How Transformation Takes Shape Through Listening and Story

“The creases in our story are what give us our uniqueness.” – Dr. Linda Schubring

In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, Nathan Freeburg sits down with Dr. Linda Schubring to explore transformation—how it unfolds in our lives, how we reflect on it, and how we help others navigate it. Their conversation centers around Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane, the forthcoming allegorical book co-written by Linda and Brian Schubring.

More than a metaphor, Unfolded is a deeply personal and practical framework for embracing life’s changes—both the exhilarating mountaintop moments and the painful valleys we often only understand in hindsight.

Listen now and pre-order your copy of the book at schubrings.com

The Power of Listening and Meaning-Making

Linda shares how Unfolded was born from years of listening—not just to what people say, but to what matters to them.

At Leadership Vision, this practice of listening has shaped decades of coaching, consulting, and leadership development. As Linda explains:

“We are meaning-makers. We listen for the patterns, the shaping voices, and the transitions—and then help others do the same.”

Rather than basing the story on any one individual, Unfolded draws from composite experiences of real people navigating real change. The result is a book that feels deeply personal and universally relevant.

A Story, A Strategy, A Philosophy

Unfolded is more than a fable. It’s a framework for personal and professional growth. The book follows the story of an origami crane through five key stages of transformation:

The Five Stages of Unfolded:

1. Dream – A vision or calling begins to stir.
2. Play – Exploration through curiosity and joy.
3. Try – Putting intention into practice.
4. Fly – Living into the dream.
5. Home – Returning with purpose, to give back.

Each stage invites readers to reflect on where they are in their own story—and how past experiences may have prepared them for what comes next.

Mountain Folds and Valley Folds: The Metaphor of Origami

One of the book’s most compelling metaphors is the origami fold itself. Linda explains how “mountain folds” represent the high points of life—graduations, new jobs, relationships—while “valley folds” symbolize grief, loss, or any unexpected detours. Both are necessary, and both shape the final design.

“We often don’t recognize a valley fold until much later—when we look back and realize how it changed us for the better.”

Linda shares her personal experience of undergoing cancer treatment and the bittersweet moments of connection it brought with her daughter. Nathan reflects on the emotional impact of watching old videos of his children during the pandemic—a time that felt dark in the moment but now reveals hidden beauty and growth.

How Teams Can Use This Book

Although Unfolded follows a personal journey, its lessons extend to teams and organizations. Linda shares how the characters in the story represent different voices we all hear—or embody—on a team. Leaders, she says, can use Unfolded to:

• Understand what motivates their team members
• Identify roles that support (or hinder) growth
• Create space for people to explore their purpose
• Encourage deeper storytelling and reflection

The book can be a powerful tool for onboarding, team-building, or a reflective gift for those in transition, such as new graduates or employees stepping into leadership.

Why This Book, Why Now?

The world is changing faster than we can adapt. In times of disruption, people need frameworks for navigating uncertainty with resilience, reflection, and purpose. Unfolded offers just that.

Whether you’re in a place of beginning, letting go, or reimagining what’s next, this book will help you name the folds that have shaped you and embrace the transformation still unfolding.

Pre-Order the Book:

Be among the first to get a copy of Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane by visiting schubrings.com.

Available everywhere books are sold starting June 4, 2025.