Branding. Motivation. And a Legend.

These are the three topics for the January Favorites File. And the thread connecting them all together is purpose.

Branding.

Yes, I talk about branding almost every week. Earlier this month, Nick Westergaard interviewed Kerri Finch on his podcast – On Brand. The episode was titled “The Secret Sauce of Branding.” The message is the perfect summary of everything I believe about branding. Purpose is at its core. And authenticity flows from purpose.

These words may seem like buzzwords in the industry – and maybe to some degree, they are – but the words are accurate. Finch describes how social media has forced brands to be truly authentic. This is because we are able to see the inside of brands in ways not done before social media. We are able to see when brands are inconsistent and wonder which reaction is accurate and aligned with their values.

And we, as consumers, want to associate with others – brands included – that share our values.

Motivation

Dan Harris’ interview with Thubten Chodron will get you thinking about the meaning behind your actions – is it a selfish or selfless motivation? As a young teacher, Chodron was looking for something to do during the summer and decided to take a meditation course offered by two Tibetan Lamas. As a result of the course, she dedicated her life living selflessly which led to her giving up all her worldly possessions, including her marriage.

It is a compelling conversation that will get you thinking about your motivations for the decisions you make. Chodron states that sincere motivation is recognized for what it is and is appreciated and rewarded. Self-motivation is also recognized but is not appreciated or rewarded. This reminds me of what Finch says about authenticity flowing from purpose – it is recognized for its motivation and appreciated.

A Legend

It is important for me to recognize the passing of Kobe Bryant. As a lifelong Laker fan and the daughter of one of his biggest fans, his tragic death has hit me much harder than I care to admit. I was getting ready to go to a basketball game – one that would honor another basketball legend (Megan Gustafson of the Iowa Hawkeyes) – and I saw a post on Facebook from a friend. I read the headline of the article in complete disbelief. I know I was not alone in that disbelief. I was stunned.

Then I thought of my Mom and how much she loved watching him play. While at the basketball game, I saw the reports of Gianna being with him – his 13-year-old daughter. I hugged my 13-year-old daughter in the line to get ice cream.

And as the week has gone on and more tributes and stories have come out about Kobe, I am struck to see how his purpose has influenced so many people. In an interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, she asked Kobe whether he missed the game. He said no. And went on to talk about how when you do something for over half your life, it is easy to let that become your identity. But that it is important to recognize while it may be what you do, it is not the entirety of who you are. This is a deep understanding of purpose.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Secret Sauce of Branding, On Brand with Nick Westergaard
Kerrie Finch, futurefactor
What’s Your Motivation with Thubten Chodron, 10% Happier with Dan Harris
Thubten Chodron
Interview with Kobe Bryant on Good Morning America
The Pursuit of Purpose past episodes

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