Have you ever thought of storytelling as a powerful business tool? In the fast-paced world of tech transfer and startups, it absolutely is. Today's episode dives deep into the importance of storytelling – what it is and how it can be your secret weapon.

We'll be joined by Otto Pohl, a storytelling guru with a fascinating career path. Otto's a former journalist published in major publications, a seasoned entrepreneur with four startups under his belt, and a communications expert for startups. He now uses his unique blend of skills to help universities translate their groundbreaking research into successful products with real-world impact.

Curious about the magic of storytelling in business? We'll learn how Otto helps tech transfer offices craft compelling narratives that resonate with investors, partners, and anyone who needs to understand the incredible work happening at universities.

But storytelling isn't just about making things sound good. We'll also explore the line between a captivating pitch and empty promises. Otto will share his insights on the Pohl Pyramid and other powerful tools to ensure your story is not just exciting, but honest and builds genuine interest.

Get ready to unlock the power of storytelling in your business! We'll discuss Otto's amazing career journey, the science behind why stories resonate, and common mistakes to avoid. This episode is packed with actionable tips and insights you won't want to miss.

In This Episode:

[02:09] Career rewrites and how journalism and entrepreneurship fit into one bucket for Otto.

[02:43] After college, he moved to Russia to work as a photojournalist. He was a New York Times Bureau photographer.

[03:17] He also discovered so many business opportunities that he quit his job to found three companies in Moscow.

[03:34] He rotated between entrepreneurship and journalism moving to several different countries.

[04:11] We learn how stories and business meet each other.

[06:21] Storytelling is deeper and bigger and more intertwined with everything we do than most of us realize. It fundamentally creates connections between events.

[07:37] From a business perspective, the story explains why your company has meaning.

[10:54] Storytelling and the startup context or pitching. Where is the line between vision and delusion?

[12:05] When we pitch something it's a story about what we think we can make happen.

[13:11] Lying about what you already have is called fraud.

[13:35] transfer professionals need to figure out what their technology can do in their portfolio and make sure there's a story about how this thing can change the world, but do it in a way that you feel will pan out.

[14:17] Otto breaks down what good storytellers do well.

[15:05] Focus on the why.

[15:31] Otto talks about the Pohl pyramid or multi-layer of why. A good storyteller knows which level of why they want to address.

[16:54] Tech transfer professionals should care about storytelling because it will help them create a better impact.

[19:05] Shining the light on your invention allows the pyramid of benefits to cascade and unfold.

[20:03] Otto shares examples of how finding and telling the right story and why your research matters has helped tech transfer offices.

[26:46] The story is what makes a new company and its product sparkle.

[27:09] Otto shares how to communicate with different stakeholders. Work from the result backwards.

[29:45] Common mistakes tech transfer offices and early stage startups make with storytelling. The academic mindset and the business mindset aren't always on the same page.

[32:39] Storytelling is still a caveman exercise satisfying fundamental human needs.

[36:08] Storytelling isn't bad, we need to shift to a customer mindset, and embrace business not academic communications.

Resources:

Otto Pohl

Otto Pohl Core Communications

Otto Pohl LinkedIn

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Promote your TTO more Effectively” – August 13, 2024 – 12 pm EST

Thank you Scorpius BioManufacturing for sponsoring this episode of AUTM on the Air. Learn more at: scorpiusbiologics.com

Imagine a future where innovation knows no boundaries—where groundbreaking ideas emerge from every corner of society, regardless of race, gender, or economic background. This isn't just a dream; it's the bold vision driving the Council for Inclusive Innovation, or CI2. Fresh on the scene and launched by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, CI2 is spearheading a revolution in how we approach creativity and invention from historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities.

Join us as we explore the heart of CI2's mission with our special guest, Louis Boston, associate counsel for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the acting director of CI2. Louis's impressive career is marked by a dedication to expanding American innovation through diversity. He also serves as the USPTO’s Senior Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer.

He is a graduate of the Washington College of Law and a former Student Bar Association President. Louis earned an LL.M. with a specialty in contract and fiscal law from the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School. He received his B.A. in political science from The Johns Hopkins University.

