Short Form Professional Development Videos -The Power of Stories to Change Minds Recording

The video is from Andrew Sykes, CEO and founder of Habits at Work, discusses the limitations of relying solely on facts and figures to persuade others, especially in the actuarial field, highlighting that data-driven arguments often meet resistance due to emotional and ego-based responses. It emphasizes that storytelling is a powerful tool for influencing decisions, as stories engage emotions, build trust, and make information memorable. The speaker explains that people make decisions emotionally and later rationalize them with selective data, so wrapping facts in compelling stories can open minds and drive action. Practical advice is given to develop storytelling skills using real experiences to present challenges, actions, and outcomes, making recommendations more relatable and effective. The meeting concludes with a challenge to actuaries to use inspiring stories alongside data to increase their influence and impact.

 

Contributors: Andrew Sykes; Jon Forster, ASA, MAAA