What if the single most powerful tool you have to change the world isn’t data, funding, or strategy — but your own story?

The forces we oppose rely unapologetically on the world’s best tools to influence public sentiment and behavior. So why do changemakers hold back?

Changemakers working on behalf of social and environmental justice often feel that “branding” efforts undercut the merit of their cause. That to ask, “How can I better cut through?” is to sell out, somehow.

Is it any wonder that most movements I have helped launch, scale, or diagnose have zero branding, marketing, advertising, or PR professionals in the room? And is it that surprising that their opposition — better resourced and media-savvy — continues to “win”?

I brought all this “messiness” to my Substack LIVE conversation with Anna Vatuone — a dear friend, prolific personal brand strategist, and the author of Lonely Girl. Anna has helped me — with grace and direction — confront my own stigma and embrace what modern media has to offer our work.

Our individual stories are gateways to truths others may only see through our eyes.

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Influencing hearts and minds is at the core of successful movements. So, how can changemakers harness the power of storytelling? How can we leverage personal branding when it is for a cause, and how do our own stories contribute to the transformation we target?

Here’s what stood out most for me (and might for you too):

* We questioned whether “personal branding” is even the right term when the goal is authentic, actionable connection.

* We discussed the (mis)conception many changemakers have about social media as performative self-promotion; as a vanity project — when in reality it can amplify their cause.

* One stand-out moment for me was Anna saying, “We’re not brands, we’re people.” It reminded me afresh that our individual stories are gateways to truths others may only see through our eyes.

* On my own example, we confirmed that authenticity can — and should — look different for introverts and those who aren’t “social media people.”

* We identified one powerful advantage changemakers already have in creating online presence: a strong sense of “Why.”

* Most importantly, we explored the alternative: if people don’t make decisions based on facts as much as on emotional connection, then the only way to change the world is to put ourselves out there.

Thank you, Paul Bierman, Megan White, Patrick, Stefanie Mullen, Laurie Sirois, and all others who tuned in LIVE.

The point of personal branding isn’t to turn people into brands at all. The point is to help people trust their voice, and use it to connect with others — without feeling like they have to sell themselves, or sell out in the process. — Anna Vatuone

Here is Anna’s own post on her reflections, astute as ever!

About Anna

Anna Vatuone is a writer, storyteller, and personal brand strategist. She is the author of Lonely Girl, a memoir first serialized on Substack, and the founder of Personal Brand Accelerator, where she helps entrepreneurs, authors, and creators clarify their message, tell their story, and post with confidence online. Alongside her writing and coaching, she hosts the Personal Branding Podcast, sharing the journeys of creators who have built their own personal brands and the insights they’ve gained along the way. Her work and teaching have resonated with more than 250,000 followers across social media.

Before you go, I’d love to hear from you:

* What resonated most?

* Did this dialogue shift your perspective on personal branding, storytelling, or social media?

* What might you do differently going forward?

Changemakers’ Handbook is an audience-supported publication. To access all posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

To dive deeper:

* Watch the full conversation in the video above.

* Connect with Anna via her Substack All Of Me or her personal site.

* Explore her book Lonely Girl (Amazon) — which I had the honor of editing (and being Anna’s “book doula”!).

* If you’re interested in book writing/publishing, check out our earlier conversation on that topic.

* And if you’re looking for tailored support in your changemaking, reach out — I’ve supported countless changemakers in creating their legacy worldwide and would love to hear from you.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit changemakershandbook.substack.com/subscribe