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Strategic Storytelling: Why Some Stories Drive Your Success at Work But Others Don’t
In today's connection economy, the most successful leaders inspire their people with purpose and meaning. Powerful corporate storytelling can mobilise people around an organisational objective in a way that a focus on market share never will. Be it a digital transformation or a diversity and inclusion initiative, corporate change needs the support of the people in that organisation in order to stick.
Yet, while all stories can move people to take action, storytelling isn't a one size fits all. The most effective influencers learn to flex their narrative based on the audience's time or their level of expertise.
A story that works on the stage doesn't work in the boardroom
A story that works in the boardroom doesn't work in a team meeting
A story that works in a team meeting doesn't work in a one-to-one conversation
A story that works in one-to-one conversation doesn't work in sales...
Anjali Sharma introduces leaders and ambitious influencers to the Who, Why and How of strategic storytelling in business, enabling them bring about change and drive corporate success by telling exactly the right story in the right way.
Yet, while all stories can move people to take action, storytelling isn't a one size fits all. The most effective influencers learn to flex their narrative based on the audience's time or their level of expertise.
A story that works on the stage doesn't work in the boardroom
A story that works in the boardroom doesn't work in a team meeting
A story that works in a team meeting doesn't work in a one-to-one conversation
A story that works in one-to-one conversation doesn't work in sales...
Anjali Sharma introduces leaders and ambitious influencers to the Who, Why and How of strategic storytelling in business, enabling them bring about change and drive corporate success by telling exactly the right story in the right way.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2024
12 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 17, 2025
In Strategic Storytelling, Anjali Sharma delivers a compelling guide to one of today’s most vital leadership skills: using the power of story to drive meaningful change in business. As the world shifts from the information economy to the connection economy, Sharma positions storytelling not as a “soft skill” but as a strategic tool that can mobilize teams, align objectives, and ignite action.
At the heart of Sharma’s approach is a powerful yet practical insight: not all stories work in all settings. A keynote-worthy tale may fall flat in a boardroom. A metrics-laced case study might alienate a one-on-one coaching conversation. Sharma breaks down these contexts with clarity, showing readers how to choose the right story for the right audience at the right time.
What sets this book apart is its structure around the Who, Why, and How of storytelling:
• Who is your audience? What do they care about?
• Why are you telling this story—what change are you trying to create?
• How should the story be crafted and delivered to best achieve your aim?
Whether you’re navigating digital transformation, leading a diversity initiative, or selling a vision to stakeholders, Sharma emphasizes that people buy into meaning, not just strategy. Her framework helps readers move beyond generic “narrative” and into storytelling that creates alignment, emotional connection, and real-world traction.
Packed with real-life business examples, Sharma’s writing is as engaging as it is informative. She doesn’t just tell you that stories matter—she shows you how to make them matter, especially in high-stakes, high-impact environments. The guidance here is nuanced yet actionable, making it a valuable resource not just for C-suite executives, but also for team leaders, HR professionals, and change agents at every level.
Verdict:
Strategic Storytelling is a must-read for modern leaders looking to influence with integrity and intention. Anjali Sharma has written the new playbook for communication in the age of purpose-driven work—and it’s one that will sit proudly on the shelf of anyone serious about leadership, transformation, and human connection.
At the heart of Sharma’s approach is a powerful yet practical insight: not all stories work in all settings. A keynote-worthy tale may fall flat in a boardroom. A metrics-laced case study might alienate a one-on-one coaching conversation. Sharma breaks down these contexts with clarity, showing readers how to choose the right story for the right audience at the right time.
What sets this book apart is its structure around the Who, Why, and How of storytelling:
• Who is your audience? What do they care about?
• Why are you telling this story—what change are you trying to create?
• How should the story be crafted and delivered to best achieve your aim?
Whether you’re navigating digital transformation, leading a diversity initiative, or selling a vision to stakeholders, Sharma emphasizes that people buy into meaning, not just strategy. Her framework helps readers move beyond generic “narrative” and into storytelling that creates alignment, emotional connection, and real-world traction.
Packed with real-life business examples, Sharma’s writing is as engaging as it is informative. She doesn’t just tell you that stories matter—she shows you how to make them matter, especially in high-stakes, high-impact environments. The guidance here is nuanced yet actionable, making it a valuable resource not just for C-suite executives, but also for team leaders, HR professionals, and change agents at every level.
Verdict:
Strategic Storytelling is a must-read for modern leaders looking to influence with integrity and intention. Anjali Sharma has written the new playbook for communication in the age of purpose-driven work—and it’s one that will sit proudly on the shelf of anyone serious about leadership, transformation, and human connection.
