Big Brands and the Hero Trap

How can you turn your customer into a superhero? In today's episode, we are joined by Thomas Kolster, the Author of The Hero Trap and Goodvertising and one of the most recognized thinkers globally, where marketing, business, and sustainability meet. This week's episode covers experiences, why they are more sustainable than things, and how to make them truly transformational. Tune in to learn more about why you should be putting your customers in charge and turning them into superheroes instead of your brand.   IN THIS EPISODE: [01:48] Thomas’s career background. [03:56] Why Thomas chooses sustainability to be part of a solution. [06:46] How open are the companies Thomas works with to change? [08:37] What is The Hero Trap? [15:55] What drives brands to stop authentically caring about their mission? [19:37] Why do people fall out of love with brands? [21:43] Aransas shares her experience of working for a transformative brand. [28:48] Customers should be treated like superheroes.    KEY TAKEAWAYS: Experiences are more sustainable than things. Put your customer in charge of your brand and your business. Understand fundamentally the role you play in people’s lives. Turn your customers into superheroes instead of your brand. Ask yourself how you can create transformative experiences for your customers.   LINKS MENTIONED: Thomas’s Books    BIO: Thomas Kolster is a frontrunner and one of the most recognized thinkers globally where marketing, business, and sustainability meet. He continuously challenges the status quo with his vocal and often provocative views on values, purpose, and leadership. In an over-crowded do-good market, people don’t buy your values or your “why” but rather who you can help them become.    Thomas wrote two books: Goodvertising & The Hero Trap. He delivered keynotes and workshops in +70 markets for clients like Facebook, P&G, and IKEA and at conferences such as TEDx, and SXSW Judged top awards such as Jury President at D&AD and Jury at Cannes Lions. Thomas also delivered longer training programs with universities and the likes of Cannes Lions and D&AD. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theexperiencestrategist.substack.com/subscribe