182 - Pitch Perfect - How Leaders Win Buy-In and Influence Decision-Makers

Great leaders aren’t just visionaries—they’re persuasive communicators. In this episode of Leaders and Legacies, Scott Nichols, CEO of Velocity Pitch Decks, shares how leadership and storytelling intersect in the high-stakes world of venture capital pitches.

Scott emphasizes the importance of clarity and confidence when presenting ideas, whether to investors, customers, or internal stakeholders. He draws parallels between pitching and live performance, showing that just like musicians on stage, leaders must be prepared, adaptable, and able to recover when things don’t go as planned.

Craig and Scott explore why founders often focus on the wrong details, getting lost in technical jargon instead of addressing what truly matters to their audience. Scott explains how leaders can craft compelling messages that drive action, making the case for why persuasion is an essential leadership skill.

Whether you’re raising capital, selling a vision, or leading a team, this episode is packed with insights on how to command attention and inspire confidence.

Want to learn more about Scott Nichols' work? Check out his website at https://velocitypitchdecks.com/.

Connect with Scott Nichols on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbnichols/.

Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply at https://podcast.allies4me.com/podcast-guest/.

Want to learn more about Craig Andrews' work at allies4me? Check out his website at https://allies4me.com/.