March 27, 2025
Anjali Sharma's "Strategic Storytelling" is a refreshing and insightful guide that cuts through the noise surrounding workplace narratives. Sharma doesn't just preach the power of stories; she meticulously dissects why certain stories resonate and drive tangible success while others fall flat. Her clear, practical framework, grounded in real-world examples and actionable strategies, empowers readers to craft compelling narratives that align with their professional goals. This isn't a book of fluffy anecdotes, but a strategic toolkit for anyone looking to leverage storytelling as a powerful tool for influence, leadership, and career advancement.
Sharma's writing is both engaging and accessible, making complex concepts digestible for readers at all levels. She skillfully balances theoretical understanding with practical application, providing clear guidance on identifying your audience, structuring your narrative, and delivering your story with impact. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your career, "Strategic Storytelling" offers invaluable insights into harnessing the persuasive power of narrative to navigate the modern workplace. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to communicate more effectively and achieve greater professional success.
Sharma's writing is both engaging and accessible, making complex concepts digestible for readers at all levels. She skillfully balances theoretical understanding with practical application, providing clear guidance on identifying your audience, structuring your narrative, and delivering your story with impact. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your career, "Strategic Storytelling" offers invaluable insights into harnessing the persuasive power of narrative to navigate the modern workplace. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to communicate more effectively and achieve greater professional success.
September 21, 2025
I used to think storytelling was something that belonged to marketers or journalists. After reading Strategic Storytelling, I’ve come to realise it’s much more than that—it’s one of the most powerful forms of communication in any business organisation.
One of the most striking insights from the book was the clear distinction between a story and a narrative:
🔹 Stories are rooted in the past, often with characters and lessons that help us make sense of experiences.
🔹 Narratives are forward-looking, asking people to adopt new ways of doing things and guiding us toward a future we want to be part of.
This difference might seem subtle, but it’s crucial. Stories help us understand; narratives inspire us to move. And knowing when to use which—whether in informal conversations or in moments of organisational change—can make or break communication.
Another takeaway I loved: stories connect best when they tie into people’s lived experiences. Leaders who share personal stories don’t just talk strategy—they make it relatable, memorable, and human.
In a world overflowing with information, this book reminded me that every message carries intent. Learning to tell stories and shape narratives strategically isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential.
Highly recommend this read to anyone navigating leadership, communication, or organisational change.
One of the most striking insights from the book was the clear distinction between a story and a narrative:
🔹 Stories are rooted in the past, often with characters and lessons that help us make sense of experiences.
🔹 Narratives are forward-looking, asking people to adopt new ways of doing things and guiding us toward a future we want to be part of.
This difference might seem subtle, but it’s crucial. Stories help us understand; narratives inspire us to move. And knowing when to use which—whether in informal conversations or in moments of organisational change—can make or break communication.
Another takeaway I loved: stories connect best when they tie into people’s lived experiences. Leaders who share personal stories don’t just talk strategy—they make it relatable, memorable, and human.
In a world overflowing with information, this book reminded me that every message carries intent. Learning to tell stories and shape narratives strategically isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential.
Highly recommend this read to anyone navigating leadership, communication, or organisational change.
January 24, 2025
This book shows leaders how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences to foster buy-in for organizational change. Learn to adapt your story for maximum impact.
This book offers some unique insights, especially into how best to use storytelling with an executive audience. It’s useful for anyone who wants to improve their communication or marketing skills. It’s smart, engaging, and easy to read.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book offers some unique insights, especially into how best to use storytelling with an executive audience. It’s useful for anyone who wants to improve their communication or marketing skills. It’s smart, engaging, and easy to read.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 1, 2025
If you need or want to know how to make a persuasive storytelling, Ajali Sharma has your back!!
In Strategic Storytelling, you will learn to elaborate powerful stories, being this for business, relationships, or you name it, in easy steps
Highly recommended!
In Strategic Storytelling, you will learn to elaborate powerful stories, being this for business, relationships, or you name it, in easy steps
Highly recommended!
August 2, 2025
Very practical. Will definitely use this in the future as a reference.
October 9, 2025
I am so happy that I was able to grab a copy of this book. I've always wanted to learn writing stories and this book is just what I need. Even though the content is more on storytelling in corporate setting, I still learned a lot of good tips. The author structured the book in a way that is easy to follow and digest. There are so many good samples that can guide writers to write effective stories. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews