Welcome to the first edition of the Authenticity Report for 2024.
Read Time: 6.5 mins

In This Issue:
• Why We Launched Authenticity
• Brands on the Authenticity 500 Index
• Weekly Roundup

| Why We Launched Authenticity

Hello, I wanted to introduce myself and our origin story for our newsletter's new and long-time readers.

Firstly, I want to clarify that I am not an "expert" but merely an "observer."

I've been on this journey of figuring out what it means to live authentically. Throughout my life and career, I've been surrounded by people who exemplify authenticity – those who truly walk the talk.

The notion of authenticity took real significance when I stepped into the corporate world.

Picture this: me, working for this big beverage brand (you know, the one that "gives you wings"), meeting with the top c-suite executives from Fortune 500 companies – the ones behind the products you can't go a day without.

In these high-stakes meetings, these execs gave me the inside scoop on how my company successfully connected with the younger, discerning consumer.

Yet, they'd shot back with, "We spend millions trying to connect and be real with our customers, yet we fail repeatedly."

This got me thinking. Authenticity had become this cliche buzzword, thrown around like confetti at a party. You can't escape it – on TV, in interviews, all over social media.

Then, I stumbled upon Mark Lewman's article, "Is Your Brand Authorized to Use Authenticity?" That sparked something in me, and I decided to dive deep into what this enigmatic word means.

A decade later, having interviewed and surveyed a wide range of people from various walks of life, I stand armed with a newfound understanding of this complex and multifaceted term.

I asked 3 questions to each person;
- What does Authenticity mean to you?
- What makes you authentic?
- What brands do you feel are authentic?
(view the survey here)

From this, I wanted to share the data to understand better how it can help others personally, but more importantly, brands have a better connection with their consumers and values.

The journey has been enlightening, challenging, and ultimately transformative.

We hope to share more of what we learned on our website and weekly newsletter and actively involve you and others.

*Please feel free to connect and share your thoughts by emailing me at [email protected] 

- Mark Sperling, founder of Authenticity.co 

| Tell Us

Authenticity 500 Index 

Over the past years, we have developed The Authenticity 500 Index.

The definitive ranking of the most authentic brands in the world is based on a survey of a large sample of people, and it measures brands on factors such as transparency, consistency, and social responsibility.

The Index is a valuable resource for consumers who want to support brands that they can trust.

It is also a valuable tool for brands that want to improve their authenticity and strengthen their relationships with their customers.

Congratulations to all the companies who made the list.

JOIN AUTHENTICITY COMMUNITY
Join our community discussions, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect with like-minded individuals who value authenticity.

| Authenticity Roundup

This week's curated reads from web

| Check Out Past Reports

🔄 Authentic Backlash, Subaru's Values 

📖 Authentic - 2023 Word Of The Year, Converse

⛺️ REI: Not Your Typical Retailer, Art of Vulnerability

🧘‍♀️ lululemon: Valuing Well-being & Community, Brooke Shields

| 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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