Crafting Your Personal Narrative for Authentic Executive Presence
Every great leader has a story — but not every leader knows how to tell it. This free worksheet helps executives craft a compelling personal narrative that blends authentic leadership presence with meaningful life experience. Whether you're preparing for a panel, refining your LinkedIn bio, or introducing yourself to a new team, this guide walks you step-by-step through reflection, storytelling structure, and practice — with simple, approachable prompts you can use in ChatGPT (even if you're brand new to it).
✨ Getting Started with ChatGPT
Welcome! This worksheet is designed to help you reflect on your personal history and leadership identity — and turn it into a powerful, authentic executive narrative.
You'll be guided step-by-step, and you can use ChatGPT at any point to help you brainstorm, write, or refine what you come up with.
Try starting with this simple prompt:
Hi! I want to work on my personal narrative as an executive. I'd like it to reflect both my leadership style and my personal history. Can you guide me through a few reflection prompts to get started?
🔍 Step 1: Reflect on Your Story
Part A: Personal History
Use the prompts below to explore the personal side of your leadership.
What experiences shaped who I am today?
Were there people (parents, teachers, bosses) who taught me lasting values?
Did I learn anything important from struggle, change, or failure?
What motivated me when I was younger that still drives me?
✅ Tip: Use ChatGPT to help spark memory
Prompt:
"Help me reflect on key life moments that shaped who I am as a leader. Ask me a few prompts to explore my personal history and values."
Part B: Leadership Identity
Consider how your personal history shows up in the way you lead.
What do people count on me for at work?
What do I believe makes a great leader?
What leadership moment am I most proud of?
How do I want people to feel after working with me?
✅ Ask ChatGPT to help define your leadership style:
Prompt:
"Based on my answers, can you help me describe my leadership style in a few sentences, using plain but strong language?"
📊 Step 2: Build Your Narrative Structure
Use these 5 building blocks to structure your story. You can write a short version (1 paragraph) or longer (1-2 minutes spoken).
Where I come from – A brief origin or values stor
How I grew – Key career experiences or turning points
Who I am now – Your current leadership identity
What drives me – Mission, purpose, or impact
What’s next – Vision for the future
✅ Ask ChatGPT to help build it out:
Prompt:
"Here are some notes I wrote about my personal and leadership journey. Can you help turn this into a cohesive narrative using the 5-part structure?"
✍️ Step 3: Refine Your Words
Once you've drafted your story, you can ask ChatGPT:
Prompt:
"Can you help me refine this narrative to sound more natural, confident, and authentic—like something I'd actually say out loud?"
You can also tailor it for different tones:
"Make it more conversational / bold / humble / inspiring."
🎤 Step 4: Use It with Intention
Think about where and how this narrative can serve you:
Leadership bios or introductions
Team meetings or town halls
Conferences or panel appearances
LinkedIn profile
✅ Ask ChatGPT for versions tailored to different uses:
Prompt:
"Can you create a version of this story that works as a 30-second elevator pitch?"
Prompt:
"Turn this into a LinkedIn About section."
🎬 Step 5: Practice Your Storytelling
Now that you’ve crafted your personal narrative, it’s time to bring it to life.
Try These Practice Activities:
1. Speak It Aloud
Read your narrative out loud to yourself.
Notice where it flows naturally — or feels clunky.
Use ChatGPT:
“Here’s my narrative. Can you help me make it sound more conversational and natural when spoken aloud?”
2. Record Yourself
Use your phone or computer to record yourself sharing your story.
Play it back and reflect: Does it sound like you? Would it connect with your audience?
3. Share It with a Trusted Peer
Ask for honest feedback: What stood out? What felt authentic? What could be clearer?
4. Practice in Low-Stakes Settings
Try adapting your story for:
A team check-in
A coffee chat with a new colleague
A mentoring conversation
5. Use ChatGPT to Simulate Audiences
Prompt:
“Help me adapt my narrative for a panel introduction to senior leaders.”
“Give me feedback as if you were a new employee hearing this for the first time.”