Not All Heroes Wear Capes

In an earlier post, I shared how the works of Homer, the Greek poet, typify the “hero” journey.

The Odyssey is just one of many stories, including popular tales such as Star Wars, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, which follow a similar heroic arc.

These typically contain common ingredients such as:

? an unlikely hero, an underdog

? a journey,

? supernatural aid,

? enemies and trials,

? a death or a loss of self,

? a rebirth or new identity,

? a return with an elixir or new knowledge

My point in the original post, was that these heroic narratives help us to craft our “founder story”.

As experts we have embarked on a journey, faced many trials, often died to our own nature and been remade anew.

It is our rebirth and new knowledge that we bring to the world in the form of our expertise and the transformation which we offer to others.

From the DNA of our own founder story, we can tell the story of our clients and the people we help.

The story their transformation becomes our brand story.

It is worth pausing to note that not all heroes have to be all mythical and science fiction-y?in nature, sporting capes, swords or magic wands.

Indeed, many heroines of classical literature demonstrate the full spectrum of the hero journey.

Elizabeth Bennet, a favourite of mine, is case in point.

She goes on a journey through the social ballrooms and parlors of her late 18th century community?in England.

She faces bruises, scorn, social pushing and pulling?and even mortal death at the hands of those who might destroy her reputation and connections if they can.

She has formed an armour and skillset to protect herself, wry wit and cutting social intelligence.

As she is assailed by the the forces of dishonest men, jealous women, powerful elite and the shame that even her own family can bring upon her, only her wit, and the love of her dear sister, are there to protect her.?

Elizabeth carries a tragic flaw. She is prejudiced and in being so bent, set her heart against a prideful man who deigns to scorn her.?

Elizabeth’s transformation, requires her to undergo a death when she learns of Mr Darcy's aide to her sister and her family. She must be reborn learning a new respect for Mr Darcy and a new and softer nature.

By undergoing this transformation, Lizzie, changes her BEING —> which leads to new DOING —> which leads to new HAVING.?

New Lizzie returns to society with not only social standing but also respect and love.

Lizzie’s transformation becomes a secret elixir for every reader who follows her journey, who learn a new way to be, both witty and canny while also softer and wiser.

As experts, we can learn from our own transformation journey and turn it, whatever it’s nature, into a powerful brand story.