Storytelling with Purpose

Metaphora International combines research and practice with Storytelling. We provide adult education, coaching and consulting services to activate self-leadership and collaboration in times of change.

As a Brazilian-Canadian family business, Metaphora International was originally established in Finland in 2015.
In 2024 we have reestablished ourselves as a Canadian business in Ontario, while maintaining a worldwide online community.

In our projects, we work for  inclusion, well-being and sustainability.

Our Story Mediation approach deals with stories responsibly, allowing transformative change in individuals, workplaces and communities. 

Your Story. Your Purpose. Our Help.

Metaphora International was created to voice stories that honor authenticity and to help people to work better together.

*Follow us on social media or send us a message:

We are Story Mediators

 We invite you to craft mindful and responsible stories that complement who you are and what you do. 
You can reach for us on LinkedIn or send an email to paulo or tricia (at)metaphoraintl.com

Paulo de Tarso F. Silva, MA

Paulo pioneered the method Collaborative Story Craft and in the process found his calling as a Story Mediator. He has been involved with projects related to inclusion, multiculturalism, sustainability and health & well-being for individuals, families and organizations.

Which stories connect you with yourself and others? Maybe you would like to communicate and collaborate in a more meaningful way?

Whether you are an educator, a parent, a community representative, an entrepreneur or your own leader pursuing a new endeavor, Paulo is prepared to support your story.  

Check out Paulo's children's book in Brazilian Portuguese:

O Elfo Brasileiro na Terra do Natal - ilustração do autor

Tricia Cleland Silva, PhD

Do you have a business in health and well-being or work in the caring sector? Would you like to make sense of your purpose, set goals, and develop skills for self-leadership? Or perhaps you are going through a career change or have a calling to the care profession?

Consider collaborating with Tricia who is passionate about inclusive, sustainable health and well-being.

With over 15 years of experience in teaching management and business to health care professionals, she can help craft a story that works for you, your business, and your profession.

Our Story

Once upon a time,

...a Brazilian man and a Canadian woman met in Finland, where they fell in love, became a family and started a Storytelling Business.

In their journey, stories about identity, inclusion and belonging became increasingly important. Paulo and Tricia practice Story Mediation in unique ways with different communities of practice, both complementing Metaphora's mission, vision and values.

Together, they lead Collaborative Storytelling activities that help people to reconnect with their own stories and work better together. 


Making Sense of Work Through Collaborative Storytelling - Building Narratives in Organisational Change

More about us

Tricia Cleland Silva holds a PhD in Management and Organisation and a Masters degree in Health Care Leadership and Quality Management. She also has a bachelor in Public Policy with a specialisation in Human Rights.

Paulo de Tarso Fonseca Silva has a Masters degree in Adult Education and Work Developmental Research and a Masters degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

As the co-founders of Metaphora International, Paulo and Tricia have developed the practice of Story Mediation, the Collaborative Story Craft method and the Collaborative Storytelling Theory.

In 2022, the couple co-authored the book: "Making Sense of Work Through Collaborative Storytelling - Building Narratives in Organisational Change."

Their work embodies their lived experiences as immigrants and their values and beliefs as a couple, parents, educators and members of many social worlds. 

Let's work on your story together

Still wondering how?
Book a free 30 minutes session to get started!

Mission, Vision, Values Believes

We are made of Stories

and intention

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower authentic stories and help people work better together.


Your Story. Your Purpose. Our Help.

Our Vision

Metaphora International's vision is to foster transformative change by empowering individuals and organizations through intentional and responsible Story Work, promoting inclusion, well-being, and sustainability in a globally connected community.

Our Values

Our code of conduct is formed by a mosaic of values, referred to as TILES: trade, inclusion, liberty, equilibrium and sustainability.

(T)rade, by exchanging learning experiences on equal footing.

(I)nclusion, by inviting silent voices to contribute to a common story.

(L)iberty to be oneself, authentically.

(E)quilibrium, by balancing the several dimensions of well-being: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, spiritual.

(S)ustainability, by crafting intentional, long lasting stories.

Those values are connected with our story and how we expect to relate with our community of clients, collaborators, and partners in practice.

Our Beliefs

At Metaphora International, we believe that stories are at the heart of transformation. Through storytelling, individuals and organizations can cultivate deeper self-awareness, foster inclusion, and build meaningful connections.

We believe that valuing people’s stories is the most effective way to create, collaborate, set goals, and work with purpose. By honoring diverse perspectives, we create spaces where people feel heard, respected, and empowered to lead with authenticity.

Our work is guided by the conviction that:

  • Self-leadership is the foundation for meaningful change—when people understand and own their narratives, they unlock their potential.

  • Diversity and inclusion strengthen communities—embracing different experiences fosters innovation, empathy, and resilience.

  • Collaboration is key to conflict resolution—shared stories help bridge differences and build stronger relationships.

  • Sustainable growth includes emotional and social well-being—thriving individuals create thriving organizations.

  • Education is a transformative tool—learning through storytelling enhances engagement, critical thinking, and personal development.

  • Creativity fuels new possibilities—metaphors and storytelling unlock new ways of seeing, thinking, and acting.

We are committed to using Story Mediation and narrative practices to help individuals and organizations navigate change, resolve conflicts, and create a future where every voice matters.