Yamini Naidu was an economist fully immersed in corporate life when she was introduced to the power of storytelling. Today, she's helping businesses and leaders around the globe to use business storytelling to create the kinds of heartfelt connections that produce lasting results.

Joining Traci, Yamini shares why productivity and connection are better off when they’re working hand in hand. She dives into what she's learned from corporate life about human nature and our undeniable need to engage. Yamini makes the case that without connection, people and businesses focused solely on metrics and data are putting themselves at a disadvantage.

Hear her advice on telling stories that resonate and how you can encourage storytelling as a listener on the sidewalk. Also, hear her wish for you as a sidewalk-talk volunteer or friend as she shares why the work we do is helping to change the world as we know it.

Episode Timeline:

• [00:09] Intro

• [00:57] Meet Yamini Naidu

• [04:58] Her lightbulb moment

• [08:01] Story telling: what's the point?

• [10:58] The productivity-connection binary

• [15:31] How personal is too personal in storytelling

• [18:16] Tips for telling better stories as a leader

• [21:24] Finding Yamini and her work

• [22:41] Moving people from logos to pathos as a listener

• [24:39] Yamini Naidu’s wish for you

• [27:23] Outro

Resources Mentioned:

• Yamininaidu.com.au

• Story Mastery by Yamini Naidu

• The Leader’s Guide to Storytelling by Stephen Denning

• HBR Telling Tales by Steve Denning

Standout Quotes:

• “We're very focused on being linear data based non emotional, analytical. But that doesn't even speak to people's hearts and who they are.” -Yamini Naidu [05:22]

• “I think it's the ultimate best workplace when we're actually getting stuff done, feeling really mission driven and feeling connected all at the same time. I mean, that's the sweet spot, right and what you're describing and storytelling seems like the way when crafted carefully to make that happen.” -Traci Ruble  [20:53]

• “So just create a space where we can go deep, but a safe space where we can go deep, and it's really rich and rewarding. And it's so good for our mental health or emotional health.” -Yamini Naidu [22:29]

Connect:

Find | Sidewalk Talk 
At sidewalk-talk.org
On Instagram: @sidewalktalkorg
On Twitter: @sidewalktalkorg

Find | Traci Ruble
At Traciruble.com
On Instagram: @TraciRubleMFT
On Twitter: @TraciRubleMFT
On Facebook: @TraciRubleMFT

Find | Yamini Naidu
At yamininaidu.com.au
On LinkedIn: @Yamininaidu

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