Why leaning into who you are makes all the difference
My friend Mike recently told me a story that perfectly captures something I’ve been thinking about. He was on a first date at a cozy Italian spot, and things were going well until the conversation turned to movies. Mike, being Mike, launched into a 20-minute analysis of why “The Godfather” is actually a masterclass in family business dynamics, complete with a passionate breakdown of how Michael Corleone’s character arc mirrors modern startup founders who lose their way.
His date just stared at him, pasta halfway to her mouth, before saying “Do you… always do this?” When Mike nodded, she made an excuse about feeding her cat and left before dessert.
Here’s the twist though: Mike later met someone who loved his deep analysis of everything. Their first date turned into a four-hour discussion about how different movies reflect societal changes. They’re married now, and yes, their wedding vows included film references.
This gets at something fundamental about brand that we don’t talk about enough: its real power isn’t in trying to appeal to everyone—it’s in helping you find your way to the right people and opportunities.
The Clarity of Authenticity
When you’re clear about who you are and what you stand for, you naturally attract people who align with your values and repel those who don’t. That’s not just okay—it’s the point. Every “no” from the wrong fit creates space for a “yes” from the right one.
I’ve lived this myself. When I started Arcbound, I didn’t set out with some master plan. I just knew I wanted to help people connect deeply with who they are and turn that into impact. Along the way, I’ve been pretty open about my stumbles—except for the time I showed up to a formal meeting in shorts and flip flops and was ridiculed by the company leader (this was years ago!).
But here’s the thing: being honest about these moments led me to find the right mentors and support systems. People who saw these admissions not as weaknesses, but as signs of someone willing to learn and grow – someone willing to take ownership. They connected me with opportunities I wouldn’t have found if I’d been trying to maintain some polished, perfect image.
The funny part? It worked. Not despite being honest about the journey, but because of it. We’re now quite stabilized, have a much stronger team, and make real differences for our clients. Not by pretending to be something we’re not, but by staying true to what matters to us—helping people discover their message and turn it into lasting change.
Finding Your Path
At Arcbound, we see this play out constantly. Clients often come to us worried about being “too niche” or “too specific” in their messaging. But those who embrace their authentic perspective—whether that’s the CEO who writes about mental health or the tech founder who admits to learning on the job—consistently build stronger connections than those trying to please everyone or growth hack their way to the “promise land”.
Think about it: The aspects of your brand that might make some people uncomfortable are often the same ones that make others trust you completely. That’s not a bug in the system—it’s exactly how it should work.
Your brand isn’t just about standing out. It’s about standing firm in who you are and what you believe, letting that guide you to where (and who) you need to be.