My name is Sarah Marie Brock, and I am a storyteller-in-training.

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We are all storytellers. It is how we explain the unknown and how we share information. It is how we connect, how we instruct, and how we inspire. It is how we lead.

 

Storytelling is at the core of my leadership philosophy because stories resonate deeply in every human. When our ancestors began to make and control fire, it provided warmth, defense against predators, and the ability to cook food - all of which led to brain growth and a longer life span. But it brought us something else as well - fire drew people together after dark, allowing for social bonding and in many cultures allowed storytelling to flourish.

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As a servant-leader-in-training, I aspire to be a life-long seeker and to encourage the same in others. As a storyteller-in-training, I believe that everyone’s story has value and that actively inviting and listening to the voices of others is the first step in creating a better future. Stories go far beyond what we say and how we say it– they include our actions as well as our chosen and created environments. As leaders our responsibility is to share our stories, to hold space for the stories of others, and to hold ourselves and our organizations accountable for ensuring consistency between their stated and lived stories.

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I've created this website to serve a dual purpose. First, to serve as the final artifact in my Organizational Leadership Master's program, demonstrating my concept mastery and manifested competencies gained during my time at Gonzaga. Second, to serve as an introduction to whom I have become and am becoming through my journey to-date. I invite you to wander around, to learn about why I am passionate about storytelling, and consider what role stories play in your life. What stories do you tell about yourself? Are there narratives that no longer serve you? Are you ready to reframe your challenges as your superhero origin story?

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If you are considering Gonzaga as your next step, I encourage you to explore my Zag experience - yours will be unique to you, but maybe something will resonate and help you determine if you too may find belonging as I did.  I've also included some of the tangible inspirations that make my heart and soul shine a little brighter - quotes, books, pictures, and experiences. I have a magnet on my fridge that says, "Don't be arm candy, be soul food." Your actions and energy feed yourself and your communities - be authentic, be loving, be soul food!