249: How Storytelling Became the Superpower of the AI Age

What happens to storytelling when AI can write, summarize, and generate content in seconds, yet the world still depends on humans to make ideas matter?

In this episode of the Innovation Storytellers Show, I sit down with Joe Lazer, Fractional CMO at Pepper, former head of marketing at Contently, and co-author of The Storytelling Edge. We talk about his new book, Super Skill: Why Storytelling Is the Superpower of the AI Age, and why he believes the most human skill we have may become even more valuable as AI grows more capable.

Joe shares the personal and professional journey that led him to this argument, from working inside an AI startup to questioning what kind of future creative professionals are actually heading toward.

Together, we unpack the tension so many leaders and teams are feeling right now. Companies are being told to use AI, often without a clear strategy, while employees are left trying to figure out what that means for their work, value, and future.

Joe explains why so much AI content falls into what he calls the "vortex of mid," how storytelling can help innovators communicate change in ways people can actually understand, and why strong narratives still matter in boardrooms, team meetings, and moments of transformation.

We also get practical. Joe walks through how to use AI as a creative partner without handing over your thinking, how to build stories that connect with real audiences, and why better listening may be one of the most underrated storytelling skills. This is a thoughtful, timely conversation about creativity, communication, and what it will take to stay human in a world increasingly shaped by machines.

If you have ever wondered how to tell a stronger story in the age of AI, this episode is for you.