Get fluent in your story, and never explain yourself again.
Think of the last time you were asked to talk about yourself, your career, or your business.
Flash back to your audience.
Did their eyes get brighter, the longer you talked?
Did they lean in, get curious, and ask for more?
Or did they wait politely, chalk you up, move on to the next thing...
(Or worse... deliver that kiss of death: "We'll get back to you."?)
If you answered the latter, then you're in the right place.
if you:
- Are sick of seeing eyes glaze over when you talk about yourself and/or what matters to you...
- Are tired of lackluster demand and/or money for your ideas, products or services...
- Never know *quite* what to say (or where to start!) when asked about yourself (/ your career/ product/ service/ business) without taking forever, sounding robotic, or feeling like a self-promoting jerk...
- Dream of a promotion or pivot re: role, title or industry (but can't imagine how you'll pull it off)...
- Ache to be your own boss (but would rather stick forks in your eyes than have to market or sell yourself)...
- Know that stories are powerful, but don't know how to start leveraging your own (and/or if anyone even wants to hear them?)...
And you want to:
- Feel comfortable and confident sharing yourself and your business or work with whomever you meet
- Be free from old narratives you've outgrown, as well as those others tend to project onto you
- Clearly articulate your unique value and POV, without hedging, apologizing, or making others defensive
- Activate interest and imagination around your ideas, business or value proposition, so that more people respond by sitting up, leaning forward, and asking for more
- Influence your peers, colleagues, managers, bosses, clients, customers, investors, stakeholders, board members, kids, parents, or anyone else with a human brain to change their perspective and/or take a specific action...
... in that case, I made something *just* for you.
introducing
Own Your Story
The unique on-demand storytelling course that shows you step-by-step how to
start telling simple, concise & effective personal stories
the primary meaning-maker of your life.
Imagine that no matter who you're talking to...
- You can easily share who you are, what you’re doing, and where you're going next, in a way that instantly resonates and gets their eyes to light up.
- You can easily draw from a library of concise personal stories, to mix-and-match according to the context.β
- You never worry about selling yourself or trying to convince anyone of anything (even as people routinely open doors for you)
- You don't waste an ounce of energy trying to be who you think other people want you to be
- You feel completely secure and sorry-not-sorry when you encounter pushback, because you know you're operating in total integrity
- You consistently inspire others to ever-deeper levels of intimacy, trust, and collaborative action
Ask yourself how this level of comfort and confidence would impact not only your high-stakes conversations...
But ALL your relationships, now and in the future.
The good news?
All of this is possible for you.
Once you start to own your story.
And how does one do that, you ask?
Perhaps (before we go any further), I should introduce myself...
Oh, hey! I'm Jessica.
And among other things (adventurer, philosopher, wilderness guide; lover of mountains and metaphors and chocolate with fruit inside), I'm a professional storytelling and leadership coach who partners with founders, execs & creatives to:
Excavate the true stories (and build the narrative skills) that move decision makers to say YES.
As an adjunct story-and-career coach at U.C. Berkeley Haas School of Business (and a few other universities in North America & abroad), I also advise the business leaders of tomorrow on how to leverage the power of story within their unique career contexts.
And while I could tell you so many stories about who I am, how I got here, and where I'm going next... we'll have time for that later (I hope).
For now, though, I want to tell you the #1 thing I've come to believe in over 10+ years of helping people make "magic" with their stories, which is:
Most people will never see or understand their story for the dynamic ASSET that it is.
Think about this for a second.
If you truly saw your story as an asset... you would never let it waste away on a high, forgotten shelf.
You wouldn't take it out and dust it off on the rare occasion when someone asks to ogle it.
As any savvy professional knows, assets are not meant to sit in a corner, gathering dust.
Assets are meant to be leveraged.
As in, put into active service of generating more and more value.
And yet, most of us grudgingly pull out our stories only when someone asks for a 3rd person bio, or to "tell me about yourself."
About this tendency, I have two words for you:
Wasted opportunity.
Another thing I've come to understand about stories-as-assets is that the kinds of returns (/ "magical" results) one's stories can generate when leveraged effectively?
Often exceed our ability to imagine or anticipate them in advance.
I suspect this is due to the fact that most of us are wildly out of practice when it comes to using our imaginations.
Over time (and often by virtue of our fancy educations and pedigrees) we become much more adept at following the rules and doing things the right way, so that we have the best chance of getting whatever rewards other people imagine and offer to us.
About this tendency, I have four words for you:
Finite game --> finite results.
If you're wondering what the "magic" thing is about, it's because the human brain is designed for narrative -- and this is what lends story its unique ability to change consciousness at will (a random definition of "magic" I found once on the internet).
The way I see it?
If magic is the art of changing consciousness at will... then story is the most effective form of magic anyone can practice.
