Alitu<![CDATA[The StrategyStory Podcast]]>en-gbpodcast477ff740-4278-5b44-b738-292fd27e8322https://strategystory.alitu.comserialhello@strategystory.co.ukKate HooperKate HooperKate Hooperfalse08a1952f-48c3-4c66-8b94-6a4b3748676e<![CDATA[Professor Sir John Curtice, Political Scientist: The Power of Storytelling in Politics]]>Join us as we step into a world where storytelling really can change the course of a nation.

We're exploring the good, the bad and the gloriously messy of political storytelling, and there’s no one better to guide us than Professor Sir John Curtice.

As a professor of Politics, political scientist and commentor, John has spent decades watching the stories that win, lose and shape elections.

This is a conversation about power, persuasion, and what today’s business leaders can learn from the storytelling that has influenced nations.

]]>Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:03:00 GMT00:42:19https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/08a1952f-48c3-4c66-8b94-6a4b3748676efull2299Kate Hooper50b8b93c-7ae4-47e9-834c-ec7e0f2dde61<![CDATA[Masterclass: Making Conversations Matter - The Art of Facilitation]]>Do you want to master the art of facilitation?

Learn how to turn challenging group dynamics into productive, meaningful conversations that drive real organisational change with Kate Hooper and Professor Donald MacLean.

Drawing from decades of experience, Kate and Donald share personal stories and practical insights that will transform how you approach group interactions.

Whether you're a leader, manager, or team member, this mini-masterclass will equip you with the tools to facilitate conversations that matter.

]]>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT00:11:00https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/50b8b93c-7ae4-47e9-834c-ec7e0f2dde61full2288Kate Hoopere6474dd8-28ce-4b7c-8277-596e654ae0e4<![CDATA[Dave Hall - "The UK's Most Energetic Boss"]]>Want to unlock some breakthrough thinking in your business? Join Kate and "The UK's Most Energetic Boss" in the latest StrategyStory podcast. 

Dave Hall is the founder of the Ideas Centre and a master of unlocking creativity in organisations. 

As an engineer and scientist, he's developed groundbreaking techniques that help businesses break free from "the world of what is, and step into the world of what if". 

Kate and Dave share how storytelling and creative methods (like Dave's unforgettable "Bob the Communication Fish") drive imagination and fun to transform workplace culture and stimulate "breakthrough thinking".

]]>Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:59:28 GMT00:34:48https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/e6474dd8-28ce-4b7c-8277-596e654ae0e4full2277Kate Hooper39f9bf25-7821-4aa0-b141-f006ed3998f3<![CDATA[Masterclass: Dynamic Capabilities - How adaptability can help your business stay ahead]]>Would you like to "seize the day" in your business but find it all feels a bit 'stuck'?

In today's rapidly changing business landscape, the traditional notion of strategy is out of date. New times need new approaches.

Join Kate Hooper and Professor Donald MacLean in this StrategyStory Mini-Masterclass as they unpack the concept of 'Dynamic Capabilities'. What on earth does that mean? Well in 10 minutes, discover how successful businesses:

  • Continuously scan the environment for emerging trends
  • Make rapid, informed decisions
  • Transform organisational structures to stay ahead of the curve

Strategy, leadership, storytelling, and communications... key concepts broken down in less than 15 minutes.

Subscribe for more conversations that connect strategy with people, and stories with action!

]]>Fri, 11 Jul 2025 15:47:47 GMT00:10:38https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/39f9bf25-7821-4aa0-b141-f006ed3998f3full2266Kate Hoopere31b04cc-d352-4491-b320-c4a28e98026f<![CDATA[Sam Poling, BBC Investigative Journalist. How stories drive action.]]>We're peeling back the layers of how stories drive action with award-winning BBC investigative journalist, Sam Poling.

Sam shares her own stories from across her career - from investigating the murder case of Emma Caldwell to exposing criminal networks.

There is so much to learn from this episode. Storytelling drives change, impact and gives voice to people where it matters.

