Trust as the Currency of Change: Storytelling, Persuasion & Narrative Leadership

EPISODE SUMMARYIn this solo episode of Braver New Worlds, Nathan Young explores the connection between storytelling, persuasion, and leadership — and why the future may depend on thoughtful people learning how to communicate their ideas more effectively.Drawing from themes of psychology, rhetoric, and social change, Nathan breaks down Aristotle’s rhetorical framework of persuasion (“ethos, pathos, and logos”) and argues that trust is often the hidden force underneath persuasion itself. Through stories, examples, and reflections from his own work with nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives, he explores why credibility and emotional connection matter more than simply having good ideas.Nathan also discusses how storytelling helps people communicate not just what they do, but what they believe, why they believe it, and the kind of future they want to help create. Along the way, he reflects on entrepreneurship, creative work, community, social fragmentation, AI, inequality, and the need for more people to confidently speak about the world they want to build.This episode is ultimately an invitation: to clarify your values, think more deeply about persuasion, and become more intentional about sharing your story with others.ABOUT NATHAN YOUNGNathan Young is the founder of StoryCulture Consulting, where he helps mission-driven leaders, teams, and entrepreneurs develop clarity, confidence, and influence through storytelling and narrative strategy. With over a decade of experience in coaching, training, and facilitation, his work focuses on what he calls “Narrative Leadership”—the ability to communicate vision, build trust, and mobilize people through story.Through live events like Big Idea Night, his podcast Braver New Worlds, and his consulting work, Nathan explores how storytelling shapes identity, leadership, and culture—and how individuals can use their story to create meaningful change in their lives and communities.LinksBig Idea Night:bigideanight.comNathan Young / StoryCulture Consulting:StoryCulture ConsultingInstagram:Big Idea Night InstagramPodcast:Braver New Worlds