From Rule Breaker to Leader: Harnessing the Three Act Origin Story

Welcome back to Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief.We’re excited to bring you part three of our special series on the power of storytelling, featuring Will Greenblatt, founder of Outloud Speaker School. If you’re just joining us, now’s a perfect time: over this three-part journey, we’ve been unpacking not just why stories matter, but also how to craft your own compelling narrative, especially as a leader or sales professional.In this episode, we put the three-act origin story framework into practice. Will sat down with both of us to help shape our personal stories in real time. You’ll hear us dig deep—sometimes with vulnerability, sometimes with humor—reflecting on our backgrounds, challenges, and the moments that shaped us as people and professionals. We also discovered that telling a true story about who you are isn’t just engaging—it’s transformative, both for your audience and for you.If you’re in sales or a leadership role, or if you ever have to “tell your story” to anyone, this episode is packed with practical tips, real examples, and a dash of courage.Five Key Takeaways:Your Story is Your SuperpowerBoth the winding path and the struggles along the way are assets. Sharing the “nonlinear” reality of your career, or admitting you don’t always have it figured out, helps humanize you—building deeper trust with teams, recruits, and clients.Know Your Three Acts, Pick Your AnecdotesA three-act origin story structure helps you share a concise, powerful personal brand story. But anecdotes—like that embarrassing moment in music class—add color, relatability, and memorability to your introduction.Vulnerability Connects, Accomplishments ConvinceListing accolades is fine, but “real” stories make a greater impact—especially in sales. Opening up about moments of doubt, change, or fear (like thinking you’re unemployable!) allows others to see themselves in you and puts you on their side.Tailor Your Story to Your AudienceAdjust the focus and details depending on who’s listening—internal teams may appreciate more detailed, “inside” stories, while external clients may need clarity and brevity. Always ask: What helps this audience know, like, and trust me?Use Your Story Consistently—But Make it ConversationalDon’t memorize a script. Instead, get comfortable with the broad beats of your story so you can share the right piece at the right moment. Infuse your story into presentations, meetings, and even LinkedIn posts. The more you use it, the more it becomes a natural extension of your brand.A huge thank you to Will Greenblatt for guiding us through this live coaching session and sharing his ebook, which you can download here. Whether you lead, sell, or simply want to connect better, remember: people don’t just buy products, they buy people. Tell your story, stand out, and watch deeper connections—and better business—follow.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out the ebook below. We’ll see you next time on Lending Leadership: The Creative Brief!Rach & Rinn