Spending the last two weeks in New York brought about some significant first experiences, both personal and professional, that I would like to share with you.

Personal Highlights

On a personal level, and the focus of my previous blog, was seeing Billy Joel live at Madison Square Garden. I first saw him in concert in Melbourne about 30 years ago. Needless to say, I have every one of his albums.

Professional Highlights

On a professional level I had an unbelievable moment when I conducted a business storytelling workshop on Wall Street. When I started my practice 15 years ago, storytelling wasn’t even a thing. I would never have dreamed, although I hoped, that this could happen. Storytelling is now seen as a critical leadership and communication skill worldwide. To be able to run training at perhaps the most famous business address in the world is a considerable achievement for me.

Licensing Storytelling

Finally, the most significant first and the catalyst for the trip to New York was to train my first two licensee partners. They are officially accredited to facilitate my storytelling training.

As a back-story, before my husband Steve and I went on our European holiday without the kids we thought we better update our wills. The question arose as to what would happen to my business if I encountered an early demise. When the answer was that the business would shut down, it made me feel great sadness. I know the storytelling methodology I teach people changes the way they lead and communicate. This has a significant impact on the people they lead. It got me thinking that this value shouldn’t stop simply because I am no longer around.

It was then that I made the decision to hand pick some talented individuals from around the globe that could spread the love when it comes to storytelling.

Ellen Weiss and Dianne Chase

So, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to my first two global accredited business storytelling trainers. They are Ellen Weiss and Dianne Chase who are both based in the USA. Each of them run their own successful practice specialising in brand and communication. So, storytelling is a natural fit with what they both currently do.

This is a significant first not only for the growth of my business, but it will also allow me to improve service for my global clients.

Thank you

Speaking of clients, I would also like to take the opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support and allowing me to share my successes with you. I hope my random thoughts and stories bring some value or joy to your day.

Until next week, when I promise to stop talking about Billy Joel and New York and focus on another musical hero of mine that I simply can’t keep out of my head.