Beyond Branding

The Inclusion Bites Podcast

Bridging Brands and People

Samta Datta explores the profound impact of genuine connections, the importance of maintaining authenticity in personal branding, and the evolving cultural perceptions of success and gender roles within familial and professional landscapes.

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood and guest Samta Datta explore how authentic connection triumphs over mere branding. The discussion, succinctly titled "Genuine Stories, Empowered Connections," delves into the nuanced themes of connection, authenticity, and the fundamental human need to belong. Both Joanne and Samta share their insights on the significance of true self-expression in personal and professional realms and how it transcends superficial branding efforts.

Samta Datta, hailing from Mumbai, India, is a renowned brand marketing consultant. Known for her work in amplifying diverse voices, she has exceptional expertise in connecting people, brands, and audiences by understanding their deeper insights, pain points, and passions. Her unique approach focuses on authenticity and true self-expression, often critiquing the superficiality of mere persona in branding. Samta's work extends to training and consultancy, aiding businesses and individuals eager to develop genuine, resonant connections. Her commitment to inclusive and empowered communication makes her a significant voice in the industry.

The conversation touches on how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the profound impact of isolation on mental health, while also transforming methods of connection through digital means. Both Joanne and Samta reflect on the boom in pet ownership as a response to the lack of physical connection and its implications on emotional wellbeing. Furthermore, they discuss the precarious balance of maintaining a public persona versus embodying one's true self, acknowledging the burnout it can cause, and providing historical examples like Elvis Presley.

Joanne and Samta also explore societal expectations and pressures, particularly around gender roles and career-family dynamics. They reflect on how these pressures transcend cultures, affecting both Western and Indian societies similarly. The discussion emphasises the transcience of success and the importance of learning and growing from all life experiences, alongside the necessity of empowering, intentional living.

One key takeaway from this episode is the imperative of aligning personal and brand authenticity in a profit-driven world. Joanne and Samta underscore the importance of prioritising genuine relationships and connections, both in life and business, for a fulfilling and sustainable approach to success. They invite listeners to subscribe to Inclusion Bites and join the conversation on fostering a more inclusive and connected world.

Published: 30.01.2025 Recorded: 06.12.2024 Duration: 0:55:57

Shownotes:

• AI Extracts and Interpretations
• The Inclusion Bites Podcast #145: Beyond Branding — app.castmagic.io
• Other Links
• SEE Change Happen: The Inclusive Culture Experts
• Inclusion Bites Podcast on YouTube

Clips and Timestamps

The Power of Connection: “No matter how much knowledge you have, how much value you have to offer, if you’re not able to connect from that, you know, with that person, nothing that you have is appealing.”
— Samta Datta [00:03:24 → 00:03:38]

“The Digital Wound and Surge in Travel Post-COVID”: “If you see how the digital wound really happened, happened in Covid and if you were actually seeing, you know, the travel industry kind of going off the charts today, it is because of COVID because, you know, people are like, there is one life to live and we need to live it and we need to experience everything.”*
— Samta Datta [00:05:36 → 00:05:55]

The Pursuit of Psychological Safety: “If you start living a little more intentional life, you realise maybe, you know, you. You have to do that in a meditative state, that maybe you will never find that kind of hundred percent, you know, Psychological safety in most people. But as long as you can deal with, okay, I’m not certainly a hundred percent psychologically safe in this space, but if I, I know how to get around this, you’ll be able to open up more.”
— Samta Datta [00:11:19 → 00:11:48]

Understanding Consumer Desires: “We realise that human insights and the fundamental truths remain so strongly ingrained across geographies that it’s very difficult to kind of go past that.”
— Samta Datta [00:13:20 → 00:13:27]

The Complexity of Personal Branding: “You are a strong brand or you are a strong identity in reflection to others, actually are more of yourself, you know, you are not a brand.”
— Samta Datta [00:15:06 → 00:15:18]

**Building a Stronger Brand**: “When you become more of who you are, when you end up owning more of who you are, you are a stronger brand.”
— Samta Datta [00:15:45 → 00:15:54]

Balancing Values and Profitability: “In the world that we live in, if we are constantly married to an Excel sheet and the bottom line and every year on year we have to show a certain amount of profitability, it becomes very difficult, increasingly difficult.”
— Samta Datta [00:32:59 → 00:33:15]

Cultural Family Values in Indian Business: “It might not be very easily understood or why are Indians doing it? Why is everybody related to everybody? But you know, it’s, it’s that cultural family value kind of cascades down to the business most times.”
— Samta Datta [00:37:13 → 00:38:30]

Changing Dynamics of Modern Families: “If you were going to be put to the point where you have to work all through your life and you know, make careers as bright as your spouse, then more and more couples are not willing to have, you know, the next generation more and more, you know, so you will cut corners somewhere.”
— Samta Datta [00:42:42 → 00:43:02]

