October 2025, Learn & Connect: Dr. Vicki Johnson

Our October Learn & Connect brought together an inspiring group of women for a powerful session with Dr. Vicki Johnson, founder of ProFellow and author of Pitch Your Potential. The focus was on how to turn your personal story into your greatest competitive advantage.

Dr. Johnson reminded us that no matter what we are going after - a new role, an award, a grant, or an investor pitch -we are always being asked the same question: “Why you?”

For many of us, that question can bring up feelings of self-doubt, comparison, and imposter syndrome. But as Vicki shared, the key is not about proving your worth, it is about showing your plan.

Don’t just pitch yourself. Pitch a plan.

The best pitchers are not just confident. They are investigators, creatives, and visionaries. They connect their story to something bigger, showing how their goals advance both their mission and the mission of the organization, funder, or audience they are speaking to.

A few of Vicki’s practical takeaways:

• Lead with your main goal. Clarity builds confidence

• Highlight two to three unique characteristics that set you apart as your “hook”

• Align your story with their mission. It is not just about you; it is about shared impact

With this reframing and some practice, we left the room more confident, less self-critical, and much more ready to own our stories.

Bonus: If you want to go deeper, check out Dr. Johnson’s book Pitch Your Potential for more tools and insights to craft your own standout story.