What is the BIG THING people miss out on when connecting data with storytelling?

I’d say there are 2 big things people miss when connecting data with storytelling. First, the big miss is often the human element. While data provides invaluable insights, it's the emotional resonance of a well-told story that truly moves people to action. The magic happens when we use data to uncover meaningful narratives and then craft those narratives in a way that speaks to the heart as well as the mind. Second, the source of the data is often misunderstood. In the early days of storytelling, it was all about being discoverable (through search) or sharable (through social media). So search terms and social listening were the most important inputs. These days data-driven storytellers have moved beyond dual algorithms –and we understand that the data you can surface on your audience segments offers insights that can be mined for strong creative.  Only after you’ve focused on the relevance of your story should you then optimize for the platforms.

What is your biggest leadership challenge, and how have you learned to overcome it?

My biggest challenge has been balancing innovation with stability in a rapidly evolving industry. I've learned to overcome this in 3 ways.  First, by fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability within Magnet Media, while staying true to our core mission of telling stories that matter. It's about embracing change without losing sight of our fundamental purpose. Second, we’re known for having the “pulse” of the storytelling industry, and that is due to our longstanding relationships with a diverse community of creators. For us, ‘creators’ can mean many different things –podcast producers, documentary filmmakers, lifestyle influencers or C-suite industry celebrities, depending on who you’re trying to reach and influence with your story, you.

What do you tell the companies you work with about how to use storytelling to navigate through the crisis?

While we do not do crisis management (this is a unique specialty!), I always advise companies to focus on authenticity and empathy in their storytelling –which, ideally, prevents crises. It's crucial to acknowledge the current reality while also offering hope and value. The most effective stories during challenging times are those that demonstrate how a brand is actively contributing to solutions or supporting its community in meaningful ways.

You sit at several creative industries. What role do you think they play in a world that is increasingly divisive and apocalyptic?

Creative industries have a unique power to dampen polarization, bridge divides and inspire collective action. Through thoughtful storytelling, we can foster empathy, challenge preconceptions, and illuminate shared human experiences. In times of division, creative work can serve as a unifying force, helping people find common ground and envision more positive futures. Our mission is to tell stories that matter so that we live in an empathetic world. I hope we can bring that mission to life more and more with every project we create.

Who is a woman you admire?

I deeply admire Ava DuVernay for her groundbreaking work in film and television. Her storytelling not only entertains but educates and inspires social change. DuVernay's commitment to amplifying diverse voices and tackling important social issues through her art exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling. I also admire my mother. She’s not famous nor esteemed in the traditional sense – but she’s one of the most powerful people I know. She taught me to take risks, invest in myself, commit to action (not just donations!) around causes that matter (specifically racial justic, and gender equity) –and to cherish quality time with friends and family.

What’s a trend you see coming in 2024 that inspires you?

There are 2:  the first is AI agents. While AI has been hyped beyond words, we’re finally entering the 3rd wave of AI that I believe will be game-changing in its power to transform our daily lives. (The first AI wave was classification of all things…audio, video, text; the second being generative –intaking data to create more data; now the third is about AI agents, where they’ll be able to take action for you –using software or people to fully complete tasks.) The second is the rise of immersive, interactive storytelling experiences. That really excites me. As environments like The Sphere or technologies like COSM become more accessible, I see tremendous potential for creating deeply engaging narratives that blur the lines between audience and story. This trend opens up new possibilities for empathy-building and perspective-sharing on a global scale…not to mention, travel, sports, gaming and all forms of experiential entertainment.

What’s one thing you cannot live without?

I cannot live without the power of a well-told story. Whether it's through books, films, podcasts, or the experiences shared by people I meet, stories are what connect us, inspire us, and drive us forward. They're not just my profession; they're my passion and the lens through which I understand and engage with the world.

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