Storytelling and Communication Strategies for Regeneration Masterclass
A Framework for inspiring positive change.
Great stories don’t just inform - they inspire, connect, and move people to act.
In a world where regeneration and sustainability need real progress, knowing how to communicate your message powerfully makes all the difference.
Learn how to:
- Build story-led strategies that reflect your mission and values
- Identify and speak directly to the audiences that matter most
- Use simple tools to shape, test, and evolve your narrative
- Apply behaviour change thinking to storytelling
- Develop a plan that supports long-term regeneration impact
What will you learn at this course?
The Course is structured around four modules:
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Explore how storytelling shapes perceptions and inspires change, with tools to define audiences, narrative goals, and the principles of regenerative communication.
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Learn to align storytelling with organisational purpose and brand identity, using frameworks to develop narratives that are clear, consistent, and values-driven.
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Apply insights from global case studies and behaviour change science to co-create stories that resonate, engage, and motivate real-world action.
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Develop a practical storytelling plan through peer feedback, coaching, and risk assessment tools, and begin forming a local storytelling community of practice.
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Who is this Masterclass for?
Designed for marketing and communications professionals who want to turn their ideas into action through storytelling that truly lands. This Masterclass blends creative strategy with practical tools to help teams deliver results for their DMO (Destination Management Organisation) sustainability strategy.
This in-house Masterclass is scheduled based on the client's wishes and faculty members' availability.
| Hybrid | 1.5 days in-person + 1 online class. |
| In-person | 2 days in-person. |
Lead Storyteller, GDS-Movement Betsy Reed
LinkedIn
Betsy is a leadership coach, sustainability advisor, teacher, author, and storyteller with 20 years of experience across five continents. She lead campaigns for governments, NGOs, and businesses. Past roles include Head of Campaigns at Zero Waste Scotland and Director at Grayling. Betsy is currently Head Tutor at the Cambridge University Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Betsy is a leadership coach, sustainability advisor, teacher, author, and storyteller with 20 years of experience across five continents. She lead campaigns for governments, NGOs, and businesses. Past roles include Head of Campaigns at Zero Waste Scotland and Director at Grayling. Betsy is currently Head Tutor at the Cambridge University Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Chief Executive Officer, GDS-Movement Guy Bigwood
LinkedIn
Guy has spent 18 years helping cities, governments, corporations, and associations advance sustainability and regenerative practices. Former Sustainability Director at MCI, his pioneering work has earned 22 sustainability awards, including the Events Industry Council Pacesetter Award, and recognition as a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
Guy has spent 18 years helping cities, governments, corporations, and associations advance sustainability and regenerative practices. Former Sustainability Director at MCI, his pioneering work has earned 22 sustainability awards, including the Events Industry Council Pacesetter Award, and recognition as a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
Professor of Sustainability Marketing, University of Surrey Dr. Xavier Font
LinkedIn
Dr. Xavier Font is professor of Sustainability Marketing at the University of Surrey, specializing in sustainable tourism production and consumption. He has consulted for several UN agencies, the International Finance Corporation, the European Commission, national tourist boards, and industry leaders.
Dr. Xavier Font is professor of Sustainability Marketing at the University of Surrey, specializing in sustainable tourism production and consumption. He has consulted for several UN agencies, the International Finance Corporation, the European Commission, national tourist boards, and industry leaders.
Founder, Rooted JoAnna Haugen
LinkedIn
JoAnna Haugen is an award-winning writer, speaker, consultant, and founder of Rooted, a platform focused on sustainable tourism, social impact, and storytelling. She helps tourism professionals decolonize travel experiences and support sustainability. JoAnna's work has been published in over 60 outlets, including AFAR and USA Today. In 2021, Newsweek honored her with a Future of Tourism award.
JoAnna Haugen is an award-winning writer, speaker, consultant, and founder of Rooted, a platform focused on sustainable tourism, social impact, and storytelling. She helps tourism professionals decolonize travel experiences and support sustainability. JoAnna's work has been published in over 60 outlets, including AFAR and USA Today. In 2021, Newsweek honored her with a Future of Tourism award.
"A Vital Tool"
"The GDS Storytelling Masterclass has significantly enhanced the way we approach our marketing communications. From developing video content briefs to producing compelling presentations, the storytelling canvas introduced during the Masterclass has become an integral part of our daily workflow. The Masterclass shifted our perspective, encouraging us to think more strategically about the insights we aim to uncover when we tell our story. This training empowered our team to communicate with greater clarity and creativity and I would strongly recommend it to any organisation. Storytelling is a vital tool in demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and social impact."
"Truly Understanding Our Target Audience"
"One of the key takeaways for me was the importance of communicating just one message at a time, tailored to a specific audience. The masterclass has equipped me with advanced storytelling tools and techniques that will help us engage our audience more effectively. "Know your audience" should become a reflex in our communication from now on."
Would you like more information?
You can schedule a meeting with Giulia, our GDS-Academy Coordinator. We will provide more information on the product(s) you are interested in.