Digital Mythology
Welcome to the Digital Mythology Podcast, hosted by Declan Goodman. This podcast explores the powerful intersection of ancient mythology and modern digital transformation. With over two decades of experience in IT, Declan is on a mission to fill a crucial gap in the tech world—how to effectively tell the digital transformation story to non-technical stakeholders.
Every organization invests heavily in technology, but the true challenge lies in winning the hearts and minds of those who are crucial to the success of these initiatives. Through storytelling, metaphors, and emotional connection, Declan demonstrates how ancient myths and belief systems can be leveraged to simplify complex digital concepts and drive business success.
In each episode, Declan introduces his unique storytelling framework, built on three pillars:
- Xin (Heart-Mind) – How to connect emotionally and intellectually with stakeholders.
- Metaphor – Using simple, relatable comparisons to explain complex tech concepts.
- Catalyst – Sparking passion and action within your organization to push digital projects forward.
Through guest interviews, practical tips, and personal anecdotes, Declan helps you craft a compelling narrative around your digital transformation journey. Whether you're a tech leader, a business strategist, or simply curious about how stories shape the world of digital innovation, this podcast provides insights to help you succeed.
Join Declan as he helps you bridge the gap between technology and humanity, making your digital transformation not just a technical upgrade, but a story that resonates and inspires action.
Key Topics:
- Storytelling in digital transformation
- Engaging non-technical stakeholders
- Metaphors and emotional connections in IT
- Creating business buy-in for tech initiatives
- Lessons from ancient mythology for modern tech leaders
Tune in and discover how to turn your digital projects into compelling stories that captivate, engage, and inspire!
Digital Mythology
Episode 5: The Catalyst: Igniting Stakeholder Engagement in Digital
In this powerful solo episode of Digital Mythology, host Declan Goodman dives deep into the third and final pillar of his storytelling framework for digital transformation: Catalyst. With storytelling flair and insightful metaphors, Declan unpacks how igniting emotional and role-based engagement is key to winning stakeholder buy-in. He explores how “Catalyst” serves as the driving force that turns understanding into action—clarifying stakeholder roles, inspiring identity within the transformation journey, and ensuring each person feels both seen and essential. From bamboo tree metaphors to practical engagement tactics, this episode is a must-listen for transformation leaders seeking to connect, motivate, and mobilize their teams.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – 02:00 | Welcome & Recap
Declan reintroduces the Digital Mythology podcast, his background in IT, and the purpose of the show: using storytelling to empower digital transformation. He briefly references the three pillars: Shin (emotion), Metaphor (understanding), and Catalyst (action).
02:01 – 04:45 | What is Catalyst?
Declan defines Catalyst as the spark that drives engagement. After connecting with stakeholders emotionally (Shin) and intellectually (Metaphor), Catalyst is about inspiring action and involvement.
04:46 – 08:00 | Catalyst and Stakeholder Identity
He discusses the importance of helping stakeholders see their role in the story. By creating a sense of identity—whether as champions, contributors, or informed observers—stakeholders become more invested.
08:01 – 11:30 | The Bamboo Tree Metaphor & Long-Term Engagement
Declan uses the metaphor of a bamboo tree (long time underground, rapid growth) to illustrate the slow but powerful build-up of digital transformation and how early stakeholder engagement matters—even if results aren’t visible immediately.
11:31 – 15:00 | Role Clarity and Business Alignment
He offers real-world examples of how to define stakeholder roles at different phases. Whether it’s gathering business requirements or supporting vendor management, clarity drives confidence and alignment.
15:01 – 17:00 | Crafting the Story for Your Audience
Declan advises tailoring your transformation story to your audience, much like screenwriters adapt scripts for demographics. The aim is to reduce fear, eliminate rumors, and foster active participation.
17:01 – 18:00 | Final Thoughts & Call to Share
He closes by inviting feedback from listeners, especially change managers, encouraging a shared dialogue about how to best ignite the flame of transformation in others.
Why Listen
This episode blends actionable strategy with evocative storytelling. Whether you're a digital leader, change agent, or just passionate about transformation, Declan’s Catalyst framework provides the inspiration and structure needed to turn strategy into reality.
As you embark on your digital transformation journey, remember that success isn't just about the tools or technology—it's about how well you can tell your story. By leveraging the timeless power of mythology, storytelling, and emotional connection, you can engage stakeholders, win buy-in, and inspire action. The Digital Mythology Podcast is here to help you bridge the gap between complex tech and human understanding, transforming your digital efforts into a narrative that truly resonates.
Join host Declan Goodman as he guides you through this journey, one story at a time.