Wall of Love

Working with Michael was likely the most significant entrepreneurial activity I have engaged in, and I have been doing this for over 30 years and have started 4 companies. The real trick to developing a world class pitch is the ability to express your complex idea in simple concepts that comfort and excite your audience. They need to understand it, like it, and see how they can make money with it. Although sounding simple, this is extremely difficult, especially for complex scientific technology and for a PhD, like me, whose tendency is to use jargon, over complicate and over explain. We started by going through my 7-minute pitch deck that I thought was pretty good. We wound up with an insanely beautiful piece of art that I could not be prouder of. I spent a lot of time with Michael going through our technology and story, and then he told it back to me but much better and much clearer. We went through many iterations and it got better and better. At Michael’s suggestion, we brought in Bertholt Schroeder, an incredibly talented graphic artist, who just made the whole deck pop. Michael’s approach is to tell your story like a kid’s book, and I’ll be damned if my deck doesn’t look like a beautiful kid's book. A real work of art. I now have a pitch deck I am extremely confident in and am eager to send to potential investors. It stands alone and tells my story better than I ever have. It is so incredibly clear. I just needed to get out of my own way and let the story, be the story. Everyone who reads it, understands what we do, gets excited by what we do and wants to talk to me more about what we do. They want more, which is exactly what a pitch deck is supposed to do. We have already used it to get invited to pitch to seven investment groups (a 100% success rate). What I am most happy with, is that I listened to Michael. I was smart enough to trust that he knew what he was doing. He has literally looked at hundreds of pitch decks. He is the expert, not me, and he knows what makes a good story. Many entrepreneurs have confidence in their own beliefs and can struggle to listen to advice contrary to those beliefs. May you be lucky enough to work with Michael and wise enough to listen to what he tells you. You will not be disappointed.

We had the opportunity to work with Mike over the last couple weeks. Mike was an absolute dream to work with and gave me several lightbulb moments. He's an extremely genuine person and you could tell how much he wanted to make sure we nailed our messaging. I'm way more comfortable telling our story now based on all the great feedback he gave us during the process.

If you are an inventor and lack story telling abilities Mike is your guy. The best part is he won't give you unusable intelligence with grand ambiguous words. All suggestions will be practical, simple to implement and based on your core competencies. In just 2 meetings I got investors talking to me, something I could not pull off after months of trying by myself. I strongly recommend him to all of you fellow scientists, take Mike's help for attracting investors.

Before this course I really thought I knew my product; two minutes in I realized how much I didn’t. Mike’s course was that humbling. Before working with Mike we were doing a decent job getting our hands wrapped around the what — we had pages of great language about the product. But Mike hammered us (kindly) on the why. Why are we in the market? Why are we better than the competition? Why should anyone care? Our old deck wasn’t compelling. It didn’t invite people into the conversation. It didn’t spark intrigue. It’s easy to build an entire story on a flawed premise. Mike is simply masterful at asking you that one critical question that unlocks everything, that makes your case make sense. He gets up under the hood of your venture like an adept mechanic. I’m so grateful we crossed paths; he’s been such a pivotal part of our venture’s success.

Participating in the Hate Your Deck workshop with Mike Lightman was a total pivot point for me. It wasn’t just about fixing slides, it fundamentally changed the trajectory of how I talk about myself and my company. Mike has a way of cutting through the noise to find the narrative that actually matters. It was fun, informative and helped me find the clarity needed to talk about my work with real confidence. If you have a chance to take a Hate Your Deck workshop with Mike Lightman, take it.

Working with Mike Lightman and the team at Hate Your Deck fundamentally changed how we think about pitching Lahara Bio. Mike’s narrative-driven approach was a genuine breath of fresh air compared to the formulaic, slide-by-slide decks we had seen before. He pushed us to focus less on cramming information into slides and more on telling a coherent, compelling story that investors could actually follow and remember. What stood out most was how deeply Mike engaged with our science and strategy. Rather than dumbing things down, he helped us clarify the through-line of our story, why our technology matters, who it is for, and why now, without losing technical credibility. I would highly recommend Mike and the Hate Your Deck team to any operator who wants to improve their deck and get funded!

