Welcome to STORIES, a journey through the stories of people who have built their success step by step.

Be inspired and trace your own path: there is a world full of possibilities to shine your talents.

Today we have Dawn Duncan with us, sharing her story of deep listening and continuous learning.

Dawn lives by the mantra: "Words have the power to hurt or heal; they are never neutral. I am called to use words healing words". 

Could you introduce yourself Dawn?

I am Dawn Duncan, professor emeritus. My chair is in Arts and Humanities, and I have completed three different degrees (journalism, theatre and education, and English). I've used all of them over the years!

I started working with Narrative4 three years before I retired. 

I continue to facilitate, educate, and teach. These roles allow me to use words powerfully. I love people and want to use words in a way that truly helps them.

Could you tell us more about your job and Narrative4?

I met Colum McCann, the president of Narrative4, when teaching literature. I saw what he was doing, using the power of stories, and wanted to bring it to University: I wanted my students not only to experience story exchange, but also to be trained as facilitators.

I was teaching in Minnesota and thought "we can do something here". So, with my students, we brought together immigrants, refugees and the Caucasian population to create a story exchange that would help reduce hostility between the diverse communities. The listening and understanding of each other's stories was just powerful! 

The BBC picked up on what we were doing, which helped change attitudes and showed people that everyone, no matter their ethnicity, brings added value to the community.

Now I no longer work with my students. I am a Master Practitioner in Narrative4 and am called on to train other people to facilitate and as a consultant to colleges and universities. I also work as a volunteer in communities.

I work online quite a lot: it's a great way to reach people all over the world! in N4 we are now on four continents and our numbers continue to grow. There is a great need to use story exchange to promote Emotional Intelligence and Empathy in young adults, the next generation of leaders who will be able to solve problems.

What talents should a good facilitator have (and practice!) to handle people well?

Firstly, set aside your own ego and be willing to make every person in the room feel more important than us. I bring this same principle to the classroom: I want every student to know they are capable of finding their own voice.

Then, genuine curiosity is necessary. I have studied a lot, but if I wasn't open to new experiences  I couldn't possibly do this work.

Caring for others is fundamental. It's essential to focus on the other person, putting aside everything else that has happened to us. Narrative4 taught me to listen differently, deeply and slowly.

Lastly, I think word-crafting is important. Expand your vocabulary, know your audience and understand how to use words effectively.

What do you mean by success and failure?

Success and failure are linked together, and I've experienced both many times. 

Failure is when you don't recover and blame others or external events for your fall from grace. 

I've explained to my students the difference between excellence and perfectionism: if you're a perfectionist, you don't allow criticism, but if you're striving for excellence, you know you can always do better, accept criticism and grow. This is linked with resilience and success; rise up, move forward and learn.

I don't measure success by position or money, but by purpose and achieving it for a greater good.

When is it too late to change?

When you're dead! It's never too late to become who you want to be. You just have to be determined enough to take the steps needed to become that person.

Could you share one last thought with us?

Okay, I'll mention two! My first is my mantra: "Words have the power to hurt or heal; they are never neutral. I am called to use healing words."

My second is an image of a cedar tree: it has rough but soft bark, provides shelter for many creatures, is beautiful in life, and even more so when it's sick. The moment you think it has lost its use, it becomes an incredible container, a piece of furniture or, an object for others.

I connect with the cedar tree, as it reminds me that I always have a use no matter what stage of my life.

The words are taken from the video interview with Dawn.

STORIES is a social project that aims to open new perspectives for those who wish to see them.

STORIES is a project that aspires to inspire every person to discover, cultivate, and shine their own talents.

We can leave our mark on the world in many ways.

Every imprint, if it builds for us and for others, is equally important.