The Embark central team came together yesterday for a truly transformative Development Day at our home, the University of Derby. It was a day full of energy, learning, and connection, expertly led by Jane and Ben from Narativ, who brought their wealth of experience in storytelling and listening to guide our journey.
Narativ is rooted in the powerful belief that “listening is the foundation of every meaningful story.” Before we can share ideas that truly resonate, we must first listen – to ourselves, to our colleagues, and to the communities we serve. Jane and Ben brought this philosophy to life in ways that struck a chord with our team, reminding us that listening is not just a skill, but a form of leadership.
We also explored Narativ’s storytelling methodology of “excavate, craft, present.” As Narativ explain, “every story starts with listening,” and by excavating our experiences, crafting them into coherent narratives, and presenting them with clarity, we can share in ways that connect and inspire. This framework gave us practical tools to use across our trust, from leadership conversations to classroom practice.
The day was filled with reflection, collaboration, and practical techniques that we can take back into our everyday roles. Together, we explored:
Barriers to listening – considering what prevents us from hearing fully and how we can be more intentional in overcoming those barriers.
Listening vessels – discovering how to hold space for others so they feel genuinely heard, valued, and respected.
The power of storytelling – understanding how stories can communicate meaning more deeply than facts alone.
Engaging both sides of the brain – blending logic and creativity to enhance how we process, reflect, and communicate.
Narativ’s practical techniques – learning how to shape stories that connect people and make ideas memorable.
The sessions were interactive and engaging, with plenty of rich discussions around the tables. Team members shared personal stories, reflected on professional challenges, and left with strategies that will strengthen their communication in schools and beyond.
This Development Day was also a perfect reflection of our core values at Embark. We came together as a family, working collaboratively and supporting one another through honest and open conversations. We demonstrated integrity by listening authentically and sharing our experiences truthfully. We embraced teamwork, learning how to work more effectively by deepening the way we listen and communicate. And, of course, we celebrated success—the success of a day where everyone left with new skills, renewed motivation, and a stronger sense of connection.
It was also wonderful to see the team wholeheartedly loving learning and life throughout the day. From the laughter shared in group activities, to the moments of genuine reflection sparked by storytelling exercises, there was a real sense of joy in both the process and the learning.
We are incredibly grateful to Jane and Ben from Narativ for leading such an inspiring and thought-provoking day. Their insights, warmth, and expertise helped us to see listening and storytelling in a new light – giving us tools that will make a real difference in our roles and in the wider life of the trust.
We are also thankful to the University of Derby for hosting us in such a welcoming and supportive environment. Having our Development Day at Embark’s home made the experience all the more special.
At Embark, we know that the strength of our trust lies not only in the structures and systems we put in place, but in the quality of the relationships we build. Listening, learning, and storytelling are powerful tools that help us to connect with one another, with our schools, and with our wider communities.
As Narativ say, “stories connect people and move them to action.” This Development Day has equipped us with fresh insights and practical strategies, while also reminding us that by truly listening and sharing stories with authenticity, we can live out our values more fully and continue to build a trust where everyone can thrive.