In this episode, we explore how building genuine emotional connections drives brand growth and longevity in today's turbulent market. Data shows emotion-driven brands see 3x greater lift, double the profitability, and grow value 2.5x faster than competitors focused solely on product features.

Listen to hear more about what's shaping fast-growing brands:

• Since 2000, over half of Fortune 500 companies have disappeared, proving size and history aren't guarantees
• Emotionally connected customers have 3x higher lifetime value than just satisfied ones
• Research from industry leaders including Kanter, Ipsos, Interbrand, and WARC
• The LAVEC method provides a systematic framework for building brand resonance
• Lexicon (words), Audio (sounds), Visual (style), Experience (behaviors), Culture (empowerment)
• Case study: Coca-Cola vs Pepsi demonstrates how emotional assets create lasting advantage, unpacking their growth from 1985 through 2025
• Why ads with strong emotional pull are 4x more likely to build brand equity

Inspired by the Brand Builder Lab newsletter, this discussion on why the secret to standing out isn't just talking about your past accomplishments but clearly articulating the future you want to build.

Whether you’re building a startup or refreshing your brand, this is your blueprint for turning an audience into a tribe.

Subscribe to the weekly Brand Builder Lab newsletter.

Produced by Kai D. Wright. Follow Kai on LinkedIn.

Buy the companion book, "Follow the Feeling: Brand Building in a Noisy World" on Amazon.

💬 Text us.

Support the show

In this episode, we dig into how navigating your career is like driving a car – you need a clear destination to avoid burning fuel but going nowhere.

Inspired by the Brand Builder Lab newsletter, this discussion on why the secret to standing out isn't just talking about your past accomplishments but clearly articulating the future you want to build.

Listen to get tips on the following:

• Understanding the broader landscape using the question: "What will people do more, do less, need more of, need less of over the next five years?"
• Identifying your zone of credibility by asking: "What three topics do people ask you about most?"
• Finding fulfillment at the intersection of emerging trends and your natural expertise
• Activating your future vision by connecting your strengths to real-world needs
• Becoming more compelling by clearly articulating your specific direction and contribution
• Using Arthur Ashe's philosophy: "Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can"

Whether you’re building a startup or refreshing your brand, this is your blueprint for turning an audience into a tribe.

Subscribe to the weekly Brand Builder Lab newsletter.

Produced by Kai D. Wright. Follow Kai on LinkedIn.

Buy the companion book, "Follow the Feeling: Brand Building in a Noisy World" on Amazon.

💬 Text us.

Support the show

In this episode, we tell you why being safe, boring, or bland as a brand is a common mistake, and how to avoid creating a brand strategy that lacks emotional connection.

We'll discuss the following:

• Brand strategy often hides behind checklists and design elements (logos, colors, fonts) instead of creating emotional connections
• True branding is about building communities of superfans who feel something for your brand, not just recognizing your visual assets
• Many powerful brands like Mr. Beast, Kai Cenat, Steven Bartlett or Liquid Death, Skims, ELF Beauty have forgettable logos and colors but unforgettable emotional resonance
• The LAVEC method for building dynamic, meaningful brands: Lexicon, Audio, Visual, Experience, and Cultural elements
• Traditional brand elements are just "vessels for meaning" – empty containers without the emotional substance inside
• Building a brand without emotional clarity is like "owning a gorgeous car but having nowhere to go"

Whether you’re building a startup or refreshing your brand, this is your blueprint for turning an audience into a tribe.

Subscribe to the weekly Brand Builder Lab newsletter.

Produced by Kai D. Wright. Follow Kai on LinkedIn.

Buy the companion book, "Follow the Feeling: Brand Building in a Noisy World" on Amazon.

💬 Text us.

Support the show