Cadence Catch-up with Lewis #21

Welcome to the twenty-first edition of Cadence Catch-Up.

For this edition, I’ve selected effective story-telling as the central theme. There are good reasons for that. The more I read about the future of work, and the impact AI is already having on the way we work, the more important I think it is to be able to craft original thoughts and messages into something that will move your audience.

If we can accept that we may not regard ourselves as great story-tellers, there is still the opportunity to engage in what the authors of the recently released Skills Horizon Report 2026 (Dr Sandra Peter, Dr Kai Riemer and Dr Pat Norman of Sydney Executive Plus, University of Sydney) refer to as “persuasive story-crafting”. This is defined as “The ability to develop compelling narratives that engage, persuade, and inspire audiences. Leveraging data, insights and rhetorical techniques to communicate complex ideas, evoke emotions, influence stakeholders, and drive action”.

It’s one of the key leadership skills identified by the authors to support working across difference. This includes leading across generations, and dealing with the pace and scope of change. Developing a clear narrative, linked to purpose, is a great way to create some stability and focus in your workplace amongst all the noise. I’m currently developing a new workshop specifically aimed at narrative-crafting. If you are interested in learning more about this, please drop me a message on LinkedIn.

The articles I have selected this time focus on corporate-speak, its uses and when to avoid it; a self-penned article about “startle” culture and how it evokes emotions; and one of the oldest forms of story-telling at work: the use of gossip. It’s not as negative as you might think.

As always, if you have a comment to make about anything you have read (or heard) in this newsletter, I’d love to hear it.

CORPORATE-SPEAK. ABSOLUTELY.

All organisations create their own jargon. It helps humans feel a sense of attachment and belonging. But when we start to hear terms like “creating efficiencies”, “hitting the ground running” and “feedback loops” ad nauseum, an audience very quickly switches off. What is the story they are inadvertently telling by using these terms?

STARTLE ME UP: MATCHA MADNESS AND PETS ON PLANES

Are we now at a place where organisations need to startle audiences in order to be heard?

From self-service matcha stations and sunrise yoga at work, to pets in the cabin on planes, I ponder how we might look back on this period in the future.

THE POWER OF GOSSIP AT WORK

Something a bit different this edition – my podcast debut! Recently I added a voice note to the This Working Life podcast about gossip at work.

While gossip usually draws negative connotations, it can also serve as a force for good. It can pass on information that might not make its way through the usual channels, evoking emotions and driving action.

PODCAST CORNER

This edition I have another episode of the wonderful Steven Bartlett podcast Diary of a CEO to share with you. It features one of THE great storytellers – Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey. His use of pause in relaying experiences and making points is just outstanding.

From the outset, it is apparent McConaughey is a very gifted individual. Quick-witted, straight-A student, incredibly charismatic, and that Texan drawl! But there is far more to the individual than meets the eye. McConaughey shares tales of resilience “Don’t pull the parachute too early, hang in there”, deep-seated values “Your handshake is your contract”, and the need for resistance “You have to push off something to go somewhere. Resistance will come if you have ambition”.

But the big message in this for me was the importance McConaughey places on fatherhood, and male mentors. He says “time is the most valuable thing you got, and being a father is the best time you can be spending”. I find this message so refreshing, especially at a time when young males in particular are looking for authentic leadership, clear messages among the complexity about what being a man and a father means, and the significant impact it can have on people.

This is such an entertaining interview, highly recommended. It has made me pick up McConaughey’s 2020 book Greenlights again. I might have more to say about that next time.

CITATIONS

Peter, S., Riemer, K., Norman, P. (2025) The 2026 Skills Horizon. Sydney Executive Plus. The University of Sydney, https://doi.org/10.25910/xrre-x449

ABOUT LEWIS

Lewis Williams is the Founder of Cadence Leadership Advisory, which provides coaching, strategic and team leadership facilitation and services to individuals and organisations. He has over 25 years leadership experience through senior roles at National Australia Bank and HSBC. Lewis regularly contributes as Adjunct Faculty to AGSM@UNSW on a variety of reskilling, leadership and development programs. He is also a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Cadence Leadership Advisory is a leadership development business specialising in coaching people, team leadership and development, strategy review and organisational culture.