A few years ago, a young leader named Maya stood in front of a boardroom full of executives, ready to pitch a sustainability initiative that could transform her company’s impact. She had the data, the research, and the solutions—but as she spoke, she could see their eyes glazing over. Her message wasn’t landing. Frustrated, Maya knew she had to change her approach. Instead of presenting numbers, she told the story of a single factory worker whose life had been changed by sustainable business practices. She painted a picture of his struggles, his resilience, and the impact of ethical choices on real people. By the time she finished, the room was silent. Then, one by one, the executives nodded in agreement. The initiative was approved. Maya didn’t just present information—she told a story. And that made all the difference.