🎧 Podcast Notes: Narrative Coaching with Motoki Asai Connect with Motoki Asai Find Motoki on LinkedIn to learn more about his work with CAM Japan. Episode Overview In this final conversation, Brian Miller and Motoki Asai explore narrative coaching—a collaborative approach that helps clients examine and rewrite the stories they are living. Rather than starting with goals, narrative coaching begins with story, identity, and meaning, creating space for deeper transformation. Key Ideas & Takeaways 1. What Is Narrative Coaching? A third-generation coaching approach focused on story and identity. Instead of starting with goals, it begins by exploring the client's narrative. Coaching helps clients rewrite the story they're living. 2. Start with Story, Not Goals Traditional coaching often begins with "What do you want to work on?" Narrative coaching asks: What's happening? What story are you living? Goals often emerge later—and are deeper and more meaningful. 3. Step One: Situate the Client in the Story Who are they in their story? The hero? The victim? A side character? This reveals how they interpret their situation and identity. 4. Step Two: Search the Story Explore what the story is saying—and what it might be missing. Identify limiting beliefs and hidden assumptions. Look for alternative interpretations and possibilities. 5. Step Three: Shift the Narrative Collaboratively create a new, more empowering story. Ask: What story do you want to live going forward? This becomes a pathway to transformation. 6. Embody the New Story Clients don't just think differently—they practice the new identity. Role-play and "serious play" help them step into the new narrative. Transformation becomes experiential, not just intellectual. 7. Awareness Changes Everything Many clients discover they are the ones reinforcing limiting stories. Seeing the gap between perception and reality creates breakthrough. Example: A client realizes others believe in her—she just doesn't believe in herself. 8. Coaching as Rewriting Identity Coaching helps people recognize the strength and beauty already in their story. Often, clients don't realize how meaningful their story already is. The coach helps them see—and step into—that truth. Memorable Moments Comparing life to a movie: "What character are you playing right now?" The shift from "I'm not good enough" to "I need to receive what others already see in me." Practicing a new identity in real time through role-play. The reminder: You don't know how great your story is. About the Guest Motoki Asai is the founder and director of CAM Japan, bringing thoughtful, innovative approaches like narrative coaching to leaders and coaches across cultures.