About The Narratologist

Why "The Narratologist"?

The stories we tell matter.  Changing the stories we tell can have a significant impact.  We can support you to change your story enabling you and your workplace to thrive.

Narratology is the study of stories. It considers how stories are shaped by our cultures and values, and how they in turn shape beliefs, behaviours and interactions with others. Stories connect us to our destination, set expectations and sustain us through challenges along the way. Evidence shows that powerful stories can drive meaningful cultural change.

At The Narratologist, we help individuals and organisations understand, challenge and reshape the stories that guide them. By reframing these stories, we enable more positive mindsets, behaviours and better outcomes – creating fulfilling experiences and environments where people and workplaces can thrive.

At the moment we are small but we have some big ideas and look forward to bringing them to life in the future.

Read more about our purpose and why storytelling matters in our blog.

Smiling woman with dark hair sitting at a table with a pink Microsoft Surface laptop, a white mug, and an open notebook in a living room with a mustard yellow couch and white shelves in the background.

LEADER, CAPABILITY BUILDER, RESEARCHER: STORYTELLER

Introducing

Dr. Luella Forbes

Luella Forbes, founder of The Narratologist, brings 25 years of experience in large-scale change across a range of industries.  Her journey has been marked by pivotal moments, including spearheading the development of SafeWA and VaccinateWA systems during the COVID response in Western Australia.  She has also been Director, People and Change for KPMG and more recently lead a merger for a prominent financial services firm.  Luella specialises in guiding organisation through significant organisational changes and restructures.  But her impact extends beyond strategies and plans - it's about empowering people to thrive amidst transformation. 

Originally from the UK, Luella made her way to Australia in 2008 - first to Sydney and now to her beloved home in Perth.  As her career advanced, so did her passion for leadership and helping others to embrace change.  This passion culminated in the birth of The Narratologist.  The business name itself reflect Luella's scholarly pursuit.  Luella has recently completed a doctorate focused on the role and impact of stories in managing change.

Featured in:

Reviews from ANZOG and IPAA on the role my leadership played in the VaccinateWA program.  

Thought leadership on organisational transformation from my KPMG days.

Organisations we have worked with:

Logo of Western Australia and text stating 'Government of Western Australia, Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure'
Logo for East Metropolitan Health Service featuring green and teal squares with text.
Logo of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Government of Western Australia
Yarra Trams logo with blue and green colors
The word 'HSS' in white outlined letters on a blue background.
The word 'METRONET' in bold green letters with stylized lines on the left side.