“The future is a formless void, a blank space waiting to be filled. And then a Torchbearer envisions a new possibility.
Some say being a torchbearer is a burden. Some say it’s a blessing. Either way, those who light the path are the ones who change the world.”
—Nancy Duarte and Patti Sanchez, Torchbearer’s Calling in Illuminate
What are the key ingredients to leading a movement? How do you motivate fellow travelers to traverse the change process, within themselves and within your organization or community, even when all they want to do is quit? What happens when you hit a natural plateau in the growth cycle? These are the topics I explore in today’s show with Nancy Duarte, master of systems thinking, speech writing, and the subject of her latest book, Illuminate: How to Ignite Change Through Speeches, Stories, Ceremonies, and Symbols.
MORE ABOUT NANCY DUARTE
Nancy Duarte is a communication expert who has been featured in Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company, Wired, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, The Economist, LA Times and on CNN. Her firm, Duarte, Inc., is the global leader behind some of the most influential visual messages in business and culture. The largest design agency in the Silicon Valley, and 5th largest woman-owned employer, Duarte, Inc. is estimated to have created more than a quarter of a million presentations.
Nancy has 25 years of experience working with global companies and thought leaders, influencing how the world perceives some of the most important brands and entities, including Apple, Cisco, Facebook, GE, Google, HP, TED, Twitter, and the World Bank.
TOPICS WE COVER
Transformation and movements through storytelling
The three-act structure of transformation
Her process and growth as a writer in creating her new book, Illuminate
Torchbearers: those who light the path and change the world
“The future is a formless void, and change is hard”
All movements start from an impassioned plea
The innovation cycle, innovating the s-curve
Speeches, stories, symbols, and the importance of ceremony
Anatomy of a Venture Scape: Dream, Leap, Fight, Climb, Arrive, (Re)Dream
Motivating stories versus warning stories; creating polarity
Travelers often face an inner journey—a fight-climb, fight-climb sequence—and have to build resilience. As long as you and your fellow travelers change on the inside, you will keep making change on the outside.
Interactive team exercises for getting people on board with organizational change
Duarte’s three work streams: resourcing, recognition, and remote work
Nancy’s stance on remote work, and the need to be a great self-manager
PODCAST: HOW TO LEAD A MOVEMENT WITH NANCY DUARTE
Press play on the embedded player below or listen on iTunes, SoundCloud, Overcast, or Google Play:
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace
Books by Nancy:
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