"The why is everything—great storytelling starts with what’s at stake."

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff Martin sits down with Dmitry Koltunov, a repeat founder and award-winning storyteller, to explore the intersection of AI, creativity, and business strategy.

As CEO of Arbor, Dmitry is building a platform that helps organizations scale authentic storytelling by transforming long-form videos into clips, quotes, blog posts, and more. But this conversation goes beyond software. Dmitry shares deep insights on what makes communication resonate—from startup pitches to musical theater, from product development to customer conversations.

They dive into the power of narrative, the chaos of early-stage startups, and how product teams can listen, learn, and iterate. With a background that spans hedge funds, Broadway musicals, and VC-backed tech, Dmitry offers a unique lens on how to build tools that matter—and stories that move people.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Arbor and AI Content Creation
02:55 The Shift Towards Authenticity in Business Communication
05:41 Understanding Target Audiences and Goals in Content Creation
08:40 The Intersection of Technology and Storytelling
10:59 The Role of Narrative in Business and Personal Projects
13:56 The Importance of Stakes in Storytelling
16:48 Building a Narrative in Business Strategy
27:03 The Stakes of Vision and Innovation
28:02 Defining the Right Thing to Do
29:49 The Process of Discovery and Learning
32:21 The Chaos of Startups and Systematization
33:41 The Importance of Listening to Customers
36:44 Aligning Why with Customer Needs
39:06 The Role of Customer Success in Product Development
41:44 The Dangers of Stubbornness in Product Management
47:05 The Art of Listening in Product Development
49:50 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

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