Pioneer of Personal Branding and Global Narratives - Maarten Schafer
In an era defined by globalization and digital connectivity, there are few who capture the essence of modern branding quite like Maarten Schafer.
Maarten’s commitment to personal branding and the stories behind business success has made him a standout figure in the branding industry.
Around the World in 80 Brands
Maarten Schafer is best known for founding CoolBrands People, an initiative dedicated to uncovering the personal narratives behind some of the world’s most innovative brands. This took a tangible form in his groundbreaking project, “Around the World in 80 Brands”. Venturing globally, Maarten held intriguing conversations with CEOs and business owners, delving into their brand stories and personal visions. This wasn’t just about their businesses; it was a journey into their purpose and the passion that drove them to create.
The conversations and stories were published in a series of 15 books, each one a reservoir of insights, aspirations, and spirit of entrepreneurship.
Building Brands Beyond Businesses
Today, Maarten’s mission has evolved, and he is channeling his expertise into empowering senior executives in their pursuit of their next professional goal. His approach is three-pronged:
- Personal Branding: Maarten believes in the idea that branding is more than just about what one does. It’s about what one stands for, the unique value one brings, and the story one has to tell. He guides professionals in sculpting this brand image, making sure it is both authentic and impactful.
- Content Creation: In this time of information overload, standing out requires focussing on ones subject-matter expertise. The content created has to be focussed on the right target audience and has to positions the executive as an undeniable expert in their domain.
- Strategic Online Publishing: Leveraging platforms like “Insights from Leaders” and “Impact Magazine”, Maarten ensures that this premium content finds the right audience. By strategically placing this content, he reinforces the online presence of executives, letting them carve a powerful online narrative.
Thought Leader in True Essence
Over the years, Maarten’s efforts have garnered attention from various industry watchers and branding enthusiasts. His unique methodology, combining old-world storytelling with modern branding techniques, has been featured in numerous business publications and digital platforms. As a keynote speaker, he’s shared his insights at several international conferences, emphasizing the power of stories and personal connections in a digitally-driven world.
His commitment to the philosophy of branding has not just been about businesses but about the people behind them. Maarten Schafer’s journey — from capturing global brand stories to empowering executives with powerful personal narratives — positions him as a thought leader, one who understands the pulse of the modern branding landscape.
In essence, in a world striving for authentic connections and genuine narratives, Maarten Schafer stands as a beacon, illuminating the path for those seeking to leave a mark on the global stage.