
Batch 4
Transform Your Leadership With IIM Calcutta Storytelling Certification
The Mastering Storytelling for Leadership Communication and Influence programme is a 20 week executive online programme from IIM Calcutta which enables business leaders to use structured storytelling to influence stakeholders, build executive presence, and communicate with clarity and impact. Designed as a storytelling for leaders course, the offering focuses on applying narrative thinking to real leadership contexts rather than relying on intuition or anecdotal communication. Through live online sessions and applied frameworks such as Freytag’s Pyramid for leadership storytelling, participants develop skills in leadership storytelling, data storytelling for executives, and executive communication.
Watch Dr. Nandita Roy on shaping ethical leadership and strategic communication in the IIM Calcutta Storytelling Programme
An overview of the learning experience, pedagogy, and programme value of the Mastering Storytelling for Leadership Communication and Influence Programme:
Live sessions by industry experts
Recorded and one live session by IIM Calcutta faculty
Practical learning with real-world case studies
Capstone project guided by faculty
Advanced modules on GenAI, branding, crisis management, and business storytelling
One-day networking event at IIM Calcutta*
Enhance influence with cross-cultural storytelling and public speaking
Certificate of completion by IIM Calcutta
Notes:
The programme highlights presented above are approximate and subject to change depending on the availability and expertise of the teaching faculty, as well as the programme's desired outcomes.
The fee for attending a networking event (without accommodation) on campus is INR 5,000 + GST per day. Attending the event (with accommodation on twin sharing basis): INR 11000 plus GST. Attending the event (with accommodation on a single occupancy basis): INR 13000 plus GST.
Mid to senior level managers aiming to enhance communication skills and executive presence for leadership roles.
Professionals looking to refine public speaking, build impactful connections, and communicate persuasively.
Business leaders wanting to elevate their influence through concise messaging, effective elevator pitches, and improved media communication.
A 20‑week curriculum in the IIM Calcutta Leadership Communication Programme structured into modules that build leadership communication capability through strategic, data‑driven, and storytelling‑based learning.
Narratives for strategic influence
Power of story-driven leadership
Narrative transportation
Strategic storytelling frameworks
Freytag’s pyramid for strategic communication
Case Study: Super Bowl Storytelling
Transformative Storytelling
Challenge, Choice, Outcome framework
Monomyth framework for leadership storytelling
Case Study: Lessons from the Superhero Narrative
Building inclusive narratives
Reimagining DEI approaches (Neurodiversity)
Case Study: Nike, Dabur
Storytelling in the Digital Age: Leveraging LinkedIn, X, and Podcasts for Personal Brand Growth
Cross platform narrative strategy
Understanding digital convergence culture in storytelling
Case Study: Hunger Games, Marvel Cinematic Universe
Adapting stories to resonate with diverse global audiences
Navigating cultural nuances to enhance storytelling impact
Data driven narratives in digital spaces
Exploratory vs Explanatory data storytelling
Case Study: Spotify/ Netflix
Simple and influential storytelling across meetings on different scales
Communicating vision and purpose through powerful narratives
Gestalt Principles for Data Persuasion
Leveraging digital tools for data narratives
Crafting digital narratives with GenAI
Leverage AI tools for communication strategies
Use Cases: Instagram, Discord, Reddit
Framework based communication strategies to bring clarity in complex topics and ideas by leveraging personal / professional experiences
Note:
Modules/ topics are indicative only, and the suggested time and sequence may be dropped/modified/adapted to fit the total programme hours.
Masterclasses in this programme will be taken by industry experts.
As part of the IIM Calcutta Storytelling Programme, these interactive sessions are designed to complement faculty‑led learning with industry perspectives:
These core storytelling frameworks are taught as part of the IIM Calcutta Storytelling Programme curriculum to help make business forecasting more persuasive, turning data‑driven insights into narratives that are engaging, actionable, and relevant for stakeholders:

What it is: A classic story structure that helps explain forecasts clearly.
How it works:
We set the stage (context).
Show the developing challenges (trends).
Reveal the key forecast (the answer).
Explain what it means (implications).
Give you clear next steps (recommendations).
Why it matters: Makes forecasts easy to understand and act on.

What it is: A story framework that turns data into a relatable journey.
How it works:
We show why the forecast is needed (the start).
Explain the data challenges (the obstacles).
Reveal the key insights (the discovery).
Give you clear actions to take (the return).
Why it matters: Makes complex data engaging and shows you the path forward.

Assistant Professor, Business Ethics & Communication
Nandita Roy specialises in business ethics and communication and continues to research the combination of stories, culture and technology. Currently, a faculty at IIM Calcutta...
Leadership Communication Challenge | What you Gain at IIM Calcutta | Leadership Impact |
Leaders rely on data and analysis but struggle to communicate insights persuasively to stakeholders. | Teaches structured storytelling frameworks (e.g. Freytag’s Pyramid, Hero’s Journey) to convert forecasts and analytics into clear, compelling narratives. | Stronger executive presence and the ability to influence strategic decisions through storytelling. |
Business communication fails to engage diverse audiences across teams, cultures, and leadership levels. | Develops cross‑cultural storytelling and audience‑centric communication skills through faculty‑led instruction and applied cases. | Improved stakeholder alignment and credibility in complex, multicultural environments. |
Storytelling is recognised as important, but leaders lack frameworks to apply it consistently in leadership roles. | Provides leadership storytelling frameworks, narrative persuasion tools, and real‑world case learning guided by IIM Calcutta faculty. | More confident, structured, and impactful leadership communication. |
Communication remains transactional, limiting trust, alignment, and long‑term influence. | Emphasises applied learning through real‑world case studies, faculty‑guided capstone projects, and industry‑led masterclasses. | Greater ability to build trust, inspire teams, and drive organisational change through communication. |
Leaders need to integrate AI and GenAI into communication but lack structured guidance. | Introduces AI‑enabled storytelling, GenAI tools for communication strategies, and data‑driven narrative design. | Future‑ready communication capabilities aligned with evolving leadership and technology demands. |

