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to do it.
Success isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters—on purpose. And mission-driven businesses are the ones that keep growing long after the hype fades.
