Pitching Truly Innovative Ideas
Requires rethinking conventional approaches to pitching.
As politicians sometimes say, “My position here has evolved.” In today’s video broadcast of Communication Matters, I share how I’ve come to understand how truly game-changing innovations require an entirely different approach to pitching investors for funding.
The tips I offer may be most salient for AI founders who are charting entirely new territory, but I think any readers who are seeking resources for groundbreaking ideas will benefit from understanding Maples and Ziebelman’s approach in Pattern Breakers: Why Some Start-ups Change the Future. Their work is echoed in this Forbes article, How to Pitch a Unicorn, Even in Uncertain Times, by Chris Lipp, author of The Start-Up Pitch.
A Few Conversations Worth Joining
Next Thursday, May 28 at 10 AM PT, I’ll be hosting an Author Mastery Conversation with my friend and colleague, Sebastian Wernicke, who is a leading expert in data and AI strategy. We’ll discuss concepts from his upcoming book Data Inspired, exploring what it takes to communicate bold ideas in ways people can actually understand and are inspired to act upon. I hope you’ll join us for the conversation. A free LinkedIn account is required to attend this event.
I also have two more Author Mastery Conversations coming your way in June:
Tuesday, June 9 (10 AM PT) with my partner in business and in life, Ken Daigle, discussing how the ideas behind Unapologetic Manifestation can translate into organizations and leadership.
Tuesday, June 23 (10 AM PT) with lifelong friend and former Kaplan colleague Truett Black on his newly released book, Training Zen.
Talk of the Week
A few weeks back, I shared how meaningful the Asilomar for the Brain and Mind gathering was for me. I’m now delighted to share one of the keynote conversations I had the privilege of coaching.
In this powerful exchange, Jon Nelson and Amanda Geisinger bring the lived experience of recovery from depression to the forefront with remarkable honesty and humanity … a reminder that the most compelling communication often begins with the courage to tell the truth about our own experience.
Caveat: Their talk and lived experience address powerful topics around depression and suicide, but the hope they convey I find compelling and refreshing. Plus, their on-stage chemistry is electric. Enjoy!
JD’s Recommendations: What I’m Reading, Hearing, and Viewing
Reading: Let me venture briefly into fiction to recommend a novel for a change. My mentor, Tom Ehrlich, has begun writing novels as his “next act” in life. I just put down his first, The Search: An Insider’s Novel about a University President. I can’t wait to read his next.
Hearing: I’ve relied heavily on the innovative thinking of Mike Maples Jr. throughout this post, so it seems fitting to recommend his podcast, Pattern Breakers, for anyone seeking more on how transformative ideas can gain traction. He boasts a remarkable array of founders on his podcast.
Viewing: Let me end with this poet I’ve only just discovered, Maxine Meixner who performs her brief yet compelling piece: I Hope You Make It.
Whether this is your first time on my Substack or you are a loyal subscriber, thanks for stopping by today. Drop a comment below and let me know what resonated for you. I look forward to seeing how these concepts will help me better advise the founders I coach.
All the best,
jds