Celebrating Excellence at StoryTeller: 2025 Impact Awards

At StoryTeller, we believe that impactful work is driven by people who make an impact. For 2024, we had the honor of distributing three awards to outstanding team members who consistently go above and beyond to foster a culture of growth, trust, and leadership. Each award winner receives a financial bonus and a matching donation to the charitable cause of their choice. What makes these awards special is that they are voted on by peers who recognize the exceptional contributions of individuals who help shape the culture we value at StoryTeller. Let’s take a closer look at the winners, the values behind each award, and the charitable causes they’re supporting.

The Lencioni Award: Team Health and Culture

Named after Patrick Lencioni, the renowned business consultant and author, the Lencioni Award honors individuals who excel at fostering a healthy team culture through clear communication, trust, and a proactive approach to resolving challenges. Lencioni’s work has emphasized that building a strong team begins with establishing a culture of trust, where healthy dialogue and reliable actions create an environment conducive to success.

This year’s recipient of the Lencioni Award, Nikki Andersen, has consistently led by example, demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively and with empathy, ensuring trust is established not only with teammates but also with clients. Nikki’s commitment to solving problems before they escalate speaks to a dedication to team success and a deep understanding of what it means to support and elevate those around her.

Nikki chose to direct her donation to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), a nonprofit dedicated to research, raising awareness, and providing resources for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

In Nikki’s words: “Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, yet eating disorders (EDs) as a whole are still incredibly misunderstood. While the core of most mental illnesses are seen as negatives (like being anxious or depressed or addicted to harmful substances), society has long glorified restriction, thinness, and excessive exercise, equating it to willpower and discipline. Consequentially, less than 25 percent of people suffering with an ED seek professional treatment. I struggled with an ED through most of my late teens and early 20s, but access to treatment as well as support through organizations like NEDA helped me overcome it. I'm really passionate about eating disorder awareness and education, so choosing NEDA to donate my nonprofit dollars towards was an easy decision.”

The Dweck Award: Professional Growth and Improvement

The Dweck Award is named after Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychologist and author whose work on growth mindset has inspired countless individuals to embrace change, improvement, and the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Dweck’s influential book Mindset encourages individuals to view challenges as opportunities for growth, something our Dweck Award recipient embodies wholeheartedly.

Steve Mulholland, this year’s recipient, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to professional growth, not only striving for mastery in his field but embracing learning as a continuous process. For Steve, his role is more than just a job—it’s a calling to be better, do better, and contribute more. His passion for personal and professional growth continues to inspire others to adopt a similar mindset, contributing to the overall success of the team.

Steve directed his donation to Children's HeartLink, an organization dedicated to improving pediatric healthcare for children with heart disease.

Steve shares: “I have a dear friend whose son was born with a congenital heart defect and has had numerous surgeries before he was even a toddler. He was not expected to live beyond his childhood years, but today is now 28 years old and doing so well. My friend is a longtime storyteller and media/TV/video producer who became involved with Children's HeartLink for many years after his son was born. She has produced their fundraising videos and communications for years. I also have heart-related health issues in my family, so for a number of reasons, this organization has always held a special place for me.”

The StoryTeller Leadership Award: Living the Core Values

The StoryTeller Leadership Award is a true reflection of what it means to lead by example. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who personify our company’s core values in everything they do. These values are the foundation of our culture—driven to mastery, lock-down reliability, and inspiring by example. The recipient of this award leads with integrity, supports their colleagues, and consistently executes their responsibilities at the highest level.

Kevin Page, this year’s recipient, goes above and beyond in all aspects of his role. He steps into courageous conversations, guides his teammates with unwavering support, and helps others succeed. Kevin is a constant source of inspiration for others, always striving to develop and elevate the leaders around him. His commitment to StoryTeller’s core values sets the standard for leadership in our company.

Kevin's donation is going to the Children’s Minnesota Foundation, one of the largest nonprofit pediatric systems in the country. 

In Kevin’s words: “Being recognized with The Leadership Award is deeply meaningful to me, as it validates my commitment to serving and developing our team. At StoryTeller, I strive to embody our core values by not only setting high standards for myself but by actively working to develop and elevate the leaders around me. As Simon Sinek wisely noted, “it is the responsibility of leadership to create more leaders,” and this recognition reinforces my dedication to that mission. I elected to donate to the Children’s Minnesota Foundation (Children's Hospital). My family experienced firsthand the extraordinary care and compassion at Children's Minnesota. The dedication of their medical staff and volunteers left a lasting impression on us, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to give back to an organization that means so much to our family.”

Closing Thoughts

At StoryTeller, we are proud to recognize the exceptional efforts of our team members through these annual Impact Awards. These individuals embody the values that make our company unique, and their contributions help create a culture of excellence, growth, and support.

Congratulations to Nikki, Steve, and Kevin for their well-deserved recognition, and thank you for your continued commitment to making StoryTeller a place where every team member can thrive.