166: Why Your Funding Pitches Fail Despite Brilliant Science (And How to Fix It) - Part 2

Smart Biotech Scientist | Master Bioprocess CMC Development, Biologics Manufacturing & Scale-up, Cell Culture Innovation

Have you ever presented a major scientific breakthrough, only to be met with blank stares and distracted executives? You're not alone. In this episode, David Brühlmann shares how he went from drowning in data to winning an innovation contest, not through better tech, but through the power of scientific storytelling.

Many scientists default to methods and data, but as David notes, “it’s like being fluent in a language nobody else in the room speaks.” Without a clear link to human impact, even the most brilliant work can go unnoticed.

Key insights from the episode that could transform your next presentation:

• The Three-Act Structure: Storytelling That Resonates - David shows how Apple’s iPhone launch used this classic structure, and how scientists can do the same. Start with “why” (impact), then move to “how” (the science) to keep your audience engaged without losing rigor.
• Turning Your Audience Into the Hero: Adapting Donald Miller’s framework, David flips the script: your audience is the hero, and your innovation is their guide. It’s about speaking to their needs, not just showcasing your work.
• Why Storytelling Works: The Neuroscience Edge: Stories release dopamine (focus), oxytocin (trust), and endorphins (emotion) - activating how we naturally learn and remember. It’s not fluff; it’s brain science.

Decision-makers won’t remember your chromatogram, but they will remember the story and its impact. The real test of your pitch? Whether it drives action: follow-up meetings or funding.

You don’t need to simplify your science. You need to spotlight what matters most to your audience. With a strong narrative, your work stops being overlooked potential and starts becoming real-world impact.

Ready to revolutionize your next presentation? Lean into the power of storytelling - your data, your career, and the lives you touch will thank you.

Listen to the full episode to explore the straightforward storytelling structure David uses to bring scientific ideas to life.

🔗 Book a free 20-minute consultation with Brühlmann Consulting to answer any questions you may have about how to craft a compelling scientific story that connects and inspires. https://bruehlmann-consulting.com/call/

🔗 Turn Your Science into Funding Success. Book a 30-minute strategy session to transform your technical pitch into a compelling story that gets funded. Limited spots available. Schedule now at https://stan.store/SmartBiotech/p/turn-science-into-funding-a-pitch-that-sells

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