Your Team’s Untapped Stories: The Key to Stronger Brands

Photo credit: Anna Shvets

At a recent Employee Experience Summit, I led a session focused on helping employees build their own personal brands. The focus wasn’t just on theory but on practical storytelling, how to share achievements in ways that resonate and create meaningful impact.

Amid the discussions, one story stood out. Maddy Reinikka shared a deeply personal experience from the height of the COVID crisis. Unable to reach her father, she was devastated to learn from his workplace that he had not shown up. This loss inspired her to take action, urging companies to maintain updated emergency contact lists for all employees. A simple yet critical safety measure.

Her initiative revealed that many employees lacked emergency contacts on file. Because of her efforts, this is no longer the case today for hundreds of people. This thoughtful change stands as a powerful testament to how individual voices can make a profound difference.

This moment captured the true impact of empowerment, reminding us that inspiring stories and ideas often dwell within our teams, waiting to be heard.

The Concept: Building Employee Personal Brands

Imagine employees sharing their passions and causes—whether coordinating fundraisers or championing sustainability on social media. These unique voices, when supported, do more than build careers. They position the company as an employer who genuinely values and invests in its people.

This creates authentic ambassadors whose stories bring real attention and positive energy to the organization.

How to Cultivate This Effect

• Dedicate space and time for employees to reflect on what makes them unique—their strengths, stories, and achievements

• Provide resources or workshops that encourage storytelling skills and help craft messages tailored for real audiences, be that social media, newsletters, podcasts, or events

• Foster group environments where feedback and collaborative idea-sharing can grow individual voices into collective strength

Guiding Principles  

• Look Inward: The best ideas and stories are often close to home; start by listening within

• Authenticity Matters: Empowered employees speak most powerfully because they share genuine perspectives

• The Round Table Effect: Interactive groups generate fresh insights and nurture supportive storytelling cultures

What This Means for Your Brand

Supporting employees in shaping their personal brands creates a dual impact. It makes people feel valued and connected, and their strengthened personal profiles reflect back positively on your company’s reputation.

Beyond culture, this approach can uncover transformative ideas—potentially saving lives and redefining organizational priorities.

At Yellow Bricks, we partner with executives and teams to deliver tailored communications strategy, storytelling coaching, and personal branding workshops. Our practical training and consulting empower your organization to craft authentic messages, build confident leaders, and strengthen your brand’s voice. Connect with us to transform how your people communicate and engage.