What if you’re doing more than building a business? What if you’re building a movement?

So many of us have a chapter or conflict in our story that changed us. A moment we wish had been different, or a belief we couldn’t ignore any longer.

And yet, we rarely see how that tension is often the very thing that reveals what we stand for - and the beginnings of a movement we may already be leading.

In this episode of The Business of Stories, Susan explores how the friction inside your story - the thing that shaped you, stretched you, or woke you up - can become the catalyst for something much bigger than an offer, a programme, or a brand.

• How your story can become the foundation of the movement you’re quietly building
• Why movements don’t begin with offers or strategies - but with the beliefs you hold most deeply
• The simple sentence that uncovers the ‘injustice’ your work is here to change
• Inspiring stories of those whose hardest seasons and struggles became catalysts for meaningful change
• Listener Q&A: How to use storytelling to shift a cultural narrative
• And a practical action step on sharing what you believe - and stand for

This inspiring and practical episode will help you see your story, and your business, through a wider, more powerful lens.

If you’re ready to uncover what you stand for, honour the movement within your message, and lead with more clarity, compassion and confidence, this episode is a must-listen.

If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com

Download my Be The Guide Masterclass here

https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/

Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here

Grab The Storyteller’s Starter Pack here

Check out Storytelling Mastery here

About your host Susan Payton:

When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, the response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away!

In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life.

Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories, hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry.

Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business.

Susan has also spoken on stages from Brighton to Barcelona, guested on panels and podcasts and run numerous masterclasses, guest expert sessions and workshops, both online and in person.

In a world where it’s getting harder and harder to be heard above the noise, Susan is passionate about showing business owners how to clearly articulate their value and speak to the right people, at the right time, with a simple message and a great story.

See my bio

What happens when the story that shaped you is also the one you’re most afraid to share?

In this episode of The Business of Stories, Susan sits down with Storytelling Mastery member Jen Neil, who spent years hiding - held back by a chapter of her life that carried deep shame, grief, and a sense of failure.

Jen opens up about walking away from everything - her home, her business, her identity - and the long journey back to herself. You’ll hear how she rebuilt from the ground up, found the courage to tell the truth about her past, and slowly turned the very story she wanted to hide from … into the foundations of the thriving coaching practice she runs today.

If you’ve ever felt like a part of your past disqualifies you, makes you question how others will see you, or is safer kept quiet, Jen’s story will show you what’s possible when you stop hiding, and start reclaiming the strength you didn’t know you had.

You’ll discover:

• Why shame-filled or ‘messy’ chapters are often the ones that shape your deepest gifts and purpose
• How Jen rebuilt her identity after losing everything, and why hiding kept her stuck
• The moment she realised the thing she was most afraid to share was the exact thing her clients needed
• What changes when you shift from sharing your story as the hero (or victim!) … to sharing it as the guide
• How to share hard stories safely, intentionally and from the scar, not the wound

This honest, powerful conversation will help you see your story with more compassion, and recognise the strength, wisdom and mission that may already be living inside the chapters you’ve been avoiding.

If you’re ready to rewrite how you see yourself, reclaim the parts of your story that shaped you, and use them to serve others, this episode is a must-listen.

If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com

If you’d like to contact today’s guest Jen Neil, you can do so at storystrands.co.uk/contact-us

Or grab her free guide ‘10 Signs It Might Be Time to Refresh Your Story’ at storystrands.co.uk.

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Download my Be The Guide Masterclass here

https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/

Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here

Grab The Storyteller’s Starter Pack here

Check out Storytelling Mastery here

About your host Susan Payton:

When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, the response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away!

In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life.

Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories, hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry.

Thousands have used her simple...

So many of us have chapters of our story that we feel uncomfortable sharing; moments we wish had gone differently or that we fear people might judge us for.

In this episode of The Business of Stories, Susan shares why those very chapters often hold the most strength, the most connection, and the most gold.

Through real life stories of celebs and clients, Susan shows how the hardest seasons can shape who you become and why sharing the challenging times (when you're ready) can deeply resonate with the people you want to help.

You’ll discover:

• How to know what to share (and what not to) when a chapter feels raw, painful or vulnerable
• The power of sharing from the scar, not the wound, and why timing matters
• How to tell honest stories without feeling like a victim, or worrying that people will pity you.
• Five simple steps to sharing a difficult story with purpose, clarity, and impact
• Why owning your story builds trust, relatability, and respect even when things didn’t go to plan
• A powerful reminder that your audience doesn’t need the whole story to benefit from the wisdom that came from it

This honest and reassuring episode will help you honour your story, own your growth, and use even the hardest chapters to support the people you’re here to help.

If you’re ready to stop hiding the parts of your story that shaped you most, this episode is a must-listen.

If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com

Download my Be The Guide Masterclass here

https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/

Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here

Grab The Storyteller’s Starter Pack here

Check out Storytelling Mastery here

About your host Susan Payton:

When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, the response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away!

In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life.

Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories, hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry.

Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business.

Susan has also spoken on stages from Brighton to Barcelona, guested on panels and podcasts and run numerous masterclasses, guest expert sessions and workshops, both online and in person.

In a world where it’s getting harder and harder to be heard above the noise, Susan is passionate about showing business owners how to clearly articulate their value and speak to the right people, at the right time, with a simple message and a great story.

See my bio

What do you do when your offer gets crickets, your posts fall flat, or people say they’re interested - and then disappear?!

In this episode of The Business of Stories, Susan shares the honest truth about what these moments mean, and why they’re rarely a reflection of your ability or the value you bring. She also opens up about her own journey of experimenting, refining, and slowly building a business that feels aligned, sustainable, and right for her.

You’ll learn how to take the emotion out of ‘things not working’, how to read feedback the right way, and how to keep moving forward with clarity and confidence, even on the messy days.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this normal?” or questioned your direction when something didn’t land, this episode will help you feel less alone … and far more empowered.

You’ll discover:

• The one simple question that helps you stay aligned and in love with your business
• Why business is an experiment and how to use feedback without spiralling into self-doubt
• Why consistency, repetition, and showing up more than once are essential for sales
• The motto that keeps Susan grounded in every launch
• The simple (but powerful) mindset shift that keeps you going when things feel uncomfortable
• How to remove the emotion from your business results (and keep it for your stories instead)

This motivating episode will help you reset, reconnect with your path, and see your business with more clarity and compassion.

If you’re ready to build a business that feels aligned and work through the dips with confidence, this episode is a must-listen.

If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com

Download my Be The Guide Masterclass here

https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/

Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here

Grab The Storyteller’s Starter Pack here

Check out Storytelling Mastery here

About your host Susan Payton:

When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, the response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away!

In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life.

Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories, hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry.

Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business.

Susan has also spoken on stages from Brighton to Barcelona, guested on panels and podcasts and run numerous masterclasses, guest expert sessions and workshops, both online and in person.

In a world where it’s getting harder and harder to be heard above the noise, Susan is passionate about showing business owners how to clearly articulate their value and speak to the right people, at the right time,...

What truly sets you apart when others are offering the same?

In this episode of The Business of Stories, Susan shares why everything from your background, values and quirks to your lessons and lived experiences create a unique blend no one else can replicate. And, how you can use that to make sure your positioning feels aligned, your messaging gets easier, and clients see the real value you bring.

Susan also shares practical places to look for your uniqueness and how to thread what’s different about you into your offers, content, and conversations - without feeling like you’re bragging.

If you’ve ever wondered “what makes me different?” this episode will help you see it, own it, and share it.

Here are the highlights:

• How your unique blend of stories, skills, and life experiences set you apart in a world of lookalike businesses
• Why embracing who you are matters just as much as what you do.
• How to uncover the hidden gifts, superpowers or magic touches that make your work one of a kind (even if you don’t realise it)
• How your challenges, hobbies, and even random interests can become part of your business magic.
• How leaning into what you bring to your work will help you say no to things (and people) that aren’t aligned and build a business that makes you happy
• And a simple way to start weaving your unique blend into how you show up today.

This inspiring episode will help you stand in your value, attract the right clients, and build a business that feels fully aligned with who you are.

If you’re ready to stop downplaying what makes you different and start showing up with clarity and confidence, this episode is a must-listen.

If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com

Download my Be The Guide Masterclass here

https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/

Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here

Grab The Storyteller’s Starter Pack here

Check out Storytelling Mastery here

About your host Susan Payton:

When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, the response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away!

In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life.

Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories, hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry.

Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business.

Susan has also spoken on stages from Brighton to Barcelona, guested on panels and podcasts and run numerous masterclasses, guest expert sessions and workshops, both online and in person.

In a world where it’s getting harder and harder to be heard above the noise, Susan is passionate about showing

If keeping your stories simple, concise and compelling is a challenge for you, and you struggle to know what to cut out, what to keep in, and how to make sure you don’t lose the emotion in your posts or emails, then this episode of The Business of Stories is for you.

Join Susan Payton as she shares one of the most simple structures in storytelling, that sits at the heart of almost every story you already know and love. With stories and examples that bring every step of this simple framework to life, you’ll be putting it to use in no time!

Here are the highlights:

• How two broke designers turned three mattresses into a billion-dollar brand
• Why packing too much into your story will confuse your audience, and the easy fix that keeps them hooked from start to finish.
• The simple, five-word structure behind every great movie, book and story - and how to use it in your stories
• Why the ‘but’ in your story is where the emotion and connection lives.
• Listener Q&A: Making your stories concise and compelling without losing their emotion or impact
• And a practical action step on taking your audience on a journey in five simple steps.

This super practical episode will help you transform lengthy or scattered stories into powerful, memorable narratives.

If you want a simple framework that will help you share stories in your posts, talks and clients stories, so they flow and resonate every time, this episode is a must-listen.

