The Campfire in The Storm: Leadership Storytelling during Crisis | Colin Rowsell | NZGDC 2025

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The talk provides valuable, actionable insights for leaders, especially in creative industries like game development. Rowsell’s argument is compelling, grounded in real-world examples and his personal experience. He effectively contrasts storytelling with mere information delivery and emphasizes the need for active, honest communication during crises. The toolkit is simple and memorable, making it practical for immediate use. However, the argumentation relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and lacks rigorous scientific backing, which may limit its generalizability.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The talk is based on the speaker’s personal experience and references specific events (Christchurch earthquakes, Jaws, Kung Fu Panda) but does not cite formal sources. The title accurately reflects the content. The speaker mentions a friend, Robin Hall, and quotes him, but no external sources are provided. The talk is more of an expert opinion than a research-based presentation.

The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on leadership storytelling during crises, with a campfire metaphor used throughout.

7/10

The talk is based on the speaker's extensive personal experience in crisis management and leadership, but it lacks formal citations or references to scientific literature. The advice is practical and grounded in real-world examples, but the evidence is anecdotal.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 02:00Introduction and setup: speaker introduces the chocolate and the interactive nature of the talk.
• 05:00Discussion on story fundamentals: brains wired for story, focus, and contrast.
• 10:00Introduction of the 'wonky line' model and the importance of interactive storytelling.
• 15:00Examples of crises: Christchurch earthquakes, Jaws production, Kung Fu Panda production.
• 20:00Principles: stasis is death, observance is not a story, and the need to move.
• 25:00Toolkit: reassert reality, define the big goal, clarify the next step, and commit to straightforwardness.
• 30:00Conclusion: summary and final interactive moment with the toys.

• Robin Hall quote — Speaker quotes his friend Robin Hall: 'Whether you like it or not, you are already part of a story. Leadership is about being intentional with the one you're telling.'