Uncover Your Story
Uncover Your Story is the podcast for creatives, change makers and big-hearted rebels who want to share stories that matter. Through inspiring conversations and actionable tips, we tackle the biggest communication problems you face when it comes to connecting with your audience and building successful businesses with purpose and passion at their heart.
Uncover Your Story
Shifting Power, Sharing Stories: on HIV, Digital Strategy & Empowerment with Sarah Hand
What happens when we put people’s stories at the heart of change? In this episode, I speak with Sarah Hand – midwife turned international health and development leader, and former CEO of Avert – about how storytelling, co-creation, and compassionate leadership can break down stigma, shift health behaviours, and create lasting impact.
Sarah shares how personal stories can spark behaviour change and build empathy in ways data alone can’t, why co-creating with communities creates more meaningful and sustainable solutions, and what she learned from making the bold move to transition Avert’s core programmes to African-led organisations.
If you’ve ever wondered how to use storytelling to drive social change or lead with more heart and bravery, this conversation will inspire you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why personal stories are the missing piece in behaviour change communications
- How co-creation with communities leads to more impactful, culturally relevant campaigns
- What compassionate leadership looks like in action – and why it matters
- The ongoing challenges of HIV stigma and misinformation, and how stories can help shift the dial
Resources & Links:
Get the facts about sexual health and HIV on Be in the Know
If You Enjoyed This Episode:
Please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who cares about the power of storytelling for change. It really helps other creatives and change makers find us.
00:00 Introduction to Uncover Your Story
00:34 Meet Sarah Hand: A Journey of Compassionate Leadership
02:36 Quick Fire Round: Getting to Know Sarah Hand
06:14 The Power of Personal Stories in HIV Communication
10:51 Cultural Sensitivity and Co-Creation in Storytelling
18:41 Digital Storytelling and Behavior Change
20:20 Challenges and Learnings in HIV Campaigns
27:01 The Impact of USAID Cuts on HIV Programs
39:01 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
About me:
I help creatives and change-makers share soulful brand stories that spark connection and build confidence. I work with founders, coaches, freelancers and non-profits to bring their story and personality to life through compelling visuals and narrative.
Download your free guide to growing your brand through soulful stories at: sarahoughton.co.uk/stories
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You can find me on:
Do come and chat and let me know your storytelling challenges and successes.
Find out more about my services which include uncovering and creating stories, with narrative and visual content creation, including photography and video: