In this trailer for The Unnoticed Entrepreneur podcast, host Jim James introduces guest Donna Griffith and outlines her approach to entrepreneurial pitching through authentic storytelling. The discussion emphasizes that entrepreneurs often hide their unique core story behind data and numbers, but authenticity—crafted via a clear, practiced narrative—wins funding. Donna recommends polishing the story, rehearsing by recording and sharing it with anyone willing to listen, and embedding it into one’s DNA. She highlights the timeless pain‑problem‑solution structure (the same archetype used in Marvel films) as the backbone of a compelling pitch, and stresses the importance of weaving personal metaphors and origin‑story elements to make the narrative resonant. The trailer also provides Donna’s website (DonnaGriffith.com) and the book’s site (stickingtomystory.com) as resources.
The Unnoticed Entrepreneur podcast is sponsored by Prowly, the all-in-one tool for PR experts.
Today we're going all the way to Palo Alto in San Francisco, California with Donna Griffith.
So many times entrepreneurs do not stick to their core story and what is unique about them, and they cover it up with layers of info and data and numbers. And not that those are not important. That's not what's going to get you funded. The word that just popped to my mind right now is authenticity, because the power of storytelling is creating that authenticity. So you can take your story and polish it in a way, give yourself some time, not just to read it, to practice it, not in front of a mirror, that's way too self-conscious. Record yourself, not on selfie mode, so you're looking, you know, but record yourself, practice in front of your team. In front of your neighbors, in front of your family, in front of your Uber driver, whoever will listen to you. Get comfortable. Like we said, have it part of your DNA and then you're never gonna forget it. Now, some of your listeners might be saying, oh yeah, she's really telling us something that we didn't know. Pain, problem, solution. Yes. And it works. And it's the archetype of every single Marvel film out there because it's ancient. And it's the way our brain processes and we want to understand that pain or that opportunity of something sweet and amazing happening in our lives. I mean, Mark Twain said, never let the truth get in the way of a good story. So it's finding those stories, finding those moments, not being afraid of like, oh my gosh, that's not the exact detail. That's not the exact timing. And bringing something forth that's truly your signature, your origin story, why you're doing this, why it's helping clients like yours. And then there's a structure to the entire overreaching story, but then it's weaving stories and metaphors into it that people resonate with. So DonnaGriffithT, no H at the end, double F, .com is my website. The book also has a site, stickingtomystory.com.
Now this was just a 2-minute trailer for a full 20-minute show. The show will be dropping into your feed in the next day or so. So do look out for it and do enjoy it, share it, and review it. Thanks for listening to this trailer of The Unnoticed Entrepreneur. The Unnoticed Entrepreneur podcast is sponsored by a company called Prowly. Prowly is an all-in-one software for leveraging your public relations activities. Find media contacts, send out press releases, and get more coverage While saving time and money on everyday tasks. Check it out, prowly.com.
