what is narrative strategy?

The Harvard Business Review describes strategic narrative as:

“…a special kind of story. It says who you are as a company. Where you’ve been, where you are, and where you are going. How you believe value is created and what you value in relationships. It explains why you exist and what makes you unique.”

I deeply appreciate the multi-dimensionality of this way of approaching communicating about yourself. It a big-picture way of contextualising what you care about and why you care about it into your branding, and what you intend to do with all of that you-ness.

how does it work?

Although I’m trained in science education and communication specifically, the skills I’ve gained in my graduate studies, combined with my passion for equitable and authentic storytelling and my previous undergraduate education make me uniquely suited to helping you develop your own personal narrative.

Additionally, my experiences with Design Thinking, facilitation, teaching, and professional coaching, inform my ability as a Highly Sensitive Person to flexibly and empathically work alongside you as you cultivate your authentic voice.

Regardless of your project— whether it be a cover letter, job application, college essay— first we sit down and get to know each other a bit, and you tell me about yourself, your goals, your interests, and what drives you. Major influences, what you like to read; you can think of this like a job interview, but with much lower stakes. I’m basically trying to feel you out, what words and phrases you already use to describe yourself and your work/ambitions/values/experiences.

After our first meeting, I ask you to forward me the brief you’re aiming to meet, the timeline of submission, and a first pass or draft. I approach this material with a curious and questioning mind, and return it to you with ideas to ponder and resources or materials I believe will help you get clearer on your voice and vision.

Based on the deadline, we then establish feedback and work sessions, where we build mini sprints of work together and I guide you through deeper understanding of your personal narrative with relation to your project.

You do the work, I’m there to guide you through the process like a mirror, but with two warm hands and a couple of cackles here and there.

what do I get out of working together?

Depending on your goal, our work together will produce:

• an individualised writing practice, structure and guide

• a personal lexicon that can be adapted for future endeavours

• confidence in knowing that you can readily and reliably express your most authentic voice

• a new perspective on your value and work rooted in principles of sustainability, and what sustains you

• a bespoke creative session that produces an artifact ready to communicate your vision authentic to you

Creatives make the world go round. And those who apply their gifts to food nourish us in more ways than one. I strive to celebrate those who feel charged with a greater mission; to connect others, to make space for others to feel seen and heard, amongst the incalculable other treasures that creative folks give to the world.

what have you done before?

Thanks for asking :)

One of my most treasured collaborations is with artist and creative Suzanne Bernhardt. Together we evolved her pre-existing way of describing her artistic practice towards a new direction for a competitive art residency. Below are some kind words from Suzanne about our work together:

“Working together with Taylor was a truly refreshing and clarifying process. Taylor acted as an amazing guide, never made the process feel stuck, always on the watch for sidetracks while never losing the destination out of sight. She helped me helped me to formulate a thought process and staying critical by filtering to the essential.”

Click here to follow Suzanne’s journey as a resident at the Jan van Eyck Academie.