And yet, from my privileged position as a trusted advisor and coach, I see the same things come up over and over again to keep smart and talented people unconsciously playing a small, finite game that will only ever get them small, finite results.
After a while, you start to get tired of repeating yourself, and you start to think "maybe it's time to put all of this into one streamlined place, where people can access it for way less than what it costs to work with me."
Which is why I created the Own Your Story experience.
V.1 was released in 2018, and participants told me it represented "an incredible gift" and impacted their careers "immensely."
Now, I've poured my lifeblood into creating a completely expanded and updated V.2 in 2021...
With a special focus on chopping up this complex topic (/infinite playground) into tiny, bite-sized lessons and exercises...
That each layer exquisitely on top of one another to create a satisfying whole -- like baklava, or puff pastry.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
To help jog your imagination, perhaps it might help to see a few examples of what other people have achieved through leveraging their stories:
What Making "Magic" Looks Like
(past client have used story to...)
- Start/ grow/ scale their dream businesses.
- Attract and retain top talentβ
- Build teams and cultures that operate like well-oiled machines
- Get the investor to say “let me know where to send the check.”β
- Get the partner to say “let’s demo this in 12 of our buildings.”β
- Get the Congressman to refer them with "you need to meet with him, tomorrow."
- Deliver paradigm-shifting TEDx talks
- Earn leadership roles at top companies (like Google, Apple, Amazon, Nike, HP)
- Land dream jobs in new roles or industries (with little to no direct “experience”)β
- Gracefully negotiate their highest salaries yet
Honestly, if there's one thing you should take away from all this? It's that what YOU can achieve once you start leveraging your stories...
Is limited only by your imagination.
What's Waiting for You?
"I learned more actionable steps than in 2 years of business coaching and 6 months of a high-end entrepreneurial coaching program."
Janis Mckinstry, Holistic Wellness Coach
What You'll Get
When you invest in Own Your Story on demand, you'll get:
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Instant access to all 6 modules of my unique M.A.G.I.C.C. method for telling simple, concrete personal stories that connect instantly with others & move them to action
50+ short & sweet video lessons (average ~5min each) totaling 5+ hours of content
13 story example videos to showcase various tools & techniques in the form of a story
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Quick & practical action steps to help you apply each lesson IRL (in real life)
Lifetime access to all materials, so your stories can continue evolving as YOU do
(Because static assets < dynamic ones )
"I've seen how this investment continues to generate new returns and opportunities."
Sean Conway, CEO of Pillow Global
"Jessica brought me back to my authentic story and gave me the perspective and tools to stay continuously aligned with myself, my strengths and weaknesses, my values, and my wisdom. As a result, I've experienced a seismic shift in how I communicate my unique value as a professional and leader, which allowed me to excel in the interview process. My learnings from her will continue to be instrumental throughout my career going forward."
Tanya Troshyna, Product Leader & Founder of Fable
"This feels so much more in line with our deeper mission... thank you for helping me unlock my true story, and all the power that comes with being able to communicate myself and my brand effectively."
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Micah Clasper-Torch, Founder of CityBird
WHAT'S INSIDE?
A peek inside each module of the 6-part M.A.G.I.C.C. Method.
Module 1
M is for Mindset
Learn the neuroscience of story (imagination, empathy, attention, and decision making), how to avoid the various traps of non-magical communication, and the secrets to mastering the mindset of someone who can "change consciousness at will." Walk away with boosted confidence in your natural abilities as a storyteller, excited to start flexing your muscles.
Module 2
A is for Authority
Learn to embrace the full range of your experience as a competitive advantage in 21st century business, and unlock the power of story-as-leadership. Walk away crystal-clear on what makes your story unique, as well as and a bottomless supply of raw story material you can return to again and again as you develop your personal library of simple, concise, and contextual true stories.
Module 3
G is for Grounding
Learn the art of making meaning through story, get clear on what meanings you might want YOUR stories to make, and practice the power of reverse-engineering your stories to answer the "Golden Question" and feed your audience's secret hunger. Walk away with a new perspective on how to show others the world through your lens in a way that inspires belief, intimacy and trust.
Module 4
I is for Improv & Structure
Learn the simple essence and key ingredients of any story, plus various ways to structure a story to make it short and shareable -- without memorizing a script or sacrificing meaning. Walk away with 3 story formats to play with, and one fully developed story to practice delivering live in a natural, unscripted way -- plus all the tools you need to transform any future experience into a concise and relevant story.
Module 5
C is for Character
Learn the subtle art of creating enchantment (aka the "Lean-In effect"), practice pulling back the curtain on your true character, and get comfortable playing with the 8 imagination-piquing techniques to keep your audience hooked. Walk away with the ability to tell longer, multi-dimensional stories without losing your audience; and while activating empathy, imagination, and trust.
