Stories Into Futures: Finding the Story Within
One of the questions at the heart of Stories Into Futures, a programme supporting women navigating the transition from education into employment, is: What if telling your story could change the way you see yourself and what you believe is possible for your future?
The programme brings together digital storytelling, strengths-based coaching, peer learning and practical career development. But as we’ve discovered through the first part of the programme, the digital story is only the beginning. The real work is discovering the story underneath. Everyone has a story. Not everyone knows how to tell it. When we opened expressions of interest in June this year, we heard from women at very different points in their lives and careers.
Some were moving from study into their first professional roles. Others were changing careers, rebuilding their confidence after setbacks, returning to work after caring responsibilities, or navigating the challenges of migrating to Aotearoa NZ and rebuilding their careers. Their areas of interest were equally diverse: from technology, data and AI to community development, social impact, leadership, education, creative industries, finance and business. Yet beneath these different experiences, some common challenges emerged.
Many knew they had valuable skills and experiences, but struggled to articulate them: “I know what I bring, but I don’t know how to explain it.”
Others were looking for professional networks, mentorship and connections into industries in Aotearoa. Some were building confidence communicating in professional settings, while others were navigating questions of identity, belonging and what comes next. These aren't simply employment challenges. They are often questions of identity and possibility:
Who am I now? What do I have to offer? Where do I belong? And perhaps most importantly: what could I become?
Starting with Whakawhanaungatanga
We began with whakawhanaungatanga - establishing, maintaining and nurturing relationships, and creating a sense of belonging through sharing stories and connecting with one another. This was intentional. Before asking people to stand up and tell the world who they are, we wanted to create a space where they could first feel safe enough to explore that question for themselves.
The programme has also been designed responsively around the realities of participants' lives. Work, study, family and community commitments (and, for some, recovery from injury) mean that a one-size-fits-all approach to participation simply doesn't work.
We introduced multiple session options and recorded content where needed, allowing participants to stay connected without compromising the quality or continuity of the learning experience. For us, accessibility isn't an add-on to the programme. It is part of the programme design.
Impact Stories
The first digital storytelling workshop created some remarkable shifts.
One participant arrived questioning whether she had the emotional capacity and capability to achieve a goal she had set herself. She left recognising the resilience she had developed throughout her journey and the creativity she could draw on to move forward. Her storytelling confidence increased from 5/10 to 7/10.
Another participant reflected on the power of finding a group of women to share the journey with: “Stories connect people.” Her confidence increased from 4/10 to 6/10.
For another participant, the biggest shift was realising that storytelling wasn't simply about learning, it was about doing, practising and finding the tools to turn ideas into action. Her confidence moved from 5/10 to 8/10.
One of the most powerful reflections was only five words long: “Someone else wants to learn from me!” That participant's storytelling confidence moved from 3/10 to 6/10.
The most profound feedback came from a participant who initially thought the workshop was simply about learning how to create a digital story. By the end of the day, she realised something different. She described how the questions and reflection had given her the opportunity to look back, connect the dots and understand her own journey differently. “Digital storytelling is only a surface and the self-discovery is the true essence of this workshop.” Her storytelling confidence increased from 7/10 to 9/10. This capture something important about the programme. We aren't simply teaching women how to tell better stories. We are creating opportunities for them to recognise the stories they already carry and to see their experiences, strengths and possibilities through a different lens.
Making Space for Possibility
For some participants, that has meant becoming more confident expressing who they are.
For others, it has meant rediscovering a passion for storytelling, becoming excited about creating their first digital story, or recognising that storytelling can be strategic rather than simply something creative.
One participant reflected: “I changed my viewpoint about storytelling.”Another realised: “I really do love storytelling.”
And another described the process of learning to accept that she has lots of ideas and that rather than trying to fit herself into a particular role, she could create her own career. Her storytelling confidence increased from 5/10 to 8/10.
These may sound like small moments. But career transitions are often made up of exactly these moments: a new realisation, a little more confidence, a connection with someone else, a different way of describing yourself. One conversation can change how you see your past. One story can change how you see your future.
From Stories into Futures
We are now moving into the next stage of Stories Into Futures, where participants will develop their digital stories alongside one-on-one strengths coaching, pitching and self-advocacy practice, peer learning and a community of practice. The intention is not simply to finish with a polished video. It's to help participants leave with a stronger understanding of who they are, what they bring, how to communicate their value and the relationships and confidence to take their next steps.
Because the future of work isn't only about having the right qualifications. It's also about knowing your story. Knowing your strengths. Knowing your value. And having people around you who can see possibilities with you. Stories can connect us to our past, help us make sense of our present, and open up new possibilities for the future.
That's why we're calling it Stories Into Futures.The story isn't the destination. It's a starting point.
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Brought to you by Ako Ōtautahi Learning City Christchurch in partnership with Graduate Women Canterbury and Digital Storytellers, with support from UC Community Engagement Hub - University of Canterbury, Works, RWA People LTD and Plains Media.
