Build Your Story Engine

Drive change, navigate crisis, build credibility, and get people moving together through strategic storytelling. Learn from leaders who've been there: guiding teams through disaster and crafting narratives for global impact.

Storytelling for Leaders with Colin Rowsell & Jo Fitzgerald

Excellence Isn't Enough

In a world of constant challenge, leaders need to build momentum amid chaos. Data alone won't win hearts and minds. A deep understanding of how to shape compelling narratives is crucial for anyone who wants to move people—whether that's a team of five or an organisation of thousands.

We help leaders and teams master the art of story, from strong foundations to practical application. We do this through the Storytelling for Leaders workshop experience, our series of free guides, and a dash of Kiwi humour.

A Workshop Like No Other

Available online from anywhere in the world, or in-person across Australasia and Asia.

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.

"Our team of design and product leaders at Culture Amp wanted to level up our storytelling capabilities to better connect company goals with product vision and customer realities. Colin and Jo delivered two online workshops that had everyone walking out more confident, crisp and engaging in their storytelling. We now have a shared foundation and clear journey ahead. What impressed me most was how they took us from fascinating first principles to advanced techniques in a remarkably short time. The experience felt deeply tailored to our context—human, funny, and interactive."
Bec Paton Chief Designer & VP of Design, Culture Amp

See What We're About

What is storytelling for leaders
What is storytelling for leaders
What is storytelling for leaders
1:20
Introducing Colin & Jo
Introducing Colin & Jo
2:03
Modern story is interactive
Modern story is interactive
0:39
What can you expect?
What can you expect from the programme?
3:13
Storytelling for Leaders Speed Run Guide

Your Free Story Guide

The Storytelling for Leaders Speed Run is a distilled journey through what makes great stories work and how to shape them in your organisation. It's a short, super-clear introduction to our method, reflecting decades of applied knowledge across global sectors.

Get Free Resources →

Workshop Formats

Taking bookings for 2026. All formats can be delivered online or in-person.

Intro Speedrun

2 Hours

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

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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.

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Your Team Story

4 Hours

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

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Core Storytelling for Leaders

Full Day

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

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Story Intensive

2 Days

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

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"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, Public Service Director

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

— Justin, Public Service Principal Advisor

Meet Your Facilitators

Jo Fitzgerald

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 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. More about Colin →

Get in Touch

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

Or email us directly

We typically respond within 24 hours. We're happy to schedule a quick call to discuss your needs.

[email protected]