Women’s History Month Celebrates “Storytellers” – Presenting Envision Group’s Jessica Rainbolt

Compass Group is concluding Women’s History Month and “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” with sage advice from skillful storyteller, JESSICA RAINBOLT, Senior Communications Manager for Envision Group.  

“I used to READ the dictionary as a kid, just sitting in my room trying to learn new words. Eventually, I learned how to tell a good story. I realized that stories motivate people, whether you are simply trying to convey a point with an anecdote or change a little piece of the world by painting a bigger picture. After a mock election exercise in history class when I was 12 years old, I decided I wanted to change my aspirations of becoming the president of the United States to journalist. Forced to ask the questions instead of answering them, I realized it allowed me to connect with and understand people more. From there on out, that’s what I set out to do.  

“Anyone can sell food, but Compass Group is the world’s largest foodservice company because of our hospitality — and hospitality is all about making a connection. As a founding member of Chef Appreciation Week, the forthcoming Services Appreciation Week, and one of the editors of the CSR Report along with other company-wide publications, I have a really rewarding job of sharing the stories of our people. Many of us come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, and therefore different strengths and passions. Through telling each of our stories, we connect with and understand each other. I’m proud that diversity, equity and inclusion are a huge part of Compass Group, and that is shared through telling these stories. 

“It doesn’t matter what you’re saying if no one is listening. An effective storyteller understands their audience and is able to share information in a way that will resonate with them. The same message may have to be communicated in different ways depending on who you are trying to reach and where you are trying to reach them, and as communicators we have to understand those nuances.” 

A shoutout to Jessica and the other storytellers highlighted in previous weeks – Christina Wilder, Ann Sheridan and Natacha Jacque – for sharing their own storytelling origins and tips about communicating skillfully. Thank you!