Here’s how the story goes.
You’ve asked for some examples of my storytelling abilities.
I could point you to my neurotic mutt’s adoption saga, the tale of my husband’s unconventional marriage proposal, or the chronicle of my childhood dog’s testicle. Even my resume includes a story.
But if you’re looking for brand storytelling, I’d point you to what I came up with for Kumon.
Kumon Learning Centers help students improve their math and reading skills. Their approach is old-school. We’re not talking about gamification or “making learning fun,” here. The Kumon way is simply daily, dedicated practice. Kumon kids complete worksheets (usually on paper, with pencil) until they achieve mastery of a concept, and only then can they advance to the next level. (And more worksheets.)
I decided to lean into the timeless concept of the proven merits of practice. I suggested that we move away from imagery of children at desks and instead highlight all the non-academic ways that practice pays off. I wanted to show children willingly, industriously applying themselves and gradually transforming into confident pros. It’s a visceral, exciting, engaging tale: to struggle at something until—at long last, seemingly against all odds—you conquer it.
We all know the adage that “practice makes perfect.” But perfection isn’t really an achievable goal. So I came up with a line that puts a spin on the cliché and tells the truth: Practice makes possibilities. The more you practice, the better you become, the more confidence you have, and the broader your opportunities are.
The initial account-pitch video we put together for Kumon showed kids grappling with and improving at all sorts of skills: skateboard tricks, martial arts, basketball, ballet, and more. It was riveting and thrilling. If only I could find it. 😭
Alas, you will have to use your imagination and settle for this far more corporate version.
I could point you to my neurotic mutt’s adoption saga, the tale of my husband’s unconventional marriage proposal, or the chronicle of my childhood dog’s testicle. Even my resume includes a story.
But if you’re looking for brand storytelling, I’d point you to what I came up with for Kumon.
Kumon Learning Centers help students improve their math and reading skills. Their approach is old-school. We’re not talking about gamification or “making learning fun,” here. The Kumon way is simply daily, dedicated practice. Kumon kids complete worksheets (usually on paper, with pencil) until they achieve mastery of a concept, and only then can they advance to the next level. (And more worksheets.)
I decided to lean into the timeless concept of the proven merits of practice. I suggested that we move away from imagery of children at desks and instead highlight all the non-academic ways that practice pays off. I wanted to show children willingly, industriously applying themselves and gradually transforming into confident pros. It’s a visceral, exciting, engaging tale: to struggle at something until—at long last, seemingly against all odds—you conquer it.
We all know the adage that “practice makes perfect.” But perfection isn’t really an achievable goal. So I came up with a line that puts a spin on the cliché and tells the truth: Practice makes possibilities. The more you practice, the better you become, the more confidence you have, and the broader your opportunities are.
The initial account-pitch video we put together for Kumon showed kids grappling with and improving at all sorts of skills: skateboard tricks, martial arts, basketball, ballet, and more. It was riveting and thrilling. If only I could find it. 😭
Alas, you will have to use your imagination and settle for this far more corporate version.
Let me know if you want to discuss any of this, or anything else.