The Founder Story: Turn Your Why Into Connection

88% of consumers say authenticity is a key factor when choosing the brands they support—but most entrepreneurs still hide behind logos, credentials, and sales tactics.

In today’s episode, I dive into the Founder Story, the second storytelling pillar from Stories That Stick by Kindra Hall. I break down why your origin story is your greatest marketing asset, how to craft it with authenticity, and where to use it to build deep, lasting trust with your audience.

If you’ve ever wondered how to differentiate yourself in a crowded market—or felt awkward talking about yourself—this episode will show you why your “why” is the bridge between your brand and your audience’s loyalty.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why people follow leaders, not logos—and how your story builds trust
• The three-part storytelling framework for crafting your Founder Story
• The biggest myths that hold entrepreneurs back from sharing their story
• How to make your Founder Story relatable (even if you think it’s “not dramatic enough”)
• Where and when to use your story to deepen connection and loyalty
• Real-world examples to inspire you to share yours

Key Takeaways
✔️Your audience isn’t buying what you sell—they’re buying why you care.
✔️Authenticity beats perfection every time.
✔️Your story doesn’t have to be dramatic. It just needs to be real.
✔️Sharing your why closes the trust gap faster than any marketing tactic.
✔️Your story should live everywhere: sales calls, about pages, podcasts, DMs, launches.
✔️The story that moves the world isn’t your resume—it’s your heart.
✔️The biggest risk isn’t telling your story wrong—it’s not telling it at all.
 

Timestamps
[00:00] – Why logos and credentials don’t build trust—your story does
[02:00] – Welcome to Part 3 of the Stories That Stick series
[05:00] – What is a Founder Story and why it matters
[07:00] – Common myths about sharing your story (and why they’re false)
[10:00] – The 3-part storytelling arc: Normal → Explosion → New Normal
[12:00] – Prompts to uncover your most powerful founder story moments
[14:00] – Example of a Founder Story you can model
[18:00] – Where and how to use your story across your brand
[20:00] – Your invitation: share your story authentically this week

Choose Your Next Steps:

• Block 15 minutes of distraction-free time.
• Reflect on the moments that shaped your why (using the prompts in the episode).
• Craft a rough version of your Founder Story—messy is okay.
• Share it publicly—Instagram, podcast, email, DM, wherever feels right.
• Tag me on Instagram @itsgeorgebryant so I can read and celebrate it with you!

This is the third episode in a special 5-part podcast series on mastering storytelling for entrepreneurs, based on the framework from Stories That Stick by Kindra Hall.

Download your free companion workbook to reflect, take action, and make the most out of this series.

Click here to access the workbook!

Make sure to listen to the other episodes in the series too (linked below) to complete your storytelling blueprint!

• Ep. 591 Stories That Stick: The Four Stories Every Entrepreneur Needs to Tell
• Ep. 593 The Value Story – Sell the Transformation, Not the Thing

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