In a fast-paced healthcare environment, where medical practice leaders are constantly juggling administrative tasks, regulatory changes, and patient care, the power of storytelling can be an often-overlooked tool for leadership and engagement. In a recent episode of MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams sat down with award-winning storyteller, comedian, and motivational speaker Kelly Swanson to discuss how storytelling can shape culture, improve patient and staff engagement, and create a sense of purpose in even the most stressful environments.
With humor and insight, Swanson shared how the art of storytelling is more than just entertainment—it’s a strategy for transforming the way healthcare professionals lead, communicate, and inspire.
From Storytelling to Leadership: The Impact on Healthcare
Kelly Swanson has spent years honing the craft of storytelling, learning firsthand how personal narratives can inspire and unite people. She explained that storytelling is not just about relaying information—it’s about creating emotional connections.
"I’ve been taught for as long as I can remember that people buy from people they like, trust, believe, and feel like they know," Swanson said. "Your story shows us who you are without you having to tell us. Your story makes us like you and trust you. Your story makes us lower our arms. Your story makes me less likely to sue you. Your story is what everybody as a group can collectively get excited about and their piece in that group story."
For medical practice leaders, this insight is invaluable. Whether in patient interactions, staff meetings, or organizational branding, a well-crafted story helps people engage on a deeper level.
Reframing Stress: The Stories We Tell Ourselves
One of the biggest challenges for medical practice leaders is stress—balancing the daily grind with high expectations, long hours, and mounting administrative burdens. Swanson highlighted how storytelling can help reframe stress by changing the narratives people tell themselves.
"Stress is never what's happening to us. It is always how we internalize it. It is how we frame it. It is what we're walking away with. It is the things we are saying to ourselves," she explained.
She encouraged leaders to pay attention to their internal dialogue and make conscious efforts to reframe their perspectives.
"Nobody talks to you more than you do all day long. Nobody influences you more than you do," Swanson said. "The first thing is to pay attention to what you're telling yourself on a daily basis, from the minute you wake up till the minute you go to bed. And what are those inner narratives? And what do you need to do to reframe them?"
Creating a Culture of Connection in Medical Practices
Swanson’s perspective on storytelling goes beyond personal reflection—it’s also about cultivating connection within healthcare organizations. She emphasized the importance of stepping into other people’s stories to foster stronger relationships.
She illustrated this with a moving personal anecdote:
"My father was sick for a couple of years, and he was in hospice. We were in many healthcare places with different providers coming and going. It was always a folder passed to someone else," Swanson recalled.
"We, as his family, were always desperate that y’all, the provider coming in, would know this man laying here and how much he meant to us. And when we felt that you took the opportunity to step into his story and find out something about him that was personal, it meant the world to us."
One caregiver made a lasting impression on her father:
"He found out my dad liked The Eagles… and he went, found out my dad’s favorite songs, made a playlist, came and plugged it into the computer… and played the songs for my father every opportunity he had. And they would do air guitar together to their favorite Eagles songs."
Swanson stressed that even small personal touches can make a massive difference in patient experience and engagement.
Why Every Leader Needs a ‘Why’ Story
Swanson strongly believes that every leader should have a ‘Why’ story—a personal story that connects them to their work’s larger mission.
"Everybody should have a Why story," she said. "Not just why you do what you do and a list of facts, but take me to a moment. Tell me that face you're always going to see that brings you right back to the reason why you do what you do."
Resources:
KellySwanson.net – Official website for Kelly Swanson
Story Impact Network – Free storytelling resources
Kelly Swanson on LinkedIn – Connect with Kelly for storytelling insights
Affirmation Journal for Positive Thinking - Purchase Kelly's book
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