Numbers count, but stories will stay with people

AS a researcher and policy advisor, I often find myself immersed in data, statistics and the fine print of white papers, analysing how shifts in policy, whether in skills or international trade, impact business and the regional economy.

- JESSIE KELLY-BAXTER

Yet what stays with me most are not just the numbers, but the stories behind them. Stories that businesses share, and stories that emerge from the data itself.

Storytelling cuts through the noise. It captures attention, conveys values, and most importantly, it stays with people. Last week, I attended a workplace equity meeting focused on attracting diverse talent and building fairer hiring practices. It was a rich discussion, underpinned by data and ambition.