Storyworthy Habits: Matthew Dicks on Slowing Down Time and Finding Meaning

Matthew Dicks, author of Storyworthy & Stories Sell, joins the show to share the origin of "Homework for Life" and why most people erase the best moments of their own lives without realising it.In this episode, we delve into the power of personal storytelling in business, why a single rehearsed narrative won't cut it, and how the right story can make time slow down, bring teams together, and turn any moment no matter how ordinary into something unforgettable.Matthew Dicks shares the origins of his celebrated “Homework for Life” practice, the surprising secrets behind his storytelling spreadsheet, and how authentic stories told through your personal lens outperform anything scripted. You’ll hear how creating a culture of storytelling can unlock hidden memories, reveal what your company truly stands for, and move people to action.You’ll walk away with a simple daily habit to harvest story-worthy moments, practical tips for finding your best material, and the mindset shift that will help you capture, craft, and share stories that actually land wherever you happen to be.KEY TOPICSThe origins of Homework for Life and how it solves the problem of running out of stories to tell 01:39How daily story journaling changes your relationship with time and helps reclaim lost memories 06:14Why business storytelling requires personal stories and constant "reps" to build trust and connection 13:01The crucial difference between reporting and storytelling: structuring customer stories around change, not events 24:39Building a storytelling culture—why authentic, personal delivery always beats company speak 28:40GUEST BIO & LINKSMatthew Dicks is an author, renowned storyteller, and the man behind "Homework for Life," the habit-forming exercise recommended by leaders and experts worldwide. A 10-time Moth GrandSLAM champion with 64 Story Slam wins, Matthew Dicks spent 27 years as an elementary school teacher while quietly becoming one of the world’s most decorated storytellers. He now teaches the craft at Amazon, Google, Salesforce, Harvard, Yale, MIT, and the World Bank, helping people at every level unlock storyworthy moments from daily life. His books include Storyworthy & Stories Sell, and his work reveals how storytelling can slow down time, build connection, and transform businesses.Connect with Matthew Dicks:Website: https://matthewdicks.com/speaking/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-dicks-storyworthy/ABOUT THE SHOWChief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything.Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks.CONNECT WITH ROBWant frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy"→ subscribepage.io/robdwillisConnect with Rob:Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillisSubscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.