Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sasha Strauss, a leading voice in brand strategy and founder of Innovation Protocol. With over 25 years of experience, Sasha shares his unique approach to branding, emphasizing the importance of empathy, love, and understanding your audience. Discover how he turned personal struggles into professional triumphs, working with global giants like Google and Disney. Learn the secrets behind building a brand that resonates deeply with customers and fosters genuine connections. This episode has actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their brand strategy and make a lasting impact.

Five Badass Q&As: 
Q1: What inspired your TED Talk about branding with love?
A1: I wanted to write something that made people uncomfortable and challenged their notions about sales. The idea of wrapping sales in love was meant to disrupt and make people rethink their approach.
Q2: How does love fit into brand strategy?
A2: Brand strategy is about making your audience feel seen and understood. It's not just about the product but about connecting with the people who use it and making them feel valued.
Q3: What advice do you give small business owners who are skeptical about brand strategy?
A3: Small businesses have the advantage in brand strategy. They can build direct, authentic connections with their audience without the baggage of a large corporation's history.
Q4: How do you handle the internal branding within a company?
A4: It's crucial to include employees in the branding process. They need to feel heard and seen, so they advocate for the brand.
Q5: How did your early experiences influence your approach to branding?
A5: Growing up with parents dedicated to their work instilled in me the value of hard work and empathy. This translates into my branding work, where understanding and compassion are essential.

Five Badass Quotes: 
1. Sell things wrapped in love.
2. Nobody likes to be sold to; they want to feel connected.
3. Your entrepreneurial energy must be something other than your brand's energy.
4. Life is suffering, but we are lucky to live it.
5. Empathy is crucial in understanding your audience.
Five Badass Takeaways: 
1. Empathy is critical to successful branding.
2. Include your team in the branding process.
3. Small businesses have a branding advantage.
4. Authentic connections matter more than product features.
5. Overcoming personal struggles can fuel professional success.

Contact Info:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sashastrauss
 Website: https://www.innovationprotocol.com

Chapters: 
00:00  Introduction  
02:22  Sasha Strauss' background  
06:26  The concept of branding with love  
09:29  How love fits into brand strategy  
18:34  Empathizing with your audience  
26:40  Sasha's early influences  
32:19  Overcoming ADD and Early Struggles  
41:14  The importance of empathy in business  
51:46  The inception of the Innovation Protocol  
1:01:02  Dealing with mistakes and failures  
1:09:41  What's next for Sasha Strauss

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