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 DOJO
I'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?
Online December 28 & 29
THRIVE!
“I know it’s time to think bigger, to step into my power, to rise to the next level. I want 2024 to be my year, but I don’t know how!”
Something is calling for change. The old ways of being and working just aren't working anymore.
Maybe it's the job that doesn't fit. Maybe it's an outworn identity that's too small and no longer serving.
Take time for YOU & step into the new year with clarity
Join us online and take a time of retreat and focus for yourself.
Using the powerful building blocks of personal story, potent questions and wisdom council, Thrive! offers you the gift of considering who you want to be, what that looks like and how you can get there.
Come and be hosted in a time of deep reflection, breakthrough conversations and taking the next elegant step.
You will come away with a deep sense of commitment to your next significant steps into your vibrant future, as well as a network of others to support you.
THRIVE! is a workshop for people who want to live their power.
28 & 29 December Online
Online January 1 - 7
By The Fireside
Shape the story of who you want to be in 2024 together with a community that will help you bring your vision to life
If you want to meet the world with courage and strength, the most positive thing you can give to yourself is the gift of mastering your own story. Being at home in yourself means the past can offer up wisdom, the present can be an opportunity and the future can present unexpected gifts.
Join me at the fire in the first days of the new year for a deeply personal journey into your own story.
Knowing where you are in your story is the first step to beginning to see, appreciate and change the landscape of your life.
We will support you to turn your story from what defines you into your ally and creative companion for success.
You'll discover the support of new friends from all over the world in our circle.
Find the gold in your stories and let them help you to soar. It's time to find your voice, claim your story and start living your brilliant life!
Play THE FLOW GAME
A playful way to take action on what really matters
Give yourself -- and the people who matter most -- the gift of a powerful future. Playing a Flow Game is exactly the support you need to put the foundation under your next steps.
The Flow Game is a combination of stimulating questions, wise coaching and deep reflection. Focusing on what matters most to you right now, your questions become the the entrée into a fun and easy tool that creates wise council for your burning issues.
Now is the perfect time!
A Flow Game is ideal for:
- Colleagues who want to innovate together
- A team needing wise council on a current or planned initiative
- Anyone seeking personal inspiration and a lift into their desired future
- A group or event where sparking out-of-the-box thinking is key
Find out what others say about their experience...
Contact Mary Alice if you are interested in becoming a Flow Game Host.
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