About us

OUR STORY

From the moment Anecdote started life in 2004, our purpose was to help restore humanity to the workplace.

At first, we focused on story-listening: collecting anecdotes from workers and customers to deliver insights, and to inspire decision-makers with these stories to take action based on what they discovered.

Soon enough, our customers asked us to help them become better storytellers. We resisted at first because it’s too easy to misuse stories. But our clients were determined, so we agreed to do it, as long as we could concentrate on real-life experiences told orally and not made-up tales.

FIRST TRAINING PROGRAMS

In 2007 we developed the Storytelling for Leaders® (now Story-Powered Leadership®) program, and in 2015 the Storytelling for Sales™ (now Story-Powered Sales™) program, so we could teach story skills and patterns with which to engage, influence and inspire people to take action.

Throughout this time, we were mindful that some storytelling trainers believe that Hollywood-style theatrics and business are a terrific mix. They’re not! Instead, our programs focus on the small stories people actually tell in companies—we show how to deliver them to make a business point.

STRATEGY STORIES EMERGE

In 2009 we developed our first strategy story: a story explaining a company’s strategy that leaders can share off-the-cuff and in their own words. Eventually, this work evolved into our Story-Powered Strategy™ program.

LICENSING OUR PROGRAMS ACROSS THE GLOBE

In 2013 we began licensing our programs to partners all over the world so that we could expand our capability to reach more organisations and fulfil our purpose.

Anecdote is now unique in having a global network of over 60 partners in 28 countries, with our learning programs translated into 11 languages, and customers that incorporate these programs into their leadership and sales enablement activities.

OUR TEAM

Below are our professional descriptions. But we are much more than these. At Anecdote we have teammates who love Charles Darwin, underwater photography, Pilates, rock climbing, electric bike riding, and Egyptology. Can you guess who matches with what?

Jane Taylor

—business manager. Jane keeps the company back-end running smoothly. She will ensure your customer experience is first-rate!

Kerenza Smith

—visual impact. Kerenza directs the graphic design crew to ensure the materials we work with and present are high-quality and have the impact we need. It's not just creating glossy materials, it's about the best visual representation for the job.

Marah Tuason

—business support. Marah helps our team with the repetitive day-to-day tasks that steal their time so they can focus on growing the business. You'll see her in our online programs, making sure everything runs smoothly and that you have a great experience!

Mark Schenk

—managing director. Mark has co-created and delivered our workshops and projects since 2004. He helps leadership teams across the globe find practical ways to improve their business with story.
Based in Canberra.
m: +61 412 429 852

Mike Adams

—author of Seven Stories Every Salesperson Must Tell. Mike applies his international multi-industry sales experience to Anecdote's Story-Powered Sales Program.
Based in Melbourne.
m: +61 435 724 496

Paul Honeywell

—chairman, business strategist and storyteller. Paul is an experienced consultant and business leader. He has worked with clients all over the world to engage their employees and deliver their strategies using storytelling.
Based in the UK.
m +44 7785 226669

Paul Smitz

—words. Paul uses his editing and writing expertise to help make our content as engaging and readable as possible, with a minimum of pedantry.

Shawn Callahan

—founder, story specialist and consultant. Shawn ensures our methods are of the highest quality and he'll be there to guide your people through the most challenging stages.
Based in Melbourne.
m: +61 410 346 343

And remember, we don’t do this alone. We have partners across the globe who can help us deliver for you.

CONTACT US

t: + 61 1300 720 537
e: people@anecdote.com
twitter: @anecdote