]]>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:00:04 GMT00:38:44https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/e31b04cc-d352-4491-b320-c4a28e98026ffull2255trueKate Hooperec20920b-ce67-4717-b795-5a877d28af26<![CDATA[Masterclass: Turning Vision into Action and Purpose through Storytelling ]]>How can storytelling be used to turn vision into action and purpose?

Kate Hooper's in the hotseat breaking down the power of storytelling and how it can be harnessed to drive action and facilitate real impactful change.

Strategy, leadership, storytelling, and communications... key concepts broken down in less than 15 minutes.

Subscribe for more conversations that connect strategy with people, and stories with action!

]]>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:04:00 GMT00:14:43https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/ec20920b-ce67-4717-b795-5a877d28af26full2244Kate Hooper06e3c539-c04e-4421-b9d1-29afd370d038<![CDATA[Simon Erlanger, Isle of Harris Distillery]]>In this podcast, recorded earlier this year, we hear from Isle of Harris Distillery MD, Simon Erlanger, who shares the story of the development of the distillery, and how exceptional approaches to storytelling created an iconic brand and business.

Simon talks about the important role storytelling plays in creating a community that truly supports a brand through the often challenging journey of international growth, and the importance of staying true to the ethos of a business. This is a story that will inspire and support many others navigating the business landscape and shines a light on the importance of authentic communication.

]]>Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:03:00 GMT00:32:01https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/06e3c539-c04e-4421-b9d1-29afd370d038full2233Kate Hooper74aa1900-979c-4bfc-925f-ad4614029e4b<![CDATA[Masterclass: Leadership through uncertainty]]>"Uncertainty is opportunity"

 Professor Donald Maclean is back in the hotseat with Kate Hooper for a masterclass in leadership and how leaders can make the most of opportunities presented through uncertainty.

Strategy, leadership, storytelling, and communications... key concepts broken down in less than 15 minutes.

Subscribe for more conversations that connect strategy with people, and stories with action!

 

]]>Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:30:04 GMT00:12:35https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/74aa1900-979c-4bfc-925f-ad4614029e4bfull2222Kate Hooper76af82c1-772f-4a0f-b210-166d0c9e260c<![CDATA[Garry Ridge, former CEO WD-40]]>An all new series of The StrategyStory podcast! We're kicking off series 2 with none other than Garry Ridge, former CEO of WD-40, a leader who really puts people at the heart of business. 

From culture to purpose, storytelling to strategy,  this one is packed with inspiration and insight. 

If leadership, storytelling, strategy and purpose speak to you, you’ll want to tune in. 

]]>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:02:00 GMT00:48:04https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/76af82c1-772f-4a0f-b210-166d0c9e260cfull2211Kate Hooper56161789-04b9-484c-81db-ee0b153f8805<![CDATA[How Can I Listen Better to Connect With My Teams? Tips from an ex-hostage negotiator]]>Ex-hostage negotiator and now expert speaker on communications and influence, Nigel Taberner has been in some seriously hostile situations. He shares his experience with us and explains how to listen to drive positive outcomes and connect with people quickly, and ultimately, how a succinct strategy is at the heart of success.

]]>Fri, 07 Jun 2024 09:04:54 GMT00:37:43https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/56161789-04b9-484c-81db-ee0b153f8805full111515falseKate Hooper131ee512-2e76-4bfd-95c7-8842afad006c<![CDATA[What Can We Learn About Storytelling From Scotland’s Whisky Industry? - Ewen Mackintosh, Gordon & MacPhail]]>“If you don't see it, you can't feel it.”
Ewen MacIntosh.
 
There is an art to storytelling, and it could be said that Scotland’s Whisky industry really has that art sussed. Ewen MacIntosh has recently retired from a 33 year career in the family owned, premium spirits company Gordon & MacPhail, the last decade of which he held the position of MD.
 
In this episode, we hear Ewen’s story and reflect on his time at the company. We also delve into the winning recipe for not just good storytelling, but great storytelling.
 
Great storytelling captures our minds, our attention and crucially, our hearts.
 
In this episode you will learn more about Ewen, you will learn more about the Whisky industry, and you will most definitely learn more about some key ingredients required to shape a great, authentic story to reach customers and colleagues.
 
