Story Driven

What's "Story Driven: You Don't Need to Compete When You Know Who You Are" about?

• Identity over competition: The book emphasizes the importance of knowing who you are and using that identity as a foundation for success, rather than competing with others.
• Story-driven framework: Bernadette Jiwa introduces a framework that helps individuals and companies articulate and live their stories authentically.
• Purpose and impact: It focuses on creating meaningful work and making a positive impact, rather than just achieving financial success.
• Real-life examples: The book includes case studies of companies like Tesla and Wikipedia to illustrate how being story-driven can lead to success.

Why should I read "Story Driven"?

• Clarity and direction: It provides a framework for understanding and articulating your personal or business identity, which can guide decision-making.
• Inspiration from examples: The book offers inspiring stories of companies and individuals who have succeeded by staying true to their identity.
• Practical advice: It includes actionable steps and prompts to help you develop your own story-driven strategy.
• Shift in mindset: Reading it can help shift your focus from competing to mattering, leading to more fulfilling work and life.

What are the key takeaways of "Story Driven"?

• Identity is powerful: Knowing who you are is a competitive advantage that can lead to success without the need to compete.
• Story-driven strategy: A clear narrative can guide your actions and decisions, aligning them with your values and purpose.
• Purpose over profit: Successful companies often prioritize making a difference over just making money.
• Cultural impact: A strong internal narrative can shape company culture and drive long-term success.

How does Bernadette Jiwa define a "story-driven company"?

• Responsive to customers: These companies prioritize understanding and meeting customer needs over competing with others.
• Clear sense of purpose: They have a well-defined mission and vision that guide their actions and decisions.
• Values-driven culture: Their internal culture is aligned with their values, leading to consistent and authentic actions.
• Long-term impact: They focus on making a positive impact on society and their customers, rather than just short-term profits.

What is the "Story-Driven Framework" introduced by Bernadette Jiwa?

• Backstory: Understanding the journey to now, including key events and influences that shaped you or your company.
• Values: Identifying the guiding beliefs that influence decisions and actions.
• Purpose: Defining the reason for existence and the change you want to create.
• Vision: Articulating the aspiration for the future and the impact you want to have.
• Strategy: Aligning opportunities, plans, and behavior to deliver on your purpose and work towards your vision.

What are some of the best quotes from "Story Driven" and what do they mean?

• "To know who you are is the greatest power of all." This quote emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and identity as a foundation for success.
• "Great companies have something in common: they don’t try to matter by winning. They win by mattering." It highlights the idea that true success comes from making a meaningful impact, not just from beating the competition.
• "The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller." This quote, attributed to Steve Jobs, underscores the transformative power of storytelling in shaping perceptions and driving change.

How does "Story Driven" suggest you develop your story-driven strategy?

• Reflect on your backstory: Understand the key events and influences that have shaped your journey.
• Identify your values: Clearly articulate the beliefs that guide your decisions and actions.
• Define your purpose: Determine the reason your business or career exists and the change you want to create.
• Articulate your vision: Set a clear aspiration for the future and the impact you want to have.
• Align your strategy: Ensure your plans and actions are consistent with your values, purpose, and vision.

What are some real-life examples of story-driven companies mentioned in "Story Driven"?

• Tesla: Focused on accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy, with a clear mission and innovative approach.
• Wikipedia: Provides free access to the sum of human knowledge, driven by values of openness and collaboration.
• Emma Bridgewater Pottery: Combines tradition and creativity to make everyday life a little bit nicer, with a focus on British manufacturing.
• Les Mills Group: Aims to create a fitter, healthier planet through innovative fitness programs and a strong community focus.

How does "Story Driven" differentiate between competition-driven and story-driven companies?

• Competition-driven companies: Reactive to the marketplace, focused on beating competitors and maximizing profits.
• Story-driven companies: Responsive to customers, with a clear sense of purpose and identity, prioritizing impact over profit.
• Cultural alignment: Story-driven companies have a culture that aligns with their values and mission, leading to consistent actions.
• Long-term success: Story-driven companies often achieve long-term success by making a meaningful impact on society and their customers.

What advice does Bernadette Jiwa give for building a story-driven company culture?

• Align values and actions: Ensure that your company's values are reflected in everyday actions and decisions.
• Empower employees: Create a culture where employees feel motivated and engaged by understanding their role in the company's story.
• Focus on impact: Prioritize making a positive impact on customers and society, rather than just financial success.
• Consistent narrative: Maintain a consistent internal and external narrative that aligns with your company's purpose and vision.

How can individuals apply the concepts from "Story Driven" to their personal lives?

• Self-reflection: Take time to understand your personal backstory and the events that have shaped you.
• Identify core values: Clearly define the values that guide your decisions and actions in life.
• Set a personal purpose: Determine the change you want to create in your life and the impact you want to have on others.
• Articulate a vision: Envision the future you want to create for yourself and align your actions with that vision.

What role does storytelling play in the success of a company, according to "Story Driven"?

• Guides actions: A clear story helps guide a company's actions and decisions, ensuring they align with its values and purpose.
• Builds trust: Authentic storytelling can build trust with customers and employees, leading to stronger relationships.
• Differentiates brand: A unique story can differentiate a brand from its competitors, making it more memorable and impactful.
• Drives change: Storytelling can inspire change and innovation, helping a company to adapt and thrive in a competitive market.