Why “Wicked”? A Play on Words with Purpose
Not everyone hears “wicked” and thinks the same thing, so here’s the story behind our name.
At Wicked Storytelling, we’re on a mission to bring unforgettable, impactful storytelling to some of the world’s toughest problems. And yes, our name has a double meaning…
Wicked Storytelling: Storytelling that’s Bold, Memorable, and Unforgettable
In English, “wicked” can be a way of describing something amazing, bold, and memorable.
You’ve probably heard people say, “That’s wicked!” to mean something great, striking, or even a bit rebellious. That’s exactly the energy we bring to storytelling. We want every story we help create to be powerful, inspiring, and just a bit daring—something that truly sticks with people.
Think of wicked storytelling as the kind that grabs attention, provokes thought, and lingers long after it’s told.
So what makes wicked storytelling ‘wicked’ in the best sense?
Wicked storytelling is impactful:
We’re interested in stories that don’t just inform, but provoke, illuminate, engage and inspire action.
Wicked storytelling is engaging:
It’s stories and storytelling that capture audiences’ attention and keep it.
Wicked storytelling is memorable:
The right stories, told in the right way, stick with people and spark thinking, dialogue, and change.
So that’s what what we mean when we talk about “wicked storytelling”. But what about “wicked problems”?
Wicked Problems: Complex, Challenging Issues
Then, there’s the other meaning of “wicked”—as in wickedly difficult.
In the world of problem-solving, a “wicked problem” is one that’s incredibly complex, without an easy answer. These are the issues that affect our world deeply and that don’t have clear solutions. They’re the challenges that require creative thinking and collaboration to address. Climate change, social inequality, and sustainable development—these are just a few examples of the wicked problems we face today.
So why are these problems called wicked?
They’re tough to solve:
Wicked problems are multi-layered, with no simple solutions.
They’re connected:
One wicked problem often impacts another (think how climate change intersects with economic inequality).
They need new thinking:
Tackling wicked problems calls for fresh ideas and innovative approaches.
So what does “wicked storytelling” have to do with today’s “wicked problems”?
Why We Believe Wicked Storytelling Can Tackle Wicked Problems
At Wicked Storytelling, we think that the right story—told well—has the power to do more than just inform.
It can provoke thought, spark new conversations, and inspire real change. We love the idea of using bold, impactful storytelling to tackle today’s most difficult challenges.
By helping people tell unforgettable stories about wicked problems, we’re making space for dialogue, empathy, and action. It’s storytelling that’s wicked in every sense of the word!
In short: Wicked storytelling isn’t just what we do; it’s how we approach the world’s toughest challenges. So, whether you’re here to learn storytelling, spark creative thinking, or tackle a wicked problem head-on, you’re in exactly the right place.
Ready to tackle some wicked problems with us?
