Interview with Taty Fittipaldi, Author of Mastering Business Storytelling

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Mastering Business Storytelling?

It actually started with a blog post! I thought I was just writing a regular long-form article for my leadership blog—nothing too ambitious. But as I kept writing, I realized the topic of storytelling in business had so many layers, so much practical value, and such a strong connection to leadership that I couldn’t stop. What began as one blog post turned into a 35,000-word draft… and eventually, a book. What inspired me most was my work with clients.

As an executive coach, I kept seeing the same challenge: brilliant leaders struggling to connect, influence, or inspire—not because they lacked knowledge, but because they weren’t communicating with purpose or emotion. I realized that storytelling was the missing link. And once they learned to tell stories strategically, everything changed—from team engagement to stakeholder alignment. So, I wanted to create a book that was approachable, science-backed, and deeply practical. One that would help global executives turn communication into real connection, and leadership into action.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Mastering Business Storytelling, what would they be?

Okay, this is a fun one—even though my book isn’t fiction, I do have a character that shows up throughout the pages: Mr. Lines, my illustrated stickman guide. He’s clever, lighthearted, and keeps things from getting too dense, so I think his theme song would have to be “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. It matches his upbeat energy and the way he makes complex ideas more digestible (and fun!). As for me—since I’m essentially the guide throughout the book—I’d probably go with “Unstoppable” by Sia. Writing this book took a lot of resilience, and I wrote it hoping to help leaders find their own voice, power, and confidence through storytelling. That song captures that spirit perfectly.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

When it comes to reading, I genuinely enjoy business books—especially those that dive into behavioral science, communication, leadership, and building strong personal habits. That’s definitely the space where I write, too, so there’s a strong overlap. But when I need to unplug and give my brain a break, I love escaping into science fiction, fantasy, and historical romance. There’s something really relaxing about being transported to another world, whether it’s the future or the past. It helps me reset creatively and emotionally, so I can return to my work with fresh eyes.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Right now, I’m working through ‘Song of the Forever Rains’ by E.J. Mellow—it’s book one in a fantasy series, and it’s my go-to escape from all things work-related. On the non-fiction side, ‘The Courage to Be Disliked’ by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga is sitting at the top of my pile. I’ve heard such great things about its unique blend of psychology and philosophy, and I’m really looking forward to diving in. I like to keep a mix of fiction and non-fiction going—one to challenge my thinking, and one to let my mind relax.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

One of my favorite sections to write was when I unpacked the classic storytelling principle of “show, don’t tell”—and how it plays out in a powerful scene from the movie A Time To Kill. In the film, the defense lawyer delivers his closing argument by telling a vivid, emotional story. And then, he pauses and says, “Now imagine she’s white.” In that moment, he doesn’t accuse the jury of bias—he simply shows them their own.

He leads them to reflect, rather than defend. That’s the power of storytelling done right: it invites people in and gives them space to see something for themselves, without forcing it. Writing about that moment and connecting it to business storytelling—especially in leadership and influence—was incredibly meaningful for me. It’s still one of the strongest examples I’ve ever seen of how a well-placed story can change everything.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I wish I had a quirky writing ritual to make this answer more exciting, but the truth is, I’m all about focus when I write. No lucky mugs, no background noise, and definitely no distractions. I thrive in a calm, quiet space where I can really get into the flow. So while there’s nothing particularly eccentric about my setup, I guess my “quirk” is how seriously I guard that quiet time, like it’s sacred. Just me, my thoughts, and a block of uninterrupted hours. Not as glamorous as a cat on my lap… but highly productive!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Absolutely. One philosophy that has guided me for years is: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.” To me, it’s a powerful reminder that mindset shapes reality. I also believe that in life—and in leadership—you can either be too strong to fail or too weak to try.

So I always say: Choose to be strong. Choose success. It’s not about perfection. It’s about choosing resilience, showing up, and taking the next step—even when it’s hard. That mindset has carried me through corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and now authorship.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I want readers to remember that they can use stories to show a new reality or possibility, rather than just telling people what to think. And when they do that, they unlock the ability to influence without force—through empathy, emotion, and genuine connection. If ‘Mastering Business Storytelling’ helps readers realize that storytelling in leadership isn’t just powerful—it’s practical, strategic, and capable of driving real business success—then I’ve accomplished exactly what I set out to do with this first book in the series. And if it encourages them to stop shying away from storytelling and start practicing it as a skill toward mastery, then that’s a bonus I’m truly proud of.

Taty Fittipaldi is the author of the new book Mastering Business Storytelling

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