Students’ Reflections on Personal Brands & Stories IV

New stories. Same spark.

As this series unfolds, I continue to be moved by the depth and authenticity my students bring to the table. Their reflections have evolved into a powerful reminder that personal branding isn’t about image crafting – it’s about identity discovery.

This fourth edition shines a light on even more voices – each one exploring what it means to build a brand grounded in values, memory, and purpose. These aren’t just exercises in storytelling; they’re bold steps toward self-awareness.

Dear Storyteller, I’m excited to share with you today a new set of reflections. Take your time with them. Let their words sit with you. You might just find a piece of your own story in theirs.

Who's the best storyteller you know, and why? What makes them so engaging when telling a story? Can be someone closer to you (family, friends, etc.) or a well-known personality.

Testimonial #1

“I have had the opportunity to observe and engage with many storytellers. My mother is a great storyteller; she has an inherent and unique skill of making even the most mundane of things sound exciting. She draws in a ton of people who unequivocally support her, enable her and look to her for advice. She can engage anyone in conversation and make any topic interesting. Growing up a shy, introverted child I could not even fathom doing what she did. My partner is also a fantastic storyteller. While a mathematical physicist by profession, he can imagine, decipher and explain complex mathematical topics in the most innovative, engaging and creative terms.”

Testimonial #2

“The best storyteller I know is my uncle. He likes to speak in front of people and to be in the centre of attention. Every time when my family is meeting each other, he is preparing a long personal speech. His stories are about his childhood and what kind of venture and activities he did with my grandfather or grandmother. First he is defining a core message, which could be for example: “Dear parents, you are the reason why I´m here. A few years ago, my mother told me about the mishap that happened to you, father, just before I was born.” After he tells the story.

His speeches are personal and humorous, and often involve other family members. They feel involved in the story and listen intently. We like his stories a lot and I asked how to become a good storyteller. My uncle answered this question for me and he said it’s a bit of preparation but mostly a lot of practice.”

Testimonial #3

“One of the best storytellers I know is the Head of the institutional sales team at my prior work place. He has an exceptional ability to use stories to inspire our entire team and convey complex concepts or ideas effectively. His storytelling is engaging because he seamlessly blends real-life experiences and anecdotes with the topic at hand, making it relatable and memorable. He has a captivating presence, a knack for bringing abstract concepts to life through storytelling, and a genuine passion for connecting with the audience. It’s a skill that not only informs but also motivates and leaves a lasting impact. I very much compare him and his ability to tell stories to one of the most inspiring movies for me: The pursuit of happiness. There is always a very emotional story to capture one message or “part of life”.”

---

The voices shared in this edition reveal something essential about storytelling: its power to connect, to humanize, and to spark emotion. Whether it’s a parent adding color to everyday moments or a professional leader adding real-life experience to explain abstract topics, these storytellers show us how stories bring people closer.

Now, I invite you to join the conversation.

Who’s the best storyteller in your life, and what makes their voice stand out? Have you ever reflected on how your own stories leave an imprint on those around you?

Take a moment to reflect. Share your thoughts. Or simply carry the question with you into your next conversation.

P.S. Before publishing any reflection, I always obtain the student’s permission to share their individual testimonial, ensuring complete anonymity. Under these terms, no personal data is ever disclosed.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog series – Students’ Reflections on Personal Brands & Stories – are solely those of the contributing students, and do not necessarily reflect my own. As such, I, Tomás Varela Pinto, cannot be held responsible for their content.