412: Beyond the Pitch: How Storytelling Wins Hearts and Minds with Ashley Vann

Whether you’re running a nonprofit, leading a business, or building your personal brand, this episode is filled with practical tips and examples on how to use storytelling to make an impact.

We dive deep into the art and impact of storytelling with Ashley Vann, founder of the Victory Cup Initiative.

Ashley shares how her organization empowers nonprofits to tell compelling stories that connect with their audiences, inspire action, and drive meaningful change.

We discuss how Victory Cup brings together business and nonprofit leaders to create an engaging platform where impactful stories are shared, and everyone wins.

Ashley takes us through the journey of Victory Cup, from its inception to its innovative event format that challenges nonprofits to captivate an audience in just 2.5 minutes.

We explore why storytelling is more than just a communication tool – it’s a way to build emotional connections, highlight missions, and create a shared sense of purpose.

Ashley also shares valuable insights on avoiding storytelling pitfalls, balancing structure with novelty, and using specific details to make stories unforgettable.

Tune in to learn:

• The unique event format of Victory Cup Initiative and how it fosters community engagement.

• How to craft a story that captures attention and inspires action in just a few minutes.

• The importance of specificity in storytelling and how it can create a more profound connection.

• Techniques for balancing structure and novelty to keep your audience engaged.

• Why storytelling is a powerful tool for nonprofits and businesses alike.

Don’t miss this conversation packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you harness the power of storytelling for your cause or brand!

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/412/

Victory Cup Initiative: https://www.victorycupinitiative.org/

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox

• Ashley Vann (guest) = https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-vann-6744a8b9/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 398: Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives that Inspire and Persuade

• Episode 386: The Power of the Performing Arts to Find and Use Your Voice with Theresa Smith-Levin

Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026
If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.

A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.

In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.

As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.

Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable