I Might Forget Your Name, But Not Your Story

There’s something I should probably confess.

I’m terrible with names.

It’s embarrassing, especially in my line of work. I can meet someone at a high-profile event, shake their hand, smile at them warmly, and promptly forget their name before we’ve even moved on to the next conversation.

I used to panic about this. I’d avoid introductions if I wasn’t sure I’d remember. I’d overcompensate with warmth, or admit it right away, “I’m so sorry, I’m horrible with names,” like a preemptive apology for the perceived slight.

But then something curious started happening.

People would walk up to me, years later, and say things like: “You remembered that I always wear orange when I’m nervous and brought me that cup of tea to calm me down.” “You asked me about my daughter’s violin recital, no one ever does that.” “You sent me a link to that obscure book I mentioned once in passing. How did you even remember that?”

And it hit me: I may not remember names. But I do remember stories.

I remember the man who ate Greek yogurt and berries every morning for 20 years. The woman who hated networking because it made her feel like she was pretending to be someone else. The nonprofit founder who spent her last $40 on lunch for a potential funder—unsure where the meeting would land.

That’s when I stopped trying to fix the “name thing.” Because while names are important, stories are soul-markers.

Why Stories Stick, And How They Power Business

We are evolutionarily wired to remember narratives. Before there were résumés or brand decks, there were myths, metaphors, and cautionary tales. Fairytales weren’t just bedtime fluff, they were survival tools - lessons tied in ribbons, cautionary tales disguised as a fluffy, loveable creature.

And they still are.

In my work across PR, business development, and event design, story isn’t just the flair. It’s the function. Stories spark trust. They move capital. They anchor memory. They forge connection.

Tactical Takeaways from the Field

If you want to stand out—and stick—here’s what works:

1. In PR: Ditch the bullet points. Lead with the origin story. Journalists don’t buy into jargon. They respond to relevance. Position your client as the protagonist of a bigger problem being solved. A compelling “why now” will do more than any headline.

2. In Events: Don’t host panels. Host presence. Create experiences that help guests feel seen—not sold to. Add personal touchpoints, surprise connection moments, or memory anchors (a handwritten note, a signature scent, a real-time group photo shared by the end of the night, a thoughtful follow-up that keeps momentum and connection).

3. In Business Development: Replace perfect pitches with real presence. In follow-ups, refer back to a human detail, not just the meeting. People aren’t keeping score, but they are remembering who made them feel like more than a transaction.

4. In Brand Building: You are not your logo. You are your legacy. Tell the story of how you became who you are, not just what you offer. Clients don’t buy packages, they buy alignment, trust, and a feeling of camaraderie.

So no, I might not recall your name immediately. But I will remember your courage. Your quirks. Even your favorite breakfast.

And in a world that is increasingly distracted, that’s a skill I’ve come to treasure.

Because here’s what I’ve found to be true: People may not remember your job title. Or where you studied. Or the clever way you introduced yourself in that elevator pitch.

But they’ll remember how it felt to be around you. If they felt heard. If they felt like they mattered. If, even for a moment, they felt truly seen.

🚀 Coming Soon: Learn With Me

If you're building a brand, launching a business, or trying to land media with integrity and impact—I’ve got something just for you.

🎓 Two new online courses are launching soon:

• S.P.A.R.K. – A self-guided course for authors ready to grow their audience, sell more books, and show up for media like a pro.
• PR & Biz Dev Blueprint – My signature formula for turning relationships into revenue, and visibility into opportunity—without burnout.

Want early access or group licensing? Email us with subject line: Course Waitlist at info@exv-agency.com

🔭 What’s on the Horizon

In a world full of performative networking, we’re building spaces that actually remember your story.

🌍 The Housing Summit returns this fall in NYC. And it’s more than a conversation about housing. It’s about capital, courage, and community. Policymakers. Developers. Visionaries. All in one room, shaping what comes next.

🍽️ Through ExV Nexus, we’re curating by-invitation-only micro-masterclasses and power meals in cities around the world. The kind of conversations that aren’t on stage—but stay with you long after the dessert plate is cleared.

📍ExV Nexus kicks off in Hong Kong soon. Dubai is next. Want in? Contact us at info@exv-agency.com, subject: ExV Nexus.

Yours with intention, until next time,

Karen