The Story Factor: How Project Managers Influence Without Authority  Tool: Leadership Power Skills David P. Otey, MA, MBA Owner Engineer Your Speaking

About the Presentation

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.

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.

Learning Objectives:

1. Why storytelling works when data and directives fall flat

2. The essential elements of a compelling story that earns trust and drives engagement

3. How to tailor your story to different stakeholders—even skeptics

About David P. Otey

David P. Otey, an international speaker, coach, trainer, and author, empowers professionals globally. A former engineer, he expertly guides analytical minds to confidence and results. Otey, author of the “Speaker’s Quick Guide" series and host of "The Power of Story and Science" podcast, helps Ph.D. students, scientists, and engineers advance. He holds a BA in Radio-Television-Film/Physics and MA/MBA degrees.