The most painful moments as experts and leaders aren’t the ones where we fail – they’re the ones where we freeze.

You know that feeling.

You’re about to step up to present your ideas in a crucial meeting or situation. The perfect moment arrives to share that story that would change everything… and your mind goes blank.

I worked with a leader recently who summed it up perfectly: “I have decades of experience, hundreds of hard-won insights, but in the moments that matter most, I just can’t seem to access any of it.”

This is what I see happen in those moments:

• brilliant insights that never get shared
• game-changing experiences that stay buried away
• pivotal moments where connection is lost
• and powerful leaders who play small because they’re not ready to share

There’s a pattern when it comes to those who consistently command attention and drive change.

And here it is:

The most influential leaders aren’t just great storytellers – they’re strategic collectors.

Every powerful communicator I know has a carefully curated vault of stories they can draw upon at any time. Think of it as your influence insurance policy.

This changes everything about how we show up.

Because once you build your story vault, you’re ready for any situation. No more blanking in big moments. No more missed opportunities to make an impact.

Here are the seven essential stories every leader needs in their vault:

1. The Phoenix Story
This is about the moment that changed everything – your largest challenge or failure that led to your greatest insight.
Why it works:

• Shows your insights are road tested
• Demonstrates resilience in action
• Gives others permission to be vulnerable

Example: A CEO in our community shared how losing a key client became the catalyst for completely transforming her business model. That story has opened more doors than any pitch.

2. The Before/After
These stories aren’t about bragging – they’re about building hope through concrete examples of what’s possible.

Key elements:

• The specific struggle you faced
• The exact steps you took
• The transformation and lessons learned

One leader uses this brilliantly to build connection in team meetings: “Three years ago, I couldn’t speak up in meetings. Here’s what changed everything…”

3. The Origin Story
A story that exactly captures ‘why’ you do what you do – perfect for aligning teams and inspiring action.

Must include:

• The exact moment your purpose became clear
• The cost of maintaining the status quo
• The core opportunity you see ahead

This story is often key in pitches and speaking in front of large audiences. It creates trust by sharing exactly why you’re so passionate about this cause.

4. The Trust Bridge
A story that cuts through the noise by demonstrating a deep understanding of your audience’s current challenges.

Components:

• A recent “in the trenches” moment
• A specific insight you gained
• A practical solution discovered

This story is often a secret weapon in less formal conversations, it gives a practical insight into your current credibility and skills as an expert.

5. The Myth Buster
Every industry has conventional wisdom that needs challenging. We call these stories ‘counter-intuitive insights’ and they attract attention by doing exactly that.

Structure these stories around:

• A common belief or approach
• Your contradictory opinion
• The data or experience that created it
• The results that prove it

This story type is an absolute game changer when it comes to standing out. Often it starts with ‘most people think…’ followed by ‘but in my experience…’

6. The Behind-the-Scenes Reveal
This story offers a current and practical example of your expertise in action.

Key ingredients:

• A current challenge you’re navigating
• Your thought process in real-time
• The lessons you’re learning now
• The results you’re seeing

One of the issues we often face when we’re trying to influence is: ‘We like the concept, but it just wouldn’t work for us’. The BTS story allows you to show exactly how your ideas work in a similar situation.

7. The Legacy Marker
This story captures your compelling vision for the future – perfect for inspiring long-term thinking and getting people to take action.

Elements to include:

• Your visions for the future
• The current signs of progress
• An invitation for others to take action

Here’s what this means for you…

Building a story vault as a leader isn’t about memorizing scripts or being manipulative.

It’s about intentionally collecting and curating stories that compel. Enabling others to envision (and believe) that progress is possible.

BUT…

This only works if you take action. In the moment, while the story or experience is still fresh in your mind.

Ready to build your vault?

Here’s my challenge: This week, choose one of these seven story types and see what you can create.

Not perfectly – just honestly. Record it on your phone. Transcribe it. Test it in a low-stakes situation.

Start building your arsenal now, so you’re ready when the big moments come.

Which story will you bank first?