In this 30th episode of 2025, I’m joined by marketing and communications expert, strategist, and my co-host Craig Page-Lee. Together, we explore the powerful role of the CEO as the Chief Storyteller, inspired by a recent McKinsey article.We unpack: • Why storytelling is a CEO’s most valuable leadership tool • The three key actions CEOs must master to tell their story effectively • How culture, trust, and transparency shape an organization’s narrative • Why AI, disruption, and global uncertainty are changing the story of business • Practical steps for leaders to set the tone, champion culture, and call decisive plays in critical momentsWhether you’re a CEO, leader, or aspiring executive, this episode will help you understand how to lead with story, build trust, and create a lasting impact.📌 Please remember to like, share, and subscribe so you don’t miss our weekly conversations.🎙 Listen on YouTube or on all major podcast platforms.⸻Episode OverviewIn this week’s episode of The Lunchtime Series, Kevin Britz and Craig Page-Lee deep dive into the CEO as Chief Storyteller. Drawing on McKinsey research and real-world examples, they discuss the growing expectation for CEOs to embody the organization’s vision and values — and communicate them clearly to employees, stakeholders, and the public.This episode covers: 1. The shifting business landscape and why storytelling is now a survival skill 2. Three key leadership actions that make CEOs compelling storytellers 3. The link between organizational culture and stakeholder trust 4. Navigating perma-crisis and misinformation with agility and clarity 5. Why the most powerful person in the world is the storyteller (Steve Jobs)⸻Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:11 – Welcome to The Lunchtime Series (Episode 30 of 2025)01:27 – Recap of last week’s conversation on fractional leadership03:35 – This week’s topic: The CEO as Chief Storyteller (McKinsey)06:29 – The evolving business landscape and its impact on leadership09:10 – Stakeholder influence and trust in CEOs14:45 – Action 1: Set the tone for the organization18:09 – Why spending 30% of time with stakeholders matters20:16 – Storytelling example from Wimpy’s executive presentation22:39 – The four “W”s every CEO must answer23:00 – Action 2: Articulate and champion the organization’s culture25:28 – CEOs who live their culture (Capitec & AVBOB examples)27:56 – Action 3: Call the deciding play in critical moments30:48 – The challenge of perma-crisis and misinformation33:03 – Three steps for effective decision-making in critical moments35:38 – Why strong culture and agility are the CEO’s best tools36:32 – Closing thoughts: The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller⸻About the Guest – Craig Page-LeeCraig Page-Lee is a seasoned marketing and communications strategist with extensive experience in brand positioning, integrated campaigns, and leadership communication. As co-host of The Lunchtime Series, Craig brings a wealth of industry insight, backed by decades of working with global brands and senior leaders.⸻About the Host – Kevin BritzKevin Britz is a leadership coach, business strategist, and host of The Lunchtime Series. With over 15 years in leadership development, Kevin empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their potential through strategic coaching, cultural transformation, and high-performance team building.🌐 www.kevinbritz.com⸻Tags#Leadership, #CEOStorytelling, #McKinsey, #CraigPageLee, #KevinBritz, #ContagiousIdentity, #ExecutiveLeadership, #CorporateCulture, #StakeholderEngagement, #ChiefStoryteller, #BusinessStrategy, #OrganizationalCulture, #CEOCommunication, #LeadershipDevelopment, #CrisisLeadership, #McKinseyInsights, #LeadershipPodcast, #MarketingStrategy, #FutureOfWork, #AIandLeadership, #LunchtimeSeries, #StorytellingInBusiness, #BusinessTransformation, #CultureChampions, #LeadershipCoaching