Why the Words We Use Matter More Than Ever
Photo Caption: David and Tami Woods are beginning a new chapter in Bobo, Burkina Faso—and they’re not doing it alone. As they moved into their new home, they were welcomed by homeowner M. Augustus Dembele…
Why I Shoot RAW: It’s All About the Latitude
When people ask me why I still shoot in RAW instead of JPEG or TIFF, I smile and say, “It’s about options.” But let me break that down a bit more, because the truth is—RAW…
Why Human Storytellers Still Matter in an AI World
Everywhere you turn, someone’s talking about how AI is changing everything—from writing scripts to editing videos and even generating photos. As a storyteller who’s spent decades working alongside nonprofits, missionaries, and small businesses, I see…
Honoring the Heart of Healthcare – National Nurses Day
Rose Nantonah, a nurse, is setting up an IV with a child patient at the Baptist Medical Center in Nalerigu, Ghana. Today is National Nurses Day, and I want to take a moment to recognize…
When Words Aren’t Enough: Why Music and Photography Let My Soul Speak
For as long as I can remember, words have never quite been enough. They often come out tangled, too late, or not at all. Growing up on the autism spectrum, I struggled with language, both…
The Power of Patterns: How Autism Shapes My Life as a Storyteller and Brand Builder
Photo by Dennis Fahringer If you’ve ever worked with me, you know I’m constantly learning. That’s not just a professional habit—it’s wired into who I am. Being on the autism spectrum has given me a…
Big News: FOCUS Has a New Name — Welcome to The Story Thread
Over the past few years, I’ve walked alongside many of you through conversations, workshops, and stories shared under the name FOCUS. That space was born from a desire to gather with like-minded storytellers, visual creatives,…
The Power of Consistent Messaging: Breaking Through the Noise with Storytelling
Every face tells a story. Consistent, human-centered storytelling cuts through and connects in a world overwhelmed by noise. It’s not about saying more—it’s about saying what matters, clearly and consistently. We live in a world…
The Importance of Storytelling in Building Relationships with Your Audience
"People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe."—Simon Sinek In a world bombarded with messages from every direction, it’s easy to feel…
Story First: Why Strategy Beats Speed Every Time
One of the most common conversations I have with clients starts with this: "We need a quick video."or"Can you come take a few photos for us?" While it’s always tempting to jump straight to creating…
Why Photographing Birds at Your Birdfeeder is Surprisingly Therapeutic
Caption: A male rose-breasted grosbeak, often called a "cut-throat" for its striking red chest, stops by my feeder during spring migration. Sometimes the best photography subjects aren't far away.They're right outside your window. Lately, I’ve…
How Alvin Toffler’s Powershift Shaped the World We Live In — and Why Storytellers Matter More Than Ever
When Alvin Toffler’s book Powershift hit the shelves in 1990, I was one of the many who picked it up, read it with curiosity, and wondered what the future might hold. Toffler made a bold…