How Generational Storytelling Impacts Culture

How do you go from a start-up business by a young, orphaned boy to an organization that takes care of each other like family, three generations later? My guest today, Greg Smith, is a 3rd generation business owner and quite the storyteller. In this episode, he talks about inheriting a business begun by his grandfather over 67 years ago, a $300,000 mistake, caught just in time, that turned out well for the company in the long-run, and so much more.

Greg and I explore questions such as: How has story played a role in the culture of his entire organization? How can telling stories help in fundraising? And what’s a significant lesson you can put into action immediately?

• How storytelling fits into legacy and culture
• Why timing is critical no matter the situation
• How you can be vulnerable yet not afraid

Greg Smith was born into an entrepreneurial family in Youngstown, Ohio, where he first learned about leadership from his grandfather’s and father’s stewardship of the family business. He watched as they successfully managed a diverse workforce in both good and bad economic times. Now, he serves as the Chairman of the Board and Chief Culture Officer at the steel products company his grandfather founded.

Also, Greg is an accomplished TEDx speaker and author of Speak Like a Pro without Looking Like a Jack@$$. His education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from Miami University and a Masters in Business Administration in Strengths Leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln/Gallup University. He’s currently a communications doctoral student at Liberty University.

Greg loves helping people make a more significant impact on leadership and communication. He believes in and studies best practices in communication, having been personally coached by several industry leaders. For him, authentic leaders must communicate clearly and persuasively if they hope to inspire outstanding achievement.

Outside of the family business, he enjoys coaching others on public speaking and is a business collaboration catalyst with specialties in personal/team development and leadership expertise. He has served three years as an instructor in the School of Communication at Youngstown State University. Currently, Greg resides in Ohio with his wife, Nancy, and four kids.

• Greg Smith Leadership
• Greg Smith on LinkedIn
• Compco Quaker Manufacturing Inc.
• Honesty – Self-Righteousness + Vulnerability = Authenticity from Bring Your Whole Self to Work by Mike Robbins
• Speak Like a Pro without Looking Like a Jack@$$ by Greg Smith
• Storytelling School
• @storytellingschool on Instagram