Why do some stories stick and others vanish the moment they’re told?

In this episode of Second Order, we dive into the art and utility of storytelling with Christina Wodtke, Stanford lecturer, startup veteran, and author of Radical Focus and Present Yourself. Christina has spent her career helping people and teams find clarity through OKRs, better communication, and yes, sharper stories.

We explore what makes a story powerful, how founders can use narrative to shape identity, and why vulnerability and humor aren’t soft skills: they are leadership essentials. From building high trust teams to teaching future builders at Stanford, Christina shares how design, story, and intention come together in truly impactful work.

If you're building something or becoming someone, this episode is for you.