Practical Storytelling – Stories for Leadership, Empowerment & Advocacy

Stories change lives, starting with yours

As a master storytelling coach, I’ll help you find, write, and share your unique stories:

Your story is your superpower!

I’m Gail Thomas.

With experience as a writer/editor, comic, actor, lawyer, teacher, and marketer, I bring a deep perspective to the art of storytelling. Whether you’re an experienced storyteller or self-professed introvert, I’ll give you proven narrative tools to make your message more impactful.

I’ve coached leaders, teams, creatives, lawyers, marketers, students, and beyond. I’ve written speeches for celebrities; designed strategic branding and content; and continue to perform as a storyteller in New York and Los Angeles.

Start Building Your Strategic Narrative Today

Gail is a masterful storytelling coach with a unique talent for uncovering hidden gems in communication. I found her insights not only enlightening, but she delivers them in a way that feels incredibly natural. Working with Gail, you don’t just receive words to say; you discover your own voice. She’s truly inspiring, and anyone looking to enhance their storytelling skills would benefit immensely from her guidance.

I brought Gail in to serve as story coach, writer/editor and day-to-day manager of an internal UX storytelling initiative. Gail’s encouraging attitude, strong interpersonal skills and professionalism had a lasting impact by inspiring my colleagues to write about the value of what they do, and gave them confidence to do more writing and broaden their storytelling efforts through applying to speak at conferences.

Gail Thomas is an instinctive and practiced story genius. She can help coax a brilliant story out of anyone.

I consulted with Gail to develop stories for business. She is a wonderful teacher. She is very fun, personable and able to get the best from every person. Her knowledge and expertise in storytelling, branding and strategic communication was a great value for me. I didn’t have any idea on how to create a story (because I’m very analytical and straight to the point). But, then thanks to Gail, I was able to create four new stories – starting from scratch.

What started out as a specific silo/task based contractor agreement has expanded to a strategic role thanks to Gail’s expertise and enthusiasm. She has a great knack of immersing herself into the client’s personality and voice and her interviewing skills are particularly commendable.

Customized coaching services include one-on-one privates, group training, and retreats. Writing and keynotes are also available.

Sample Package Offers

LEADERSHIP

Lead with Story – Private, 1:1 coaching for executives, founders, those looking to fine tune their communication skills. Stories help leaders to focus, define, and articulate branding and mission to teams. Fine tune the origin story, show value in action to inspire others. Timing is customized depending on goals. Generally 2-6 sessions.

EMPOWERMENT

Grow with Story – Group workshops are transformative, as participants learn to tell business stories together. Use stories for team building, training, marketing while fostering message alignment and empathy between departments. It’s an excellent followup to the Leadership package. Customized workshops are typically 90 minutes to 5 hours.

ADVOCACY

Persuade with Story – Private, 1:1 coaching for lawyers, activists, customer-facing team members. Learn to add authenticity and power to your conversations, presentations or opening arguments. Use story to make your message more credible and convincing.

Stories unite! Narrative skills will help you focus your message, empowering you and your audience.

Write Your Story

As you identify and write your authentic story, watch how focus, trust, and impact unite. I’ll be your coach, editor, and/or writer. Narrative will set your message free!

Share Your Story

Stories unite us. I’ll show you how to use narrative to conquer performance jitters and become a more engaging speaker — one-on-one or in front of a large audience.

Read My Article

Why do you want to tell a story?

There are many reasons to tell a story. A story is a step beyond hello. In the work world, it adds context to a product launch and color to an otherwise dry business presentation. In your personal life, a funny story will take the awkwardness right out of a first date. When meeting someone new at a friend’s party, a common question is: “oh, how do you know each other?” That’s your clue! Tell a story.

You Can Become a Great Storyteller

Meet Punsri Abeywickrema. I coached him for his inspirational talk in the “Founders & Failures” event organized by Stacklist NYC. I’ll help you choose the story that suits the occasion and brings your message home.