Meet the Visionary Behind Taleo
Destany Story, CEO of Taleo
“I like to believe that my last name, Story, carries meaning. My name is no coincidence.”
I’ve always understood my work through the lens of story, not just the stories we tell, but the systems that allow those stories to unfold. My life has been shaped by a collection of experiences that taught me how programs succeed, how communities stay connected, and how operations either create clarity or quietly become barriers. Over the years, I’ve consistently stepped into the role of a community connector, bringing leaders, organizations, and ideas together in ways that feel not only intentional, but sustainable.
My journey has taken me from supporting global leadership development programs to managing complex operations and coordinating high-impact events and experiences across regions. I have designed and scaled programs, retreats, and summits serving participants across more than 70 countries, built application and recruitment systems engaging over 4,900 global applicants, and strengthened pathways for thousands of leaders through data informed intention and community centered strategy.
Taleo shifts the way people view operational work.
Operations are often treated as technical. Taleo believes operations are connected to storytelling. When systems are designed through the perspective of the people they serve, the work becomes more intentional and impactful.
Through my experience I have noticed a recurring challenge. Many leaders and organizations have powerful visions, strong missions, and deeply committed people, but lack the operational clarity, logistical support, or engagement strategy needed to sustain that work over time. Too often, systems are built reactively rather than intentionally, leaving teams stretched, communities disengaged, and impact harder to maintain.
Taleo’s Impact Is Rooted In Equity
Through this work, Taleo has supported programs and experiences representing more than $950,000 in collective program value. By strengthening foundations through program and operations management, event and experience logistics, and community engagement and retention support, Taleo supports leaders and organizations navigate growth and scale with confidence. We that systems should serve people, not the other way around, ensuring impact that is more than just a story to tell.