Picture this: You’re in yet another leadership meeting. The agenda is packed, decisions need to be made, and yet… something feels off.

People nod at the right moments. They say the expected things. But underneath it all? There’s hesitation. A disconnect. A holding back.

Then, someone finally says what’s really on their mind. Maybe it’s a concern that’s been bubbling under the surface. Maybe it’s an idea that feels risky. Maybe it’s an unspoken tension that nobody dared name.

And in that moment, the air in the room shifts.

A breath is released.
Shoulders relax.
Something real has just entered the space.

Because here’s the thing: Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating the kind of space where people feel safe enough to speak their truth.

And yet, we don’t teach this in leadership development programs.

We teach strategic thinking, decision-making, innovation, and agility.
We teach how to run meetings—but not how to transform them.
We teach leaders to talk—but not how to listen in a way that invites real connection.

But what if I told you that storytelling + spaceholding could be the missing keys to unlocking deeper trust, engagement, and culture shifts in your team?

The Stories We Tell Shape the Cultures We Create

I’ll never forget my first Circle experience.

I was in Montana, sitting in a group of strangers, when someone passed me a talking piece. For the first time in my life, I spoke without trying to impress, convince, or edit myself.

I just… told the truth.

And to my surprise, I wasn’t judged. I wasn’t dismissed.

The people around me leaned in. They listened—not to respond, not to fix, but simply to witness.

And something in me changed forever.

That was the first time I experienced the power of a held space. A space where people can show up fully, without performance or pretense.

I knew in that moment that I wanted to master this art.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve facilitated over 1,500 Circles in every kind of setting—from wild retreats to boardrooms of global companies.

And here’s what I’ve learned: Storytelling isn’t just for campfires and keynote speeches. It’s a leadership tool.

Because when a leader shares a story—
Not a perfectly polished one, but a real, human, vulnerable one—
It creates a bridge of trust.

People don’t follow titles. They follow authenticity.

And when you create space for others to share their stories, something powerful happens:
✨ Barriers dissolve.
✨ Conversations deepen.
✨ People feel seen, heard, and valued.

And that’s where transformation begins.

How to Hold Space Like a Leader

So how can you bring spaceholding and storytelling into your leadership?

Here are three simple ways to start:

1.Start Meetings With a Check-in or a Story (Not Just Data)

Before diving into metrics, strategies, and reports, start with something human.

• Maybe it’s a personal moment that’s been on your mind.
• Maybe it’s a story about something you’re learning—or struggling with.
• Maybe it’s simply a small moment of appreciation for someone on your team.

Just make sure it’s real—not something you’re sharing to entertain, impress, or perform. (People can feel the difference.)

Why?
Because stories create connection.
And connection fuels engagement

2. Create Moments Where Everyone Has a Voice

Ever notice how, in meetings, the loudest voices tend to dominate?

Instead of an open discussion where only a few speak up, try this:

Give each person 60 seconds to answer a simple but powerful question:

• “What’s something you’ve learned this week?”
• “What’s on your mind right now?”
• “What’s one thing that’s energizing or draining you?”

No interruptions. No immediate responses. Just listening.

You’ll be amazed at how much wisdom is already in the room. AND at how quickly people feel more connected, engaged, and heard.

3. Be Willing to Go First

If you want a culture of trust, transparency, and engagement, it starts with you.

• Be the leader who shares a story of not knowing.
• Be the one who admits when something is hard.
• Be the one who holds space, rather than rushing to fill it.

Because when you do, others will follow.

The Invitation: Lead Differently

We are moving into a new era of leadership. One where human connection is the most valuable currency.

And if you’re ready to lead in a way that builds trust, fosters engagement, and creates spaces where people thrive—this is your invitation.

I’m hosting a free masterclass: The Art of Holding Space.

In this 60-minute session, I’ll teach you the core principles of Circle Facilitation—so you can lead meetings, conversations, and communities in a way that fosters deep trust, engagement, and connection.

📅 Date & Time: 12 February, 7 PM AEDT
📍 Where: Online (link sent upon registration)
💫 Sign up here → https://www.wondr.global/pl/2148641170

Because leadership isn’t just about strategy.
It’s about creating spaces where people can show up fully.
And when they do—everything changes.