We’re revisiting this conversation with Katie Test Davis—not just because it’s one of our most-loved episodes, but because it’s a reminder we could all use right now.
In a time when educators and decision-makers are overwhelmed by constant change, shifting strategies, and too much information, storytelling still cuts through the noise. In this episode, Katie unpacks how to use storytelling as a strategic tool, not just a feel-good add-on. You’ll hear how to identify a powerful main character, how to connect that story to your broader vision, and how to make it resonate with different audiences, whether you’re talking to a superintendent, a classroom teacher, or a donor.
Elana and Katie also get into the emotional side of storytelling: why it matters, why it’s memorable, and why now is the perfect time to double down on it. From scrappy, low-budget formats to long-term campaigns, they explore the mindset and tactics education organizations need to tell better, braver stories.
Whether you're just getting started or need a fresh perspective, this episode will leave you thinking differently about how stories shape perception, drive action, and remind us why we do this work in the first place.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
4 Research-backed Tips to Crafting Motivating Stories (Forthright Advising blog post on storytelling)
Forbes Next 1,000 (featuring Katie!)
Chris Lehmann, Science Leadership Academy (Elana mentioned a school leader who talks about storytelling as a primary role of education leaders)
"How Stories Connect And Persuade Us: Unleashing The Brain Power Of Narrative" by Elena Renken, NPR
"What Makes Storytelling So Effective For Learning?" by Vanessa Boris, Harvard Business Publishing
Forthright's work with National Head Start Association (storytelling case study)
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
What’s inspiring Katie: Casual reading that allows her to escape.
Get in touch with Katie: Twitter | LinkedIn | Forthright Advising Twitter
Elana Leoni, Host
Elana Leoni has dedicated the majority of her career to improving K-12 education. Prior to founding LCG, she spent eight years leading the marketing and community strategy for the George Lucas Educational Foundation where she grew Edutopia’s social media presence exponentially to reach over 20 million education change-makers every month.
Katie Test Davis, Guest
Katie Test Davis is the Founder of Forthright Advising, a national PR and communications firm working exclusively with organizations that love kids – nonprofits, public school districts, foundations, government agencies – to create real systemic change for children and families. Having worked in three public school districts, four family-focused nonprofits (including ASCD and Children’s Law Center), and a PR agency, Katie's superpowers include anticipating roadblocks around the bend, making complex topics accessible and relatable, and communicating tough subjects with kindness and empathy. Her thought leadership has appeared in Education Week and SmartBrief, and she's a frequent podcast guest talking about how to build trust with our communities. In her free time, Katie serves on the Board of Directors for The Hope Center at Pullen, helping youth in foster care successfully transition to adulthood. On Friday mornings, you can find her reading to first graders through WakeEd’s Partners Read Program.
About All Things Marketing and Education
What if marketing was judged solely by the level of value it brings to its audience? Welcome to All Things Marketing and Education, a podcast that lives at the intersection of marketing and you guessed it, education. Each week, Elana Leoni, CEO of Leoni Consulting Group, highlights innovative social media marketing, community-building, and content marketing strategies that can significantly increase brand awareness, engagement, and revenue.
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