]]>Tue, 07 May 2024 12:22:35 GMT00:43:01https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/131ee512-2e76-4bfd-95c7-8842afad006cfull111414falseStrategyStorya0762d50-a2e6-420a-8685-4fae5383281a<![CDATA[Do You Want to Create a Strategy and Communication Approach in Your School That Will Actually Work?]]>Schools Special Episode
 
Do you want to create a strategy and communication approach in your school that will actually work?
 
‘We often see strategies developed at that leadership level...Then it’s presented to the community, and there’s not the buy-in or the understanding of that strategy, because it hasn’t emerged from the voices of the community."
David Burton
Principal Consultant, Independent Schools Victoria (ISV)
 
StrategyStory was set-up to tackle the challenge that around two thirds of strategies fail. 
 
Our solution? Stories drive action and connection, so put storytelling back at the heart of matters. 
 
We've been working in partnership with ISV for six years now. As we prepare to launch a new suite of programs in Australia, we speak with the ISV team about the critical need to embrace a strategic approach to address challenges facing schools. We delve into the significance of storytelling to build community and engagement, while offering some practical tips, and we hear from a Principal leading a school who took part in one of our programs.
 
You can find out more about the StrategyStory programs for 2024 here.
]]>Tue, 16 Apr 2024 02:03:52 GMT00:34:33https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/a0762d50-a2e6-420a-8685-4fae5383281afull111313falseStrategyStory29fbc683-a01f-4217-9d84-0b8319701ae8<![CDATA[How Can I Lead Transformation in an Organisation? - Mini Masterclass 7]]>"Transformation" is one of those words we hear everywhere. But what does it really mean, and how do we actually bring about change in organisations?

In this short masterclass all these questions will be answered by Professor Donald Maclean, who has been researching transformation for over a decade. Breaking it down into three steps: "reimagine", "re-energise", "refocus", he'll walk you through how to shake things up in a way that feels more natural and human.

Themes and Topics:

  • 00:52 - Introduction
  • 02:26 - Donald's research
  • 06:00 - Step 1 - Reimagine
  • 08:15 - Step 2 - Re-energise
  • 11:00 - Examples
  • 16:40 - Step 3 - Refocus 
  • 21:00 - Recap

More info:

Credits:

 

]]>Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:15:52 GMT00:24:25https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/29fbc683-a01f-4217-9d84-0b8319701ae8full111212falseStrategyStory8af346fa-81d0-4af0-9f68-ccaa3ce4ffa3<![CDATA[How Do I Drive an Emotional Connection to Strategy? - Mini Masterclass 6]]>In this Mini Masterclass, communications expert  Kate Hooper walks you through her 3 steps to foster an emotional connection to any strategy/ambition/vision/big idea! Using 'Simplify', 'Personify' and 'Amplify', learn how to make your strategy really land by communicating it with your team on a human level.

Themes and Topics:

  • 00:50 - Introduction: Simplify, Personify, Amplify
  • 02:24 - Simplify - Turn complex strategies into something people can understand
  • 04:30 - Personify - Let people connect with a strategy by allowing them to see themselves in it
  • 13:00 - Amplify - What is the best method of communication for your team?

More info:

Credits:

]]>Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMT00:17:33https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/8af346fa-81d0-4af0-9f68-ccaa3ce4ffa3full111111falseStrategyStory6e308772-3ab6-4c02-bb74-11ffe6247ec3<![CDATA[How Can I Lead Teams Through Change? - Mini Masterclass 5]]>Back in the hot seat for another Masterclass, Professor Donald Maclean walks us through the concept of "Deep Structure" and how we can use it to lead teams through change.

Transformation can be a scary and difficult process for an organisation and its workers. In this episode you'll learn why "Deep Structure" is an important tool in navigating this process, what it is, and how you can harness it in your own business.

