The Power of Storytelling: Lessons from Monday Girl - Alexandra Posadzki

Storytelling is at the core of every brand I help create. It’s not just about selling a product or designing a logo—it's about weaving together a narrative that people can connect with. Recently, I had the chance to join the Monday Girl Tastemakers Series with Alexandra Posadzki, a business reporter at The Globe and Mail, and it left me thinking about how essential storytelling is, not just in marketing, but in creative strategy overall.

The Real Work Behind Storytelling

One of the key takeaways from Alexandra’s talk was this simple truth: “You know you’re done with the research when you keep hearing the same facts over and over again.” That really struck me because, in our field, it’s so easy to get lost in endless digging for ‘new’ information. But sometimes, the magic of storytelling comes from realizing that you’ve hit the core of the story. Once you keep hearing the same facts, you know you’ve found the foundation—now you can focus on how to shape those facts into something meaningful.

In his book Storycraft, Jack Hart talks about how storytelling is more than just laying out facts—it's about creating a narrative that pulls people in. This rings true for brands. It’s not enough to throw out data points about your product or service. The key is finding the angle that brings the story to life and resonates with your audience.

Screenshot of The Power of Storytelling, a tastemaker series.

The Art of Headline Writing

Something I didn’t know (but found fascinating!) is that reporters almost never write their own headlines—editors do. Alexandra gave us the inside scoop on what makes a headline grab attention: familiar names, a bit of controversy, and sometimes even a clever pun. As a creative strategist, I’ve always looked at headlines and taglines as essential hooks to draw people in. And hearing this from someone in journalism confirmed it for me: a great headline is part science, part art, and it can be a game-changer when done right. It's all about that balance between clarity and intrigue.

Dealing with Writer’s Block (Or Creative Block in General)

We’ve all been there—staring at the screen, wondering why the creative ideas just aren’t flowing. Alexandra shared something that made so much sense: writer’s block (or creative block) often comes from being too self-critical. It’s easy to get caught up in overthinking and trying to be perfect, but that’s what kills creativity. The best way to break through? Disconnect. Whether it’s a walk, a run, or even a shower—sometimes stepping away from the problem is exactly what you need.

For me, this is a reminder to be kinder to myself when I hit those creative walls. It’s about giving yourself the space to recharge so the ideas can flow naturally.

The Key to Better Writing? Read. A Lot.

One of Alexandra’s top tips for improving storytelling was so simple, yet so powerful: to write well, you have to read well. Immerse yourself in really good writing, whether it’s novels, journalism, or anything in between. Find the voices that inspire you, and you’ll naturally pick up techniques and styles that will improve your own storytelling. I think this applies beyond just writing. In design and marketing, too, the more you expose yourself to high-quality work, the better your own work becomes. It’s like learning through osmosis.

But one key point that really stood out: don’t stick to just one style or author. Read widely, and don’t develop a bias. This is so important because it helps keep your creative mind open to new perspectives and ideas.

Authenticity Is Everything

When it comes to storytelling in business, Alexandra emphasized something I couldn’t agree with more: authenticity is everything. People don’t want to hear a polished, rehearsed pitch about how amazing your company is—they want to hear real stories. They want the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at who you are and what you do. Vulnerability can be scary, but it’s also what makes brands (and people) relatable.

She also pointed out that you can self-promote while still being authentic, which I think is key. It’s not about never talking up your business, but rather about finding a way to do it that feels natural and human. No one wants to listen to a sales pitch—but a story? That’s something people can connect with.

Why Storytelling Matters in Marketing

For me, storytelling is more than just a marketing tool—it’s the foundation of any successful brand strategy. A good story brings clarity, emotion, and relatability to a brand. It helps cut through the noise and makes your message stick. Whether it’s through a bold headline, a memorable campaign, or an authentic brand story, storytelling is what makes people care.

This Monday Girl session reminded me just how crucial storytelling is in my work. It’s not just about creating something visually appealing or catchy—it’s about connecting with people on a deeper level and giving them something they can feel a part of. That’s the power of storytelling, and it’s why it will always be at the heart of what I do.

If you’re building a brand or shaping your next marketing strategy, I encourage you to start with the story. Everything else—design, content, messaging—will naturally fall into place once you’ve got that right.

Love Always xx,

Rachel Alexandra Sources: Monday Girl https://joinmondaygirl.com/ Alexandra Posadzki https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-posadzki-b449a427/?originalSubdomain=ca