The Art of Storytelling in Marketing: Insights from Nikhil Kumar’s CXO Masterclass

In October 2025, PES University’s Faculty of Management and Commerce hosted an engaging CXO Masterclass titled “The Art of Storytelling in Marketing”, led by Mr. Nikhil Kumar, a seasoned marketing strategist and storytelling expert. The session was a deep dive into how stories have become the emotional backbone of modern marketing.

Why Stories Matter in Marketing
Mr. Nikhil opened with a powerful statement: “Everything starts with a story — sometimes it’s yours, sometimes it’s your brand’s, and sometimes it’s your consumer’s. But without a story, nothing connects.”

In an era flooded with advertisements, he emphasized that emotion and authenticity are what truly resonate with audiences. Marketing today is less about selling products and more about creating connections through stories.

Three Pillars of Impactful Storytelling

Relatability: Stories must feel real and relevant.
Emotion: People buy feelings, not features.
Purpose: Every story should have meaning beyond the product.

He illustrated these principles through iconic brand examples:

Fevicol: Strength through humor and togetherness.
Dove: Confidence and inclusivity.
Cadbury: Nostalgia and childhood memories.
Nike: Courage and resilience.

“Great storytelling doesn’t sell the product; it sells the feeling attached to it,” he noted.

From Ads to Conversations
Mr. Nikhil highlighted the shift from one-way advertising to two-way conversations, citing brands like Zomato, Swiggy, and Amul that excel at conversational marketing. “They don’t advertise; they talk. They talk like humans, and that’s why people love them.”

Technology vs. Humanity
While AI can write lines, only humans can make you feel them. Data shows what happened; stories explain why it happened. His advice to future marketers:

“Be honest in your message. Don’t try to be clever; try to be clear.”
“Don’t chase virality — chase value.”
“Every great marketer is a storyteller first.”

Key Takeaway
Marketing is not about selling—it’s about belonging, meaning, and emotion. Stories transform brands from mere products into memories.

In Conclusion:
The masterclass was a powerful reminder that in today’s world, every great brand is simply a great story—well told. As Mr. Nikhil concluded: “Stories are what make us human. Without them, brands are just products. With them, they become memories.”