Brand Jitsu: Michael Dargie on Storytelling, Authenticity, and Branding

How do you make a brand unforgettable in a world full of sameness? In this episode of Ingleside Reviews: Innovators Unveiled, A.D. Edwards talks with Michael Dargie, founder of Make More Creative, author of Brand Jitsu, and host of the Rebel Rebel podcast. Michael explains how entrepreneurs can use authenticity, storytelling, creativity, and discipline to build brands that people actually remember. Drawing from Japanese jiu-jitsu, theater, improv, podcasting, and decades of creative strategy, he shares why the strongest brands are not built on hype. They are built on truth, clarity, and the courage to show up differently. What You’ll Learn What Brand Jitsu means and how it connects storytelling with brand strategy Why honesty and authenticity matter more than flashy marketing How entrepreneurs can stand out without copying competitors Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in business innovation How improv, theater, podcasting, and martial arts shaped Michael’s creative philosophy Why small businesses should focus on truth, purpose, and the people they serve How vulnerability, persistence, and consistency help entrepreneurs build memorable brands Episode Highlights 01:31 – Michael explains the meaning of Brand Jitsu and why it is about the technique of story 03:28 – How Japanese jiu-jitsu shaped Michael’s belief in simple, immediate, usable systems 05:08 – Why many brands fall into sameness and how honesty helps them stand apart 06:51 – The universal principle behind Brand Jitsu: find, shape, and share your story so people get it 08:17 – How leaving the big-brand corporate world led Michael to start Make More Creative 11:33 – Why Michael wanted to help small businesses show up like big brands 13:42 – How service, purpose, and truth help entrepreneurs balance creativity with business fundamentals 16:01 – Why entrepreneurs should not ignore competitors, but should stay focused on their own truth 18:12 – Why Michael prefers that people feel a mission instead of simply reading a mission statement 20:05 – How storytelling helps customers see themselves inside the brand experience 23:42 – Why Michael believes successful people are often humble servants with a clear purpose 26:05 – How theater and improv shaped Michael’s ability to keep stories moving forward 29:17 – The unexpected complexity of producing a major video project for a university client 33:26 – How the Rebel Rebel podcast began as a way to meet creative rebels and entrepreneurs 35:28 – Why Michael carefully screens podcast guests for fit, story, and purpose 38:14 – What podcasting has taught Michael about humility, service, and meaningful work 40:26 – How Drop Bear and Panda Save the World evolved into Drop Bear and Panda Save Canada 43:05 – Michael’s view on the future of podcasting and why human stories still matter 45:06 – Why leaving corporate life helped Michael build a new relationship with work 46:47 – How martial arts gave Michael a no-quit mindset in business 48:36 – Why creative blocks require changing the environment and doing something different 49:21 – The biggest risk Michael is glad he took and why truth matters in personal and professional life Meet the Guest Michael Dargie is the founder of Make More Creative, author of Brand Jitsu, host of the Rebel Rebel podcast, and co-host of Drop Bear and Panda Save the World and Drop Bear and Panda Save Canada. His work blends brand strategy, storytelling, martial arts philosophy, improv, creativity, and entrepreneurship to help people and companies become more memorable by becoming more honest. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned Brand Jitsu Make More Creative Rebel Rebel podcast Drop Bear and Panda Save the World Drop Bear and Panda Save Canada Japanese jiu-jitsu Find, shape, and share your story Brand authenticity Brand DNA Brand promise Story-driven branding We-to-you ratio Improv “yes, and” mindset Not a game, not a sport Creative rebel positioning Guest intake process Nine-minute pre-interview Service-based brand strategy Truth-centered branding Closing Insight and CTA Michael’s message is simple and powerful: truth matters. A memorable brand does not need to be perfect, polished, or louder than everyone else. It needs to be clear, honest, useful, and real. When entrepreneurs understand who they serve, why they do the work, and how to tell that story in a way people can feel, they create brands that stand apart. Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbook Subscribe for more conversations with builders, creators, founders, and leaders: https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutube Get the companion book, Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW Download the 7-Day Breakthrough Workbook: https://bit.ly/PDIRworkbookSubscribe for more conversations with builders, creators, founders, and leaders: https://bit.ly/PDIRyoutubeGet the companion book, Unveiling the Innovator in You!: https://amzn.to/4dmgsVW🎙️ Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@InglesideReviewsPodcast📩 Connect or inquire about interviews: [email protected] ✨ Keep innovating. Keep creating. Never stop unveiling the innovator in you.