Telling Stories to Change Lives: Award-Winning Playwright Jessica Blank on the Power of Art

Jessica Blank is on a “mission to impact our world through the transformative power of story.” She’s an award-winning writer, director, actor, producer, coach, consultant, and teacher.

She has a track record of creating art that leads to impact, including The Exonerated—a “documentary play” featuring the real stories and words of people condemned to death row for crimes they didn’t commit.

The Governor of Illinois called The Exonerated a “turning point” in his thinking about the death penalty. Deeply affected by the personal stories of exonerated people, he granted full pardons to four men, including one whose story is featured in the play. He commuted the death sentences of all 167 prisoners on the state’s death row to life in prison.

Through her teaching and public speaking, Jessica shares insights from brain science about the power of stories, and lessons for crafting compelling narratives.

Listen to our Achieve Great Things interview with Jessica Blank: Storytelling for Impact.