Create the story that you, your team, and your product needs

Workshops and coaching for organizations and individuals, to strengthen creativity and communication

Some organizations I’ve worked with:

What I’m Teaching & Thinking Right Now:

Stanford Continuing Studies:
Upcoming Classes

Think on Your Feet: An Improviser’s Guide to Business and Communication
Spring 2025: Weekend of April 5 -6 on campus (sold out)

Speakeasy: The Pleasures of Writing Good Dialogue
Summer 2025: Tuesday evenings online, July 8 - August 26

Recent LinkedIn Posts:

Art & Other People Podcast

Art & Other People explores the intersection of care and creativity at a time when artists and caretakers are more needed than ever.
Visit podcast website.

Why Storytelling?

Telling the right story – as an individual or an organization – is fundamental to growth and success.

Effective storytelling leads to…

  • More productive team conversations

  • A clearer articulation of values

  • Stronger creative collaboration

  • A more inclusive environment

Testimonials

  • "Dan's a master synthesizer and a gifted creative leader. He always brings a fresh perspective to projects and reveals connections and opportunities that might not be apparent at first, but seem obvious once he's pointed them out. He drives for clarity in thinking without giving in to oversimplification—he's not afraid to let things be as complicated as they are. And somehow, he still finds a way to explain it that anyone could understand. You'd be lucky to have this natural teacher and warm intellectual on your team."

    Kathryn Jaller, Lead UX Writer
    Airbnb

  • "Dan Schifrin is delightful and talented. He gathered and distilled information about our nonprofit newsroom and presented a cogent and compelling description of what we do, and more importantly, the story of why we do it."

    – Lisa Ruderman, Development Director
    San Francisco Public Press

  • "I have worked with Dan for over two years and am constantly amazed by his creativity, his ease in conversation and his ability to bring together community through dialogue."

    – MerriLyn Gibbs, Founder and Owner
    Assistants 4 Hire

  • "I took the class "Thinking on your feet" class last year with Debra Schifrin and Dan Schifrin - and by far it was the best soft skills class I’ve ever taken. I highly recommend a weekend in Palo Alto to attend the class at Stanford. I still reference the material and it really helped me be a better communicator."

    Jacob Bertram, Senior Manager Corporate Finance
    Nordstrom

Workshop Focus Areas

  • Individual & Collaborative Storytelling

    The ability to tell compelling stories about yourself, your team, your product, and your company is an essential skill in business. Learn to find that story and tell it effectively.

  • Meaningful Feedback

    Giving and receiving feedback is among the most stressful work conversations. Learn how to turn feedback into breakthrough moments.

  • Manifesting Creativity

    Creativity is not a rarefied trait possessed only by a few – it is a quality of curiosity and risk-taking that seeks to expand what is possible.

  • Story-Mapping for Individuals and Teams

    Understanding where you are on your professional/creative journey — as individuals and as a team — will guide your next steps.

  • Listening as Superpower

    The best communicators are the best listeners. How do you dig into that superpower, and turn passive listening into active conversation?

  • Conversation Design

    Productive conversations balance planning and improvisation. Learn how to design + execute a dialogue among individuals, or with a large audience.

View All Workshops

Let’s Move Your StoryForward

Learn more about me, my approach, and how we can work together.