Meet Monica Rosenfeld
After a 25-year global career in media, from producing for Channel 9’s 'A Current Affair' to running an award-winning PR agency for over two decades, I reached a point where I no longer felt aligned with my business.
The media landscape was changing, and I was expanding as a person having spent five years on the stand up comedy circuit and sharing my story on various stages. I was feeling stuck as I craved work that gave me meaning, purpose, and helped to transform people.
When Covid hit, I took advantage of an opportunity to reset.
By the time Sydney's second lockdown was lifted, I breathed life into an idea that had been brewing for several years.
In February 2022, I co-founded Stories that Stir® Global, a raw, in-person storytelling experience designed to break down barriers, stir conversation, and inspire positive change.
Since then, we’ve run 75+ events across 10+ locations, including a sell-out showcase event at The Sydney Opera House, collaborated with incredible organisations, and supported countless people to own the story of their past, so that they can step into their future with power.
Today, I’m an MC, keynote speaker, Stories that Stir event producer and storytelling coach. I’ve worked across global corporations, government, fast-growth startups, and with individuals creating real impact, helping thousands of people communicate their story to audiences of millions.
I specialise in helping high-achieving leaders turn their lived experience into clear, compelling narratives that inspire action. By refining how they communicate their story, I help them increase their influence, strengthen their leadership presence, and create lasting impact with their teams.
Outside of this work, you’ll find me at ecstatic dance, deep in a rabbit hole about the quantum field, or watching a beautifully crafted arthouse film.
My Why
I grew up in a very opinionated family full of strong personalities and struggled to express myself.
I found my escape in books, and from a young age, I have always been obsessed with stories in any format. I worked as a Producer for Nine's 'A Current Affair' before starting my PR agency, where for over 22 years I helped thousands of business owners craft and amplify their stories to millions, through mass media.
At 40, I felt it was time to explore. I entered the world of Professional Speaking and ended up on the stand-up comedy circuit.
This is where I found my voice and platform for self-expression. During the pandemic, my husband and I dreamed up a storytelling concept, designed to break down barriers, stir conversation, and inspire positive change.
We created Stories that Stir® Global in Feb 2022. It's a bit like TEDx, except 'Ideas Worth Spreading', our mission is 'Facilitating Human Connection and Healing through Storytelling.'
So many leaders and individuals are not aware that powerful storytelling is their superpower. There is science to prove how effective it is in motivating and influencing people, not to mention creating all important human connection.
I feel that in a digital world that feels more and more disconnected, human connection is more important than ever.
My Accomplishments
Getting promoted from a 'girl-Friday' job in London, to Production Assistant for a Fashion and Lifestyle Documentary series called 'A la Mode'. This was my entry into the media world, and I interviewed the likes of late fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and famous shoe designer Manolo Blahnik.
After returning to Sydney I worked as a Producer for Channel Nine's 'A Current Affair'. It taught me everything I needed to know about how NOT to do PR.
Started an award-winning PR Agency at 25 years old with no prior business or PR experience. Successfully ran this business for 22 years, before starting Stories that Stir.
Curiosity led me to doing a stand up comedy course which resulted in five years on the stand up circuit, culminating in shows for the Sydney Comedy Festival and Sydney Fringe Festival.
Raising three amazing kids with my husband, who are now 20,18 and 15 years old.
Starting Stories that Stir in Feb 2022 because I felt that in a digital world that feels more and more disconnected, human connection is more important than ever.
Producing a sold out Stories that Stir Showcase event at The Sydney Opera House in October 2025.
Fun facts
I was on the stand up comedy circuit for five years, culminating in shows as part of Sydney Comedy Festival and Sydney Fringe Festival.
I met my husband while travelling in NZ for one week, he was backpacking from Holland for five months, we met at a pub in a town with population 70 people, and it was love at first sight. We've now been together 24 years.
My parents escaped Communist Romania as teens, met on the steps of Bondi Beach and I am so grateful to have been brought up with abundant opportunities in Gadigal land.
How I can help
Unleash your Leadership Storytelling Superpower Workshops - Great leaders don't just present plans...they tell powerful stories to build trust, unite teams and drive change.
'Own your Story' Storytelling Coaching - I help high achieving people who are in a transitional period, transform their life experiences from a mess in their head, into a tight story, so they can share it to help others and become someone who confidently speaks their truth.
Stories that Stir Experience for Businesses - A three-month leadership program, culminating in a personal storytelling event and audio/video assets, designed to enhance connection, motivation and belonging, within your teams.
Unleash your Leadership Storytelling Superpower Keynote - Inspire, Motivate Action and Create Deeper Connection through Powerful Storytelling.
Profile information supplied through Cuppa’s talent directory. Availability and suitability are confirmed on enquiry.