Clare Murphy on Shared Narrative, Connection, and Building Real Team Cohesion

In this episode of the Slappin’ Glass Podcast, we sit down with master storyteller and communication expert Clare Murphy to explore the powerful role of storytelling, narrative, and communication in building culture within elite sports teams.Drawing on her work with organizations ranging from the Mission Critical Teams Institute to elite sports environments and NASA, Clare breaks down why stories—not information—are the most effective way leaders transmit belief, values, and identity to their teams.Together we dive into how coaches can use storytelling to build trust, strengthen cohesion, communicate under pressure, and shape the narrative of their teams. Clare also explores the neuroscience behind why stories stick in the brain, the difference between leadership and membership, and how rituals, shared narratives, and reflection practices can accelerate team belonging and performance. What You’ll LearnWhy storytelling is the most powerful tool for transmitting culture and belief within a teamHow stories activate emotion, empathy, and long-term learning in athletes’ brainsThe difference between top-down leadership and flexible “membership” within teamsHow coaches can co-create the story of a season with their players to build ownership and accountabilityPractical ways to use rituals, traditions, and storytelling exercises to strengthen team cohesionWhy information overload can sabotage halftime communication and how to simplify your messageHow leaders can transmit belief through presence, voice, and emotional controlWhy coaches must examine the stories they tell themselves about leadership and identityHow building a trusted peer network or coaching tribe can accelerate professional growth and combat isolationKey Topics & ConceptsStorytelling in coachingTeam culture and cohesionLeadership communicationMembership vs hierarchical leadershipCo-creating team narrativesHalftime communication strategiesEmotional regulation for coachesRituals and traditions in team cultureCoaching reflection and storytelling practiceSponsorsFastModel Sports has been helping coaches diagram plays for years, and now FastDraw, FastScout, and FastRecruit are integrated into Hudl’s full basketball ecosystem—allowing coaches to move seamlessly from play diagrams to film and player insights.Learn more at hudl.com/slappingglassSlappin’ Glass is also proud to partner with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Join thousands of coaches this April at the NABC Convention in Indianapolis, featuring clinics, film sessions, and networking with coaches from around the world.Register at nabc.com/conventionTo join coaches and championship winning staffs from the NBA to High School from over 70 different countries taking advantage of an SG Plus membership, visit HERE!