The StrategyStory Podcast

Join us as we step into a world where storytelling really can change the course of a nation. We're exploring the good, the bad and the gloriously messy of political storytelling, and there’s no one better to guide us than Professor Sir John Curtice. As a professor of Politics, political scientist and commentor, John has spent decades watching the stories that win, lose and shape elections. This is...

Do you want to master the art of facilitation? Learn how to turn challenging group dynamics into productive, meaningful conversations that drive real organisational change with Kate Hooper and Professor Donald MacLean. Drawing from decades of experience, Kate and Donald share personal stories and practical insights that will transform how you approach group interactions. Whether you're a leader, m...

Want to unlock some breakthrough thinking in your business? Join Kate and "The UK's Most Energetic Boss" in the latest StrategyStory podcast.  Dave Hall is the founder of the Ideas Centre and a master of unlocking creativity in organisations.  As an engineer and scientist, he's developed groundbreaking techniques that help businesses break free from "the world of what is, and step into the world o...

Would you like to "seize the day" in your business but find it all feels a bit 'stuck'? In today's rapidly changing business landscape, the traditional notion of strategy is out of date. New times need new approaches. Join Kate Hooper and Professor Donald MacLean in this StrategyStory Mini-Masterclass as they unpack the concept of 'Dynamic Capabilities'. What on earth does that mean? Well in 10 mi...

We're peeling back the layers of how stories drive action with award-winning BBC investigative journalist, Sam Poling. Sam shares her own stories from across her career - from investigating the murder case of Emma Caldwell to exposing criminal networks. There is so much to learn from this episode. Storytelling drives change, impact and gives voice to people where it matters.

How can storytelling be used to turn vision into action and purpose? Kate Hooper's in the hotseat breaking down the power of storytelling and how it can be harnessed to drive action and facilitate real impactful change. Strategy, leadership, storytelling, and communications... key concepts broken down in less than 15 minutes. Subscribe for more conversations that connect strategy with people, and...

In this podcast, recorded earlier this year, we hear from Isle of Harris Distillery MD, Simon Erlanger, who shares the story of the development of the distillery, and how exceptional approaches to storytelling created an iconic brand and business. Simon talks about the important role storytelling plays in creating a community that truly supports a brand through the often challenging journey of int...

"Uncertainty is opportunity"  Professor Donald Maclean is back in the hotseat with Kate Hooper for a masterclass in leadership and how leaders can make the most of opportunities presented through uncertainty. Strategy, leadership, storytelling, and communications... key concepts broken down in less than 15 minutes. Subscribe for more conversations that connect strategy with people, and stories wit...

An all new series of The StrategyStory podcast! We're kicking off series 2 with none other than Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40, a leader who really puts people at the heart of business.  From culture to purpose, storytelling to strategy,  this one is packed with inspiration and insight.  If leadership, storytelling, strategy and purpose speak to you, you’ll want to tune in. 

Ex-hostage negotiator and now expert speaker on communications and influence, Nigel Taberner has been in some seriously hostile situations. He shares his experience with us and explains how to listen to drive positive outcomes and connect with people quickly, and ultimately, how a succinct strategy is at the heart of success.

“If you don't see it, you can't feel it.” Ewen MacIntosh.   There is an art to storytelling, and it could be said that Scotland’s Whisky industry really has that art sussed. Ewen MacIntosh has recently retired from a 33 year career in the family owned, premium spirits company Gordon & MacPhail, the last decade of which he held the position of MD.   In this episode,...

Schools Special Episode   Do you want to create a strategy and communication approach in your school that will actually work?   ‘We often see strategies developed at that leadership level...Then it’s presented to the community, and there’s not the buy-in or the understanding of that strategy, because it hasn’t emerged from the voices of the community." David Burto...

"Transformation" is one of those words we hear everywhere. But what does it really mean, and how do we actually bring about change in organisations? In this short masterclass all these questions will be answered by Professor Donald Maclean, who has been researching transformation for over a decade. Breaking it down into three steps: "reimagine", "re-energise", "refocus", he'll walk you through how...

