CENTERS Experts Share Storytelling Tips
Yvette Kell, Director of Campus Recreation for CENTERS @ the University of Missouri – St. Louis and Michelle Rieger, Senior Associate Director for CENTERS, LLC @ Cleveland State University share storytelling in leadership insights in Campus Rec Magazine, September / October 2024 edition.
Leadership is about helping guide people on their career or personal journey. This can, and has, been done in various ways. There are theories about the best way to lead, the best leadership style and how you can find your path as a successful leader. We often overlook our experiences as the ultimate teacher as we coach when those experiences help shape who we are and have put us in a position to help lead our teams.
Simply putting in time at a job has little influence on a person’s career or professional development. It is the experience gained through specific situations that allows for professional and personal growth.
Stories of these experiences can be a leader’s secret weapon in their communication toolbox. Steve Jobs was quoted “The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.” He must have known data and facts can disengage people while thought-provoking stories create emotions that pull people in. Storytelling and experience sharing allows leaders to create an emotional connection with their audience which helps them relate to the message. Stories add excitement, show character and allow the teller to lead authentically.
About the Authors:
Serving as the Director of Campus Recreation for CENTERS @ the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Dr. Yvette Kell is responsible for hiring all site staff for the Recreation and Wellness Center. Yvette, aka Vetty, has worked in collegiate recreation for over 25 years. She has worked in a variety of different roles, beginning her professional career as the Coordinator of Fitness and Aquatics at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Next, her career took her to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas where she began as the Assistant Director of Facilities and was later promoted to Director of Facilities and Operations. Dr. Kell served as the Director of Recreation and Wellness at Morehead State University where she opened a new facility as well as led a newly formed department. Dr. Kell received her Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, a Master’s degree from Sam Houston State University, and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is an active NIRSA member and frequently presents at national conferences.
Michelle Rieger is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in university recreation and wellbeing, currently serving as the Senior Associate Director for CENTERS, LLC @ Cleveland State University. In this role since July 2022, Michelle oversees comprehensive facility operations, programming, marketing, and staff development for the university’s recreation and wellbeing department. Her leadership extends to managing a multimillion-dollar budget, spearheading departmental assessments, and leading initiatives in talent management and organizational culture. Additionally, Michelle is a dedicated part-time instructor at Cleveland State University. With a PhD in Leadership, Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago, a Master of Science in Education in Exercise Physiology/Adult Fitness, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Akron, she has contributed significantly to the fields of recreation and fitness through various roles and projects over her career. Michelle is also a seasoned presenter, with numerous professional presentations at conferences such as the NIRSA Annual Conference and the Athletic Business Show, sharing her expertise on leadership, staff training, and risk management. Her dedication to professional development is reflected in her active involvement in professional committees and contributions to publications and media. Michelle’s comprehensive background and passion for enhancing university recreation programs make her a distinguished leader in her field.