Stories Shape leaders. leaders Shape cultures. cultures shape systems.

Anthony Murdock II equips leaders and organizations with the tools to think critically, lead with emotional intelligence, and harness storytelling to shape the future of their communities and institutions. In a time where leadership is being tested and decisions carry more weight than ever, the ability to think critically and lead intentionally is as important as it’s ever been. 

His work is grounded in a simple belief: change happens when leaders have the tools they need to think critically, lead effectively, and shape the systems around them.
Bring Anthony Murdock II to Your Event

Trusted by organizations, universities, and leaders navigating culture, leadership, and systems change.

Merchants Bank

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Ivy Tech

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16Tech

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University of Evansville

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indianapolis public schools

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center for leadership development, inc

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P30

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panorama education

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Indy Chamber

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Future Black Leaders, inc.

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ymca

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IndyHub

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Merchants Bank | Ivy Tech | 16Tech | University of Evansville | indianapolis public schools | center for leadership development, inc | P30 | panorama education | Indy Chamber | Future Black Leaders, inc. | ymca | IndyHub |

meet Anthony Murdock II

Anthony Murdock II is the founder of the Black Liberation Ecosystem, a professor at Butler University, attorney, TEDx speaker, and five-time published author whose work explores how storytelling shapes leadership, culture, and economic opportunity.

Through his teaching, writing, and ecosystem-building work, Anthony helps leaders and organizations understand how narrative influences the way people think, communicate, and make decisions. He was named to the inaugural Indianapolis Business Journal 20 in Their 20s and has helped impact thousands of entrepreneurs and community leaders working to transform their stories into influence, ownership, and lasting systems.

Today, Anthony delivers keynotes and interactive workshops that equip audiences with practical frameworks for critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and storytelling to strengthen leadership and shape the systems they build.

signature talks

Anthony’s speaking engagements explore the intersection of storytelling, leadership, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence with practical frameworks so audiences leave inspired and equipped with solutions they can implement immediately. 
Each session can be delivered as a keynote, interactive workshop, facilitated conversation, or executive leadership session depending on the goals of the event. 

How critical thinking helps leaders challenge assumptions and navigate complex systems

In a world filled with information, the stories we believe often shape the decisions we make. This session explores how leaders can strengthen their critical thinking skills by examining the narratives that influence how organizations interpret challenges, opportunities, and risk.

Emotional Intelligence & the Stories We Carry

The Stories Behind Our Decisions

Why awareness, empathy, and identity shape how we lead. 

Leadership is deeply influenced by self-awareness and emotional intelligence. This session explores how leaders can better understand the personal and cultural narratives that influence communication, decision-making, and team dynamics. 

A man with glasses and a beard wearing a black and orange jacket standing in front of a large screen. The screen displays the words 'Story Summit' and shows a hand drawing or writing.
Woman with curly hair and glasses reading a book titled "Storytelling Journal" in a cafe setting, seated at a wooden table with a potted plant in front of her, and a man with a beard and glasses sitting nearby, wearing a bandana.
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a teal jacket and a blue shirt with a sunflower logo, sitting in purple theater seats, taking notes during an event with other attendees in the background.

Leadership in Complex Times

The Power of Storytelling

What it takes to lead through uncertainty and change. 

Leadership today requires more than authority — it requires vision, adaptability, and the ability to guide people through complexity. This session explores how leaders can develop the mindset and frameworks needed to navigate evolving systems and lead with confidence.

How storytelling shapes culture, influence, and collective action. 

Stories shape how people understand the world, their communities, and their possibilities. This session explores how leaders, organizations, and teams can harness storytelling to communicate ideas, inspire action, and shape culture.

Work With Anthony Murdock II

who he speaks to

Anthony’s work resonates with leaders and organizations navigating change, culture, and complex systems. 

 Leaders navigating high-stakes decisions and guiding teams through uncertainty
Entrepreneurs building businesses that create impact and ownership
 Universities shaping the next generation of leaders and thinkers
Community and civic organizations driving social and economic change
Athletes and programs developing identity, leadership, and purpose
Leaders--current and rising--strengthening communication, influence, and trust among key stakeholders

What People Are Saying

“Murdock you were excellent. Thank you for blessing us with your words. You left me thinking what can I do to be a better version of me to help my community as a leader.”

— Former Customer

“Because of this training; I reached out to a friend in college who I put into the box as the "angry black woman ". Learning the microaggressions in a conversational context helped me restore this relationship that had a falling out because I was humbled in my prior mistake. Thank you for this work”

— Workshop Participant

“I really learn from the experiences and information presented. It helps me become better at what I do.”

— Workshop Participant

Bring Anthony murdock II to your next event