I am a storyteller, creative facilitator, marketeer and professional speaker with a background in clinical psychology, filmmaking and as a deckhand sailing yachts. As founder of Vivacity Consulting Ltd, I speak and consult on Personal Presence, Profile and Branding, working with major global brands, such as Accenture, AmEx and Microsoft as well as entrepreneurial businesses to define their story and enhance their culture, brand and profile.

My book was prompted by my experience of coaching senior civil servants on their leadership speeches. Although many were highly polished, they also lacked real heart and engagement. However, when they began to introduce glimpses of their own story there was a palpable difference in the way their audience responded. The same thing happened when I was at one of the Big Four accounting firms; I advised a senior figure to share his own story at a client event. The effect was astounding. He positioned himself as a thought leader, rapidly building a new level of trust and loyalty between himself and his clients that he hadn’t achieved despite years of discussing business together.

All too often, people believe that being professional means presenting a flawless veneer when really the opposite is true. The more we can reveal a human side the more we connect with people. In sharing our story we reveal our unique way of approaching life and work – and that is something of real value that cannot be easily replaced or replicated.

The book takes the reader through a five stage process to:

1. Recognise the potential of their story
2. Find their core message and story
3. Craft a compelling story
4. Deliver their story powerfully
5. Evolve and live a greater story

The book was published just before the end of 2018 and in the last couple of months I’ve enjoyed a new level of engagement with a wider audience including the opportunity to work with more small groups and individuals B:C on my 6-week Accelerator Programme. I’m delighted to be a finalist at BBA2019!

To find out more: visit www.vivacitygroup.co.uk/YLS and download the Foundation chapters for free. Or get the book on Amazon – it’s available on kindle, paperback or as an audiobook

Your Leadership Story: Use your life experience to influence and inspire has been shortlisted in the Leadership category of the Business Book Awards sponsored by Royds Withy King. To get your copy of the book Click here.