Live Like a Leader

From Shame to Service: Harnessing the Power of Your Story with Mark Leruste

Episode Summary

What’s holding you back from sharing your story? In this episode, John Bates is joined by Mark Leruste, keynote speaker, CEO of Storycast, and author of Glow in the Dark. Together, they explore the profound impact of storytelling in leadership, connection, and personal transformation. Mark shares insights into overcoming proximity bias, leveraging your origin story, and moving from shame to service to inspire and influence others. John and Mark also dive into the importance of crafting authentic stories with intention, the value of vulnerability, and the ripple effect of sharing your journey. Whether you're a seasoned leader, an aspiring speaker, or simply someone with a story to tell, this conversation will inspire you to step into your power.

Episode Notes

Key Takeaways:

• Proximity Bias: Why your story might feel “boring” to you but is magical to others hearing it for the first time.
• From Shame to Service: How sharing your story transforms not just others but also yourself.
• Emotional Credibility: Establish trust and connection with audiences by sharing your authentic origin story.
• Strategic Storytelling: Your story is about you, but it’s for your audience—tailor it with intention to resonate and inspire action.
• Vulnerability in Leadership: Being imperfect in public makes you relatable and influential, fostering genuine connections.

Addressing Polarization in Leadership:

Mark and John discuss how marginalized communities face unique challenges in sharing their stories and the importance of creating safe spaces for authentic expression. They emphasize how leaders who share their humanity can build trust, break barriers, and inspire connection across diverse teams.

Key Insight: "Your story is about you, but it’s not for you—it’s for the people you serve."

Quotable Moments:

• “What you resist persists; acknowledgment causes disappearance.” – John Bates
• “If you’re afraid of offending people when you share your story, remember: if they wanted you to write kindly about them, they should have behaved better.” – Mark Leruste
• “Proximity bias makes us undervalue our stories—but to others, they can be life-changing.” – Mark Leruste

Resources Mentioned:

• Mark Leruste’s Website: MarkLeruste.com
• Mark’s Book: Glow in the Dark – available on Amazon and other retailers
• Take the Story Impact Assessment: Storycast.co
• Mark on LinkedIn: Mark Leruste on LinkedIn

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Next Steps:

• Visit LiveLikeALeader.show for more inspiring episodes.
• Explore Mark’s work and resources at MarkLeruste.com.
• Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markleruste/
• Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbates/