G. Riley Mills, Co-founder of Pinnacle Performance Company & Emmy Award-winning Author
- Mills shares his small-town Minnesota roots and early love for stories.
- A drama teacher and a prolific playwright guided him toward discovering a storytelling structure he still uses.
Podcast
Overview
In this episode of TBCY, host Ashutosh Garg sits down with Emmy award-winning writer, producer, and author G. Riley Mills, co-founder of Pinnacle Performance Company. The conversation dives deep into the art of storytelling, its impact on leadership, and the evolution of communication in a technology-driven world. Here’s a rundown of the key moments from the episode!
00:01:05- What inspired G. Riley Mills to pursue writing and production—and how did his theater background shape his approach?
- Mills shares his small-town Minnesota roots and early love for stories.
- A drama teacher and a prolific playwright guided him toward discovering a storytelling structure he still uses.
- Emphasizes that great storytellers are made, not born.
00:03:11- Was there a defining moment when communication became his life’s work?
- The founding of Pinnacle Performance Company.
- The decision to transfer acting techniques—body language, voice, emotional influence—into leadership and executive settings.
- Reference to Erving Goffman’s concept of “social actors.” and adapting delivery for different audiences.
00:06:48- What do leaders consistently get wrong about communication?
- Failing to understand the perspective and priorities of their audience.
- Introducing the concept of the “prism of priority”.
- Mistakes: Not tailoring messages and not meeting team members where they are, especially across generations (like Gen Z).
00:09:27- How does cultural context impact communication?
- Introduction of Pinnacle’s three-step method for influential communication:
- Analyze your audience.
- Identify the desired action or outcome.
- Modify delivery (drawing from acting techniques).
- The need for cultural sensitivity and adaptation.
00:10:32- What role does authenticity play in effective communication?
- Authenticity is crucial; people crave authentic leaders and voices.
- The importance of keeping accents and personal uniqueness.
- Concerns about AI-generated communication losing personality.
00:12:10- How has technology changed communication?
- COVID-19 drastically impacted in-person and virtual interactions.
- Adapting presentations for virtual platforms—shorter, more interactive sessions.
- Audience attention spans are shorter; storytellers must quickly hook their listeners.
RESOURCES:
Learn more about G Riley Mills: LinkedIn
Enjoyed this podcast?
Why do most leaders get communication wrong? They forget it’s about the other person, not themselves! G. Riley Mills says: “Everyone hears through their own prism: wants, needs, priorities. If you don’t tailor your message, you won’t move them to action.” Share your thoughts in the comments and spread these insights with friends!
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Profile
- Mills shares his small-town Minnesota roots and early love for stories.
- A drama teacher and a prolific playwright guided him toward discovering a storytelling structure he still uses.
- Emphasizes that great storytellers are made, not born.
