Behind the Scenes of My Keynote at AVPM: Innovation, Disruption & Digital Storytelling
When I delivered my keynote for the Association of Briefing Program Managers (AVPM), I had the opportunity to speak to an audience representing some of the biggest players in the world Apple, Amazon, Slack, ServiceNow, and Workday. It was an event that perfectly captured where the future of storytelling, presentations, and innovation is headed.
The Magic Behind Digital Presentations
During the keynote, I shared a few behind-the-scenes secrets like the fake piano sitting behind me and the production team that made everything look seamless. It was a lighthearted way to show that what audiences see on screen often hides the complexity, creativity, and coordination happening backstage.
Great digital experiences don’t happen by accident. They’re engineered. Whether it’s camera angles, lighting, or the way audio flows through multiple microphones into a single laptop running Zoom, every detail matters. Today, people expect the polish of a Netflix special, even in a corporate presentation.
This is the new standard presentations that feel like productions.
Technology + Authenticity = Engagement
Of course, technology alone doesn’t make a presentation great. What truly matters is human connection. I wanted the audience to feel like they were part of a conversation, not just watching one. That’s why interactivity through polls, Q&As, and spontaneous moments has become essential.
In virtual or hybrid environments, people multitask constantly. To cut through that noise, you need to surprise them, engage them, and most importantly, make them feel something.
Authenticity: The Human Advantage
Later in the session, I sat down for a conversation with Imran. What stood out was the easy, unscripted flow of the discussion, a reminder that, even in a high-tech environment, authenticity is your greatest asset.
You can have the best production setup in the world, but it’s the human moments of laughter, curiosity, and vulnerability that people remember. That’s the paradox of the digital era: the more advanced our tools become, the more we crave what’s real.
Innovation Is About Breaking the Game
We also talked about innovation and disruption through the lens of sports and music. Think about Steph Curry. He didn't just play basketball; he changed how the game is played. Just like Drake redefined what it means to be an artist in the streaming age.
Innovation isn’t about being the biggest or the strongest, it's about reshaping the rules. It’s about seeing opportunity where others see limits. And that’s exactly what we’re doing when we experiment with new formats, new technologies, and new ways to connect with our audiences.
The Future of Digital Storytelling
What excites me most is how technology allows anyone, individuals, brands, organizations to tell powerful stories that can reach and move global audiences. From multi-camera setups to virtual keynotes, the storytelling canvas has expanded dramatically.
But even with all the new formats and technologies, one thing remains timeless: authenticity. The best stories are still the ones that feel real.
Building a Culture of Continuous Innovation
As I wrapped up the keynote, I encouraged everyone to think about how they can bring more creativity and interactivity into their own work. Innovation doesn’t happen in a lab; it happens when we experiment, fail, and keep adapting to new formats.
Disruption isn’t something to fear. It’s something to embrace. Because every time we adapt, we learn how to connect better, tell stories better, and lead better.
At the end of the day, I hope this keynote reminded everyone that innovation is not just about technology it’s about courage, curiosity, and the willingness to reimagine what’s possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What does digital transformation really mean today?
Digital transformation isn’t just about using new tools, it's about rethinking how a business operates, creates value, and connects with people. It’s more cultural than technical, driven by innovation, experimentation, and adaptability.
Q2. What are the biggest challenges of leading digital change?
The hardest part isn’t technology, it's mindset. People resist change. True leaders inspire curiosity, encourage experimentation, and create a culture where innovation feels safe.
Q3. How has technology changed public speaking and presentations?
Technology has made presentations more interactive and accessible. From live polls to virtual keynotes, speakers can now engage global audiences in real time with creativity and impact.
Q4. What role does authenticity play in digital marketing?
Authenticity builds trust. When brands show their real people, values, and stories, audiences connect faster. In an age of filters and automation, being genuine is a powerful differentiator.
Q5. What makes digital storytelling effective?
Effective digital storytelling blends visuals, emotion, and authenticity. It captures attention quickly, builds empathy, and makes messages memorable across multiple platforms.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.