Leadership Story Talks | Jerome & Julienne Discuss the Power of the Handwritten Letter

In this debrief episode, hosts Julienne Ryan and Jerome Deroy reflect on their heartfelt conversation with author and keynote speaker Amy Daughters, whose work explores the unexpected power of handwritten letters in the digital age.

Centered on a deceptively simple idea—taking the time to write a note—this episode dives into the emotional resonance and intentionality behind putting pen to paper. Julienne and Jerome uncover the deep links between this analog form of communication and their own work in storytelling: both invite us to slow down, reflect, and connect meaningfully with others.

You’ll Hear:

✍️ The Handwritten Difference – Why writing a physical note is more than a nicety—it's a powerful act of attention, intention, and connection.

🧠 Slow Down to Tune In – How handwriting, like storytelling, invites you to pause and focus not on yourself, but on the person receiving your words.

📬 The Power of Personalization – How a brief handwritten message—amid a stack of generic communications—can make someone feel uniquely seen and valued.

📎 Tangible Tokens of Gratitude – Why physical notes stick with us—literally and emotionally—long after a digital message fades from our inboxes.

🪞 Story as a Gift – How sharing personal experiences isn’t self-promotion, but an offering that creates bridges between people.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Intention Changes Everything – Whether it’s a letter or a story, the act of crafting something for someone else transforms how it's received.

✅ Small Acts, Big Impact – A few thoughtful words can reshape how someone feels about their day—or their place in the world.

✅ Keep It Simple – You don’t need the perfect words or stationery. Just the willingness to reach out.

✅ Emotion Is the Envelope – Facts and insights might inform—but emotion is what delivers the message to the heart.

✅ Storytelling Isn’t About You – It begins with your experience but becomes powerful when it makes others feel included and connected.

🎧 Here you will hear why handwritten notes are more than nostalgic gestures—and how you can use this practice to spark deeper relationships in leadership, work, and life.

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.

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