Ruth Milligan founded TEDxColumbus in 2009 and in 2018 she retired from being its organizer. In this 2019 talk, she reflects on what she learned from curating and coaching 10 years of talks, coupled with her lifetime of professional observations of those who work to influence and persuade through public speaking. She argues that the TEDx experience teaches speakers to illuminate their ideas through story, to show vulnerability and edit their talks with a hyper-focus on the audience that current leaders both in the public and private sector are not necessarily embracing. She concluded that storytelling is the distinguishing feature between those who lead and those who manage. Ruth Milligan is the founder of Articulation, an executive communication coaching and training practice inspired by her organizing the first TEDxColumbus in 2009. Previous to this she was a speechwriter, press secretary and public relations executive. She is engaged by corporations across the US for her keynote talks, coaching programs and unique training classes in building resonating messages, influential storytelling, executive presence and oral/presentation skills. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx