There are extraordinary ideas that never become reality. They never rise to the surface, because people never understood the story.
Bridget Cook-Burch made this point during our recent conversation on You Are What You Give, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
She has spent decades helping people uncover and tell their stories as a bestselling author, ghostwriter, speaker a “Book Whisperer.” So we spent time exploring how a story can unlock potential.
The Story We Tell Ourselves
Is a story about what you share with others? Or is it first and foremost about what you’re telling yourself?
A leader may have an extraordinary vision while carrying a much smaller internal story about what he or she is capable of accomplishing.
We could never raise that much.
We’re not ready to grow.
I’m not the person who can lead something that large.
But if we’re focused and intentional, telling our story helps us recognize both where we’ve been and what might actually be possible going forward.
Give Someone Else a Place in the Story
Founders often have compelling reasons for beginning their work. And of course, their stories carry consequential weight.
But Bridget peels back the curtain a bit, reminding us that the story can’t remain only about the founder.
If I hear your story and walk away impressed by you, you’ve told me a good story.
If I hear it and begin to understand the role I could play in what happens next, you’ve accomplished far more meaningful. That’s not a pitch. It’s an invitaiton to join you.
Maybe our job isn’t simply to convince people that our organizations are worthy of support. It’s to help them see how their own values, resources and aspirations can become part of something we’re building together.
When a Story Becomes Bigger Than Its Storyteller
Think about it. Have you seen how some of the strongest organizations develop many storytellers. They can be staff, volunteers, board members, donors and beneficiaries.
When these folks can say “this is part of my story too”, it grows.
Watch the Conversation
My conversation with Bridget Cook-Burch ranges from personal storytelling and leadership to fundraising, founder syndrome, succession and the stories we tell ourselves about what’s possible.
But the question underneath all of it may be quite simple:
Are you telling a story people can understand, believe, and see themselves joining?
Connect with Bridget Cook-Burch
🌐 YourInspiredStory.com
📱 Instagram: Bridget Cook-Burch https://www.instagram.com/bridgetcookburch/
📚 Learn more about Bridget's books, storytelling work, and Inspired Writers Retreat through her website.
As always, thank you to Victoria Hearst, whose generosity helps make You Are What You Give possible.
