Defining Authenticity, Time To Choose


Welcome to this week’s edition of Authenticity Report.

Defining Authenticity 🎬: This week, we revisit exploring what authenticity means across different lives and brands. We look back at our original series, capturing raw, honest stories from athletes to executives, and share our plans to update it with fresh perspectives on truth and transparency.

Our Roundup explores how authenticity drives engagement on TikTok, influences public figures like Tyrese Gibson, strengthens media standards against misinformation, and shapes political campaigns.

This Week’s Report
—> Defining Authenticity
—> Time To Choose
—> Authenticity Roundup
—> Top Voices: Jeff S.

Have you noticed our new look? We are reshaping and expanding our Authenticity platform, we'd love to have you on board and contribute! Email us directly at [email protected].

Read Time: 3.5 mins

| Time To Choose

What Brands Are Authentic? It is time once again to choose which brands you feel are authentic. Please tell us via our survey (it takes less than 5 minutes to fill out).

The results of your decisions will be part of our annual Authenticity 500 Index rankings, which you will receive for free.

| Defining Authenticity


I had a big challenge creating a series about Authenticity.

How can you make content about something that is subjective and different for everyone?

We only had one week to plan, film, and edit before its premiere at a conference, back in 2013.

This series would be the centerpiece of the keynote speeches delivered by our guest speakers.

The theme revolved around how authenticity is the guiding principle in our lives and building a brand's culture.

We wrote ten questions to ask people about what authenticity means to them.

Then, we had to decide who we would interview first.

I asked my friends who embody authenticity daily, like athletes, brand founders, executives, and TV personalities.

The setup was simple, with a white background and one chair, and we asked the guests questions.

We filmed hours of interviews in just two days; each person provided a different perspective.

After that, we had to edit the videos to make them engaging.

I had imagined how each scene would look for a long time, with interviews and imagery of sports, music, and people enjoying life.

All to the backdrop of Santigold's "Disparate Youth" as the soundtrack.

We finished the first episode just in time for the conference.

I was nervous about showing it to the audience, but they loved it, and so did those who watched it online.

Then we filmed the second episode, asking the same questions to the conference speakers.

Ten years later, the topic is still equally relevant.

Now, we want to bring back the series and do it differently.

We will make episodes focusing on, for one, brands that are true to themselves (those featured on our Authenticity 500 Index).

We will discuss why telling the truth, being honest and genuine, and showing who you are matter.

We will also examine the lives of key figures and celebrities to understand why they are considered "authentic."

If you want to be featured on the show in the future?

| Authenticity Roundup

This week's curated reads from web

image: pixalbay

 social media
•  Authenticity Wins on TikTok with Smaller Creators

A study from the University of Ottawa reveals that TikTok users engage more with sponsored content from smaller creators than from super influencers, valuing authenticity over follower count. Brands are encouraged to leverage micro-influencers and niche creators to foster genuine connections and increase consumer engagement.

Read More → phys

 entertainment
•  Tyrese Gibson Gets Real

Actor and singer Tyrese Gibson opens up about the importance of authenticity and his struggles with mental health and grief, urging society to embrace honesty and support each other through difficult times.

Read More → rolling out

media 
• Push for Real Content Standards

The European Broadcast Union (EBU) urges the media industry to adopt the C2PA standard to help verify the authenticity of digital content and fight fake news. The EBU calls for collaboration among tech companies, content creators, and organizations to protect content integrity and promote public awareness.

Read More → ibc

politics
• Authenticity Edge in Presidential Race

Recent polls reveal that one vice presidential candidate is perceived as more authentic due to their strong connection with everyday concerns and a genuine understanding of small-town issues. This perception has led to a more positive impact on their running mate’s campaign compared to the other candidate, who is seen as less relatable and more associated with wealthy interests.

Read More → axios

| Key Takeaways

Why Are Some Brands Authentic?

Key Takeaways to apply to your personal and professional brand

We analyze the top 5 authentic brands - Patagonia, Ben & Jerry’s, Vans, Nike, and In-N-Out Burger- to uncover the secrets behind their success, and ways you can apply those to your brand.

Free for our readers! 

| Top Voices

This newsletter is an exclusive benefit to our Authenticity community.

Our weekly guide explores the meaning of Authenticity as it relates to our personal and professional lives and the brands we connect with, bringing you the latest insights, curated news, and guest authors.

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