Recapping The Vision Module - Session 1
Braenworks Academy takes a deep dive into personal vision and understanding your tribe
At the Braenworks Academy in Rotterdam, creative professionals and entrepreneurs recently gathered for the Vision Module, the second session in a leadership series designed to help participants harness their personal strengths. Led by Kevin, the session took a deep dive into the concept of vision and the vital role it plays in aligning individual creativity with the needs of one’s community, or “tribe.”
The session kicked off with a reflection on the previous module, where participants explored their “Super Power” – the unique strength that defines their value. Kevin prompted the group to think about how this concept had landed with them since the last meeting. One participant shared, “I’ve already written a few proposals using the theory you taught us. It feels so much easier now,” reflecting the practical applications of aligning work with personal strengths.
As the session progressed, Kevin led the group in an exploration of vision – not just as a goal for the future but as a multi-dimensional concept. “What does vision mean to you?” he asked, prompting varied responses. One participant described it as “a picture of where you want to go,” while another saw it as “a perspective on how you view the world and your role in it.” This discussion laid the foundation for a deeper conversation about how individuals view their tribe – the people they aim to serve – and how others perceive them.
The participants were then encouraged to turn their personal mission statements, or “Diamond Goal,” into a clear vision statement. Kevin emphasized the importance of making this practical, saying, “Let’s take your Diamond Goal mission and turn it into a vision statement that defines not only your purpose but also how it serves your tribe.” This exercise helped attendees articulate a clearer sense of direction, tying their personal strengths to broader societal needs.
One of the session's most engaging discussions centered around the use of social media, particularly Instagram. Kevin warned participants about the dangers of seeking validation through likes and surface-level engagement. “Instagram is a low-cost channel, and it’s easy for people to interact with your content, but they’re not necessarily your customers,” he noted, pointing out the risk of letting social media dictate business strategies. He compared Instagram to LinkedIn, describing the latter as a platform where “real value exchange happens,” urging participants to be mindful of how their digital presence aligns with their professional goals.
The session culminated with a deep dive into understanding the pain points and gains of tribe members – represented by an avatar embodying their target demographic. Kevin encouraged participants to view their tribe member as a persona with specific needs, challenges, and aspirations. “Think of your tribe member as an avatar representing an entire group of people with similar desires and struggles,” he explained. This exercise allowed participants to visualize their target audience more clearly and connect their personal strengths to the needs of those they aim to serve.
In wrapping up, Kevin underscored the importance of environment and relationships in achieving one’s vision. “Partners have more impact on your success than any other variable,” he said, highlighting the critical role of personal support systems in professional growth. “If you come home to a supportive environment where you feel like you’re in it together, that pushes you forward.”
As participants left, they carried with them a clearer understanding of how their vision could bridge their unique talents with the broader needs of their tribe. By the end of the session, it was clear that vision, when tied to both personal strengths and community needs, becomes not just a roadmap for individual success but a tool for collective impact.