If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com

Download my Be The Guide masterclass here

https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/

Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here

Grab The Storyteller’s Starter Pack here

Check out Storytelling Mastery here

About your host Susan Payton:

When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, the response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away!

In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life.

Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories, hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry.

Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business.

Susan has also spoken on stages from Brighton to Barcelona, guested on panels and podcasts and run numerous masterclasses, guest expert sessions and workshops, both online and in person.

In a world where it’s getting harder and harder to be heard above the noise, Susan is passionate about showing business owners how to clearly articulate their value and speak to the right people, at the right time, with a simple message and a great story.

See my bio

If you’ve ever felt awkward about showing up online, uncomfortable promoting your work, or worried about coming across as ‘salesy’, this episode of The Business of Stories is for you.

Join Susan Payton as she shares one of the most powerful storytelling concepts of all - the Hero and the Guide. Through stories from Star Wars to a vivid jungle metaphor, you’ll discover why your clients don’t need another hero in their story - they need you, as their guide.

Susan reveals how understanding your role in your client’s story can transform not only the way you show up, but also how your audience perceives you. You’ll see why showing up as the guide is what creates trust, connection, and the feeling of relief your ideal clients are longing for.

Here are the highlights:

• Understanding the role you play in your client’s journey and how they need you to show up for them
• Being a light for your ideal clients, and how to make it easy for the people who need you to find you.
• Recognising how your clients are really feeling before they find you, and how to make them feel safe and relieved to work with you
• The simple shift in your positioning that changes everything, and allows you to show up as the person your ideal client is looking for
• The power of meeting them with empathy, showing them the path they need to take and helping them navigate uncertainty and fear
• How showing up more - not less - is serving your clients and making it easy for them to find you, and get what they want.
• Listener Q&A: Overcoming the fear of putting your content out there and what happens when you hold back
• And a practical action step on sharing a story about who has guided you and helped you become who you are today

This inspiring episode will help you step fully into the person your ideal clients are looking for. If you’re ready to stop worrying about being too visible and start showing up with confidence, clarity, and purpose - so you can serve - this episode is a must-listen.

If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com

Download my Be The Guide masterclass here

https://thebusinessofstories.com/betheguide/

Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here

Grab The Storyteller’s Starter Pack here

Check out Storytelling Mastery here

About your host Susan Payton:

When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, the response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away!

In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life.

Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories, hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry.

Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business.

Susan has...

If you’ve ever felt held back in your business by self-doubt, fear of visibility, or those relentless “what ifs,” this episode of The Business of Stories is for you. Join Susan Payton as she shares her own powerful journey of overcoming a debilitating fear of public speaking, and learn how YOU can change the inner story that’s keeping you stuck.

From sweating hands and panic attacks to speaking calmly on big stages, Susan reveals the pivotal moments (including an unexpected public challenge from Daniel Priestley and a career-making five-day launch) that helped her rewrite her ‘inner narrative.’

Discover the mindset shifts and storytelling strategies that allowed her and hundreds of her clients to show up with confidence, connect with ideal clients, and build a business that feels authentic and inspired.

Here are the highlights:

• Why worrying about judgment, rejection, or failure stems from stories you picked up as a child and how to notice and rewrite them.
• How to stop making it about you. The life-changing advice that showed Susan how to shift focus from self-consciousness to serving her audience.
• Embracing your unique self. Why being fully, unapologetically YOU is your greatest superpower in business and how to use your personality, gifts, and life experiences to attract perfect-fit clients.
• The power (and honesty) of sharing self-doubt.Why talking about moments when you felt ‘not good enough’ can create deep resonance and connection with your audience and clients.
• The power of mastermind communities. How surrounding yourself with people who are ahead of you can fuel your growth, and how to use comparison as inspiration not discouragement.
• Listener Q&A: Doing things that feel scary, and the importance of recognising how far you’ve come and how capable you are.
• And a practical action step on sharing a time you doubted yourself, but found the strength to keep going.

Susan’s honest reflections and actionable advice in this episode will help you identify the stories holding you back, rewrite them, and start showing up for the people who need you most. If you want to stop hiding and holding back, and instead feel excited about your business again, this is a must-listen.

If you have a question you would love Susan to answer on the show, please email it (in writing) to susan@thebusinessofstories.com

Download a free copy of The Business of Stories here

Grab The Storyteller’s Starter Pack here

Check out Storytelling Mastery here

About your host Susan Payton:

When Susan told her ‘ordinary’ story to 1,500 business owners back in 2015, the response from people who resonated with it and felt connected to her as a result of hearing it, blew her away!

In fact, that moment completely changed her business - and her life.

Susan has since worked with entrepreneurs all over the world, written the international bestselling book, The Business of Stories, hosted the podcast of the same name, and become a leading authority on how to use storytelling to stand out in your industry.

Thousands have used her simple framework to share their message with impact, attract ideal clients and grow their business.

Susan has also spoken on stages from Brighton to Barcelona, guested on panels and