Listen "How Authentic Storytelling Transforms Business & Breaks Cultural Barriers | Rod Berger Interview"
Episode Synopsis
Are you telling your story or hiding behind someone else's version of it? 🎙️✨In this powerful episode of Rise & Tell with Sheekha, Dr. Rod Berger, host of over 4,000 interviews and author of The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling that Meets the Moment, shares his profound insights on authentic storytelling and how it transforms business, relationships, and cross-cultural connections.From documenting stories in refugee camps across Africa to interviewing NBA legends like Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, Rod reveals how authentic storytelling breaks down barriers, builds trust, and creates meaningful human connections that transcend cultural boundaries.👉 What you'll learn in this episode:✅ Why authentic storytelling is critical for business leadership and organizational culture✅ How to overcome the fear of sharing your own story and find your unique voice✅ The power of vulnerability and silence in cross-cultural communication and storytelling✅ Rod's approach to conducting 4,000+ interviews without an agenda—just genuine curiosity✅ How authentic storytelling collapses timelines and builds instant connections✅ Practical tips for finding the "character you play" in your own life story✅ Why Gen Z needs authentic storytelling more than ever in a digital world✅ How to navigate cultural differences through the universal language of storyRod Berger's expertise in authentic storytelling spans nearly two decades as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management, where he taught future business leaders how to harness the narrative edge. His work has taken him across continents—from Africa to the Nordics, from refugee camps to meetings with royalty—all in pursuit of capturing authentic human stories.Key Moments:- The transformative moment in Africa that changed Rod's writing style forever- Why playing small in your story hurts your business and personal relationships- The Uber driver story that demonstrates authentic storytelling in everyday moments- How authentic storytelling addresses AI concerns in the workplaceMarriage, conflict, and the stories we tell ourselves about our partnersIf you've ever buried the most interesting parts of your resume, held back your real story in an interview, or wondered if your narrative actually matters in business, this conversation will transform how you see authentic storytelling and its power in your life and career.About Rod Berger:Dr. Rod Berger is a professional storyteller, editor, writer, creative coach, and keynote speaker who has authored hundreds of articles across iconic publications. He's been recognized as one of the 100 Voices of the Future, has a television development deal with The Jim Henson Company, and his book The Narrative Edge is published by Wiley. His work with WaterAid in refugee camps and his interviews with world leaders showcase the universal power of authentic storytelling.🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more powerful conversations with authors, leaders, and changemakers who are using authentic storytelling to transform their industries and lives.#rodberger #authenticstorycelling #storytellinginbusiness🎙️ ABOUT THE PODCASTRise & Tell is where real stories meet personal growth. I talk to creatives, founders, and change-makers about the moments that changed everything.#fullpodcast #sheekhapodcast #sheekhasingh #communicationskills #publicspeakingcoach
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