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We’ve handpicked the latest videos, insights, and updates to help you grow as a leader and stay connected. Want this straight to your inbox every time? Become a member and never miss an update!
In Focus This Week: Storytelling
As a CTO, it’s not just what you say that matters, it’s how you say it. Whether you’re shaping strategy, securing buy-in, or rallying a team, the ability to craft and share a compelling narrative is one of the most effective tools in your kit.
We’ve pulled together a selection of videos exploring storytelling from every angle – how to use it to inspire, align, and lead with clarity.
Check out the videos below to explore the power of storytelling in tech leadership.
Storytelling Isn’t Optional – It’s Essential
From magic tricks to performance reviews, Michael Lopp makes one thing clear: storytelling is a critical leadership skill. Whether you’re inspiring your team, giving feedback, or simply staying engaged in a fast-moving world – your ability to share stories shapes how you lead, connect, and grow.
Michaels full keynote from CTO Craft Con: Toronto is available now in Campus.
Storytelling as a CTO
Storytelling isn’t just a soft skill – it’s a strategic one. Hear how great CTOs use storytelling to build alignment, drive change, and get real buy-in across the business. It’s not about telling the “best” story – it’s about telling one your team can retell.
Building on this, Lee-Jon recently presented a keynote on Storytelling for our Deep Dives series. Exclusively available in Campus.
From Code to Clarity: Communicating Like a Leader
As you grow in tech, it’s not just about writing great code – it’s about making sure others understand it. Sarah Persov explores the shift from building to communicating, and how storytelling, documentation, and even vulnerability all play a role in becoming a more effective, impactful leader. Because if no one hears the story, the work gets lost.
Public Speaking as a Leadership Skill (Yes, It’s Storytelling Too)
Great talks don’t start with perfect scripts – they start with stories. In this clip, Corey Latislaw shares practical tips for improving public speaking, from A/B testing talk ideas to embracing improvisation and reframing nerves as excitement. It’s a reminder that storytelling isn’t just for documents and strategy – it’s how we connect, inspire, and lead out loud.
Shaping Culture Through Leadership and Influence
CTOs play a critical role in defining company culture – especially during moments of change. In this session, tech leaders share how they’ve navigated tough transitions, rebuilt trust, and influenced beyond their teams. From cross-functional communication to setting the tone during crises, this is about the story you tell through your actions – and how that story shapes the entire organisation.
These videos are just a small taste of what’s waiting for you in CTO Craft Campus. Members get full access to the entire video library – including past conference sessions, exclusive leadership content, and so much more.
Whether you’re after quick, actionable insights or deep-dive learning, Campus is packed with resources to support you at every stage of your leadership journey.
Coming Up: Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Some of the most powerful stories in tech leadership are shared on stage – and just as many happen in the hallways. CTO Craft events bring together real CTOs and tech leaders to talk openly about the craft, the challenges, and what’s coming next. Whether it’s a keynote or a coffee break, these are the stories that move the community forward.
Don’t just take our word for it…
Whether it’s a fireside chat, a full-blown conference, or an informal mixer, CTO Craft events are where stories get shared, leadership lessons are learned, and genuine connections are made.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Mixers around the world:
- Manchester – 16 July
- Hamburg, Berlin & Edinburgh – 17 July
- Women in Tech Leadership (Online) – 25 July
- Boston – 31 July
Conferences & Online Events to Bookmark
- CTO Craft Con: Berlin – 23-24 September 2025
- Deep Dives: Emotional Intelligence for CTOs – 14 October
- CTO Craft Con: The Finance Edition (London) – 18-19 November 2025
- CTO Craft Con: London – 10-11 March 2026
