What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone who wants to use their personal brand to create positive change in the world? How can they leverage their platform?

Question

This article offers expert perspectives on leveraging one's platform for positive impact, highlighting straightforward strategies for inspiring change and authentic engagement. It strips away the complexities to present practical advice from those who have successfully used their influence for the greater good. Readers will find a wealth of knowledge distilled into actionable steps for anyone aiming to make a difference.

Bhavik Sarkhedi · Answer

If there's one insight I've gained from building my brand--from founding Ohh My Brand to authoring "The Unproposed Guy"--it's that genuine storytelling isn't optional; it's foundational. I've learned to blend vulnerability with clarity, tackling relatable struggles like overcoming rejection and self-doubt, which sparks deeper conversations. I leverage my platform by sharing authentic stories that spotlight real issues, spark meaningful dialogue, and inspire tangible actions toward positive change. When I published in Forbes or The New York Times, I didn't just chase visibility--I intentionally highlighted voices and issues often overlooked, amplifying their impact. Using my platform consistently to engage my community, I've realized the real magic is in fostering dialogue that challenges norms and prompts action. Your personal brand isn't a billboard--it's a beacon, so light the path boldly, transparently, and with purpose.

Georgi Petrov · Answer

The best advice I'd give to someone looking to use their brand for positive change is to lead with authenticity and consistency. People connect with real stories and genuine passion, so instead of trying to be everything to everyone, focus on a cause that truly resonates with you. Your brand should reflect your values, experiences, and expertise in a way that naturally attracts the right audience.
Leveraging a platform starts with creating valuable content that educates, inspires, or challenges people to think differently. Whether it's through social media, podcasts, or blogs, consistency in messaging builds trust and influence. Engaging with your community—through discussions, collaborations, and live interactions—turns passive followers into active supporters.
One of the most effective strategies is to align with organizations or initiatives that amplify your message. Partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, or thought leaders can expand your reach and make a tangible impact. Real change happens when influence turns into action, so use your platform to mobilize people, not just inform them.

Benny Voncken · Answer

Building a brand that creates a positive change in the world must start from the right place. Your intrinsic motivation will determine the direction your company will take. Are you focused on making as much money as possible, or do you want to solve people's problems? They can go hand in hand, but the key is where you begin.
In my case with Via Stoica, I first had to go through these experiences myself before I could help others as a Stoic coach. After facing my own challenges, such as going through a divorce and becoming sober, I knew it was my mission to help others find a similar path and become more at peace with who they are, just as I did. Stoicism helped me find direction and gave me the guidance I needed. It was something I felt I had to share.
Now it is up to you to ask yourself why you are building this brand. Since money is often a deciding factor in whether something is called a success or a failure, how will you let that influence what you are doing? In my case, I am happy when I get to help even one person. While money is important to keep the business going and as a commitment from the people I work with, it is not the driving force.
If you want your brand to make a positive contribution, you need to start asking the difficult questions. Create an elevator pitch that will remind you of your mission whenever you feel like you are losing that path. What this will do is amplify your authentic self. That should be at the core of your product and your marketing.
Once you build your platform from these foundations, the rest will take care of itself. Your marketing, your target audience, and everything else will align with you and your mission. Keep your goals in mind and do not be distracted by external measurements or factors.

Lia Munson · Answer

The one piece of advice I'd give to someone wanting to use their personal brand for positive change is this: detach from the outcome and focus on authentic service. In a world that glorifies numbers (like followers, likes, and shares), it's easy to believe that making a difference requires reaching the largest audience possible. But true impact comes from depth, not breadth. 
Instead of asking, "How can I go viral?" ask, "How can I serve the people who are already here?" Even if your message changes one life, that ripple effect is immeasurable.
In order to leverage your platform effectively, make sure you show up vulnerably. Share not just successes, but the struggles, lessons, and real human experiences that shape you. Focus on meaningful interactions, not just content output. Reply to comments, ask questions, and create a two-way dialogue. Finally, lead with your passion, not trends. The most powerful voices are the ones that stay true to their mission, even when it's not "popular."
When you detach from the pressure of numbers and lean into intentional, heart-led storytelling, your platform becomes a force for real and lasting change. Impact comes from authenticity, not metrics.

