Storytelling Workshop - Envista
Executive Storytelling & Training
Challenge
In a sea of commoditized products and crowded markets, how do dental industry leaders and their companies stand out? That was the central question facing 15 top executives—CEOs, GMs, CHROs, and more—from across Envista's portfolio companies. Envista is one of the largest dental product companies in the world, operating a powerful portfolio of market-leading brands across implants, orthodontics, imaging and infection prevention.
Despite robust R&D, operational efficiency, and proven products, many leaders struggled to translate these strengths into compelling narratives that differentiate and drive results.
Insight
Storytelling bridges the credibility gap in commoditized industries. It helps great companies be perceived as great.
Most leaders undervalue how much internal strategy docs and customer-facing materials contribute to brand perception.
The ability to frame technical capabilities in human terms - with clear stakes, obstacles, and value—resonates far more than spec sheets or slide decks.
Equipping leaders with even a basic narrative structure yields fast, visible improvement in confidence and communication across functions.
Working with Envista leaders, I designed and facilitated a 3-hour custom storytelling workshop at Envista’s annual Leadership Lab; part masterclass, part tactical bootcamp focused on using storytelling as a business advantage.
The program blended:
Hands-on exercises tailored to B2B audiences
Competitive analysis of Envista’s top industry rivals
Real examples from major consumer brands and in-house strategy decks
Gamified group challenges that helped execs apply storytelling to their own marketing, leadership, and internal communications
Each executive was challenged to use storytelling not as fluff, but as a lever to influence customer behavior, accelerate trust, elevate strategic narratives, and improve team alignment.
Solution
Impact
The outcomes were immediate and measurable:
100% of participants reported an improvement in their storytelling ability
The group’s average self-assessed skill level increased by 62%
Leaders walked away with story-driven frameworks they could apply to sales, recruitment, investor relations, and product launches
Executives identified key opportunities to reduce reliance on R&D spend and instead invest in market perception through narrative
The workshop sparked an internal movement: storytelling became a language for leadership; one that not only connects but converts.
“Matt’s workshop was a masterclass in making the complex compelling. He gave our leaders practical tools to communicate with more clarity, confidence, and impact - skills that are already showing up in how we sell, lead, and align internally. One of the most engaging sessions we’ve had at Leadership Lab.”
Drew Weightman, President, Consumables and Challenger Implants, Envista
Want to inspire your team with a custom workshop?