„Storytelling for Seniors“ with Adriana Richter

Adriana Richter is a “story coach.”
On 14 July she gave an impulse talk at the regular meeting of the Senior Professionals working group, outlining the aspects senior women should pay special attention to when telling stories. We discussed how storytelling can be tailored to the different phases of our lives. Below is a summary of Adriana’s main points.

Why storytelling matters

• Language emerged roughly 200 000 years ago, and with it humans began to share stories. Our brains are wired for narrative—we remember stories 22 times better than facts and figures.
• Stories make us attractive communicators. While we tell a story, the “bonding hormone” oxytocin is released, fostering relationship and trust.
• Storytelling is not the same as small talk. Small talk only serves rapport; storytelling can move people to act.
• Neuroscientist Prof. Dr. Uri Hasson discovered the brain‑to‑brain coupling effect: the storyteller’s and listener’s brains sync, creating empathy and putting them “on the same wavelength.”
• Rule of thumb: Enrich a 30‑minute presentation with about 3 minutes of storytelling.

Hallmarks of a good story

• Tailor the story to your listeners and the outcome you want.
• The story should have happened to you or to someone very close to you; that makes it relatable and human.
• Center the narrative on flesh‑and‑blood characters, not companies or objects.
• A heroine faces a crisis or stress (“the power of vulnerability”) and then undergoes a transformation.
• A story that stirs feelings invites trust.

Case study: Indra Nooyi – from top executive to integrator

• Indra Nooyi spent 12 years at PepsiCo, finishing as CEO.
• When she stepped down in 2018, her storytelling changed too.
• As a top manager her mantras were “Performance is purpose” and “Women can’t have it all.”
• After leaving the CEO role she began speaking about how women can balance career and family—drawing on her own experience.

Tips for seniors who don’t want to sound like a “fairy‑tale aunt”

• Evolve your narrative to match your new situation.
• Be crystal‑clear about the advisor or mentor role you’re taking.
• Look forward – Offer forward‑looking insights instead of simply reminiscing.
• Example: “When I started out, things were done this way. I advised my managers to do that—and they still apply the concept successfully today.”
• Choose topics that truly matter to you, then contribute future‑oriented ideas backed by your knowledge and experience.
• Use your experience to give personal impulses that will stay relevant for your audience.

Quotations & side notes

• Steve Jobs: “The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values and agenda of an entire generation that is to come.”
• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: “I’m writing you a long letter because I don’t have time to write a short one.”
• Book from Indra Nooyi: “My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future”.
• Buch von Brené Brown: Book from Brene Brown:

Thank you, Adriana, for the fantastic webinar for our Senior Professionals circle—and for the free coaching link to your calendar! As always, your session was both entertaining and hands‑on.

Here you can find more information about Adriana Richter.

Foto: Adriana Richter (2025)

 

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