Themes and Topics:

  • 2:15 - Why is Deep Structure important?
  • 4:35 - Kate and Donald discuss the results of a poll on management styles
  • 7:15 - What is Deep Structure?
  • 9:45 - How can we use Deep Structure in organisations?
  • 12:10 - Deep Structure and transformation
  • 17:40 - Summary

More info:

Credits:

]]>Sun, 14 Jan 2024 15:59:09 GMT00:21:30https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/6e308772-3ab6-4c02-bb74-11ffe6247ec3full111010falseStrategyStoryd7e9431a-fbd1-4bf2-8c70-8b7630af9ffa<![CDATA[How Can I Communicate My Strategy? - Mini Masterclass 4 ]]>Devising your business strategy is only the first step - how do you make sure it lands with the people who will deliver it?
 
StrategyStory believes strong, effective communication is vital in getting people behind a strategy. In this masterclass, Donald Maclean asks Kate Hooper to walk you through her 3 steps to support excellent strategic communication. You'll learn how to use storytelling to engage your team with your strategy in order to drive the action that you want to see.

Themes and Topics:

  • 01:40 - Why should you care about communicating strategy?
  • 04:28 - "Culture eats strategy for breakfast"
  • 06:35 - Step One: Bring it to life
  • 11:40 - Step Two: Bring people together
  • 16:16 - Step Three: Bring communications up the agenda
  • 19:05 - Casestudy: Ooni outdoor pizza ovens
  • 24:05 - Summary of the three steps

More info:

Credits:

]]>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:25:37 GMT00:26:02https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/d7e9431a-fbd1-4bf2-8c70-8b7630af9ffafull1199falseStrategyStory78c9905b-db26-417f-a8c5-16def1b216bb<![CDATA[How Can I Look at Strategy in a New Way? - Mini Masterclass 3 ]]>What is emergent strategy, and how could it revolutionise the way we manage organisations?

Find out in this Mini Masterclass where Professor Donald Maclean will be quizzed by Kate Hooper on the ideas behind emergent strategy, how it harnesses creativity, and how it could be managed.

Themes and Topics:

  • 1:46 - Why should we care about emergent strategy?
  • 3:15 - Command and control management isn't working anymore
  • 5:16 - Emergent strategy as an alternative - what is it?
  • 10:59 - Why are people interested in emergent strategy?
  • 11:40 - How could it be managed? 

More info:

Credits:

 

]]>Thu, 30 Nov 2023 12:15:49 GMT00:14:41https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/78c9905b-db26-417f-a8c5-16def1b216bbfull1188falseStrategyStory5ecd3dcf-0ff5-4360-a1cc-cbd9ea6d5329<![CDATA[How Can I Use Storytelling to Drive Change? - Carolyn Currie, Women's Enterprise Scotland]]>What if storytelling helped you to achieve your business’ dreams?

This week Carolyn Currie, Chief Executive of Women’s Enterprise Scotland (WES), shares how storytelling is central to her aim to make Scotland world-leading in its support for women-owned businesses.

Kate and Carolyn discuss how sharing stories about WES inspires young women and girls, how story drives policy change, and the role of stories in forming compelling strategies and engaging leadership. 

Themes and Topics:

  • 00:54 - Donald and Kate introduce the themes of the episode
  • 06:58 - Carolyn's background in business
  • 09:00 - The vision behind WES
  • 10:55 - Shocking statistics: the barriers to entry women business-owners face
  • 17:15 - The role of storytelling in achieving WES's agenda
  • 21:14 - Developing successful strategies: capturing the imagination
  • 27:05 - Carolyn's final message for aspiring women entrepreneurs
  • 29:37 - Donald and Kate's breakdown of the episode

More info:

Credits:

 

]]>Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:11:54 GMT00:39:05https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/5ecd3dcf-0ff5-4360-a1cc-cbd9ea6d5329full1177falseStrategyStorybda4bf50-386e-4747-95cd-f9d8357961f5<![CDATA[How Can I Harness the Power of Podcasting? - Bonus Episode]]>Introducing a special bonus episode with podcast know-it-all Colin Gray...

As the CEO of podcasting app Alitu and all-around podcast bible The Podcast Host, as well as the official partner for The StrategyStory Podcast (!), Colin has a lot to say about the power of podcasting.

