· Jane Doe · Storytelling · 1 min read
Conflict and Change - What Art and Business Share
Conflict isn’t just drama—it’s the engine of all great stories and the key to transformation in art and business.
“All stories are about change.”
—Andrew Stanton
Why Conflict Drives Every Story
Without conflict, there’s no story. Conflict creates stakes, tension, and ultimately, change—the most powerful force in storytelling.
Example: The Godfather (Film)
Michael Corleone’s journey is shaped by impossible choices and moral dilemmas. It’s the conflict—between loyalty and power, family and fate—that keeps us on the edge of our seats.
Example: Picasso’s “Guernica” (Art)
Picasso painted “Guernica” in response to the horrors of war. The painting’s chaos and pain force us to confront the reality of conflict and the need for peace.
Example: Netflix’s Reinvention (Business)
Netflix started as a DVD rental service. Facing competition and the threat of obsolescence, they embraced streaming and original content. The conflict—technology disruption—drove their transformation into a global powerhouse.
Embracing Conflict in Business
- Acknowledge challenges openly. Don’t hide the obstacles—make them part of the story.
- Use conflict to show growth. Demonstrate how your company, team, or product evolved to overcome adversity.
- Invite your audience into the journey. People want to root for you as you face and overcome real challenges.
Try This
In your next strategy session or marketing campaign, frame the journey as a story of overcoming obstacles. Make the conflict—and the growth it inspired—central to your narrative.
Next up: Resolution and Legacy: Leaving Your Audience Transformed →
