Tell me a story

We all need stories. They are an essential part of being human.

I recently had the pleasure of talking with Riccardo Sai for the Pocket Dojo podcast about his journey as a photographer and film director and producer and his wonderful talent for telling powerful, moving stories.

Riccardo came to the UK from Italy over 20 years ago. Telling stories has always been a passion for him, perhaps a natural expression of a creative, big-hearted soul for whom work has long been a paid hobby. Telling stories has always been an important element of what it means to be human, connecting us through heart-felt relationships, weaving community, surfacing shared meaning so that good decisions can be made for the benefit of the whole, not just personal agendas.

Businesses also need to tell stories. Narratives that are honest, wise and full of integrity, which inspire others to engage with their products and services so that all activities can become more aligned with shared values, especially when there is so much nonsense being spread in the ethers.

Here are some of Riccardo’s tips and suggestions for creating beautiful moving stories which inspire action, bring people together and reveal the beauty of humanity.

• be guided by what you are passionate about so you can intentionally tell stories that educate and invite action

• use personal anecdotes which people can connect to

• focus on projects and stories that align with your values

• create a team with complementary skills and talents to weave the narrative and embrace the complexity it will inevitably involve

• learn to collaborate, flex and be agile so that you can respond in the moment within stringent plans, tight deadlines and high pressures

• the smallest random acts of kindness can inspire a beautiful story - listen to the story Riccardo shares about looking for a yoga mat and connecting with a stranger deeply enough to share the cost, prompted by the suggestions of a helpful cashier

• nourish your relationships because they are at the heart of developing any project of impact - familiarity and trust are vital

• trust that you will attract like-minded others in time - gifts travel in circles

There are many aspects of regenerative practice in how Riccardo creates his projects and leads teams to achieve them. He gives importance to his relationships and also the places where he films and photographs. He has increasingly stepped into his own power during his life and career, honing his authentic voice to tell the truth through his lovely work. He reframes the inevitable challenges that emerge when filming to see what is possible with the resources that are available.

And Riccardo’s creative process also mirrors the way in which I work with leadership teams who realise that collapse is already underway and are ready to see what agency they have to create conditions for good things to happen:

© Asha Singh 2019

Riccardo’s company, Storo, has worked on a number of purposeful projects in recent months with a significant impact. These include short documentaries on climate change, life and death, cancer and female genital mutilation. Whether his clients are sustainable brands (The Little Green Energy Company, Icebreaker, Smartwool) who are commited to making a positive contribution to big world challenges, or governments and organisations like the Metropolitan Police, it is clear that Storo is starting to make its own mark.

To find out more about Riccardo and his work, visit his 🌎 website and connect with him on LinkedIn at 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/riccardosai/

"Those who tell the stories rule the world."

Hopi American Indian proverb

Thanks for reading and watching.