EP45: Business Storytelling That Wins Funding - How to Pitch So People Lean In With Ben Wiener

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Previously titled “EP45: Fever Pitch with Ben Wiener” — renamed by the publisher on Aug 11, 2026

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Recorded16 Dec 2025

Publisherfeed.podbean.com ↗

Handlerec:14680148

Show notes

Can you learn how to pitch an idea by reading a novel? Author and venture capitalist Ben Wiener believes you can. His new book Fever Pitch explores how a fictional startup thriller can reveal the real narrative patterns that make investors lean in. During this episode, Karin Reed sits down with Ben to talk about the experiences that shaped his approach and explains why storytelling gives founders an advantage when they need investors to understand the heart of their idea. His HEART framework grows out of that belief and invites founders to think about belief, stakes, alternatives, differentiation, and team strength in a more intentional way. They also touch on the emotional side of pitching and how a shift in mindset can help founders speak from conviction instead of pressure. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introducing “Fever Pitch” and Startup Storytelling 00:58 Ben Wiener’s Journey from VC to Author 03:02 Why Fiction Can Teach Startup Strategy 06:27 Storytelling as the Foundation of a Strong Pitch 07:34 Guy Kawasaki’s 10-20-30 Rule and Pitch Lessons 12:01 Why Most Startup Pitch Decks Fail 14:03 The HEART Framework Explained 19:51 What Investors Really Want to Hear First 26:18 Reframing Pitching as Partnership, Not Persuasion 32:07 The Business Power of Paying It Forward 33:38 Closing and Bonus Content Invitation Connect with Ben Wiener: Learn more about Ben Wiener’s book: Fever Pitch Visit Ben Wiener’s website Connect with Karin Reed: Visit Speaker Dynamics Explore Speaker Dynamics University Follow Speaker Dynamics on Instagram Connect with Karin Reed on LinkedIn Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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