Great Leaders Tell Good Stories: How to Craft a Narrative That Inspires

In tech, we often focus on the data, the metrics, and the complex engineering behind products, but let me share a truth that cuts across every aspect of our industry: great leaders tell great stories.

Take Apple, for instance. Every keynote they deliver isn’t just about the specs or the new products they launch—like their latest event in It's Glow Time—it's about taking the audience on a journey. They don’t just show you what’s new; they invite you to experience why it matters. This approach is key to their success. But storytelling isn’t just a strategy for product launches. It’s a powerful tool that you can use in your own career to stand out, connect, and inspire.

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Crafting Your Own Story in Tech

Whether you’re a student breaking into tech or a professional advancing in your career, learning to tell your story effectively is critical. Your journey is unique, and it’s that narrative—not just your resume—that will help you make meaningful connections.

When you’re in an interview or presenting a project, think beyond the tasks and responsibilities. Take your audience on the journey with you. Instead of simply stating, “I led a project that optimized a system,” share the full picture:

• The challenge: What problem were you solving? Why was it important?

• The approach: How did you tackle the problem? What decisions did you make and why?

• The outcome: What was the impact? How did your solution make things better?

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Applying Storytelling to Interviews

In interviews, it's not enough to list your skills and achievements. You want to help the interviewer understand your journey from your perspective. Take the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), but add depth by painting a vivid picture of what you faced, how you tackled it, and why it made a difference.

For example, when asked, “Tell me about a time you led a team under a tight deadline,” don’t just focus on the actions you took. Highlight the challenges, the stakes, and how you and your team overcame them. Make the interviewer feel like they were right there with you, experiencing the pressure and seeing the results.

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Making Complex Concepts Relatable

Storytelling isn’t just for interviews. If you’re in a technical role, you’ve likely had to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders. How do you make them understand and care? By turning it into a story.

For instance, instead of diving straight into the technical details of a system migration, set the stage by explaining the problem your team was solving, the potential risks, and how your solution not only fixed the issue but also improved the system’s efficiency and user experience.

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Leadership Through Storytelling

As you grow in your career, storytelling will become an essential part of how you lead. Whether you're rallying your team around a project, presenting to stakeholders, or mentoring others, the ability to convey your vision in a compelling way will set you apart.

Think of the most effective leaders you’ve encountered. Chances are, they didn’t just tell you what to do—they shared why it mattered. They made you feel invested in the outcome.

That’s the power of a good story!