Public Speaking and Personal Storytelling

Purdue University alumnus Josh Ling’s entrepreneurial journey is driven by personal passion and a commitment to social impact. After graduating from Purdue in the spring of 2023, he entered the world of public speaking and mental health advocacy while pursuing a master’s degree in entrepreneurship from UC Irvine.

To address a gap he and other young people face in finding support during tough times, Josh founded Renaissance Storytellers. He explains, “I started this to help students who were like me growing up. Life can be hard sometimes, especially when you’re feeling alone and lacking guidance.”

Renaissance Storytellers is a public speaking agency that connects speakers with unique life experiences to inspire and guide students. The agency aims to link students with speakers from diverse backgrounds. “Renaissance is a tribute to the idea of the Renaissance man, who is well-rounded in all aspects of life,” Josh states. He believes that the best way to connect with people emotionally is through storytelling.

The agency features a variety of storytellers each sharing different experiences. For instance, Orly has gained significant attention for his social media presence and dedication to mental health awareness, while Hana is the CEO of a digital mental health company with a powerful story of overcoming human trafficking. Other speakers share their experiences and encourage young people to pursue their dreams.

Starting a business comes with its challenges, but Josh emphasizes the benefits it brings on many levels. “Entrepreneurship has truly opened me up. I’ve seen the impact that words can have on people,” he shares. Driven by his mission to make a difference, Josh adds, “It’s scary to take that next step, but I’m fortunate to have a support system that enables me to follow my dreams.”