Introducing ‘Curve Ball Stories’

Stories work best when there are moments of transformation, when the stakes are high and they become a source of learning.

Out of all the story-sharing sessions I’ve facilitated over the years, one experience stands out. It was the inaugural awayday for Thomas Cook Money, November 2017 at a country house in Kent. We’d had an afternoon exploring stories. We ended the day gathering around the fireside with each team member sharing their own story of dealing with curveball moments in their life.

Sharing stories of the challenges we’ve faced and how we’ve overcome them reveals something meaningful about ourselves. And when we do that in a group setting, it fast-tracks relationships. It helps us get to know one another quickly. That Thomas Cook Money awayday created such a strong bond between the team. People who’d met for the first time only that morning said how touched they’d been when they’d heard someone else’s story. They felt a stronger connection; they bonded.

All of us have a moment when life throws a curveball - a challenge, a disruption or an unexpected shift. These stories are powerful. They reveal resilience, character and the real human behind the job title. Not only are such stories bonding, they can strengthen culture. They can teach us and encourage a growth mindset.

Having seen the impact of such story-sharing sessions many times over the years, I’m pleased to be launching ‘Curveball Stories’ as a product. Curveball Stories is a high‑impact, half‑day experience designed for senior leadership teams who want to deepen trust, strengthen relationships and have first-hand experience of the magic that happens when you share these defining moments. It demonstrates how storytelling is a powerful, strategic tool to have in your leadership toolkit.

Curveball Stories is available to integrate into your next management offsite or leadership meeting. If you’re interested to know more email me ian@iansanders.com for a chat or more information.