322: Showcasing Organizational Authenticity: The DNA of Effective Branding

Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity

Guest Angela DiMarco is an intuitive design leader with 30+ years in branding, marketing, and advertising. As Chief Creative Officer at Phenom Publishing, she collaborates with authors to create impactful book designs. Co-host of "Going Commando with Angela & Dana," she champions authenticity and honest conversations. Angela's expertise helps businesses express their unique brand with creativity and integrity, connecting them with their audience on a profound level. Summary

In this podcast episode, Angela shares insights on branding and authenticity. She discusses her career journey from aspiring doctor to branding expert, emphasizing her curiosity about people's authentic selves and the masks they wear.

Angela defines branding as uncovering a company's core values, vision, and unique positioning - the "DNA" that should drive all messaging and actions. She explains her process of working with clients through collaborative workshops to integrate this brand DNA into all aspects of their business. Angela stresses the importance of authenticity in branding, refusing to work with clients seeking only superficial solutions.

We also explore the concept of “priming,” which is how organizations can psychologically engage prospective customers to ensure the best brand experience.

The episode also touches on Angela’s partnership with Dana Sardano, highlighting how their friendship and authentic perspectives contribute to their various business ventures.

Three Takeaways

1. Authentic branding is rooted in a company’s or a solopreneur’s core values, vision, and unique positioning.

2. Effective branding requires integrating the brand's DNA into all aspects of the business.

3. Organizations and solopreneurs can use a variety of methods to set the customer up psychologically to optimally experience the brand.

Social Media

Connect and collaborate with Angela DiMarco – https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamariedimarco/

Co-Host of "Going Commando with Angela & Dana" – youtube.com/@goingcommandowithangelaanddana

Co-Founder of Uniquely Phenom Collaboration / UPC Creative Services: Explore how Angela can assist in infusing some magic into your venture – https://upccreativeservices.com/

Co-Founder/Chief Creative Officer of Phenom Publishing, and Author of "Uniquely U. Update #52: The Birth of a Bright-Eyed Entrepreneur" – https://phenom-publishing.com/angela-dimarco

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.