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.

View the rest of the episode show notes.