In this episode of Signature Leadership with Jamie Mason Cohen, Jamie sits down with 13-time bestselling author, speaker, journalist, and renowned storyteller Don Yaeger to explore the power of storytelling in leadership, business, and executive communication.

Drawing from decades of experience as a journalist, author, speaker, and storyteller, Don shares how storytelling became central to his work and why the ability to tell a meaningful story can help leaders build trust, create connection, inspire action, and drive results.

In this conversation, Jamie and Don explore what makes an effective business story, why authentic leadership begins with human connection, and how understanding your audience can transform the way you communicate. They discuss common storytelling mistakes leaders and entrepreneurs make, the importance of emotional storytelling, and why the most memorable stories focus on real people rather than statistics, data, or corporate messaging.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, executive, or emerging leader, this episode offers practical insights into leadership communication, persuasive storytelling, authentic communication, and building a compelling business story. Discover how to tell the story of who you are, why your work matters, and the difference you are creating.

Press play and learn how stronger storytelling can help you become a more memorable, authentic, and influential leader.

Chapters

00:00 The Human Power of Storytelling

01:33 Why Don Wrote The Business of Storytelling

06:48 The Five C’s of Storytelling

08:18 Common Storytelling Mistakes in Business

12:59 Storytelling in the Age of AI

15:06 The Thanksgiving Story

17:20 Bringing the Audience Into the Story

19:53 Managing Emotion in Storytelling

21:20 The Business Value of Storytelling

23:47 Four Universal Truths of Storytelling

26:20 Finding and Telling Your Origin Story

27:31 Building Your Story Bank

-

Subscribe to our Youtube channel here at: https://www.youtube.com/@JamieMasonCohen/videos

-

Connect with Jamie Mason Cohen:

Website: https://jamiemasoncohen.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jamiemasoncohen

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamieMasonCohen

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jamiemasoncohen

-

Make sure you connect with Don Yaeger and tell him you heard him on Signature Leadership!

Website: https://www.donyaeger.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donyaeger/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donyaeger/

Get his latest book The Business of Storytelling: Inspire Action, Build Trust, and Drive Results Through Story at Amazon Now!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H129DW1K?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Fuel your leadership journey on the move! 🚗🎧 Catch The Signature Leadership Podcast with Jamie Mason Cohen on your favorite platform, and let inspiration accompany you wherever you go. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/signature-leadership/id1686263341

New episodes drop every Wednesday to kickstart your week and power you through it. Tune in and elevate your leadership game!