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STORYTELLING FOR LEADERS

New 2025 workshops!

Wellington 27 February, Christchurch 6 March
Sydney and Singapore announced soon
Register your interest today for early-bird discount.

Build your story engine

Drive ongoing change, get people moving together, and unlock resources through strategic storytelling. 

​Learn from leaders who've been there: guiding teams through crisis and crafting narratives for global impact. 
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Excellence isn't enough. 

In a world of constant challenge, leaders need to build credibility and momentum amid chaos. Data isn't sufficient - it won't win hearts and minds. A deep understanding of how to shape compelling narratives is crucial. 

We help leaders and teams master the art of story and get clear, connected, and effective in driving change. We do this through the Storytelling for Leaders workshop experience, our free guides, and a dash of Kiwi humour. 

All Videos

All Videos

All Videos
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What is storytelling for leaders

What is storytelling for leaders

01:20
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Introducing Colin & Jo

Introducing Colin & Jo

02:03
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Modern story is interactive

Modern story is interactive

00:39
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What can you expect from the programme?

What can you expect from the programme?

03:13
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A workshop like no other!

Leadership DNA
Drawing on direct experience leading teams through disaster recovery, deep change, and commercial startup / scaleup growth.

Narrative Expertise
Professional storytelling techniques from film, games, history, social movements and technology development adapted for organisational impact.
 
Practical Application
Lively, interactive workshop experiences that build real capability for real-world work, not just theory. 
"It's only when we have the space and support to think about our story that we can come up with something powerful and empowering."

Anita, Director
"Really useful. It made me think differently about my team and organisation's narrative."

Justin, Principal Advisor

Jo Fitzgerald

Jo has held senior leadership roles in the NZ public sector, including for the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

As a facilitator she specializes in helping leaders and teams understand themselves and each other better, unlocking the magic that happens when diverse strengths and perspectives come together. Jo has always focused on collaboration, finding areas of agreement even in challenging situations. Her passion is helping people work together better, aiming their self-awareness, passion, and strengths towards making a difference in the world.

 

Colin Rowsell

Colin is a narrative and strategy specialist who advises startup CEOs and growth tech companies, and has a background in international film, TV, and video game development. Known as a dynamic and entertaining presenter, Colin was the first Global Copy Director at fintech giant Xero and Head of Strategy at several successful Australasian startups including runn.io and the Wellington Chocolate Factory. He also served on New Zealand's Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. 

Adaptive to chaos (and sometimes causing it), Colin believes strongly in the power of small, story-aligned groups who move fast and make good things happen. He has a long working history with neurodiverse high-performers who break the status quo.​

 
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Ready to transform your leadership through storytelling? 
Contact Jo and Colin to learn more about upcoming workshops or arrange a session for your organisation.

Workshop Formats

Core Storytelling for Leaders

Full Day
Dive deep into story fundamentals and their application in leadership contexts including change, big missions, credibility and resilience.​

Your Team Story

4 Hours

Draw on proven narrative techniques for shaping the story your team tells itself to unite, connect, and motivate action.

Story Intensive

2 Days

Comprehensive program including mentoring and activities to guide you towards mastery. 

Your Leadership Story

4 Hours

Make storytelling part of your day to day leadership, crafting your own unique story as the foundation for bringing others with you.​

Intro Speedrun

2 Hours

A high-energy condensed session covering the essentials of effective storytelling.

Please use this form to register your interest or arrange a call. If you prefer, feel free to email hello@manonfire direct. Thank you!

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