We are rapidly approaching the end of semester, which can only mean one thing: freedom. The end of the semester is always a weird time. It kind of reminds me of the end of a relationship where both parties have just had enough and know that it is time to move on. Let us conclude the business at hand and get on with our lives. Sure we can stay friends, and perhaps even hold out the potential of getting back together at some point in the future in another class. But right now, its best if we go our separate ways.

For those students that are graduating, it means something else entirely: time to put all that book learning to work and try to get a job. Of course calling it book learning makes me show my age, because who reads books anymore! But the point still stands: graduates are on the hunt for a job that will provide the opportunity to start adulting on a larger scale.

To get a job, one of the things that they need to be able to do is stand out from the pack of others who are also trying to get jobs. Here in lies one of the unique ironies that we have in at least American culture. The belief that we are individuals who are unique and can stand out, coupled with a strong anxiety and aversion to being different from other people. For as much as we like to think of ourselves as unique and distinctive, we really have a strong streak of conformity. This makes us no different from other societies in which standing out can be stigmatizing and sanctioned. Being the first in a parade feels a lot safer than standing out.

But standing out is important in terms of showing others who we truly are, and living in a way that feels authentic.

My guest today on Experience by Design knows all about the challenge and importance of standing out. Judy Winslow of Unforgettable Brands is a self-described Brandologist who has spent her life standing out and being around creatives who do the same. Judy moved to Sarasota, Florida because it was a place for unique personalities and creative artists could come together and celebrate standing out. As a person trained in graphic design, she knew the importance of self-expression in her work. Now, she works with leaders to create cultures in which people can celebrate their unique characteristics, have freedom to express it, and transform vision into reality.

We talk about giving permission to be audaciously authentic. She describes how our brand is in action all the time, and that as humans we are here to stand out. She talks about how she was influenced by Marty Selligman, the godfather of positive psychology, focusing on what works well and how to build on those successes. She also reinforces the point that before you have customers, you have employees, and that personal and professional development is not just about improving ourselves, but helping to improve others as well by being able to better show up for them.

Judy Winslow https://unforgettablebrands.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judywins/

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