Phew... that was a lot of 'podcast's in one sentence!

This week Kate and Donald dissect their podcast journey with Colin, discussing the lessons they've learned, the power of the voice, using podcasting to propel their business, and Colin's top tips to grow your show.

Themes and Topics:

  • 01:50 - What Kate and Donald learnt from creating The StrategyStory Podcast
  • 6:40 - Using podcasting to listen to each other's stories
  • 8:50 - Podcasts harness the power of the human voice
  • 10:50 - Surprises in the podcasting process: joy and accessibility of podcasting
  • 17:47 - Collaboration and working together
  • 20:23 - How to grow your podcast: niche targeting
  • 27:10 - Growing your audience by knowing your audience

More info:

Credits:

 

]]>Wed, 15 Nov 2023 09:22:05 GMT00:34:10https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/bda4bf50-386e-4747-95cd-f9d8357961f5full1166falseStrategy Story, Alitu69ac6d9b-9983-4682-bd6f-224223c6be13<![CDATA[How Can I Craft My Business Story? - Mini Masterclass 2]]>Learn how to be a better storyteller by listening to this Mini Masterclass led by Kate Hooper, ex-BBC broadcaster and digital communications whizz.

You'll not only find out why storytelling is so important for businesses, but you'll also learn how to craft a great story in 3 simple steps.

Themes and Topics:

  • 2:00 - Why do storytelling for business?
  • 4:45 - Step 1 - Know Your Audience
  • 9:32 - Step 2 - Key Elements of Your Business Story
  • 12:43 - Step 3 - Structure Your Story
  • 17:20 - Conclusions - What's the pay-off?

More info:

Credits:

 

]]>Wed, 08 Nov 2023 10:16:54 GMT00:19:07https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/69ac6d9b-9983-4682-bd6f-224223c6be13full1155falseStrategyStorye1f85ffe-c9e6-4e59-ab69-5646790c884c<![CDATA[How Can I Create a Flourishing Business Culture? - Darina Garland, Ooni ]]>Darina Garland is CEO and co-founder of global pizza-oven sensation Ooni, one of the UK's fastest growing companies. Founded in 2012 by Darina and her husband, Kristian, Ooni now employs 350 people across Scotland, America, Germany and beyond. It’s a phenomenal story of entrepreneurship, creativity and growth, which she shares with Kate and Donald in this episode of the StrategyStory podcast. 

They discuss OONI's incredible succcess story, some ingenious methods to get teams behind company values, and how OONI develops its vibrant culture as it continues to grow.

Themes and Topics:

  • 3:00 - The OONI origin story
  • 6:55 - The strategy behind OONI's global success
  • 12:05 - Growth mindset and the power of a positive outlook
  • 14:15 - Building a values-driven business culture
  • 19:10 - Methods to uphold company values 
  • 25:15 - Maintaining company culture as a growing business 
  • 32:50 - Scaling a business, trusting instincts and learning from mistakes

Psst... You won't normally hear swearing in the The StrategyStory Podcast, but there's a small exception in this episode... It's all in context! You'll have to listen to find out why...

More info:

Credits:

 

]]>Wed, 01 Nov 2023 09:00:00 GMT00:36:24https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/e1f85ffe-c9e6-4e59-ab69-5646790c884cfull1155trueStrategyStory7ab6751e-2def-46a7-a0d1-9ceb9d4d03a8<![CDATA[How Can I Find My Business Voice? - Colin Gray, Alitu]]>As the founder of an app that helps creators to get their podcasts out into the world, Colin Gray has a lot to say about the power of the voice. Likewise, here at StrategyStory we want to get people talking to each other and figure out better ways for organisations to communicate internally and externally.

In this episode of The StrategyStory Podcast, Colin chats to Donald and Kate about how starting a business allowed him to design a working life that suited him, how to foster healthy communication within organisations, and how podcasting helps businesses to personalise what they do.

