Leadership Through Storytelling: Harnessing Strengths and Presence with Laura G. Patac

One of the most overlooked skills in leadership is storytelling. We talk about results, performance, and strategy — but presence, influence, and impact are what truly carry leaders forward.

In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader, I sit down with Laura G. Patac, Strengths Coach, creator of Strengths Velocity Lab™, and author of Stories with Purpose. Laura’s career spans over 20 years across five continents, from mathematician to corporate executive to poet and entrepreneur.

Laura’s perspective is clear: results alone are not enough. Leaders need to know their strengths, use them intentionally, and connect through authentic storytelling. Together we explore:

• Why strengths-driven leadership fuels energy, impact, and influence.

• How storytelling isn’t optional — it’s a practical skill every leader needs.

• Why resilience isn’t about brute force but about surrender and softening.

• A simple storytelling framework you can apply in conversations, feedback, or boardroom presentations.

In our conversation, Laura also guided me through a live storytelling exercise that led to a surprising reflection on resilience and surrender. It was powerful — and a reminder that when we step into our own stories, we unlock leadership presence in ways we can’t manufacture.

Laura’s book Stories with Purpose is available on Amazon. I also encourage you to connect with her on LinkedIn.

Listen to the full episode now — and if you’d like support in taking your leadership to the next level, please do reach out to me directly.

Don’t forget to grab a copy of my book extra-Ordinary Leaders, for more practical insight into becoming the kind of leader people want to follow.