Marina Byezhanova · Answer

There are three reasons why CEOs build a personal brand: to amplify their visibility, to create portability, and to build a platform. We use the platform to talk about issues that matter to us at scale. In my case, I used my platform to talk about my home country of Ukraine: I spoke about it every time I took the stage for a keynote, as well as actively shared updates and my thoughts on LinkedIn. As a result, I was able to drive donations and now inspire business owners to hire team members who are in Ukraine. When we switch our mindset from creating visibility simply to serve our own needs (drive leads, create opportunities, etc.) to seeing it as an engine for creating positive change in the world, our audiences feel it and, in turn, feel more compelled to support us.

Sonny Da Badger · Answer

To leverage your personal brand for positive change, first embrace authenticity and connect with a community that shares your passion. I fell in love with the biker lifestyle, and together with my wife, Angie, we created Support Bikers, a community designed by bikers for bikers. This niche focus allows us to provide genuine value and support to our members, fostering a strong, engaged community.
Building a platform centered on community-based initiatives can amplify your impact. Our Support Bikers initiative connects businesses and individuals to support the local biker community, organize events, and raise awareness. This network not only helps bikers find resources but also energizes businesses and local economies by bringing people together through shared interests.
Use your platform to advocate for change by listening and responding to your community's needs. For instance, many people in our community believe politics should stay out of motorcycle culture, so we focus on creating inclusive, non-political spaces. Listening and adapting based on community input ensures your brand remains relevant, resonant, and a catalyst for positive change.

Doreen Nunez · Answer

As the founder and creative director of Mommy Rheum, a chronic illness website geared toward parents and patients with autoimmune disorders, all I've ever wanted to do was use my personal brand to create positive change in the world. My biggest piece of advice for anyone with the same goal is to lean into your lived experience and use it to connect in meaningful, relatable ways.
For me, this means creating interactive content like my Spoonie Quiz to help others understand chronic illness concepts in a personal and engaging format. I also use social media to share stories, start discussions, and raise awareness about topics like medical gaslighting, fatigue, and invisible disabilities. I contribute to forums where patients and caregivers gather, and I publish articles on my website that highlight real struggles with autoimmune disease while encouraging community dialogue.
By showing up consistently, creating conversation-starting content, and giving your audience tools to feel seen and supported, you can use your platform to not only share your truth but to amplify others', too.

Stephen Dominic Giuttari · Answer

To create positive change using your personal brand, focus on building meaningful partnerships. From experience at Market Boxx, identifying creators in your niche with similar audiences can amplify your message. I've found success using tools like Channel Crawler to collaborate with like-minded individuals for mutual benefit.
Consider running contests or giveaways relevant to your mission. These can quickly engage your existing audience while attracting new followers who share your values. During campaigns, I ensured subscribers participated by aligning the prizes with our niche, which bolstered community engagement significantly.
Finally, engage directly with your community. Regular, genuine interactions in comments can forge a sense of connection and loyalty, turning casual followers into active participants in your mission. By making dialogue personal and authentic, I've sustained high retention rates and fostered lasting relationships with my audience.

Tony Crisp · Answer

One piece of advice I'd give is to ensure your personal brand focuses on authenticity and resonates with your audience's core values. At CRISPx, we employed the DOSE Method™ to propel brands like Robosen beyond mere products to meaningful entities. This approach ensured their launch led to high pre-order numbers and significant media buzz, turning a Transformer robot into a symbol of innovation and nostalgia.
Leverage storytelling to create narratives that align with your audience's aspirations. When we revamped Syber's branding from black to white, it wasn't just a surface change. It symbolized progress and modernity in the gaming world, demonstrating our understanding of gamers' evolving lifestyles. This strategic shift not only maintained brand relevance but also inspired a fresh community perception.
Data-driven creativity is indispensable. With Element U.S. Space & Defense, we transformed its digital presence by focusing on custom user experiences. By understanding different user personas, we crafted a website that spoke directly to the unique needs of engineers, quality managers, and procurement specialists. This precise alignment of brand and user needs turns digital platforms into powerful engagement tools.

Reilly James Renwick · Answer

I believe the most powerful brands today aren't just about profit; they're about purpose. If you want your personal brand to create real change, you need to live that change.
A 2023 survey by Edelman found that 64% of people expect brands to take a stand on important social issues. The same goes for personal brands: authenticity is the key.
Start by aligning your values with actions, not just words. You can't talk about social justice and then stay silent when it matters. My advice is to partner up with like-minded organizations, share stories from people on the frontlines, and make your platform a space where meaningful dialogue can happen. By using your platform to amplify others, you'll create a movement instead of just noise.

