What if the problem isn't that you're not good at what you do—it's that you're hiding your genius?

Ashley Renders spent a decade in journalism and documentary film before building a multi-six-figure business in 18 months teaching entrepreneurs how to use storytelling to grow their companies. In this conversation, Ashley breaks down the biggest storytelling mistake talented founders make: thinking they need to be more interesting when what they really need is to stop hiding what they already know.

We dive into storytelling frameworks that actually convert, the shift from journalism to selling with stories, and why your "boring" business has just as much compelling content as a lifestyle brand.

If you've ever scrolled past someone with half your expertise getting ten times the attention, this episode will show you exactly what they're doing differently.

What We Cover:

[00:33] Why storytelling is having a moment and big brands are scrambling for creatives
[04:12] The content creator burden: when you just want to do your actual job
[09:49] The accountant who quadrupled her business by sharing her genius
[12:26] Your business isn't boring—you're just thinking about it wrong
[18:24] The missing piece from journalism to selling: storytelling is about the payoff
[21:29] The aperture analogy: how much of your life should you share?
[23:38] Vulnerability that converts vs. vulnerability that feels like therapy
[24:41] The two questions to ask before sharing anything from your life
[33:17] The curse of expertise: when you forget people don't know what you know
[38:08] Her first live event and what her nervous system said was unsafe
[44:23] The snowstorm aha moment that changed how she builds community
[51:40] Homework: the one client exercise that filters everything you create
[53:38] Your business as a movement, not just posting to post
[1:04:43] The fastest way to stop being ordinary

Quotes Worth Saving:

"You're not boring because of your business. What makes your content feel boring is how you think about it and how you share it with the world."

"When you're selling, you're really selling the payoff. That vision you're painting—that's storytelling."

"Start with conversations in real life. You have to pick up the phone, book a call, or go to the event."

"If you can publish every day for a year, you'll never have money problems again. It turns you into a different animal."

Connect with Ashley: Instagram @ashley.renders | YouTube: That Storytelling Channel

Your Turn:

This week, notice what you agree and disagree with in your industry. Write it down. Then share one of those thoughts in a piece of content. Your business isn't boring—your genius just needs a microphone.

If ordinary has ever felt suffocating, you’re in the right place.
Follow Allergic to the Ordinary for conversations on identity, ambition, and designing a life that doesn’t play it safe.

Hosted by @jamiegasparovic

A Studio Gaspo production