Forget Data, Tell Stories: How to Inspire, Influence, and Lead in 2025 – Part 3

Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored how executives can build influence in the digital age. In Part 1, we tackled the big question: Should CEOs Be Thought Leaders on Social Media? In Part 2, we dived into Not Just a Profile: How Executives Can Leverage LinkedIn for Success. Now, in this final part of the series, we’re focusing on the most powerful leadership skill in 2025 — storytelling

We live in a world overflowing with information. People are bombarded with data, reports, and presentations every day, but numbers alone don’t move people. Great leaders know that facts tell, but stories sell. The most influential executives don’t just share insights; they craft compelling narratives that inspire, connect, and drive action.

Whether it’s motivating a team, shaping company culture, or influencing an industry, storytelling is what makes a message stick. So, how can you use it to elevate your presence, strengthen your leadership, and build real influence on LinkedIn? Let’s dive in.

1. The Psychology of Storytelling:  Why It Works

Great leaders have always known that stories aren’t just entertainment, they’re powerful tools for influence, connection, and trust.

Science backs this up. When we hear a compelling story, our brains activate in ways that data alone never could. Research from the University of Missouri, as cited by Consello, found that storytelling builds trust, strengthens relationships, and helps transfer knowledge across communities.

But why does storytelling work so well? According to the World Economic Forum, leaders who master storytelling engage the three audiences that matter most:

• Consumers are bombarded with choices and sceptical of marketing. A strong story helps them relate to a brand, making them more likely to trust and stay loyal.
• Employees want more than just a paycheck. They need purpose. Storytelling helps leaders bring the company vision to life, making people feel part of something bigger.
• Shareholders don’t just look at numbers. They need a clear and inspiring narrative that shows where the business is headed and why they should believe in it.

Science explains why stories engage us so deeply. Stories release oxytocin, the trust hormone, which strengthens connection, and dopamine, which keeps people engaged and helps them remember key messages.

2. How to Use Storytelling to Strengthen Your Leadership

Storytelling isn’t just a communication tool, it’s a leadership strategy. Here’s how executives can apply it effectively:

1. Make Your Vision Memorable

Numbers and mission statements fade, but a strong story sticks. Instead of saying, “Our goal is to increase market share by 15%,” paint a picture: “Imagine a world where our product reaches every small business, helping them grow. That’s what we’re working toward.” A vision that people can see and feel is far more powerful.

2. Turn Lessons into Engaging Stories

Leaders who share personal experiences, both successes and failures become more relatable. Instead of simply stating a leadership lesson, frame it with a story: “I once made a decision that nearly cost us a major client. Here’s what I learned…” This builds authenticity and helps others learn through your experiences.

3. Use Stories to Inspire Action

If you want to motivate employees, engage customers, or reassure stakeholders, tell a story that creates urgency and emotional connection. Instead of saying, “We need to adapt to change,” tell a story of a company that failed because it didn’t. Instead of presenting dry stats, show what those numbers mean in real life.

4. Humanise Your Brand

People connect with people, not faceless corporations. Share stories about your team, company culture, and the values that drive you. Behind-the-scenes insights make leaders more approachable and brands more relatable.

5. Keep It Simple and Real

The best stories aren’t complicated — they’re honest, clear, and to the point. You don’t need to be a novelist; you just need to communicate in a way that feels real. Avoid corporate jargon and focus on authenticity.

3. How to Master Leadership Storytelling on LinkedIn

Not sure where to start? Here’s a practical guide to using storytelling effectively:

Step 1: Share Your Leadership Journey

Your career is filled with pivotal moments — challenges you overcame, lessons you learned, and milestones you achieved. Turn these into engaging LinkedIn posts.

• Example: Instead of saying, “I learned the importance of resilience,” tell a story about a setback you faced, how you tackled it, and what you learned.
• Action Tip: Start your post with a hook — a challenge, an unexpected twist, or a thought-provoking question.

Step 2: Use the Hero’s Journey Formula

Every great story follows a simple structure:

1. The Challenge – Introduce a problem or obstacle.
2. The Struggle – Describe the journey of overcoming it.
3. The Resolution – Share the key takeaway or lesson.

• Example: If you launched a startup that almost failed but later thrived, walk your audience through that journey with emotion and authenticity.

Step 3: Make It Visual and Engaging

• Use images, videos, or LinkedIn’s carousel posts to bring your story to life.
• Incorporate dialogue or a powerful quote to add personality.
• Keep it concise — LinkedIn favours posts between 500-800 words.

Step 4: Engage Your Audience

A great story sparks conversation. End your post with:

• A question (“Has this happened to you?”)
• A call-to-action (“What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned?”)
• A reflection (“This experience changed how I lead — how about you?”)

4. Storytelling in Action: Leaders Who Do It Best

If you need inspiration, look no further than these leaders who have mastered the art of storytelling to influence, inspire, and engage:

• Larry Madowo (Kenya) – A renowned journalist and international correspondent, Madowo leverages LinkedIn to share compelling narratives on African affairs, media, and technology, sparking meaningful discussions.
• Nataliey Bitature (Uganda) – As the Chief of Staff at The Simba Group, she uses storytelling to advocate for entrepreneurship and youth empowerment, making her a must-follow voice on leadership.
• Anita Erskine (Ghana) – A media professional and advocate for women’s leadership, Erskine crafts inspiring narratives that resonate with professionals across industries.
• Bernard Marr (UK) – A thought leader in AI and big data, Marr translates complex concepts into compelling stories, making his insights accessible and actionable.
• Dharmesh Shah (USA) – HubSpot’s co-founder, Shah is known for his engaging storytelling around startups, leadership, and customer-centric business growth.

These leaders don’t just share insights, they craft narratives that stick. Their ability to weave personal experiences, challenges, and lessons into engaging content has earned them not just followers, but real influence.

If you want to inspire, connect, and lead, start telling your story. What challenge shaped you? What lesson changed how you lead? Share it. The right story, told well, can open doors, build trust, and drive action.

So, what’s your story — and are you ready to tell it?