Themes and Topics:

  • 03:38 - Colin's background in astro-physics
  • 07:55 - Finding freedom in your working structure
  • 09:13 - How Alitu has grown organically
  • 12:18 - Running a business whilst building an enjoyable life
  • 17:20 - The current state of bigger corporations
  • 18:40 - Making organisations better places to be
  • 20:06 - How storytelling and podcasting fosters healthy communication within your team
  • 22:22 - The strength of podcasting to build connections
  • 26:53 - Colin's one wish for Alitu 

More info:

Credits:

 

 

]]>Wed, 25 Oct 2023 08:00:00 GMT00:31:08https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/7ab6751e-2def-46a7-a0d1-9ceb9d4d03a8full1144falseStrategyStoryacd84c63-5d44-40e1-93de-1c540da7f0c6<![CDATA[What Is Strategy? - Mini Masterclass 1 ]]>In the first of our Mini Masterclasses, Professor Donald Maclean breaks down what we really mean by the word 'strategy'. In under 10 minutes you'll learn about its three main components, how to join these up to create a really ingenious strategy, and common misconceptions to avoid.

Themes and Topics:

  • 00.40 – Defining the term strategy
  • 01.16 – The three main components of strategy
  • 03.30 – Joining up the parts
  • 05.20 – What isn’t strategy?

More info:

Credits:

]]>Wed, 11 Oct 2023 08:00:00 GMT00:09:27https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/acd84c63-5d44-40e1-93de-1c540da7f0c6full1133falseStrategyStoryd2ed9db0-7e3e-4575-bb70-8063f7af616b<![CDATA[Changing the Game]]>In this opener to The StrategyStory Podcast, Kate and Donald, co-founders of StrategyStory, will give you a taste of what to expect in Season 1. 

Throughout the series you'll hear 6 interviews with guests who are pros in the fields of business and storytelling, and you’ll also get access to 4 special ‘Mini Masterclass’ episodes that delve deeper into relevant skills and techniques linked to strategy and communications.

More info:

Credits:

 

]]>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 11:00:00 GMT00:14:58https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/d2ed9db0-7e3e-4575-bb70-8063f7af616bfull1111falseStrategyStoryd663c39b-3d94-49a2-b1ed-4bcbf491f524<![CDATA[How Can I Lead Teams Better? - Kate Buell-Armstrong, Confused.com]]>Leading a team to produce the best possible results is a real skill. Hear from experienced business owners about their route to success.

In the first interview of Series 1, StrategyStory's Kate Hooper talks to the impressive Kate Buell-Armstrong of the Admiral Group and Confused.com. They chat about Kate's background in business and how to really engage your team in your business strategies.

Themes and Topics:

  • 04:00 - Understanding the success of the Admiral Group and Confused.com
  • 09:50 - Pushing the boundaries 
  • 15:38 - Using storytelling to engage your team in your business strategy
  • 19:10 - Managing people to get the best out of them
  • 21:30 - Kate’s top tip for entrepreneurs
  • 23:00 - Kate and Donald’s breakdown of the interview

 

More info:

Credits:

 

]]>Fri, 06 Oct 2023 11:00:00 GMT00:29:50https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/d663c39b-3d94-49a2-b1ed-4bcbf491f524full1122falseStrategyStory74511594-3825-41aa-9921-cf1540f9ff9e<![CDATA[Trailer: The StrategyStory Podcast]]>Welcome to The StrategyStory Podcast! We’re a podcast bringing you cutting edge thoughts and real world stories to help you develop your strategy and communications.

Born from the work of StrategyStory, a bespoke strategy and communications company based in the Highlands of Scotland and working across the world, this podcast offers research, practical tips and tricks, and fascinating conversations with leading entrepreneurs. 

In this trailer you’ll meet your hosts, Kate Hooper and Professor Donald Maclean. They’ll tell you all about how our show works and when to expect the first episode.

More info:

Credits:

  • Written and produced by Martha Brownill and Kate Hooper
  • Mixed and mastered by Martha Brownill
  • Delivered in partnership with Alitu
  • Cover art by Cuan Design

 

 

 

]]>Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:00:00 GMT00:01:40https://strategystory.alitu.com/episode/74511594-3825-41aa-9921-cf1540f9ff9efull11falseStrategyStory