The Virtual Biographer will interview you about your personal journey, then write, edit, and publish the story!
Note: the story is best created using the native app. Alternatively, tap the green “Start” button to use the web app (not as fast or secure).
sponsored by:
Your work or venture is more than a list of tasks—it’s part of your story. The “Childhood Influence Story” approach helps you uncover and articulate the deeper reasons you do what you do. You didn’t end up creating, leading, or working for your organization by accident. There’s a reason why the mission, company, or cause became important to you. Understanding your Childhood Influence Story can provide clarity in building your business, strengthening your nonprofit, or finding new purpose in your career.
Understanding the Childhood Influence Story
Maybe it’s a life experience that shaped your values. Maybe it’s a passion you’ve had since childhood. Maybe there was a moment—big or small—when you realized, this is what I am meant to do with my life or where I’m meant to be.
Reflecting on your Childhood Influence Story not only fuels personal growth—it connects the dots between your past and your purpose today, making your journey more meaningful.
This exercise will help you reflect on those moments and bring your personal connection to life. When you understand and share your story, you provide others with insight into why your mission or organization matters to you. Whether you lead a team, run a business, or serve a community, you become a leader, an inspiration, and an ambassador for the impact your work has on the world.
Why This Matters
By exploring your “Childhood Influence Story,” you will:
Inspire others – Sharing your journey makes your mission personal, real, and human.
Bring to life the purpose of your organization or business – If you founded it, you’ll be able to articulate its purpose in an authentic way that attracts people who share your values.
Find deeper meaning in your work – If you work for a company or nonprofit, you’ll connect your personal experiences to your role and see your contribution more clearly.
Strengthen a purpose-driven culture – Help create a workplace or mission-based environment where people are inspired by each other’s stories.
Improve how you talk about what you do – Whether with customers, colleagues, donors, or on LinkedIn, your story helps you articulate why your work matters.
What You’ll Be Asked to Reflect On
- Your Childhood Influence Story – What life experiences led you to this role?
- Your Larger Purpose Story – How does your work align with your personal values?
- Your Connection to the Product or Service – What first sparked your passion for what the company offers?
- Your Impact on Others – How do you contribute to customers, colleagues, or the community?
- Your Growth & Transformation – How has founding the company or working for it changed you?
Your Growth & Transformation – How has working here changed you?
Examples of Powerful “Childhood Influence Story” Narratives
Example 1: A Barista at a Purpose-Driven Coffee Company (Employee)
“As a kid, my dad and I had a ritual—every Sunday morning, we’d sit in our neighborhood café, drinking coffee (hot chocolate for me) and talking about life. Those moments shaped my love for coffee, not just as a drink but as a shared experience. Years later, when I traveled to Colombia, I saw firsthand the hard work that goes into growing and harvesting coffee beans. That trip deepened my respect for the process and the farmers who make it possible.”
“That’s why I joined a fair-trade coffee company that partners directly with Colombian farmers. Our mission to pay farmers fairly and invest in their communities aligns deeply with my own values. Every cup I serve isn’t just coffee—it’s a connection between families like mine and farmers like theirs, a reminder that small choices can create big impact.”
Example 2: A Software Engineer at a Tech Company Focused on Accessibility (Employee)
“I grew up watching my grandfather struggle with technology. He was an incredibly smart man, but every time he tried to use a computer, he’d get frustrated and give up. I remember sitting beside him, guiding him through emails and video calls, wishing there was a way to make tech easier for people like him.”
“That experience stuck with me, and it’s why I became a software engineer. At my company, we build software that makes technology accessible for everyone—especially seniors and people with disabilities. Every time I work on a new feature, I think about my grandfather and how much this would have helped him. That’s what keeps me motivated—it’s not just about writing code; it’s about building technology that connects generations and empowers independence.”
Example 3: A Nonprofit Founder Focused on Patient Navigation (Founder)
“As a teenager, I watched my mom juggle work while helping my aunt through a maze of medical appointments. No one told us what to expect, what questions to ask, or what resources were available. We often felt lost and unsupported.”
“That memory stayed with me and ultimately led me to launch a nonprofit that trains volunteer navigators to accompany patients through treatment. Every time a family tells us, ‘We didn’t feel alone this time,’ I think back to my aunt—and to the promise I made to change that experience for someone else. For me, this work isn’t just professional—it’s personal. It’s a way to turn confusion and fear into compassion and empowerment.”
Now It’s Your Turn
You’re about to answer a series of questions designed to help you uncover and articulate your “Childhood Influence Story.”
These questions will push you to reflect deeply on your personal motivations, experiences, and values. They are not just about what you do, but about why it matters.
How to Approach These Questions
✅ Be honest. Your story doesn’t have to be dramatic—just true to you.
✅ Be specific. Use real memories, moments, and people that shaped you.
✅ Be open. You might discover connections you hadn’t considered before.
What These Questions Will Help You Do
- Reflect on your personal journey – How did your experiences shape your career or lead you to build your business or nonprofit?
- Recognize the deeper “why” behind your work – What drives you to keep going?
- Craft a powerful story – One that resonates with your team, your audience, and most importantly, yourself.
These aren’t just workplace questions—they’re about understanding yourself and your purpose. Take your time, think deeply, and let your story emerge.
Let’s begin.