Intrapreneurship: How to Pitch Ideas That Get Heard

Intrapreneurship is the secret engine behind future-ready companies — but even the best ideas can fall flat without the right pitch.

In session 2 of the Curiosity Intrapreneurship program, industry partner Vickie King, briefed the group on how to deliver an effective internal pitch.

Whether you're a changemaker inside your company or just getting started with internal innovation, knowing how to pitch your idea for permission is one of the most valuable skills you can build.

Here’s a quick guide to help you do it right — and get noticed for the right reasons. 

Start with the Real Problem — Not the Idea

Too many pitches start with: “Here’s my idea… here’s what it solves… It’s amazing… let’s roll it out.”

That structure feels logical, but it usually leads to a quick “no” or worse — a polite smile and no follow-up.

Instead, try this:

1. Problem or Opportunity - What’s broken or missing? Ground it in real experiences from internal customers or teams.
2. Evidence - Use internal data, quotes from colleagues or users, or customer feedback to prove it’s not just your opinion.
3. Proposed Solution - Keep it simple. Focus on the “what,” not the “how.”
4. Expected Outcome - Show the potential impact: time saved, money saved, employee satisfaction, etc.
5. Experiment (MVP) - Suggest a small, low-risk test. You're not asking for millions — just a chance to prove it works.

Shift the Focus: From Idea-Centric to Outcome-Centric

Most people stay too long in “idea mode” because it's comfortable. 

But what moves the needle is showing:

• You understand the business context
• You’ve done your homework
• You’re open to feedback and collaboration

This builds trust, and trust is the real currency in intrapreneurship.

What Should the Pitch Deck Look Like?

Forget flashy design. Go for clarity over beauty. 

Here’s a solid 4–5 slide structure:

1. Intro Slide
   - Name, role, project title
   - A smart headline that tells a story, not a generic label
2. Market Trend or Internal Insight
   - Show what's changing or what pain exists
   - Use real quotes or data — this builds credibility
3. Your Idea
   - Don’t over-engineer it
   - Show enough to spark curiosity, not overwhelm
4. Expected Impact
   - Think like a leader: how will this help the business?
5. MVP or Pilot Proposal
   - What’s the ask? Budget, time, team support?

Pro tip: Share the deck before the meeting. People are busy, and this gives your idea a chance to breathe.

Presentation Matters More Than You Think

In live pitch meetings, only 7% of impact comes from your actual words.

The rest?

• 55% Body Language
• 38% Vocal Tone

Don’t just read your slides. Instead:

• Make eye contact with everyone in the room
• Vary your tone to keep people engaged
• Stand confidently — it signals belief in your idea

Build Buy-in Before You Pitch

Want a real edge? Talk to key team members before the formal pitch.

Ask:

• What concerns might they have?
• Have they seen similar ideas fail?
• What would success look like to them?

This helps you shape the pitch, handle objections, and maybe even gain allies in the room.

"What if my idea flops?"

Let’s be honest: not every idea will get a green light. But that doesn’t mean your reputation takes a hit.

Showing initiative, learning from feedback, and refining your approach is what builds credibility.

The real red flag? Repeating the same pitch, the same way, again and again.

Final Thoughts

Intrapreneurship isn’t just about ideas; it’s about navigating systems, building trust, and creating value from the inside out.

So next time you’ve got that spark of an idea, remember: You’re not just pitching a concept. You’re pitching your ability to solve problems and lead change. And that’s what companies notice.

Have you pitched an idea internally before? What worked (or didn’t)? Drop your thoughts or tips in the comments — let’s learn from each other.