How a Local Utility Company Became a Storytelling Powerhouse with Krystal Phillips

“It’s not just about keeping the lights on—it’s about building a relationship with the people at the end of the line.” — Krystal Phillips, JO-EMCStorytelling isn’t just for trendy brands or startups.In this episode, Rain sits down with Krystal Phillips, Communications and Community Relations Manager at Jones-Onslow EMC, to explore how a rural electric co-op built a storytelling culture that would rival any big tech brand.Krystal reveals the behind-the-scenes thinking that led a utility company to invest in heartfelt video stories, internal leadership programs, and community-first content. Together, they unpack how to measure storytelling ROI when you can’t rely on sales, how buy-in from leadership transforms culture, and why authenticity matters more than production value.This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in “unsexy” industries who wants to make storytelling their competitive advantage.In this episode, you will learn to:Harness storytelling as a strategic tool, even in “boring” or highly regulated industriesBuild team buy-in by grounding your strategy in community and trustEstablish internal programs that create a pipeline of storytellers inside your organizationHumanize your brand with stories that foster empathy and emotional connectionMeasure the real ROI of storytelling beyond dollars and metricsFollow Krystal on:LinkedInInstagramor visit the JO-EMC website, HERE!And for more storytelling tips and tricks,Visit rainbennett.com or thestorytellinglabpodcast.comFollow on TikTok @chiefstorytellingofficerFollow on Twitter @rainbennettFollow on Instagram @rainbennettFollow on Facebook @thestorytellinglab Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.