The game itself was thrilling, but what stuck with me most wasn’t a touchdown or a call by the refs. It was the stories—the ones told through music, ads, and pre-game moments—that transcended sports.
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance was more than just a setlist—it was a statement. Every lyric, every camera angle, and every movement was intentional. The internet is still talking about: “The revolution is about to be televised; you picked the right time for the wrong guy.” It’s a phrase that hits in so many ways—relationships, careers, opportunities. Timing is everything, and sometimes the right move comes at the wrong moment. It’s something that resonates in business and leadership just as much as in life.
Then there was Nike’s “So Win” commercial, which was a tribute to every woman who has ever been told they “can’t” in sports. It was a direct challenge to the notion that women are often told they “can’t [insert any typical doubt or limitation placed on women],” when in reality, they’ve been breaking barriers all along. What if they were given the same support, resources, and belief as men?
It was a powerful reminder that progress isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about changing mindsets. → And guess what?
They’re going to WIN with or without your support, resources, or beliefs!
And did you catch Serena dancing in Kendrick’s performance? That moment wasn’t just cool—it was a continuation of her own story, a nod to representation, equity, and respect, and to the connection between music, culture, and sports. Check out Kasey Brown’s post here!
Even Samuel L. Jackson’s (Uncle Sam’s) spot, weaving history, legacy, and sports into a single message, was a reminder that storytelling isn’t about facts—it’s about impact. These weren’t just ads. They were movements in 30-second form.
And that got me thinking…
The best brands, careers, and businesses don’t just operate—they tell stories that make people care.
So here's a little peek into 'The Playbook for Impactful Storytelling in Business':
🎤 Know Your Audience
Kendrick didn’t just throw together a setlist—he curated it to land at the right time for the right crowd. Nike’s ad didn’t focus on one female athlete—it told a collective story that every woman in sports has had to overcome.
💡 Takeaway: Whether you’re a founder pitching investors, a company hiring top talent, or an individual looking for your next role, your message can’t be generic. It has to be relevant, intentional, and strategic.
📊 Make the Data Sing
A list of skills or responsibilities on a resume or a FemTech startup’s clinical data might be impressive—but alone, they don’t move people. The best brands don’t just present data—they wrap it in emotion.
💡 Takeaway: Pandia Health (FemTech) successfully secured funding not just through clinical proof but by personalizing data into real stories. They don’t just show numbers; they share women’s experiences of getting better healthcare access, making their mission feel urgent and real.
If you’re in HealthTech or FemTech, your numbers need context, emotion, and purpose to resonate.
🔥 Create Moments, Not Just Messages
Nike’s ad didn’t just talk about women in sports—it made you feel the weight of their struggle and the power of their victories.
💡 Takeaway: Whether you’re a job seeker, a recruiter, or a HealthTech leader, your goal isn’t just to inform—it’s to inspire action. Make people remember you. Make them feel something.
If you’re a FemTech CEO pitching investors, don’t just talk about your product—talk about the lives it’s changing.
If you’re a HealthTech recruiter, don’t just list job perks—sell the mission that people want to be part of.
Why This Matters in HealthTech & FemTech
These industries don’t just sell products—they change lives.
❇︎ If you’re a FemTech CEO, your ability to turn data into a compelling human story can mean the difference between securing funding or getting overlooked.
❇︎ If you’re a HealthTech company trying to recruit top AI or clinical talent, you need to sell them on a purpose, not just a paycheck.
❇︎ If you’re a professional in this space, your personal brand isn’t just a resume—it’s the story of your impact.
Stories Win Every Time
The world’s biggest artists, the most successful brands, and the most innovative companies all rely on storytelling—because they know it’s the key to making an impact.
So whether you’re building a company, a career, or a movement—ask yourself:
❍ How are you telling your story?
❍ And, is it time to rewrite your resume?
❍ Your LinkedIn profile?
ITEOM Talent is a search and placement firm specializing in FinTech, Technology, Startups, HealthTech, MedTech, and FemTech. Women-owned and operated, we connect top executives and high-impact professionals with companies driving innovation and transformation. Our expertise spans regulatory-compliant talent acquisition, digital transformation leadership, and building diverse, tech-savvy teams. As a trusted partner, we help organizations scale, compete, and lead in rapidly evolving markets. iteomtalent.com
