Insight article

It’s time to change the narrative

Oh, 2020: the year in which ‘unprecedented timesbecame our national catchphrase. As we pick up the pieces from the past year and look to the uncertain terrain of 2021, there’s no escaping the dominant narrative that will govern our memory of the last twelve months.

But here at The Storytellers we know that building belief in change is the first step to a better future; and that belief-building starts with stories of positive change.

So in defiance of the bad and in celebration of the good, here are three wonderful stories from the past year that fill us with hope for the next:

Captain Sir Tom Moore, the 99-year-old army veteran who pledged to walk 100 lengths of his garden to raise money for the NHS, became an international sensation raising over £13m. His story, in the depths of the pandemic and the first lockdown, spread hope and positivity in a time when both were really needed.

Scientists worked together to deliver a vaccine in record-breaking time. Almost 200 vaccines have been put into development, showing the power of collective action in a crisis. A crisis can sometimes bring out the best in people, uniting them behind a common cause to work out a solution together.  

The US saw Kamala Harris voted in as vice-president in November. Breaking gender and racial boundaries, and inspiring hope for women across the world. Once elected, she said: “While I may be the first woman in this office. I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.”

We are always looking out for positive stories of change, and we have heard no shortage of them coming out of the organisations we work with during 2020. We saw organisations dramatically accelerate aspects of their transformation in months rather than years. We watched as employees came together as we launched our new virtual story-driven events, reaching 100 per cent more employees than we could do before. We saw one company achieve its first year of growth since 2008.  

This was the year when we came together to stay positive. We clapped on our balconies and in our gardens for the NHS. We tried out new things and became teachers for our children. We overcame obstacles and learnt to balance working from home. Pollution improved, we got healthier and spent more time outdoors appreciating nature. We met on Zoom and Teams (and we’re still constantly on mute). Perhaps most importantly, we stayed connected whilst apart. 

At The Storytellers, we celebrate the stories that move more people to do great things, however big or small.

What story will you tell in 2021?

Imogen Wallersteiner

Content Associate

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