As a Project Manager, you’re expected to lead cross-functional teams, drive decisions, and move projects forward—often without formal authority over the people you need to influence. So how do you gain buy-in, foster collaboration, and inspire action when you can't rely on a title?

You tell a better story.

In this dynamic and engaging session, storytelling expert David P. Otey shares the science and structure behind using strategic storytelling as a powerful leadership tool. With decades of experience coaching professionals on high-impact communication, David helps you tap into the persuasive power of narrative to cut through resistance and create meaningful connections.

You'll learn:

Whether you're influencing an executive sponsor, motivating a team, or aligning multiple departments, this session will give you practical storytelling tools to strengthen your leadership presence and deliver results—no org chart required.

Perfect for:

Project Managers at all levels looking to enhance their communication, leadership, and influence across teams and silos.

Project Managers are constantly tasked with driving projects forward without the benefit of formal authority. In this engaging session, storytelling expert David P. Otey reveals how strategic storytelling helps Project Managers gain buy-in, build trust, and inspire action across diverse stakeholders. Participants will discover why stories succeed where data alone fails, explore the essential elements of compelling narratives, and learn practical techniques to influence executive sponsors, teams, and cross-functional partners.

Project Managers often lead without formal authority, making influence essential. In this session, storytelling expert David P. Otey shows how to use strategic storytelling to earn trust, foster collaboration, and drive results. Attendees will gain practical tools to craft compelling stories that engage executive sponsors, motivate teams, and align cross-functional stakeholders.

PDUs for this Session
Ways of Working: 0
Power Skills: 1.5
Business Acumen: 0

Speaker Bio

David P. Otey - Speaker, coach, trainer, and author David P. Otey has helped thousands of people on three continents in their quest for personal and professional growth. A former engineer, Otey understands how to reach and move the quantitative/analytical mind. He is known for his highly interactive programs, both in-person and on-line, that bring his participants confidence and practical results. As a coach, he has helped graduate students get their Ph.D.'s, scientists get their funding renewed, and engineers advance their careers. Otey is the author of the Speaker's Quick Guide series of books for emerging and developing speakers, including his latest, The Speaker's Quick Guide to Presenting with Confidence. His biweekly pod cast, "The Power of Story and Science," explores the importance of telling the story of one's technical work in order for that work to change the world. Otey holds a BA in Radio-Television-Film and Physics from Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas) and both an MA in Communication and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. A native of Texas, he currently resides in the Denver area.

As a convenience to our PMI-credentialed members in good standing, PMI Charleston submits PDU claims on behalf of members who attend PMI Charleston-hosted events (live or virtual).  PDU claims are submitted within 1-week of event conclusion and eligible members will receive an email confirming claim status from PMI.org.  PMI Charleston members are encouraged to monitor their certification renewal/PDU cycle to ensure they receive correct credit for learning opportunities and are meeting certification requirements.

Refunds are issued when there has been an error in payment; we do not issue refunds for schedule changes or non-attendance. Thank you.