I run a small NGO with the over-arching goal to “make a difference”. While that goal can be applied as the lofty target of most organizations, it still serves as guiding mantra for those of us that voluntarily dedicate our sweat and tears to protecting aquatic biodiversity. Why spend the considerable time and effort designing […]

After my first Story Circle experience, I immediately began using the ABT in emails, policy briefs, and presentations. I found it incredibly effective, not only for keeping an audience’s attention but also for helping me focus my message. However, figuring out how to apply the ABT, or other narrative devices like the Logline Maker, to […]

A colleague and I were invited to give a talk at a major national meeting on the subject of technology in agriculture and USDA’s role. The other presentations were dense descriptions of specific aspects of emerging technology and agricultural policy. Ours was different. Following a brief introduction about USDA my colleague said, “There is much […]

As mentors, we guide students through the process of learning skills to absorb and parse knowledge, and it is rewarding to see students transform from novices to skilled professionals. But certain ‘tricks of our trade’ fail to translate through this process, a situation particularly puzzling when the student is hard-working, motivated, and technically competent. What […]

In 2018 I was invited to give a talk to the geology students at my undergraduate institution, Cornell College (that’s the Cornell in Iowa, by the way). I had been working with the Geologic Resources Division of the National Park Service for a few years at that point, and my former professors wanted me to […]

My “Sad Keanu” Slide finally scores laughs!   In recent years Randy has made this story of my initial use of the ABT in what’s been termed “The Liz Moment,” which means that singular, individual first use of the ABT that makes you sit back and say, “Wow, this thing is powerful.” Just about all […]