Michael was awesome. He has great presentation presence and made the workshop extremely interactive, there was really no place to hide. He helped expose specific areas where our deck could be improved and provided very direct, useful feedback. After writing decks for years, we immediately applied several of the concepts he introduced. I think Michael’s background in writing children’s stories has helped him immensely in communicating ideas simply, clearly, and visually. Overall, it was a really great experience and absolutely worth doing the Hate your deck workshop.

I have been refining my deck and strategy for years, but this 2-day course helped me simplify everything in a way I did not expect. Before the course, I could articulate my strategy, but it was still challenging to turn it into a clean, compelling story that captured the full picture without feeling overloaded. My deck was solid, yet there was always a sense that it could be clearer or more focused. Mike helped me understand the importance of story, clarity, and the idea that less is more. His framework made it easier to tighten the narrative and highlight what truly matters. The direct feedback Mike gave was extremely valuable. It was specific, honest, and the kind of insight you can only get from someone who really understands how to build a winning deck. I left the course with more clarity, more confidence, and a streamlined deck that communicates our story in the strongest way possible. I highly recommend the experience.

It’s not enough to be an expert or have insights but fail to articulate them well. Mike’s workshop changed that for me and directly is responsible for new direction and level of success that is already starting for my new company by helping me be succinct and crisp in my narrative, strategy, and impact.

Before this course, our business strategy seemed fully formed in our heads, but when it came time to articulate it to others, we often fell flat. We were in the process of writing our business plan to request a business loan. Michael's instruction helped us in writing a new draft that was punchy and succinct. It made us recognize strengths we didn't know we had, and focus our energies on the best way to story tell the importance of our business to our consumers. And it worked. We were able to receive funding because of the help that Michael was able to provide to us. Thank you, Mike!

We were completely foreign to the idea of a deck prior to Mike’s class; his information was incredible! Throughout his course, we learned ways to strengthen our message and deliver content that was both direct yet beneficial to the audience. Mike highlights & creates the importance of storytelling in a deck - presenting information in a fun, digestible way for clients to better articulate their business goals. During the course, we were also able to receive specific & relevant feedback which helped our team immensely! I highly recommend his course to all who own their own business, whether they are just starting or several years into their operation!

Mike's course really helped us see the real problem. He helped us go from talking about a big, vague issue to a clear, specific problem that our company can actually solve. The course also showed us how to talk (brag) about ourselves and our team better, especially the key members. Our old deck did work, but now it certainly looks better, sounds better and is much easier to understand (with or without a verbal explanation). Finally, the course also helped us tell a more straightforward, linear story that people can easily follow.

I was aware of the importance of story telling and framing in building a great deck from the many resources online saying so. It wasn't until this course that gained the tools and understanding to know how exactly to achieve that goal. Michael's program explains everything in an understandable, actionable, and entertaining way. I found it to be the single most useful deck-building resource I've encountered. Highly recommended.

I'm an experienced CEO with 25 years of experience in raising funds for my own startups and others. Mike's methodology is solid, rigorous and asks all the right questions. Mike is highly supportive and not judgmental making it very easy to have the much needed conversations. The workshops were very well done and I've learned a lot, allowing me to make immediate positive changes to my deck. I highly recommend.

Mike is full of heart — and insight. He genuinely cares about each person he's working with to create the best solution that'll help you achieve your goals. You definitely feel like you're in good, expert hands when you're working with him. I'm grateful the Tory Burch Foundation brought us together — and the fact that he was a speaker for TBF is huge, as they only select top tier talent and resources to coach the Fellows.

Mike's insights were instrumental in elevating my pitch and ultimately helping me win 1st place. He guided me to avoid 'Trust Me' statements, ensuring that every point I made was backed by evidence and clarity. His feedback opened my eyes to creating a more fluid, dynamic pitch deck that truly resonated with my audience. Thanks to his expertise, my pitch not only became more compelling but also more credible. If you're looking to build a bulletproof argument in your presentation, Mike is the person to go to.

Hate Your Deck blew me away. I walked into the course thinking, "I don't really think I need to know how to build a deck." and I walked away saying, "I don't CARE if I need to know how to build a deck or not. I'm building one!" Mike made this notoriously tedious process so fun and meaningful. 10/10 I highly recommend this course to any and everyone.

My biggest takeaway from the Hate Your Deck is that I'm expecting people to trust me with out proof. The course helped me realize that you would rather have 20 slides that are focused then 10 that are overcrowded and unclear. My success story is having my deck "destroyed" on stage in the best way :-D I would recommend this course to anyone.

I loved the workshop with Mike. He really got me thinking about how much I hate my deck that I thought I loved. It was a great breakdown of what I need to really look at and adjust as I share my story. Looking forward to loving my deck and growing my brand!

This was an amazing session with tangible tools and resources that made creating and updating my deck a little less scary

I had an incredible experience with Hate Your Deck. The value and information shared during my session were truely priceless. Michael’s advice, engagement, and unique perspective significantly helped me level up my deck building & storytelling skills. As a former Entrepreneur In Residence at the Kauffman Foundation I walked away with fresh, practical insights that I can immediately apply. This workshop was extremely enjoyable and educational. I highly recommend Hate Your Deck for entrepreneurs & business professionals looking to enhance their deck building expertise!

Very well done! An enjoyable seminar that had very informative material. I enjoyed the “Why?” statement portion, as it forced me to dive deeper into my clients need. I highly recommend this course for an entrepreneur.

It is has definitely been the most structured and in depth session I have had on building a deck. The 5 Whys approach was super insightful and then we all left with a clear outline for decks for our business. Thanks Michael

Working with Michael was priceless. He helped me not only tell my story but create a deck that allowed me to present my business in both a concise and creative way. He's a blast to work with and I would highly recommend the course

Working with Michael was not only a pleasure but invaluable to my business. His formulaic approach to creating a deck as well as his templates--and perhaps most importantly his thoughtful, personalized and thorough feedback--meant that I finished our time working together feeling confident and well-prepared with a really strong deck. I absolutely recommend working with Michael and taking his Hate Your Deck course if you're considering it.

Working with Mike is incredible - he is a diligent listener and is super adaptable. The class provides a clear framework to move you through whatever messaging goal you are trying to achieve with your deck, however, he does not force his methodology onto you. He is truly a partner who helps you clarify and enhance what you are trying to say.

Michael is a true professional who tells it like it is. His critic is on point and followed with excellent advice to improve your pitch to potential customers and investment professionals. I really appreciated his effort in helping me create the story of Axine that is compelling and highlights our best attributes. Whether you are a start up or growing your company, engagement with Michael will definitely be worth your while.

We had a very good experience working with Mike. He was a good ressource to identify and structure our key messages but what he really brings to the table is the science of storytelling ... We had a good story, with Mike's support, we made it great.

I live by the motto "You have to know the rules before your break them" and Hate Your Deck aligned with this. I would summarize what I learned as pitching expansively as possible, while also improving our credibility. Beyond that, we participated in a group cohort of other Future Communities funded startups and it was extremely helpful to hear Mike explain why he especially highlights certain aspects for various startups - "focus on design because you're product is for customers who care about design", "create FOMO by flexing on your results so far, removing operational details", etc. Thank you! 🙏

Mike cuts through the BS with a crisp, clear approach to making a deck that investors want to read to the end. He breaks it down in a way that makes it straightforward to build a great presentation, and is both entertaining and engaging along the way.

Michael has a true gift! His ability to rapidly understand a unique industry, synthesize a ton of information and pull out the parts that matter most is something everyone raising funds can benefit from a conversation with him. The process of learning to think through our company as a story to tell and invite others into has changed how we have conversations. We appreciate everything we got from the program!

I’ve been putting pitch decks together since 1994. My first job was with The Walt Disney Company which was militant about PPTs. I got my MBA at Harvard Business School and most of my career was in private equity (Oaktree & Apollo), all of which used PPT heavily. When I transitioned into tech, I watched countless videos about pitch decks and sought the advice of numerous VCs. Mike Lightman still had a ton to teach me. His course is different. He explains the rationale behind the different elements of storytelling to VCs. It’s really good stuff!

The (Don't) Hate Your Deck course has truly been a game-changer for me. It's the first one where I've felt a real transformation in my deck, moving it to a point where I not only take pride in presenting it but genuinely look forward to sharing it with investors. Whether I'm physically there or just sending a link, the strength and cohesiveness of my presentation remain intact.

