A 30 year old story - still relevant?

In a world where we're constantly seeking the latest and greatest innovations—whether in technology, research, or new discoveries—what significance or relevance does a story from 30 years ago hold for the challenges we face today?

That's precisely the question I pondered when I started the #30YearsSinceEverest campaign. I've been sharing this story for three decades! Who would still be interested in hearing it now? It wasn't until I was invited to the morning studios at eNCA to chat with Dan Moyane that I understood the power of an 'old' story.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. George Santanyana

Spanish-American writer & philosopher.

Why storytelling still matters

I've curiously observed the meteoric uptake of platforms like TikTok, and I find myself pondering the underlying reasons for its rapid rise in popularity within such a brief period. The phenomenon is not merely a fleeting trend; it reflects a deeper cultural shift in how we consume and share content. TikTok has captivated millions of users globally, and I genuinely believe that one of the primary reasons for this surge is our intrinsic addiction to storytelling.

Throughout history, storytelling has been an essential part of human communication, serving as a means to convey experiences, share knowledge, and connect with others on an emotional level. In the digital age, this age-old practice has evolved, and social media platforms have become modern-day canvases for narratives. TikTok, in particular, excels in this realm, allowing users to create and share short, engaging videos that encapsulate stories in a matter of seconds. Stories are still being told, just differently.

Telling your company's story to drive performance and increase productivity.

Whether your business is 3 years or 50 years old, there are peaks and valleys that make up its DNA, which cannot be denied, deleted or ignored. With my story, I've been able to inspire people from all over the world on 4 continents and nearly 20 countries. What I have learnt from my experience is that the story matters, but how you tell it matters even more.

The anatomy of an impactful 30-year-old story

5 Tips for Successful Storytelling.

1. Tell the origin story.

   Where did it start? What was the main catalyst? Which influences and inspiration played a role in the early days?

2. Tell the breakthrough story

   How did the first breakthrough happen? How did it impact people, founders, staff, clients, and the community?

3. Share the failures

   Some people think that the failure must never be mentioned, but I find that the rough parts tend to be the most inspiring. Your staff and clients want to know that you have failed and overcome situations. Even better, they want to know how you overcame it.

4. Share the successes

   This one goes without saying. If success is part of the company's DNA, then it leads to a culture of success. Association with winning breeds a conviction that success is inevitable.

5. Chop it up.

   Make bite-sized versions of the same story and tell them from different perspectives. Tell it frequently.

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In a rapidly changing world, people are still drawn to authenticity. With phrases like disinformation so pervasive, you might argue that they are even more drawn to the authentic now. Genuine experiences sell better than made-up ones. When my clients ask me about keeping the inspiration going, I always encourage them to use the analogy of climbing a mountain on their own brand. It works – almost like magic!

For that reason, to this very day, my story is not about reaching the top of Mt Everest; it's about the peaks and valleys that lead to productivity and predefined success. It's a story that gets requested - in spite of its age.