In 2003, Bethany Hamilton, a super star surfer, at age 13 was attacked by a tiger shark who ripped off her arm, potentially eating her dream of being a champion surfer. When producer David Tice in 2009 came to entice Peter Guber to make a small independent film based on Bethany’s autobiography, Soul Surfer, Tice pitched him on what he called “a budget film.” Guber knew no one comes to the movie to see the budget, and the meeting was short. Tice asked one favor – he knew Guber lived in Kauai – “Please meet with Bethany.” So he did.
At Guber’s home in Kauai, Bethany went from budget to bravery, telling her story from one simple bible passage about the child prophet Jeremiah from the bible. Jeremiah came from a long line of prophets but was only a little boy when god told him he was to be a special prophet. Jeremiah balked because he was so young, but God told him not to be scared and promised to protect him. It wasn’t easy. this child was sent to preach to the king and tell people things they didn’t want to hear, but Jeremiah powered through because he believed God was behind him.
Bethany told Guber how this story motivated her to never to give up hope and equally important, in addition to drawing in teens, surfers and JAWS fans, it would also speak to the huge faith-based audience.
Bulls-eye! “I’m in,” Guber told her. And so was Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt and Carrie Underwood who all heard the inspiring tale and heeded the call to action.
MORE ABOUT TELL TO WIN
To validate the power of telling purposeful stories, Guber includes in this book a remarkably diverse number of ‘voices’ – master tellers with whom he’s shared experiences. They include YouTube founder Chad Hurley, NBA champion Pat Riley, clothing designer Norma Kamali, “Mission to Mars” scientist Gentry Lee, Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank, former South African president Nelson Mandela, magician David Copperfield, film director Steven Spielberg, novelist Nora Roberts, rock legend Gene Simmons, and physician and author Deepak Chopra.
After listening to this extraordinary mix of voices, you’ll know how to craft, deliver – and own – a story that is truly compelling, one capable of turning others into viral advocates for your goal.