Natalia Lavrenenko · Answer

Use your personal brand to show, not tell. Authenticity beats perfection every time. When I create UGC content, especially with my kids, it's the real moments that resonate most. People relate to raw, unfiltered experiences because they feel genuine. If you're trying to make a positive impact, don't polish everything until it's flawless. Let your true self shine through, flaws and all.
Instead of merely talking about change, demonstrate it. Create content where you're actively engaging in the causes you care about. Whether it's community work, educational videos, or lifestyle changes, people want to see you living your message. I've found that videos expressing genuine emotions receive the highest engagement. Your platform's power lies in your ability to connect, not convince.

Kiel Tredrea · Answer

Using your personal brand to create positive change starts with a clear and consistent message. As someone who has led large-scale branding initiatives, I've seen how critical differentiation and trust-building are. Establishing your brand's unique position and aligning it with a cause can make your message resonate more. Use your platform as a voice to highlight particular issues you care about, supported by data or success stories from your initiatives.
Leverage the power of digital tools to optimize your reach. At RED27Creative, we focus on conversion optimization and user experience in website design. This ensures the digital platforms are engaging and effective in converting interest to action. For instance, using our expertise in search engine optimization, we've driven major organic growth in online presence, making it easier for positive content to reach more eyes. 
Building strategic partnerships can amplify your efforts. I've partnered with local businesses and created referral networks, enhancing visibility and credibility. By collaborating with organizations that share similar values, you not only expand your reach but also show solidarity in efforts, which can be incredibly powerful for instigating change.

Michael Gargiulo · Answer

One piece of advice I'd give is to lead with authenticity and passion. Share your story, your values, and your vision for a better world. Use your platform to amplify voices that are often unheard, to educate and inspire action, and to build a community of like-minded individuals who share your commitment to positive change. Remember, your personal brand is a powerful tool for making a difference, so use it wisely and with purpose.

Justin Belmont · Answer

Use your personal brand to be authentic and speak on issues that truly matter to you. Don't just jump on trends--your passion and sincerity will resonate more with your audience.
Leverage your platform by sharing personal stories, insights, and actions that drive change. Use your voice to amplify important causes, support organizations, or start conversations that inspire others. The more you lead by example and align your actions with your message, the more you'll create a real, lasting impact. People connect with authenticity, so show up as your true self, and the rest will follow.

Milton Brown · Answer

Leveraging a personal brand for positive change requires aligning your unique skills and values with a cause that resonates. My digital marketing journey has taught me the power of data-driven storytelling to drive impact. Using SMART goals ensures clarity when defining the change you want to see. For example, a past campaign for a healthcare client focused on raising awareness about a specific condition. We optimized SEO and PPC strategies, resulting in a 35% increase in targeted traffic, furthering both brand reach and awareness about the condition.
Focus on social media as a key platform for message amplification. By optimizing content for mobile, given that over 50% of users access content on smartphones, you ensure your message is consistently engaging and accessible. During a paid social media campaign, we tracked engagement metrics like clicks and shares, iterating based on real-time data. This approach not only increased reach by 40% but created a sustainable loop of engagement, serving both brand objectives and social causes. Ensure alignment between your message, platform, and audience for maximum impact.

Philip Stoelman · Answer

Here's my advice for using your personal brand to create positive change: Focus on authenticity and consistency. Your brand should reflect your genuine passions and values, not just what you think will be popular. Consistently demonstrate those values through your actions, content, and partnerships. Be patient - building trust and influence takes time. Look for ways to educate and inspire others around causes you care about. And remember that even small actions can have a ripple effect when you have a platform.
For example, when I started my company, I made environmental sustainability a core part of our mission and my personal brand. We implemented eco-friendly practices, I regularly shared educational content about sustainability, and we partnered with environmental nonprofits. Over time, this consistent focus helped us attract like-minded customers and employees. More importantly, it inspired other businesses in our industry to adopt more sustainable practices. What started as my personal passion became a movement that's creating real positive change in our sector.

Ronak Kothari · Answer

When I started Ronkot Design, I harnessed the power of storytelling to create emotional connections with audiences. My journey from Kenya to establishing a digital agency in Texas showed me the value of diverse perspectives. This approach has helped transform how businesses engage, as relevant stories resonate deeper and invite action.
One successful case was crafting culturally-rich marketing campaigns for our clients. For instance, a client in the travel industry saw a 35% increase in engagement after we integrated local stories into their branding. This not only boosted their brand appeal but also amplified their ability to create long-lasting emotional bonds with their audience.
To leverage your platform, embrace diversity in content to inspire and move people. Craft narratives that highlight global perspectives and shared human experiences. Focus on making authentic connections through your stories, empowering others to relate and reflect positively on your mission.