Module 6
C is for Context & CTA
Learn the 3 types of story every leader needs to tell, and how to match them to specific business contexts to show others why they should follow YOU. Learn how to deftly avoid the "Kiss of Death" at the end of your stories, and walk away ready to implement your deep storytelling skill set in a way that moves people beyond enchantment -- to the place where they're inspired to take action and say YES to you.
"I had a phone interview today with the top "Finance team" dog at a Series C company. I used what we learned in Module 1, demonstrated authenticity as best I could, and IT. WORKED. MAGIC. He was exuberant."
Rachael Kim, Director of Corporate Strategy at ZenDesk
"Before the course I lacked confidence sharing stories in life and using them in business. Now, instead of answering questions directly (and boringly) I can share a story that gives a more powerful, meaningful, inspiring answer to the question *really* being asked. Others report feeling inspired and intrigued, like they've been invited to think critically and/or take a next step. I feel like I'm standing taller with the confidence and empowerment this course facilitated: confidence in the power of my own personal stories, and in my ability to share them in a way that feels authentic and meaningful."
Bailey Selland, Family Therapist & Coach
“For someone who has struggled with anxiety and speaking all my life, Jessica's Own Your Story course was a game changer. It helped me develop a greater awareness of how to mine wisdom from what I've done and share it with others in a dynamic, authentic and respectful way. Its helped me immensely in my career. I've sat job interviews with more confidence and ease. I can speak to others with simplicity and power about why I chose [this career] and how I might help them. I highly recommend this course. It will change the way you reflect on and speak about your life to others. Being a competent storyteller is priceless; the applications are endless.”
Nyn Tompkins, Doctor of Chiropractic
Featuring 50+ Video Lessons (~ 5min ea)
Lovingly designed to be super digestible, Own Your Story 2.0 alternates quick and simple video lessons with practical action steps to help you digest and apply what you learn -- PLUS 13 story examples so you can see the tools and techniques of effective storytelling in action.
"You've given me an incredible gift."
Louise De Lannoy, Neuroscientist & Researcher
"Jessica is not only a master storyteller, but also an incredible guide and teacher. She helped me construct stories that will be a cornerstone in my business and help my brand stand out. I cannot recommend Jessica enough. She is badass, brilliant, honest, and the person you want in your corner to construct your story and take your life and business to new heights!"
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Danielle Leslie, Founder of Culture ADD Labs
"The investor was so connected and blown away by the idea. He said he rarely hears an idea he believes in, and that the way I framed it was unique and unlike anything he's heard before. He said, call me when you're ready for funding."
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Dasami Moodley, Senior Product Manager @ BCG Digital Ventures
This is the same stuff that Silicon Valley CEO's & VC's, Forbes 30-Under-30's, & Berkeley Haas M.B.A.'s pay multiple thousands of dollars to access.
And I want to get it in YOUR hands.
100% Risk Free Satisfaction Guarantee
I want this to be the best investment you ever make in your communication skill set. If you complete the course and don't feel you've gotten value out of it, I'll give you your money back within 60 days of your purchase. Just show me you did the work, and you'll receive a full refund!
What's the Alternative?
- You could hire a storytelling coach for $6-10K+... but even if you found someone like me, they wouldn't have access to the unique and proprietary creative curriculum that I've spent 10+ years testing and tweaking.
- You could get a Haas M.B.A. for $60K+... but you're probably too busy for that, and you'd only get bits and pieces of this stuff at a time!
- You could attend a live class for $500... but aside from the fact that this isn't available anywhere else, this wouldn't allow you to learn at your own pace and on your schedule.
- You could DIY (do it yourself) for free... but with no roadmap, blueprint, or expert guidance to lean on, you risk spinning in circles for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use story for again?
I don't have an awesome "hero's journey" story. Is this right for me?
Literally nothing good has happened to me in the past ~2 years (/I've worn pajamas for most of it). What use do I have for this??
I want to be a better storyteller, but it seems likeΒ a lot of talking about myself, and that feels icky.
I've been told I'm a bad storyteller. Are some people just a lost cause?
What happens after I register?
How much access do I get to YOU?
I'm a past client/ Haas or INSEAD student/ friend or family member. Can I get a discount?
Are there scholarships available?
Isn't storytelling a fluffy soft skill?Β Why would I pay for it?
to your one wild and precious life
"Out-of-this-world wonderful."
Jesse Williams, CEO of the Groundswell Project
"Way more than just storytelling... tremendous."
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Pocket Sun, Co-Managing Partner of SoGal Ventures
"Without a doubt, one of the best investments I've made."
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Jake Bullock, Founder & CEO of Ravn Inc
