Origin Story: I always advise my clients to begin with their origin story, as it lends credibility and captivates audiences. So, here's mine:
Corporate Storytelling: In 2003, fresh out of Grad school, I answered a Craigslist ad seeking Corporate Trainers for Presentation and Business Writing Skills workshops. That decision marked a turning point in my life, as I crossed paths with Brad Boyer of Boyer Communications Group. Under his guidance, I honed the art of turning technical jargon into compelling messages that spurred action. From Silicon Chips to Potato Chips, I traveled worldwide, working with Fortune 500 companies.
Witnessing participants make remarkable breakthroughs in just a few days brought me immense joy. I've stayed connected with friends from around the globe, realizing that, as humans, we all share the tendency to over-tell stories, grapple with stage fright, and struggle to convey our own value. Helping them break through these barriers was a privilege.
"Starting Up" a New Story: In 2008, faced with the economic downturn, organizations slashed non-essential training, leaving me puzzled about my next move. I had never held a conventional 9-5 job, having owned businesses since I was seven, even working as a clown for birthday parties.
Serendipity intervened when a friend introduced me to a prominent Cardiothoracic surgeon seeking assistance with his speaking abilities and fundraising pitches for medical device startups. Despite my lack of experience in "investor pitches," I believed in the power of storytelling. Months of collaboration led me to present on his behalf at an Angel Conference, where I witnessed ill-prepared companies faltering before investors.
This experience ignited my passion for startups and founders, the world of high-stakes storytelling that raised millions, and helping brilliant minds transform complex concepts into compelling messages. Since 2009, my focus has been on startup storytelling, including investor decks, sales presentations, competition pitches, and explainer videos – anything startups need to convey a powerful story to a specific audience, swiftly and effectively.