Storytelling For Complex Missions

Designing Tomorrow: Creative Strategies for Social Impact

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3M ago 23:43

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Too many social impact organizations are stuck trying to explain everything they do — and in the process, end up saying nothing that sticks. When your mission is complex, how do you distill it into a clear, compelling story that actually resonates?

In this episode, Eric and Jonathan dig into the storytelling struggles that come with multifaceted missions — and offer a practical framework to help you cut through the noise, focus your narrative, and connect more powerfully with your audiences.

➔ The one question every leader should ask before blaming the messaging.
➔ How to tell an emotionally compelling story without oversimplifying your mission.
➔ Why most orgs don’t have a storytelling problem — they have a focus problem.
➔ What to do when “just one story” feels impossible.
➔ A simple test to make sure your message really matters to anyone outside your team.

If your communications are feeling muddy, scattered, or just too complex to explain, this episode will help you zoom out, refocus, and tell a story people will actually remember — and care about.

Don't try to say it all. Say the one thing that matters most.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - The complexity trap: “How do we take these complex missions and weave simple, compelling emotional narratives?”
[01:33] - First things first: Is this actually a storytelling issue—or a lack of focus?
[02:50] - The everything-all-at-once problem: How pride in breadth can dilute clarity.
[04:15] - Non-profit existentialism: “What am I doing with my life?” as a strategic tool.
[05:44] - The theory of change litmus test: Can you explain how your work creates change?
[09:11] - The problem behind your problem: Defining your challenge before crafting your message.
[10:33] - Unique qualifications: What makes your organization the right one to do this work?
[13:24] - The “So What” test: Distill your purpose with this 3-step drill-down exercise.
[15:25] - You don’t need to tell it all: The danger of overexplaining.
[18:34] - Different stories for different audiences: Why stakeholder-specific storytelling is essential.
[21:18] - Start with the simplest story: Lead with what’s most intuitive—expand later.

Resources:

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Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.

Chapters

1. Complex Missions and Clear Narratives (00:00:00)

2. Examining Your Mission's Focus (00:02:06)

3. Developing a Clear Theory of Change (00:05:44)

4. The "So What" Test (00:10:32)

5. Tailoring Stories for Different Audiences (00:15:24)

6. Choose the Simplest Storytelling Approach (00:21:05)

62 episodes

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