I thought I had a pretty good pitch down, but Mike helped me take my story to the next level! He has a knack for truly crafting a compelling story through a deck, and he helped me to see a totally new way to frame up my problem and solution. He also has a great deck structure that goes beyond the standard "10 Slide Pitch Deck" everyone uses, which helps us to stand out when in front of investors and partners.

Mike's course really affirmed for me what's we've done as a company, but then to reframe the way we've been sharing our story to be more effective and compelling. Mike is also really personally invested in getting your story and deck to a place that really works for you, not just a templatized plug and play.

I can't emphasize enough how transformative the '(Don't) Hate Your Deck' course has been for me, especially as the founder of Fuchsia Shoes. The course not only equipped me with the necessary skills to build a compelling pitch deck but also helped me gain a deeper understanding of my company's essence and purpose. This course prompted me to reflect on the purpose that drives Fuchsia Shoes beyond just selling footwear – it's about making a bold statement, embracing individuality, and stepping into a world of vibrant confidence. Moreover, the personalized 1x1 meetings with Michael played a pivotal role in reigniting my pitching confidence. His insights and support not only helped me navigate the highs and lows of my entrepreneurial journey but also provided a space for me to truly own my company's narrative.

I can say that Don't hate your deck was a magical session to me. As someone who didn't have much experience with building a deck, Mike made me understand that all is about your story. i was not that confident before about telling my story. I can recommend every one who have that chance to work with Mike not to miss he is the game changer.

Michael and his team were fabulous. His course helped me understand what was most important to share about our story and focused message so that it was easy to digest, clear and get people excited. The process and structure was so valuable in bringing out the best of who we are, and what we do, so that we could achieve the best possible finished finished product with our deck.

Michael was an incredible instructor! He gave me personally tailored feedback that was exactly what I needed to hear to make my deck clear, thorough and compelling. Beyond that, he really teaches you how to craft your story and hone your voice as a founder. I still listen back on our sessions together anytime I'm needing inspiration or refinement and I'd recommend this course to anyone who's looking to craft a killer deck.

The 'Don't Hate Your Deck' content proved incredibly valuable in helping me in refining how I convey my business with clarity and authenticity. It provided practical tips on discussing financials and offered insightful guidance on articulating our mission in a manner that resonates effectively. Every aspect was truly exceptional!

We were fortunate to have had the incredible assistance of Mike and his team in transforming our deck into something truly amazing. Mike's expertise in deck construction was nothing short of remarkable; he not only met our expectations but exceeded them by a long shot. He brought a level of precision and attention to detail that took our deck from a standard to a masterpiece. He also hooked us up with a few valuable connections after the call that helped us long-term. If you're seeking an expert who will not only meet but exceed your expectations, Mike is the one to call. We highly recommend him for any deck-related project.

Mike was very helpful in breaking down the key elements of a successful deck. He was able to understand my specific business needs and provide specific feedback to take my deck to a new level.

Mike is enthusiastic and generous with his time. He's skilled at teasing out the parts of your story that you may dismiss and pulling together a coherent narrative.

Michael is smart and experienced. He understands what VCs are looking for, because he has been on that side before, and how to craft the right story.

In the fast-paced world of business, having a compelling pitch deck is crucial for success. When we sought a service to craft ours, we found Michael Lightman and Hate Your Deck, and it proved to be a game-changer. From our first interaction, Michael displayed an unmatched level of professionalism and expertise in crafting the perfect narrative to convey a message. Michael took time to deeply understand our business model, goals, and unique value proposition. They do not just design slides; they tell stories that resonate with the audience. We wholeheartedly recommend them to any business seeking to make a powerful impact with their pitch.

Mike is one of the most dynamic and passionate professionals I've worked with as a small business owner. His enthusiasm makes it easy to learn. He helped me both see the big picture and unlock missed opportunities in the small details of my company's messaging. If you're at a crossroads in trying to understand your business, your mission, or your story and want some wonderful perspective, I would highly recommend this course.

I happily recommend Mike and his (Don’t) Hate Your Deck method. His approach was caring, calm, generous, and insightful. I was impressed by his ability to impart knowledge, provide thoughtful feedback, and inspire me to reach new heights.