Michael Lazar · Answer

Authenticity is your most powerful tool. Don't try to portray an image that doesn't align with your core values. Instead, identify the causes you genuinely care about and use your platform to amplify their messages. Share your personal journey, your struggles, and your triumphs. People connect with vulnerability and honesty.
Leverage your platform to educate and inspire, not just to promote. Create content that sparks conversations, challenges perspectives, and encourages action. Alternatively, collaborate with organizations and individuals who are already making a difference in your chosen cause. Use your influence to raise awareness, mobilize support, and drive meaningful change. Your personal brand can be a catalyst for good, but it must be rooted in genuine passion and a commitment to making a positive impact.

McCain Kennedy · Answer

When leveraging a personal brand for positive change, I find that effectively showcasing your unique narrative can resonate deeply with audiences. When I worked with a trenchless pipe repair company, I helped increase their revenue from under $1 million to $10 million in two years by focusing on SEO and Google Ads. Highlighting their journey allowed us to attract over 70 leads per month, up from just 8 initially, which showcases the transformative power of a well-told story aligned with strategic marketing.
Choose platforms that align with your brand values and commit to creating authentic content that engages your audience while staying informed of current best practices. When I revamped a supplement brand's ad strategy, increasing the return on ad spend from 1.5X to 3.6X, it highlighted the importance of continually optimizing and being responsive to platform evolution. Staying proactive ensures meaningful engagements that can drive societal change alongside business success.
Encourage involvement and interaction. Just as I did with clients in diverse sectors, creating engaging content such as how-to or explainer videos helps educate and empower your audience. This approach transforms passive followers into active participants, who can be your most consistent allies in driving positive change.

Barbara Robinson · Answer

One of the strongest ways to build influence through a personal brand is by translating complex issues into things people can understand and care about. In our field, climate resilience sounds like an abstract problem--until you show how one fabric barrier helped a rural family avoid losing $40,000 worth of livestock. I started sharing those stories publicly, using visuals and short posts under my own name. That built credibility beyond the industry bubble. Suddenly, university researchers and local leaders were reaching out directly.
To use a platform effectively, anchor it in storytelling, not statistics. People scroll past charts, but they remember a goat shelter that held through a 120 km/h wind. You don't need millions of followers. You need clear, repeated evidence that you're applying your expertise to something bigger than profit. That shift--from "look what we made" to "look who we protected"--is how you create actual change.

Samir ElKamouny · Answer

To create positive change leveraging your personal brand, focus on aligning your core values with your actions. I've built Fetch and Funnel on principles like freedom and innovation, and these guide every decision I make. When you're genuine and consistent, your audience will resonate with your message and feel empowered to engage with you.
An effective way to leverage your platform is through collaboration. At Fetch and Funnel, I've partnered with influencers to amplify campaigns, ensuring they're well-researched and aligned with our mission. This approach not only boosted our ROI but also fostered long-term relationships built on mutual trust and shared impact.
Also, adopt a personalized strategy when engaging with your audience. When optimizing for growth marketing, I learned the power of tailoring messages to specific demographics. For example, using creative diversification improved our campaign efficiency by 32%. Knowing your audience and crafting messages that speak directly to them help in creating real, positive changes.

How to Use Your Platform for Good: Advice from Changemakers

How to Use Your Platform for Good: Advice from Changemakers

Share Authentic Stories to Inspire Change

Lead With Authenticity and Consistency

Start With the Right Motivation

Detach From Outcome, Focus on Service

Use Your Platform to Amplify Issues

Embrace Authenticity and Connect With Community

Lean Into Lived Experience to Connect

Build Meaningful Partnerships for Change

Focus on Authenticity and Core Values

Live Your Brand’s Purpose

Show, Don’t Tell Your Authenticity

Start With Clear and Consistent Messaging

Lead With Authenticity and Passion

Be Authentic and Speak on Important Issues

Align Skills and Values With a Cause

Focus on Authenticity and Consistency

Harness Storytelling to Create Connections

Use Authenticity to Amplify Causes

Showcase Unique Narrative to Engage Audience

Translate Complex Issues Into Relatable Stories

Align Core Values With Actions

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