Commissioned through a four-year ROTC scholarship, Louis received an education delay to attend law school. After completing law school, he served nearly 12 years in the U.S. Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Louis is a decorated Iraq combat veteran and received numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Listen in as Louis shares the mission of CI2, and the exciting initiatives underway to ensure that every American has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from innovation.

In This Episode:

[02:37] CI2, pronounced CI squared, is charged for strategizing new ways to expand American innovation by tapping into the strength of our nation's diversity and increasing opportunities for all Americans to participate.

[03:44] Louis explains the 2018 Success Act that had a report for Congress that identified the representation of under-represented groups in the patent system. They recommended a creation of a high-level Council of Industry tasked with increasing the amount of underrepresented groups involved with innovation.

[05:00] CI2 strategies includes seven initiatives including the Diversity Innovation Platform. The DI platform is a free easy to use tool that shares diversity data within an innovation ecosystem.

[06:22] There's also an innovation intern program. They also have a first-time filer expedited examination program.

[08:04] Louis talks about the community outreach campaign.

[09:59] The role of partnerships CI2 includes representatives from a variety of different sectors including private industry, non-profit organizations, academia, and federal agencies.

[11:42] Advice for universities looking to engage with CI2 or other initiatives.

[12:53] Louis shares ways where everybody can get involved in your own community to help the initiative.

[13:51] The Patent Practitioners Pro Bono Program builds on the work of the Biden Administration to open the doors to innovation across the country. Meeting people where they are is key to expanding participation in the ecosystem.

[17:42] Louis looks into the future and shares long-term goals for CI2 and how he sees the council of all being in the coming years.

[19:03] Actionable steps to foster innovation. We need to get the word out and share how IP is relevant in our daily lives.

Thank you Scorpius BioManufacturing for sponsoring this episode of AUTM on the Air. Learn more at: scorpiusbiologics.com

Resources:

Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI2)

CI2@uspto.gov

Discovering Value: Women’s Participation In University And Commercial AI Invention

New USPTO study finds women’s participation in patenting associated with substantial economic value

National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation

Have you ever wondered how groundbreaking scientific discoveries make their way from the lab to the marketplace? Today, we're diving deep into the intricacies of working with industry partners, negotiating deals, managing strategic research alliances, and driving external collaborations.

Joining us today is Gaylene Anderson, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. As Boehringer Ingelheim's US Director for Strategic Research Relationships, Gaylene is responsible for forging partnerships and pathways for external collaboration with the US Research Organization, leveraging both internal synergies and engagement with external scientific partners.

Throughout her career, Gaylene has been a champion of economic development and entrepreneurship, creating over a dozen startups and staying focused on developing relationships with investor groups and business development colleagues nationwide. In our conversation, we'll explore creating and managing partnerships, identifying scientific partners, training and support programs for researchers, and more.

In This Episode:

[02:26] If Gaylene had it to do over again, she would spend more time with the scientists to understand their world more.

[05:17] She would also spend more time on the front end before engaging with a partner.

[09:44] Tech transfer professionals should sit down with their directors and explain how they want to maximize and have the best results possible. Success breeds success.

[14:06] Before working with external partners, Gaylene has to get organized internally. She works with the scientists and department heads to understand their research needs first.

[19:30] Strategies or programs developed to foster entrepreneurship and bridge the gap to industry. She asked the dean for students interested in commercialization. She then coached these students and entered them in business competitions.

[25:12] When securing funding and investor engagement, you have to go where the opportunities and investors are.

[30:00] Budgetwise, maximize what you can. Once you have some success the money will be found to do more.

[33:39] Gaylene shares some of her experiences at Cleveland Clinic and other institutions.

[36:54] Invite tech transfer colleagues to your meetings, including them will improve your deal flow and collaborations.

[37:41] Emerging trends and shifts include people realizing that you have to be more than a licensing expert. They need to be collaboration experts.

[41:34] Common misconceptions or pitfalls when working with industry partners that tech transfer professionals should be aware of include remembering your relationships and reputation are everything. Treat each other with respect and realize not everyone knows and understands the entire contract.

[45:41] Find ways to create relationships with industry partners. Make an effort to build relationships because these contacts will be important for you someday.

Resources:

Gaylene Anderson

Gaylene Anderson LinkedIn

Scorpius Biologics

Scorpius Biologics is a sponsor of this episode.