Leadership Story Talks | The Stories We Choose to Tell with Jim O'Gorman

In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan sit down with Jim O’Gorman to explore how formative leadership experiences—both painful and inspiring—shape the way we show up for others at work.

Jim opens with a candid story from early in his career: working for a deeply toxic boss and the toll it took on his confidence, health, and sense of self. That experience became a defining catalyst, ultimately guiding him toward a career dedicated to people strategy, trust, and humane leadership.

From there, the conversation moves into Jim’s time on the Obama campaign, where he witnessed firsthand the power of authentic storytelling—not as persuasion, but as connection. That experience continues to influence how he thinks about leadership, values, and culture today.

As Chief People Officer at Included Health, Jim shares how storytelling, vulnerability, and values-based decision-making aren’t “nice to haves,” but core leadership competencies—especially when trust, safety, and belonging are on the line. He also offers a thoughtful perspective on remote work, arguing that there is no universal answer—only alignment between values, mission, and how work actually gets done.

This episode is a grounded, practical exploration of what it really means to lead with authenticity—and why stories remain one of the most powerful tools leaders have to create trust, navigate complexity, and raise the standard for how people experience work.

You’ll Hear:

• Why a “terrible boss” can become a powerful leadership teacher
• How authentic storytelling builds trust, safety, and belonging on teams
• What Jim learned about leadership and connection on the Obama campaign
• Why values—not perks—are what truly retain people
• How Included Health aligns mission, culture, and people strategy
• A clear-eyed take on remote work, trust, and intentional connection
• Why leaders must go first when it comes to vulnerability and honesty
• How storytelling can restore healthier debate and discourse at work

Resources & Links

• Connect with Jim O’Gorman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-o-gorman-0b32278/
• Learn more about Included Health: https://includedhealth.com/
• Explore more episodes and resources at: https://narativ.com/podcast

Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here

Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.

Please join our mailing list to stay updated on all our latest episodes and events.

EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here