Story Spotting with David Pullan and Sarah-Jane McKechnie

Loading player...
Exploring the art, craft, and science of story with two experts.

In this episode of Speech Bubbles, Charlotte welcomes David Pullan and SarahJane McKechnie, who are actors turned coaches, authors, and co-founders of The Story Spotters. Their journey began in a rehearsal room, grew into a love story, and eventually evolved into a business where they now help leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and connection.

With clients across industries, David and Sarah-Jane teach leaders how to use storytelling to cut through noise, win attention, and bring ideas to life. Together they’ve written two books: The DNA of Engagement and their latest release, The Art of the Unignorable Email, helping professionals communicate in ways that spark action, not delete buttons.

Charlotte, Sarah Jane and David talk about:
* Why stories activate the brain and make ideas memorable
* The secret to communicating in overwhelmed workplaces
* The real dynamics of building a business, writing books, and staying married
* Lessons learned from leaders they’ve coached across industries and continents
* Why listening, presence, curiosity and generosity matter more than volume or status

This episode is full of humour, humanity, and practical insights for anyone who wants to influence with integrity and communicate in a way that inspires.

If you’re a leader, communicator, coach, or simply someone who wants their ideas to be heard, you’ll love this one.
Chapters
  • 00:03 Introduction to Speech Bubbles and guests
  • 02:45 The importance of storytelling in business
  • 05:47 How David and Sarah-Jane met and started working together
  • 09:22 Transitioning from acting to business coaching
  • 12:58 Working together as a couple
  • 22:40 Learning from business leaders
  • 28:38 Reputation and leadership
  • 33:07 Book recommendations and advice for emerging leaders
  • 38:09 Closing remarks
30 Nov English Germany Management · Business

Other recent episodes

Listening as a Reputation Tool with Roger Christie

How your digital reputation opens possibilities. In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks with Australian reputation strategist Roger Christie; founder of Propel and host of Your Digital Reputation. Together they explore how leaders can use platforms like LinkedIn to earn trust, amplify impact, and change outdated archetypes…
16 Nov 44 min

Ethical leadership with Antoinette Daniel

PE teachers could run the world. In this episode of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to award-winning entrepreneur and campaigner Antoinette Daniel — founder of Just Helpers, an ethical London cleaning agency on a mission to transform the cleaning industry. Antoinette runs three businesses, has campaigned against modern slavery,…
3 Nov 41 min

Rebuilding after Burnout with Liz Bradford

How former MD Liz Bradford found purpose, resilience, and visibility. In this powerful first episode of Season 2 of Speech Bubbles, host Charlotte Otter talks to Liz Bradford, former MD and banking leader with an impressive career at HSBC, Merrill Lynch America, and SWIFT. After hitting burnout, Liz rebuilt her…
20 Oct 28 min

Neurodivergent Leadership with Laurence Paquette

Inclusion isn't optional. 'It is extremely vulnerable to show up to work as your whole self.' Laurence Paquette is the head of marketing at Vestas in Denmark, a neurodivergent executive, queer mum, leadership coach, podcaster, and brand strategist. She also produces short, no fluff videos on leadership, burnout, imposter syndrome,…
3 Sep 34 min

Getting Messy with Daniel Atlin

Why leadership in purpose-driven organisations is so complex. "Changes usually happen not at the centre of an organisation, but at the periphery and at the edges." Daniel Atlin is a coach, communicator, strategist, fundraiser, adjunct professor, and connector with over 30 years experience in senior roles in Canada's post-secondary, cooperative,…
27 Aug 38 min