Redefining Success: “I’m not going to subscribe to how you hand me down the rules of success because I’m going to make it my way and I’m going to make tools around it that and I’m going to make take a lot more technological support for it.”
— Samta Datta [00:48:55 → 00:49:09]

Definition of Terms Used

Therapeutic Importance of Touch

• Definition: The therapeutic importance of touch refers to the physical and emotional healing benefits derived from human touch, including feelings of care, comfort, and connection.
• Relevance: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the absence of physical touch heightened mental health issues, showcasing the critical role it plays in overall wellbeing.
• Examples: Hugging a loved one, receiving a massage, or even a friendly handshake can provide solace and reduce feelings of loneliness.
• Related Terms: Haptic Communication, Physical Affection, Tactile Stimulation
• Common Misconceptions: Some believe digital interactions can replace physical touch, but while they provide connection, they cannot replicate the profound benefits of human contact.

Psychological Safety

• Definition: Psychological safety is the belief that one can speak up, express concerns, and make mistakes without facing retribution or judgment in a social or professional environment.
• Relevance: Fostering psychological safety is crucial for genuine connection and collaboration, allowing individuals to contribute openly and authentically.
• Examples: Teams that encourage open discussions, workplaces that promote mental health initiatives, and relationships built on mutual respect and trust.
• Related Terms: Trust in the Workplace, Safe Spaces, Inclusive Culture
• Common Misconceptions: Psychological safety is often mistaken for comfort, but it requires embracing vulnerability and open dialogue, not just being free from stress.

Connection and Mental Health

• Definition: The relationship between connection and mental health highlights how human interaction and social bonds directly impact psychological wellbeing.
• Relevance: This was particularly evident during the pandemic, as isolation and lack of socialisation led to increased mental health challenges.
• Examples: Joining support groups, maintaining regular contact with friends and family, and engaging in community activities.
• Related Terms: Loneliness, Social Isolation, Emotional Wellbeing
• Common Misconceptions: Some think that online connections are sufficient substitutes for in-person interactions, but face-to-face engagements have unique, irreplaceable benefits.

Authenticity in Personal Branding

• Definition: Authenticity in personal branding involves presenting one’s true self, values, and beliefs, instead of fabricating a persona solely for public appeal.
• Relevance: Authentic personal branding builds genuine connections and trust, reducing the risk of burnout from maintaining an artificial image.
• Examples: Sharing personal experiences and struggles in professional contexts, staying true to one’s principles in business dealings, and avoiding overly curated social media personas.
• Related Terms: Genuine Self, Integrity, Personal Transparency
• Common Misconceptions: People often confuse personal branding with self-promotion or think it requires constant self-disclosure, but true authenticity focuses on consistency and truthfulness.

Intentional Living

• Definition: Intentional living is a lifestyle choice where individuals make deliberate decisions that align with their values, goals, and priorities, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
• Relevance: Embracing intentional living can help navigate environments lacking psychological safety, providing a foundation for personal growth and resilience.
• Examples: Setting clear life goals, prioritising meaningful relationships, and making conscious choices about one’s career and personal habits.
• Related Terms: Mindful Living, Purpose-Driven Life, Conscious Living
• Common Misconceptions: Intentional living is sometimes seen as overly rigid or idealistic, but it’s actually about creating flexibility and making choices that enhance one’s quality of life.

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Please connect with our hosts and guests, why not make contact..?

Brought to you by your host

Joanne Lockwood SEE Change Happen

A huge thank you to our wonderful guest

Samta Datta Samta Datta

The post Beyond Branding appeared first on SEE Change Happen: The Inclusive Culture Experts.

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1. Introduction and Welcome (00:00:00)

2. Connecting with self and others is essential. (00:02:00)

3. Isolation during Covid increased desire for connection. (00:05:25)

4. Creating trust through positive energy and respect. (00:10:11)

5. Human emotions drive intentional living and connections. (00:12:10)

6. Personal branding commoditises self-identity and authenticity. (00:14:21)

7. Strong personal brand sacrifices authentic self. (00:17:57)

8. Struggles with letting go and moving on. (00:23:11)

9. Growth requires mindset, inclusion, and mental strength. (00:27:35)

10. Pain is essential for personal growth. (00:28:39)

11. Balancing values and profitability is increasingly difficult. (00:32:34)

12. Indian culture: Circular, family-oriented vs Western linearity. (00:37:13)

13. Success culturally includes family and personal fulfilment. (00:39:38)

14. Societal changes affect family planning decisions globally. (00:42:28)

15. Lockdown taught flexibility, reverting risks losing it. (00:45:49)

16. Original thoughts are rarely truly unique. (00:52:08)

17. Join Inclusion Bytes podcast for community growth. (00:54:44)