In Conversation With... Matthew Dicks

Every week, we have a company-wide call to celebrate our values. And, every so often, we invite a special guest to share their insights and career journeys with us. 

Last week, we were honoured to host a captivating session with the renowned storyteller and author (among many other things), Matthew Dicks. 

His expertise in storytelling has inspired countless individuals and businesses to harness the power of narratives. Here are some key insights from our engaging conversation with him, and you can watch the discussion in full below:

The Essence of Storytelling 📚

Matt emphasises that storytelling is not just about recounting events but about transformation. A compelling story involves a change, whether it’s a personal transformation or a shift in perspective. For example, something as simple as his son spilling ice cream at a baseball game, when he reflected on it, led him to a deeper understanding of childhood and parenting.

Small Moments, Big Impact 🤩

One of the standout lessons from Matthew is the power of small, relatable moments. He explained how even the tiniest events can make the best stories because they are relatable and resonate deeply with the audience. Matthew explained that something too ‘big’, while having stopping power, can lack an emotional hook as so few people can truly empathise with the situation. Find the common thread that most people can connect with, and you’re more likely to have a lasting impact on them. 

Stories in Business 🤝

Matthew shared how his book, Storyworthy, initially aimed at general readers, found a significant audience in the business world. He noted that businesses often struggle with understanding what makes a good story. It's not about grand adventures but about small moments of change that can make a big impact.

Personal Vulnerability ❤️‍🩹

Matthew shared a personal story from his youth that underscored the importance of vulnerability in storytelling. He recounted a time when he was stranded without gas money and ended up asking for donations under false pretences. This story, while highlighting a morally questionable decision, ultimately connected deeply with audiences due to its honesty and relatability.

He also shared another car-related story that we won’t spoil for you here - you’ll have to watch the recording to hear it for yourself (hint, it starts at around 32 minutes in).

Homework for Life 📝

A key practice Matthew advocates is “Homework for Life,” a daily exercise where you reflect on your day to find a story-worthy moment. This practice not only helps in accumulating a treasure trove of stories but also enriches your perception of daily life, making each day feel more significant and memorable.

The Power of Stories in Business Contexts 🤯

Matthew’s insights also extended to how storytelling can be effectively used in business. He shared examples of how businesses can leverage personal stories to create a strong emotional connection with their audience, leading to better engagement and loyalty.

His advice to look for small, transformative moments and to embrace vulnerability in our narratives is something we will take to heart as we continue to innovate and connect with our customers, who regularly share with us their own stories of what having access to their dream car means to them.