Founder, Leadership Coach ( LinkedIn Top Voice)
With over 25 years of experience in marketing and product roles in global technology industries and in leadership development, Andrea has led teams across Asia and Europe.
...
Please note that the designated industry expert for the programme is subject to change after the programme commences.
Industry Experts' sessions could be scheduled on a different time zone, depending on speaker availability.

A performance-driven senior executive with nearly 30 years of experience across coaching, learning & development, human resources, and sales in diverse sectors including telec...
Please note that the designated programme leader for the programme is subject to change after the programme commences.
Programme Leader's sessions could be scheduled on a different time zone, depending on speaker availability.

Participants will be awarded a certificate of completion upon successfully meeting the programme’s evaluation requirements, including achieving a minimum score of 65% across all assessments.
Notes:
The certificate shown above is for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact prototype of the actual certificate.
IIM Calcutta reserves the right to change the certificate and specifications without notice.
Cultivate emotional intelligence for effective leadership and strategic decision-making.
Develop a clear understanding of strong vs. weak ties and the impact of redundant vs. efficient connections.
Identify communication strategies to build a professional network, credibility, and rapport with stakeholders.
Master the art of storytelling to engage with audiences and drive change.
Leverage strengths to build a personal brand.
Utilise digital platforms and social media for effective personal branding.
Apply AI and GenAI in building an executive presence.
The Mastering Storytelling for Leadership Communication and Influence programme is an IIM Calcutta leadership communication programme designed to help business leaders and managers use structured storytelling to influence stakeholders, build executive presence, and communicate with clarity and impact. The programme focuses on leadership storytelling, executive communication, and data‑driven narratives through a blend of academic frameworks and real‑world business contexts. Delivered as a 20‑week online IIM certificate programme, it equips participants to apply storytelling across leadership communication, decision‑making, persuasion, and personal branding.
The Mastering Storytelling for Leadership Communication and Influence programme by IIM Calcutta supports leadership development by enhancing executive presence, communication skills, and the ability to influence through storytelling. It equips professionals to lead with clarity, connect with diverse audiences, and drive strategic impact—core to effective leadership today.
This leadership communication and storytelling programme is designed for mid‑ to senior‑level managers, business leaders, and professionals in leadership roles who want to strengthen their leadership communication and executive presence. It is particularly suited for managers seeking a storytelling for leaders course in India that goes beyond basic communication skills. The programme is also relevant for professionals preparing for leadership roles and graduates (10+2+3) from a recognised university who want an executive communication programme from IIM Calcutta with practical workplace application.
The Mastering Storytelling for Leadership Communication and Influence programme covers leadership storytelling frameworks, persuasive communication, executive presence, personal branding, and data storytelling. Participants learn how to structure impactful narratives using established models such as Freytag’s Pyramid for leadership storytelling and the Monomyth framework.
The programme includes modules on leadership communication, digital storytelling, storytelling with data, cross‑cultural communication, public speaking, GenAI‑enabled storytelling, and building a personal story bank for leadership and professional contexts.
The Mastering Storytelling for Leadership Communication and Influence programme by IIM Calcutta follows a blended learning format. It is delivered as a 20‑week online IIM certificate programme, requiring approximately 4 to 6 hours of learning per week. The learning format combines pre‑recorded lectures by IIM Calcutta faculty, live online masterclasses by industry experts, case‑based learning, and a faculty‑guided capstone project.
Participants also have the option to attend a one‑day on‑campus networking event at IIM Calcutta, subject to participant interest and institute discretion.
Storytelling in leadership is the use of strategic narratives to enhance leadership communication, build executive presence, and influence teams with purpose and clarity. It helps transform data into impactful messages that drive engagement and alignment. As highlighted in the Mastering Storytelling for Leadership Communication and Influence programme by IIM Calcutta, storytelling is essential for building trust, communicating vision, and demonstrating effective leadership in dynamic business environments.
Yes, The Mastering Storytelling for Leadership Communication and Influence programme by IIM Calcutta explicitly focuses on building executive presence and personal branding through storytelling. Participants learn how to craft authentic leadership narratives, communicate persuasively, and strengthen their professional identity across meetings, presentations, and digital platforms.
This makes the programme relevant for professionals seeking a personal branding course for managers in India grounded in leadership communication and storytelling.
Yes, participants who successfully complete the IIMC Storytelling for leadership programme and achieve a minimum of 65% in all evaluations and quizzes will receive a certificate of completion from IIM Calcutta. This credential qualifies as a leadership storytelling online certificate and can be used on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and professional portfolios, aligning with the expectations of an executive communication programme from IIM Calcutta.
Yes, the Mastering Storytelling for Leadership Communication and Influence programme includes dedicated modules on storytelling with data and data‑driven narratives. Participants learn how to transform data and insights into persuasive business stories using structured frameworks and visual communication principles. This makes it especially relevant for professionals looking for a data storytelling course for executives that connects analytical thinking with leadership communication.
Flexible payment options available.
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