Why is understanding story so important?
Most people believe that stories live in the pages of books, but the most important stories in the world are hidden. They live inside us. They are created through the meaning we make of our experiences. Day by day. Moment by moment.
The stories we hold are our lens on the world. They frame what we see and who we can be as a result. They determine our agency -- our ability to take action and make impact.
Whether you see possibilities or problems, competition or potential colleagues depends on your story. Most people aren't even aware their story is in the driver's seat and they are being taken for a ride, all the while wishing desperately to go down a different road.
This happens both for individuals and systemically.
Here's the thing: We live in a story and that means we can change it.
Changing your personal story is the first step towards living the future you want. When you claim your story, you learn to trust yourself and your impact expands. You shine brighter and the world will beat a path to your door.
When we change the stories we live in collectively, at work and in the spheres we are part of -- when they are more positive and generative -- life gets better for everyone. Work becomes more fulfilling, community becomes more connected and everyone benefits.
The power of transformation lies in the stories we choose to activate. In life, at work, in society: It's time to tell a better story.
Story is all about agency -- your ability to take action. Have a listen...
The aspects of great storymaking
Telling a better story is about more than technique. If you want to lead with story, you need more than a simple list of elements. SOAR works with five core aspects to bring story to life within individuals and systems.
Together these aspects form a potent strategy. When you work with your own stories, you build personal and interpersonal capacity. When we work with stories together -- as leaders in work and life -- we increase our capacity for collective wise action.
Whatever the change you're seeking, your story -- and how you host it into life -- is the key.
What is Story Activism?
Hosting brave & transformative spaces
GET THE BOOK
Longing for a larger, more authentic life? Let 365 ALIVE! be your guide.
What's the most important story in the world? It's the one you tell yourself.
Click for more information on the book & free downloads.
More about 365 ALIVE!JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Join us at the fire & bring your story to life
THE STORY DOJO is an online community for exploring, ideating and practicing all aspects of story.
Take the 365 ALIVE! journey and see what's coming up.
More about THE STORY DOJOI'm Mary Alice & I'm a Story Activist
I've been travelling the world and going in and out of organizations, systems, communities and cultures for decades. In working with both individuals and groups, I realized STORY is the secret superpower of humanity. The stories we tell are creating the world we're living in. Every moment. Every day. Story by story.
YOUR STORY IS YOUR FOUNDATION & YOUR KEY TO THE FUTURE -- the roadmap for enabling your purpose in the world.
Your story acts as a beacon lighting the way. What most people don't realize is that you aren't stuck with the current situation -- you can make the choice to activate a better story.
I guide people longing to live a larger and more authentic life to uncover and craft the story that compels them to live that life. And I work with groups to find the stories that will bring their vision and potential into focus and action.
JUST FINDING YOUR STORY IS NOT ENOUGH, YOU NEED TO BRING IT TO LIFE -- especially if the story involves others.
Taking action to live your own story -- and working with others to help a new story take root in the world -- is vital. And there are so many stories that need changing now! I'm a great storyteller, but I'm even better at coaching people to hone the capacity to activate and empower stories to life.
How you take action, especially with others, matters. And with a story and skill, anyone can make change in themselves and in this world!
My book, my story community, the programs I offer and how I work as a Story Activist are the ways I'm making my contribution to grow our individual and collective futures.
I just love working with groups! Here's Brian Tarallo's harvest of my workshop "Change Your Story, Change the World" at the Power of Visuals Week-a-thon. CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO EXPAND IT
Isn't it time to bring a new Story to life?
Check for timings
Play a Flow Game
The beginning of the year is a perfect moment for self reflection, deep listening and being in a circle of generous hearts. It's a great time to get the wisdom to put your best foot forward in 2024.
A Flow Game is a playful way to talk about what really matters. Let's face it -- we could all use more fun while we move in the direction of our dreams!
Take time for YOU & step into the next moment with clarity
I'm offering Flow Games with a variety of timings. No matter where you are in the world, one of them should suit you.
It's the best 2.5 hours you could invest in yourself!
Come and play a Flow Game with me!
Interested in becoming a Flow Game Host?
I'm co-hosting an onsite training in Denmark October 18 - 20 with Flow Game creator Toke Møller. Places are still available.
March 16
How do we practice community in times of chaos & change?
If there was ever a time to be both a competent practitioner and a conscious human being, it is now. This is an invitation to come together with practitioners around the world to talk about how we stay in conscious practice and deepen our connection in times like these.
How do we extend and deepen the personal practices that keep us grounded, awake and helpful? How do we practice together in conscious, humane community? How do we connect -- and stay connected -- sharing our capacity and resources to help others stay together to make wiser decisions during times like these?
If you are a changemaker, facilitator, group process person, visual practitioner, graphic recorder, participatory process enthusiast, coach, group leader, community member or someone who wants to be part of conversations that really matter and make transformative change, then this is for YOU!
Inspired by the Art of Hosting practice, this FREE event offers the opportunity to share practice stories and practical applications, follow the inquiry that calls you and deepen your practice.
Open to all
Free & online
April 18 - 20
Art of Participatory Leadership training
The world we live in is no longer the same. The ways in which we used to work don’t feel fit for purpose anymore. The future we want – one of truly collaborative effort towards the greater good, and an awareness that the world needs each of us to engage more deeply – is not just incrementally different from today but rather, requires a fundamental shift in how we imagine and effect change… it is a radical transformation.
How can we grow our individual and collective capacity as changemakers to co-create spaces of transformation in these times of complexity and disruption?
Building the capacity to collaborate well with a diversity of others lies in being able to meet the moment in such a way that people stay together to create transformation.
The Art of Participatory Leadership is three day onsite training where you learn to blend and tailor a combination of methods. You deepen your practice as a changemaker with an understanding of underlying patterns of process design.
You are warmly invited to join us!
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Download your free chapter!
Wondering how story can impact democracy and governance?
"I turned to Mary Alice for support in a critical time in my work to successfully navigate a difficult merger and rebuild the team. I consider the coaching and support key factors in the success of this project. Her warm and wise presence by my side empowered me and impacted the entire organization with lasting results."
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Nora Ganescu
Consultant & coach, Slovakia
"Mary Alice has been a guide on our journey of service transformation in different ways over seven years. She brings crisp clarity, sharp focus, deep wisdom and a collection of stories that create space for potent conversations and insights."
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Penny Hamilton
Fromer Strategic Partnerships Manager, Uniting Care, Queensland, Australia
"Mary Alice has the sort of grounded presence that can hold a group of any size. I experienced her leading one of the best conferences I've attended. Many people are competent and skilled. Mary Alice has that extra spark that makes her truly inspirational."
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David Sibbet
Founder, The Grove Consultants International, USA