In this thought-provoking session, we're joined by the remarkable Kristen Vanderhoek, founder of Cursor and Ink, a branding and strategy consultancy. With 15 years of experience under her belt, Kristen brings us an enlightening comparison between brand building and constructing a house, where the allure isn't simply in the façade, but in the warm, inviting spaces created for customers to cherish.

In our chat, Kristen lays out the foundational pillars of successful branding — vision, mission, values, orientation, messaging, and, of course, those eye-catching emblems like logos and colors. As we unpack these elements, we'll discover why it's crucial not to skew our focus solely onto the visual appeal but to give a balanced effort across all pillars, ensuring your brands stand strong.

We'll also explore the journey of a business from the ground up, highlighting the significance of knowing who you are, who you're not, and why diving deep into your values is a step you cannot afford to skip. Kristen and I share the conviction that building a brand with purpose isn't just about what it looks like on the outside, but also about the honest, value-driven core that resonates with your audience and sustains your mission.

So, if you've been pondering how to ensure your brand's vision, mission, and values are not just words on a page but a lived experience that threads through your products, offerings, and culture, this episode is tailored for you.