Can storytelling in a corporate world really mean something,or is it just another comms buzzword?

In this episode of Reel Impact, Dan is joined by RichardEtienne, former videographer to Theresa May, for a practical and honest look at what storytelling actually does when it’s done well.

Together, they explore why storytelling is not a “nice to have”, but a strategic tool that shapes how people think, feel and act. From behind-the-scenes insights at Downing Street to everyday internal comms challenges, this episode unpacks the difference between content that fills space and stories that drive real change.

They challenge why corporate storytelling often feels hollow, how to make it authentic, and what it takes to cut through in a world of short attention spans and risk-averse leadership.

If you’ve ever struggled to get buy-in for a different approach to comms, or wondered why your message isn’t landing, this episode gives you a new way to think about it.

Key questions

• [03:08] When do you first realise the power of storytelling?
• [06:00] What turns content into storytelling that actually drives action?
• [07:03] What was it like shaping the story of a PrimeMinister at Downing Street?
• [13:08] What can internal comms teams learn fromcommunicating with senior leaders under pressure?
• [18:20] How does storytelling work in a world of shortattention spans?
• [21:08] How do you get buy-in for creative storytelling inrisk-averse organisations?
• [24:44] Why does corporate storytelling often feel hollow?
• [29:56] What does good communication actually look like in practice?
• [39:30] What are the top three tips for becoming a better storyteller?

More about Richard Etienne

Richard Etienne is the founder of The Introvert Space, wherehe supports introverted professionals to thrive and helps organisations build more inclusive, effective communication environments.

He is also a former videographer to the UK Prime Minister,working at the heart of government to shape more human, relatable storytellingat a national level.

His work focuses on the intersection of storytelling, personality and performance, helping organisations move beyond broadcasting messages to creating communication that genuinely connects.⁠

• Website⁠
• ⁠LinkedIn

Further reading

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t StopTalking by Susan Cainhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/0141029196
• Ipsos Employee Experience:https://www.ipsos.com/en/employee-experience

More about dmb films

dmb films is a video production agency specialising in creating content that helps organisations communicate with clarity and impact.

From branded content to podcast production, they work with businesses to tellstories that connect with the audiences that matter.

• ⁠Website⁠
• ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• ⁠Instagram⁠

Want to work with dmb films?

If you want content that doesn’t just look good but actuallylands with your audience, visit https://www.dmbfilms.co.uk/contact/⁠ and start a conversation

Are you actually a good leader - or just good at telling yourself you are?

In this first episode of Series 2, Dan is joined by Rebecca Sangster-Kelly, of Studium Consulting, for a direct and, at times, challenging conversation about what leadership actually looks like in practice, not just in theory.

Together, they strip back the language we often hide behind: purpose, culture, psychological safety, and ask what happens when those ideals meet real-world pressure, ego and decision-making.

From hiring “your people” to balancing being a doer versus a leader, this episode challenges some of the most widely accepted leadership behaviours.

Dan and Rebecca look at honesty, accountability and the moments where leadership either builds trust or quietly erodes it.

Key questions

• [01:30] What really makes someone a good leader
• [03:25] Why is the shift from doer to leader so difficult
• [05:11] Is office politics just part of leadership or a sign something is broken?
• [11:30] What happens when leaders think they know their people without actually asking them?
• [12:35] Why do some leaders build a trusted “posse” and is that always a bad thing?
• [16:40] Does leadership create culture, or does culture shape leadership?
• [18:55] Why do values and psychological safety so often become lip service?
• [34:48] Is honest indifference better than pretending to care about employees?
• [35:19] What changes when leaders consistently show people they matter?

More about Rebecca Sangster-Kelly

Rebecca, from Studium Consulting, is a Communications and Stakeholder Management Coach.

She works with leaders and organisations to strengthen how they engage, communicate and build meaningful relationships with their audiences.

Her work focuses on helping individuals move beyond assumptions, improving clarity, and delivering communication that genuinely lands.

• Website
• LinkedIn

Further reading

• ‘What got you here won’t get you there’ book: ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Got-Here-Wont-There/dp/1401301304⁠
• Regulatory focus theory article explaining three studies: https://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/how-much-evidence-do-you-need-to-make-a-decision#
• Near misses in hospitals from the good catch awards:

1. https://bmjopenquality.bmj.com/content/14/Suppl_2/A59
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3888507/#:~:text=Anesthesiology%20residents%20use%20the%20process,in%20the%20Weinberg%20Surgical%20Suite.

More about dmb films

dmb films is a video production agency specialising in creating content that helps organisations communicate with clarity and impact. From branded content to podcast production, they work with businesses to tell stories that connect with the audiences that matter.

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Want to work with dmb films?

If you want content that doesn’t just look good but actually lands with your audience, visit https://www.dmbfilms.co.uk/contact/ and start a conversation.

In this episode, Dan sits down with Paul Coates, Head of International Consultant and Delivery Excellence at FranklinCovey — and a leader who has spent more than two decades shaping how organisations learn, adapt and transform.

Paul’s journey is a rare one: first a FranklinCovey client, now one of its global senior leaders. That dual perspective gives him a unique lens on what truly drives performance and culture — and why learning has shifted from “training sessions” to leader-led journeys that build resilience, trust, and real behaviour change.

Together, Dan and Paul explore:

• Why culture change only happens when leaders go first and the powerful truth behind “people will do it when they see it being done”.

• The five essentials that make learning stick — from intentional design to shared language and accountability.

• The role of storytelling in unlocking emotion, inspiring change, and building connection across teams, countries and cultures.

• What it takes to deliver learning at scale — and why real stories from real people matter more than ever.

• How apps, digital tools and habit-building techniques can reinforce learning long after the workshop ends.

Paul also shares honest reflections on leadership, vulnerability and the challenge of prioritisation - plus the moment a CEO tried a new questioning technique for 15 minutes and came back saying it was “the best meeting I’ve ever had.”

This is a rich, practical and deeply human conversation for anyone working in learning and development, people leadership, organisational change, or culture transformation.

Listen now — and explore more episodes and resources at dmbfilms.co.uk.