Communicating Innovation:

Transforming Data into Effective Stories with Artificial Intelligence

The “Startup Thinking” Observatory of the Politecnico di Milano brings together a community of innovation leaders from leading Italian companies. To transform solid data into impactful ideas, communication is crucial. The workshop, led by Maurizio from MLC, provided structured frameworks and AI techniques to translate quantitative evidence into persuasive narratives.

cLIENT BACKGROUND

Startup Thinking is the Politecnico di Milano’s Observatory dedicated to Innovation Managers and Heads of Digital Innovation. Since 2014, it has supported businesses in developing innovation models, promoting Open Innovation, and strengthening Corporate Entrepreneurship. Through research, startup scouting, and methodological insights, it explores key topics such as AI, process automation, HR Tech, and digital supply chains. The Observatory fosters professional discussions and contributes to the growth of an innovation-driven culture.

cHALLENGE

The Startup Thinking Observatory gathers a community of innovation leaders with deep expertise in emerging technologies and extensive experience with artificial intelligence. However, the ability to translate data and analysis into persuasive narratives is often a critical challenge in the innovation process. The main objective was to demonstrate how AI and data storytelling could further enhance presentation effectiveness, making strategic communication within organizations more impactful and enabling the clear and engaging transmission of innovative ideas. Participants needed practical tools to strengthen their communication skills and apply them immediately in their professional environments.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

MLC Consulting partnered with the Startup Thinking Observatory at Politecnico di Milano to help a community of over 100 innovation leaders transform data and evidence into compelling stories. Through a comprehensive workshop that combined data storytelling, structured frameworks, and AI-driven prompting techniques, participants gained hands-on experience in applying a strategic communication approach based on solid insights and creativity.

Challenge

To provide innovation leaders with the tools to craft and present data-driven stories by integrating data storytelling methodologies and artificial intelligence.

Solution

An immersive workshop structured around theoretical and practical sessions, an interactive pitch competition, and a follow-up webinar to explore real-world solutions and reinforce key techniques.

RESULT

Over 100 professionals trained, overwhelmingly positive feedback, and a newfound awareness of how AI and data storytelling can accelerate innovation by turning raw data into compelling narratives.

SERVICES

#Data Storytelling
#AI for Innovation
#Presentation Design
#Workshop Training
#Lean Presentation Design

SOLUTION

The MLC team designed a highly structured workshop that blended theory and practice, enabling participants to develop essential skills in data storytelling and AI-driven communication. The approach was carefully crafted to enhance learning through a logical progression: an initial session introduced the core principles of data-driven storytelling, followed by a hands-on phase where participants, divided into teams, worked on a real-world case study applying the methodologies learned. The day concluded with a pitch competition, where each team presented their work to an audience, experiencing firsthand the effectiveness of the acquired techniques in a dynamic and interactive setting.

The MLC Approach

The MLC team designed a workshop based on robust data storytelling methodologies, integrating AI-driven prompting techniques. The goal was to provide participants with immediately actionable tools, presenting practical examples and structured frameworks that could be applied right away.

The insight

To maximize engagement and effectiveness, the training was structured into multiple phases:

Initial Training – Interactive introduction to data storytelling concepts and AI’s role in enhancing communication.

Pitch Competition – Teams were assigned a case study to analyze and present, applying the storytelling techniques learned.

Follow-up Webinar – A post-session webinar where participants reviewed a case study solution and reinforced the core methodologies covered in the
workshop.

The Process

MLC collaborated with the Observatory to develop an engaging and effective learning experience. During the hybrid-format workshop, over 100 innovation leaders attended two expert-led sessions with Maurizio:

Data Storytelling – Key principles and frameworks for transforming data into high-impact stories.

AI for Communication – Strategic use of AI to enhance analysis, structuring, and delivery of presentations.

Afterward, participants were divided into teams and applied the methodologies to a real-world case study, preparing a pitch presentation. Each group then presented their work to the entire audience, gaining firsthand experience in applying storytelling techniques to data-driven communication.

RESULTS

The workshop yielded outstanding results: over 100 innovation leaders actively participated, experiencing firsthand the power of data storytelling and AI-driven prompting. The pitch competition made the session dynamic and interactive, while the follow-up webinar reinforced the concepts and showcased a practical solution. Participants gained new frameworks and methodologies to transform data into persuasive narratives, ultimately enhancing their ability to drive innovation within their organizations.

CONCLUSION

This project demonstrated how effective communication is crucial for fostering innovation. When solid data is presented through impactful storytelling and supported by AI, it becomes a powerful tool to inspire change. The MLC approach enabled innovation leaders to enhance their presentation skills, reinforcing their ability to communicate and influence effectively.

CLIENT FEEDBACK

Feedback from the Observatory and participants was extremely positive. Many innovation leaders expressed interest in further exploring the concepts introduced during the workshop. The success of the session was also reflected in digital PR activities, with the results being featured in various online media.

PROJECT OWNER

Sara – Corporate Training & Digital Solutions Manager

Reach out to me for a presentation training solution to spread a culture of lean presentation design and data storytelling in your organization.
Boost the effectiveness of business presentations and double the productivity saving a significant amount of time.