Stories: Our First Technology

I’m taking a short writing hiatus for the next few weeks. Republishing some of the early Story Sherpa Steve posts that you may have missed. Enjoy these posts. New content is just around the corner.

I grew up the son of a coal miner and welder in the mountains of Virginia. That world, harsh and beautiful in equal measure, taught me the value of authentic stories. When my grandfather, once a coal miner himself before becoming an entrepreneur, sat with me on the concrete steps outside his home, spinning tales about his adventures—"some of them were even true"—he wasn't just entertaining a young boy. He was practicing humanity's oldest tradition.

Before spreadsheets and strategic plans, before digital marketing and social media algorithms, there were stories. They were carved into cave walls, passed around fires, whispered from grandparent to grandchild. Stories were our first technology for transferring knowledge, building community, and making sense of our world.

The passion I developed for stories as a young boy has led me through a forty-year career in television and video production. I've produced documentaries, sports television, news, films for corporations and nonprofits—even worked for a year on a soap opera. This storytelling journey has allowed me to work in 22 countries across five continents, where I've interviewed well over a thousand people from all walks of life.

And here's what I've discovered: it's not the stories about fame and glamour that truly impact people. It's stories about human emotion that connect us—drama and adventure, grit and determination, heartbreak and healing, and above all, hope. These are the stories that draw us together, that remind us of our shared humanity.

Are Your Ready to Make Your Brand Unforgettable? At Media Mountain Group, we can help you create your unique brand message that makes potential customers lean in instead of tune out.

Let’s work together to tell your true story. One that speaks directly to your customers. Click here to schedule a free 30 minute consultation or visit our website to see exactly how we can help.