Why Your Company Story Needs More Conflict and Vulnerability with Rob Biesenbach

Rob Biesenbach, corporate communications veteran and Second City-trained actor, joins the show to share how trust and emotional resonance are the real engines of powerful storytelling, even in the boardroom.In this episode, we delve into why trust and reassurance consistently trump raw information, and how getting real about conflict and emotion makes your message land. Rob D. Willis and Rob Biesenbach dissect the pitfalls of overly polished corporate case studies, the hidden power of vulnerability, and the value of admitting what went wrong in business stories.Rob Biesenbach reveals his five-step method for crafting stories that stick, drawing on decades in corporate communications and the lessons learnt on stage as a Second City-trained actor. He unpacks how internal storytelling transformed a struggling truck manufacturer, the art of mapping audience wants, and the unexpected parallels between executive speeches and improv performance.You’ll discover how to ladder up audience insights, spot the clutter in your own narrative, and ask the one question that surfaces the “why” behind every story. By the end, you’ll know precisely how to rally teams, rebuild trust, and make your stories unforgettable.GUEST BIO & LINKSRob Biesenbach is a corporate communications consultant, keynote speaker, author, and Second City-trained actor. With decades spent inside the PR world and nearly 200 stage and commercial performances to his credit, he helps leaders craft stories that win trust, rally teams, and make big messages genuinely land. Rob is the author of Unleash the Power of Storytelling and works with executives and organisations to cut through clutter, reveal relatable character, and turn even tough moments into memorable, strategic narratives.Connect with Rob Biesenbach:Website: https://robbiesenbach.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiesenbach/Unleash the Power of Storytelling — Rob Biesenbach11 Deadly Presentation Sins — Rob BiesenbachAct Like You Mean Business — Rob Biesenbach10 Steps to Better Business Storytelling — Rob Biesenbachrobbiesenbach.com/insights — his blog and articlesFree Storytelling ToolkitTELL YOUR STORY, CHANGE YOUR WORLDReady to get started right away on becoming a more effective storyteller so you can enjoy more success in your career, your business and your life?Sign up now to get your free storytelling toolkit. It includes the book chapter, “How to Tell Your Own Story,” a set of worksheets to walk you through the process, and real-life examples that bring the structures to life.Download it here: https://robbiesenbach.com/storytelling-toolkit/ABOUT THE SHOWChief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything.Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks.CONNECT WITH ROBWant frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy"→ subscribepage.io/robdwillisConnect with Rob:Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillisSubscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.