Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato is a writer and COO at Zama.
There’s a surprising overlap between writing and leadership. As a novelist and COO, I’ve spent years crafting stories and building organizations—two disciplines that, on the surface, seem worlds apart. Running a company is bound by quarterly reports and operational efficiencies, while a novelist thrives in the boundless realm of creativity. But if I’ve learned anything from navigating both, it’s that they feed each other in unexpected and valuable ways. I see how the skills that make a writer successful—narrative thinking, discipline, deep listening and the ability to embrace uncertainty—are the very same ones that shape great leaders.
Here’s what writing has taught me about being a COO:
Storytelling is strategy.
At its core, leadership is about storytelling. Whether you’re launching a new product, aligning a team around a vision or pitching investors, your ability to craft a compelling narrative is key. A good story isn’t just about what happens—it’s about why it matters.
As a writer, I know that audiences don’t engage with facts alone. They connect with motivations and transformations. The same applies in business. When rolling out a strategic initiative, I frame it as a journey: Where are we today? Where do we want to be? What challenges will we face along the way?
A well-told story can turn a strategy document into a movement. It transforms abstract business goals into something people can believe in and rally behind. When employees understand the bigger picture, they don’t just execute tasks; they contribute meaningfully to the company’s growth.
Discipline trumps inspiration.
The myth of the inspired writer sitting in a café, waiting for the muse to strike, is just that—a myth. Real writing is about discipline: sitting down every day, whether you feel like it or not, and putting in the work. Leadership is no different.
As COO, I can’t wait for a moment of inspiration to tackle operational challenges or set long-term strategy. Just as writing a novel requires showing up at the keyboard daily, leading a company requires consistency. Decisions have to be made, systems need to be refined and processes must be improved—regardless of whether I’m feeling particularly “inspired” that day.
The best business leaders, like the best writers, cultivate habits that keep them moving forward, even when the work feels slow, tedious or uncertain. Creativity in leadership—like creativity in writing—emerges through consistent effort, not bursts of brilliance.
Editing is where the magic happens.
Any writer will tell you that the first draft is never the final product. The magic happens in revision—where clarity emerges, excess is trimmed and the heart of the story takes shape. The same principle applies in business.
As a COO, my job isn’t just to set strategy but to refine and iterate constantly. The first version of a new process or initiative is rarely perfect. Whether we’re designing an onboarding experience, refining our sales strategy or restructuring a team, the key is to iterate—cut what isn’t working, tighten what is and always be willing to revise.
One of the biggest leadership lessons writing has taught me is that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Just like a novel goes through drafts, a company’s strategy must evolve in response to feedback, data and changing circumstances.
Listening is more important than talking.
Great writers are great listeners. They observe the world, absorb different perspectives and pay attention. Dialogue in a novel isn’t just words on a page; it’s a reflection of subtext, emotion and intention.
Being a leader requires the same kind of listening skills. Running an organization isn’t just about making executive decisions—it’s about understanding the pulse of the company. What are employees worried about? What’s happening in the market? What’s being left unsaid in meetings?
Listening well helps a writer create authentic characters. It helps a leader make thoughtful decisions. The more I practice deep listening in my writing, the more I refine my ability to do the same in business.
Embracing uncertainty leads to breakthroughs.
As a writer, it’s easy to fear the blank page. It’s the same fear a leader feels when facing an uncertain market or a challenging team dynamic. But the best ideas emerge when we lean into that discomfort.
Writing has taught me that uncertainty isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of potential. If I only wrote stories where I knew every detail in advance, the work would feel lifeless. The same applies to leadership. Companies don’t grow in predictable, linear ways. The best strategic shifts can happen when we allow for a bit of creative chaos.
As COO, I’ve learned to trust the process. Not every challenge requires an immediate answer. Sometimes, the best path forward emerges only after sitting with uncertainty, gathering insights and allowing space for new possibilities.
People want meaning and connection.
Companies love numbers—growth rates, conversion rates, efficiency metrics. And while data is crucial, it’s not what truly motivates people. Writers understand that humans are driven by meaning, purpose and connection.
As COO, I focus on more than just operational efficiency. I ask: What story are we telling as a company? Why does this work matter? How does each person’s role contribute to the bigger picture? Employees don’t just want to meet key performance indicators; they want to be part of something meaningful. A compelling vision, much like a powerful story, is what keeps people engaged, motivated and aligned.
Leadership is a narrative.
Writing and leadership are both acts of creation. They require vision, persistence, adaptability and, above all, a deep understanding of people. Every day as a COO, I find myself using the lessons I’ve learned as a writer—crafting compelling narratives, embracing revision, listening deeply and navigating uncertainty.
The best leaders, like the best writers, don’t just manage tasks—they shape meaning. And in the end, whether I’m writing a novel or leading a company, my job is the same: to tell a story worth following.
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