Now’s the Time to Share Your Leadership Story. Follow Our 4 Tips to Get Started

Whenever I think about storytelling, I’m reminded of Nicole Kidman’s AMC Theatres introduction. I’ve watched her enough to memorize her monologue, but I can’t help but appreciate how effectively she sets the tone for the audience, no matter what they’re watching. (Also, it’s made its way into mainstream pop culture, with even its own SNL skit)

As the lights dim and we settle into our cushioned seats, we listen to her all too familiar voice priming us for the next two hours of the movie: “Our heroes feel like the best part of us, and stories feel perfect and powerful—because here, they are.”

We all have at least one story that sticks with us as memorable entertainment or a pivotal life lesson. It’s one of the many reasons why, as a woman leader, you want to craft a narrative powerful enough to rise above the noise and leave a mark. You want your career journey to set an example for others, inspiring women who walk in your footsteps to become stronger advocates for themselves and others.  

So, how do you do it? 

Here are some of our tips. 

1. Prepare a blueprint. 

Compelling storytelling requires structure. For instance, the backbone of any award-winning movie or show is its script and directorial influence. Then come the finer details like its actors, world-building, and character development. There should always be a clear arc from beginning to end, and a problem and solution you encounter. Mapping those points first will help the rest of the storytelling process run more seamlessly. 

Consider our founder, Sandy Ko Fonseca, as an example. At every CCWomen conference, she explains how CCWomen was birthed from an early morning mimosa breakfast. There, she noticed a need for community. Women sought a space where they could empower one another, but there were few avenues for it. So, Sandy gathered her network, began hosting events within CCW, and launched a membership platform to propel women and help them succeed.

At CCWomen, our origin story is our bedrock. It highlights our why and how, allowing us to build off it as we grow.  

2. Bridge your professional experiences and core values.

Was there a specific event that drove you to become a leader? Maybe you noticed that your board consisted only of men and you wanted to be the first to disrupt that pattern. Or, you might have stepped into a more directorial role so that you could promote more qualified women and help them get the recognition they deserve. 

Your story should demonstrate how your core values drive your career decisions. For Sandy, it was her passion for DEIA, combined with her interests in expanding her professional network and celebrating other women. (Our four pillars reflect this.)

Remember to stay true to who you are; the rest of your narrative will follow.

3. Don’t be afraid of vulnerability. Lean into it. 

If you keep your leadership story at the surface level, your engagement will remain at the surface level. Vulnerability is daunting because it requires you to be transparent, but in the realm of storytelling, it can be a strength. Whether baring yourself to your team or at a speaking engagement, you can foster a more open culture where others feel safe enough to share their experiences.

Do you want to inspire and drive people to meaningful action? Do you strive to advocate for a cause by contributing your voice and increasing awareness? Think about the message you want to deliver; allow your personal convictions to shine through. 

4. Prioritize genuine connections with your audience. 

In our overwhelmingly digital world, people crave real, human-to-human connection. Building relationships with your audience solidifies trust, boosts engagement, and makes you more approachable.

It all comes down to the responses you want to get from your efforts. Are your long-term goals to establish yourself as a thought leader within your industry? Or are you at a stage in your career where you want to mentor others? Telling your leadership story can catalyze growth for both you and your listeners. By building those connections, you can inspire, empower, or challenge more effectively—and create a legacy worth remembering. 

Propel your career journey with CCWomen. 

At CCWomen, we want to celebrate you—the passionate and ambitious working woman. Created by women, for women and allies, our membership platform is here to equip you with the resources you need to thrive. 

Whether a year or two decades into your leadership role, telling your story to the world matters. If you want to highlight any accomplishments or initiatives that are actively revolutionizing the business world, we’d love to be your stage.  

Ready to shine? Apply for our CCW awards today.