Pitching Your True Self, with Danny Fontaine

What happens when a creative soul gets thrown into the world of corporate sales? Today, Zoë welcomes Danny Fontaine, who transformed from a struggling salesperson into IBM's experiential sales leader and bestselling author of "Pitch: How to Captivate and Convince Any Audience on the Planet."

Danny's story isn't just about mastering the art of pitching; it's about discovering that the very traits he tried to hide were actually his greatest strengths. From recreating cocktail bars in office spaces to orchestrating Hollywood-style presentations, Danny reveals how bringing genuine emotion and immersive experiences to business can create unforgettable moments that audiences go home and tell their families about.

This episode explores the delicate balance between ambition and burnout, the power of showing up as your authentic self, and how creative rebellion can become your competitive advantage in corporate environments. It's a masterclass in turning perceived weaknesses into career-defining strengths.

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In this conversation:

• How reading body language became Danny's secret weapon in sales
• The transformative power of creating immersive, emotional experiences in pitches
• Why trying to fit in nearly ended his IBM career before it began
• The breakthrough moment when authenticity became his superpower
• Practical strategies for mentoring and delegating without losing quality
• How to find mentors both inside and outside your organisation
• The art of saying no: prioritising through the lens of passion and impact
• Why shared emotional experiences create lasting business relationships
• How to bring Hollywood production values to corporate presentations

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Find out more:

• Find Danny on Linkedin
• Connect with Zoë on Linkedin
• Danny Fontaine's book "Pitch" - available on Amazon and major bookshops
• Website: pitchguy.co.uk
• Follow Danny on social media: search "Danny Fontaine" or "Pitch Guy"
• More at thecareerequation.com