2026 - Studying Great Speakers Episode 8: Storytelling for Leaders with Mark Busse

How to Tell Stories That Win Buy-In: Storytelling for Executive CommunicationMost leaders know they need stories. Almost none feel ready to tell them. They worry they are not creative enough, that storytelling feels manipulative, or that they simply do not know where to begin.In this episode, Stephanie Bickel sits down with Mark Busse, a storytelling expert, executive coach, and speechwriter who has written for two U.S. Presidents, a governor, and a sitting U.S. Senator. Together they break down why storytelling is one of the most authentic things a leader can do, how to build a story inventory you can pull from on demand, and the exact moments where most people lose their audience.You will also hear the career-defining moment a Hollywood executive looked Mark in the eye and told him the words that changed how he communicates to this day.You'll learn:→ The 3 reasons leaders resist storytelling and how to move past each one→ How to build a story inventory you can start today→ Why the moral of the story has to be unmistakable for a business audience→ Where to slow down and add detail, and where to set the stage→ How to contribute in any meeting by asking for a story, even as the most junior person in the roomWhether you are pitching an idea, preparing for a performance review, or trying to lead with more authority, this episode gives you practical tools to make your message land and stick. Leadership communication is not just about the facts you present. It is about the story you build around them.Mark is joining us live at Sharpen and Elevate in Chicago on July 15. Registration closes June 30. https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026LINKS:Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/joinGet Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certificationHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.