Stories are an important yet underutilised tool in business says Hunter-based story teller and well known former radio personality Garth Russell.

Garth left behind his radio career of 30 years to establish Genwise. The company helps people and businesses tell their stories through its A Life Recording and Corporate Recording division. 

He uses his three decades of experience in interviewing people as well as his experience as an actor to help individuals or businesses get to the heart of their story. He says story telling helps with marketing, internal communications, change management. It also helps to simply record your history and corporate knowledge. 

“When you tell your story properly it helps your customers and staff to understand you better and to trust you,” Garth said.

“It is easier to bring your staff and customers along with you when you have your story straight”.

“You need to tell your story in an interesting and entertaining way to cut through all the clutter that surrounds your audience.”

Garth has already helped hundreds of people and organisations to tell their stories including restaurateur Neil Slater, Marathon Tyres Director Mike Nesbitt, Former Newcastle Knights Chairman, businessman and Industrial Lawyer Mike Tyler, Tocal Agricultural College and Lawler Partners.

As well as storytelling, Garth continues to work as a presenter, emcee, and voice over artist. The other arm of Genwise is producing entertaining educational and training DVDs and workshops designed to teach young people life skills such as goal setting and resilience. Garth uses the stories of a character he has created Todd Dazzler. Todd also shares the stories of young people to inspire others. 

Last week Garth presented at local organisation Newcastle Business Club and shared with attendees his passion for storytelling.

“I don’t think of it as an interview, it’s a conversation and once you get their trust it’s amazing what stories people will share and how interesting their lives have been.”