In this episode of Front Porch Confidential, we dig into one of the most important, and most overlooked, skills in presales: storytelling. Why does it matter so much? Why do some demos stick while others completely fall flat? And how does a good story turn a product walkthrough into a moment where buyers can actually see themselves using your solution?

Jess, Dani, and Emily break down what storytelling really means in the context of software demos, sales conversations, and everyday communication. Drawing from real buyer experiences, awkward demos gone wrong, and plenty of laughs, they explore how moving beyond feature-and-function click paths creates connection, trust, and memorability.

You’ll hear:

• Why traditional “click-by-click” demos fail (and what works instead)

• How storytelling helps buyers become the hero of their own journey

• The neuroscience behind storytelling (let's get science-y)

• Why emotion drives decisions, and logic just backs them up

• How stories help champions sell internally and stand out in crowded vendor bake-offs

• Why great storytelling keeps people engaged (especially on Zoom)

Plus, they touch on customer success stories, discovery-driven narratives, objection pivots, and how storytelling shows buyers you truly understand their pain.

Whether you’re in presales, sales, tech, or just trying to communicate more effectively, this episode makes the case that storytelling isn’t fluff, it’s a superpower.

Grab a drink, pull up a chair on the porch, and join us. Part two on how to tell better stories is coming next.

AI is everywhere—from customer conversations to RFPs to social media—and it’s raising a big question in presales and tech: is it coming for our jobs, or making us better at them?

In this episode of Front Porch Confidential, Jess, Dani, and Emily dig into the real, day-to-day impact of AI on presales roles and beyond. They talk honestly about fear vs. opportunity, job displacement vs. job evolution, and why empathy, storytelling, and human judgment still matter more than ever.

You’ll hear:

• Whether AI is actually replacing presales and sales roles (or just changing them)

• How they’re really using AI at work today: RFPs, demo prep, discovery summaries, and more

• The risks of over-reliance on AI (hello, critical thinking skills)

• What “vibe coding” is and why it matters

• Concerns about junior roles, career pipelines, and company culture

• Fun real-life uses of AI, from baking science to DIY bookshelf plans

Pull up a chair on the porch and join the conversation.

Kick off the new year with the Front Porch Confidential crew as Dani, Jess, and Emily get real about goals, growth, and gratitude—in work and in life. From debating New Year’s resolutions vs. meaningful goals to sharing what they’re thankful for in their presales careers, this episode is equal parts reflective, funny, and honest. The trio talks leadership lessons, accountability (including a shared learning goal 👀), navigating overwhelm during the holidays, and designing a life that actually works for you. Plus, expect some classic Front Porch banter: weather envy, introvert corners, holiday drink choices, and a spirited debate about The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Grab a glass, pull up a chair, and join us on the porch as we close out one year and look ahead to what’s next—for women in tech, presales, and beyond. Cheers to the journey and happy new year! 🎉