
I am a storyteller.
I grew up in a family of storytellers.
My dad was always spinning a tale, engaging family and friends and often strangers with his words and his charismatic smile. His passion for life and people rippled forth in his energy. People turned their heads when he entered the room, his personality and gift of engaging with story was that big. I learned from a master that whether you were selling or teaching or just trying to get your message across, good story is what connects us. It wins hearts and it also wins business.
At the time I had no idea how his genius would influence my own career.
I use story to pitch ideas
I’ve delivered thousands of pitches in every industry sector over the course of a successful twenty-five year career that has included working at CBS and TimeWarner Cable as a media sales and marketing executive. Over that period of time I closed hundreds of millions of dollars in business in every industry section and yet I pride myself that I never sold anyone anything. What I did do is learn to tell a very convincing story that engaged and persuaded my audience..
I use story to teach
Those same skills have earned me awards for Teaching Excellence and Faculty Service as an Assistant Professor of Marketing at NYU’s School of Professional Studies where I have been teaching Digital Marketing, Social Media and the Brand and Real-World Strategic Partnership classes with brands including Porsche, Samsung, EY, jetBlue and Converse since 2013.
I use story to write
I am the author of four books It Takes An Egg Timer, A Guide to Creating the Time for Your Life, Getting Your Personal Brand Story Straight, a workbook, The Secrets They Kept, a novel and my latest book, Crafting Your Pitch, A Storytelling Framework.
In addition I publish a Substack, Does This Make Sense? because what does anymore!
I show you how to use story to pitch your ideas and yourself
When I am not in the classroom teaching my NYU students how to use story to sell their ideas and build brands in an increasingly attention-deprived world, I help entrepreneurs and executives on both a group and one-on-one basis. Based on my book, Crafting Your Pitch, A Storytelling Framework I use this proven method to teach you how design a pitch that engages and sells without ever feeling too “pitchy.” I also speak on this topic. Learn more about how we can work together here.
Want to know how to hire me? You can reach me here.