Making History Known: Biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin on The Power of Story

History is personal.

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer-Prize winning presidential historian and author of six other biographies, knows that well. She turns the spotlight on her own life, in her latest book, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, underscoring the need for everyone to know and share their history.

“The power of that decade was that people were filled with the idea that they could make a difference,” says the 81-year-old at a recent Chicago Humanities Festival event. That sentiment echoes again today.

Ambition / Intention, EventMichele WeldonMay 24, 2024Women Leaders, storytellingComment

Be Bold: 1619 Creator Nikole Hannah-Jones on Reframing History

“This shows what happens when you tell the most difficult stories without fear,” says Nikole Hannah-Jones, accepting The Ripple Effect Award at the 25th annual Studs Terkel Community Media Awards from Public Narrative in Chicago. The New York Times columnist who created the 1619 Project of “print, audio podcasts, school curriculum, essays, stories, poetry and historic reframing” defining the context of 400 years of slavery in America, has received accolades and awards across the country for the effort.

The Story of You: Why Your Career Path Narrative Matters

The language we use to describe and investigate our lives—personal and professional—centers on story.

“I’m starting a new chapter.”

“That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

“End of story.”

Why You Should Talk About Yourself a Lot More

You’re pretty savvy.

You’ve learned some lessons, professionally and personally, and you’ve developed more than a handful of insights around these experiences.

You’re not a jerk.

At more than one dinner party, you’ve made at least two people laugh.

How To Own Your Story

The minute I saw this post about storytelling as a leadership skill, by Joanne Tombrakos, I asked her if we could share it with Take The Lead readers. As she says, “When we own our stories we become a magnet. People want to know who we are. Read our stuff. Buy our products. Hire us. Maybe even take us on a date.” Our story is the root of our authenticity, the topic of Lex Schroeder’s June 26 webcast – sign up here to learn her authentic leadership tools. And read on for Joanne’s explanation of why sharing our story benefits us and the listener.

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