In this episode of Unconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom, Kim Miller-Hershon sits down with Moti Elkaim a fundraising and storytelling strategist who helps startup founders turn bold visions into investor-backed companies.

As the creator of the Pitch Cycle method, Moti has helped startup leaders raise millions across seed, Series A, and growth stages. A former CMO who helped scale companies to more than $200 million in sales, Moti is also a former public speaking lecturer at Columbia University, a top writer on startups and fundraising, and the host of the How to Sell Your Vision podcast.

In this conversation, Moti shares why one of the biggest mistakes leaders and entrepreneurs make is judging situations too quickly instead of asking deeper questions. Using a powerful story about a little girl holding two apples, he explains how assumptions, bias, and emotional reactions can distort leadership decisions and damage relationships before we fully understand what’s actually happening.

Moti also dives into the psychology of entrepreneurship, fundraising, and self-worth explaining why founders often underestimate the value they bring to the table when facing investors, clients, or high-level executives. He discusses how entrepreneurs can stop overcompensating, stop trying to impress everyone, and instead learn to trust the value of their own lived experiences and expertise.

Throughout the episode, Moti offers a refreshing and highly unconventional perspective on imposter syndrome. Rather than trying to eliminate it, he reframes it as a natural part of growth, explaining that stepping into rooms where you don’t yet fully belong is often exactly how transformation happens.

Beyond fundraising strategy, Moti also reflects on authenticity, leadership psychology, storytelling, AI, and why founders must learn to communicate their vision with confidence, clarity, and emotional intelligence.

This episode explores:
* Why leaders should ask more questions before making assumptions
* How entrepreneurs can stop overcompensating and trying to impress everyone
* Why every business relationship is an equal exchange of value
* Moti’s unconventional perspective on imposter syndrome
* Why growth often requires stepping into rooms where you feel uncomfortable
* How authenticity creates stronger leadership and business relationships
* Why lived experience matters more than credentials alone
* How AI can help founders organize ideas, systems, and workflows
* The importance of communicating ideas in ways that match how your brain works

Moti’s perspective is a powerful reminder that leadership and entrepreneurship are not about pretending to have all the answers they’re about curiosity, resilience, authenticity, and having the courage to grow into the next version of yourself.

Connect with me here:
* Website: https://www.kimmillerhershon.com
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmillerhershon
* Newsletter: https://link.kimmillerhershon.com/widget/form/aEdmdA1W5MhoMCMfy5O8
* Webinar: https://webinar.kimmillerhershon.com/?utm_source=Podcast

Guest Details:
* Guest: Moti Elkaim
* Podcast: How to Sell Your Vision
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moti-elkaim/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.