In this Mini Masterclass, communications expert  Kate Hooper walks you through her 3 steps to foster an emotional connection to any strategy/ambition/vision/big idea! Using 'Simplify', 'Personify' and 'Amplify', learn how to make your strategy really land by communicating it with your team on a human level. Themes and Topics: 00:50 - Introduction: Simplify, Personify, Amplify 02:24 - Simplify...

Back in the hot seat for another Masterclass, Professor Donald Maclean walks us through the concept of "Deep Structure" and how we can use it to lead teams through change. Transformation can be a scary and difficult process for an organisation and its workers. In this episode you'll learn why "Deep Structure" is an important tool in navigating this process, what it is, and how you can harness it i...

Devising your business strategy is only the first step - how do you make sure it lands with the people who will deliver it?   StrategyStory believes strong, effective communication is vital in getting people behind a strategy. In this masterclass, Donald Maclean asks Kate Hooper to walk you through her 3 steps to support excellent strategic communication. You'll learn how to use storytelling...

What is emergent strategy, and how could it revolutionise the way we manage organisations? Find out in this Mini Masterclass where Professor Donald Maclean will be quizzed by Kate Hooper on the ideas behind emergent strategy, how it harnesses creativity, and how it could be managed. Themes and Topics: 1:46 - Why should we care about emergent strategy? 3:15 - Command and control management isn't wo...

What if storytelling helped you to achieve your business’ dreams? This week Carolyn Currie, Chief Executive of Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES), shares how storytelling is central to her aim to make Scotland world-leading in its support for women-owned businesses. Kate and Carolyn discuss how sharing stories about WES inspires young women and girls, how story drives policy change...

Introducing a special bonus episode with podcast know-it-all Colin Gray... As the CEO of podcasting app Alitu and all-around podcast bible The Podcast Host, as well as the official partner for The StrategyStory Podcast (!), Colin has a lot to say about the power of podcasting. Phew... that was a lot of 'podcast's in one sentence! This week Kate and Donald dissect their podcast journey with Colin,...

Learn how to be a better storyteller by listening to this Mini Masterclass led by Kate Hooper, ex-BBC broadcaster and digital communications whizz. You'll not only find out why storytelling is so important for businesses, but you'll also learn how to craft a great story in 3 simple steps. Themes and Topics: 2:00 - Why do storytelling for business? 4:45 - Step 1 - Know Your Audience 9:32 - Step 2 -...

Darina Garland is CEO and co-founder of global pizza-oven sensation Ooni, one of the UK's fastest growing companies. Founded in 2012 by Darina and her husband, Kristian, Ooni now employs 350 people across Scotland, America, Germany and beyond. It’s a phenomenal story of entrepreneurship, creativity and growth, which she shares with Kate and Donald in this episode of the StrategyStory podcast...

As the founder of an app that helps creators to get their podcasts out into the world, Colin Gray has a lot to say about the power of the voice. Likewise, here at StrategyStory we want to get people talking to each other and figure out better ways for organisations to communicate internally and externally. In this episode of The StrategyStory Podcast, Colin chats to Donald and Kate about how...

In the first of our Mini Masterclasses, Professor Donald Maclean breaks down what we really mean by the word 'strategy'. In under 10 minutes you'll learn about its three main components, how to join these up to create a really ingenious strategy, and common misconceptions to avoid. Themes and Topics: 00.40 – Defining the term strategy 01.16 – The three main components of strategy 03.30...

Leading a team to produce the best possible results is a real skill. Hear from experienced business owners about their route to success. In the first interview of Series 1, StrategyStory's Kate Hooper talks to the impressive Kate Buell-Armstrong of the Admiral Group and Confused.com. They chat about Kate's background in business and how to really engage your team in your business strategies. Theme...

In this opener to The StrategyStory Podcast, Kate and Donald, co-founders of StrategyStory, will give you a taste of what to expect in Season 1.  Throughout the series you'll hear 6 interviews with guests who are pros in the fields of business and storytelling, and you’ll also get access to 4 special ‘Mini Masterclass’ episodes that delve deeper into relevant skills and tech...