In this powerful episode of Unlocked, host Madelyn Blair sits down with renowned storytellers Loren Niemi and TJ Elliott to explore how stories can move boulders—transforming organizations, communities, and even ourselves. Discover the unique ways storytelling drives change and resilience, as Loren and TJ share their decades of expertise from the worlds of business, theater, and the art of narrative. With captivating real-world examples, this conversation shines a light on the stories worth telling, the layers of history and belief behind them, and how to unlock their impact for leaders at every level. Whether you’re a CEO, team leader, innovator, or aspiring storyteller, you’ll gain actionable insights on harnessing story as a transformative vehicle.
Overview:
In this episode you will:
Learn why storytelling is a crucial vehicle—not just a tool—for driving meaningful change in leadership, careers, and organizations. Hear compelling examples of how stories connect us, shape beliefs, and influence both personal and collective histories. Discover practical advice for leaders on leveraging story—through listening, metaphor, analogy, and personal reflection—to foster engagement and innovation. Explore how organizations can subvert or amplify their own stories, and how you, as a leader or change-maker, can find and share the stories that matter.
Guest Introduction:
Guest Loren Niemi is a master storyteller with nearly 50 years' experience creating, performing, teaching, and writing stories that illuminate the human experience. A recipient of the National Storytelling Network’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Loren is founder of the American School of Storytelling, which offers workshops and classes on crafting impactful narratives for both personal and business settings. He is the author and co-author of several acclaimed books, including “What Haunts Us” and “Inviting the Wolf In,” and an expert in helping individuals and organizations rediscover the transformative power of storytelling.
Guest TJ Elliott, formerly Chief Learning Officer at ETS, is the co-founder of the innovative theater company Knowledge Workings. With a career spanning corporate learning, HR, and the performing arts, TJ brings vivid insight into organizational culture, leadership, and storytelling on stage and off. A playwright, director, and business innovator, TJ is also co-author of “Smarter Innovation” and is passionate about teaching others to visualize and “self-produce” their narratives, both in business and in the creative arts.
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