An insightful reflection on personal branding and authenticity, drawing parallels between Steve Irwin's genuine persona and the struggles of Harry and Meghan to find their footing post-royal life. It argues that embracing your unique strengths and quirks is essential for creating a compelling and lasting impression.
Meet Steve Irwin off his plane in Sydney, I was told. Easy. At the gate, a few passengers appeared. Not Steve. Not Steve. Ah. Was that Steve? I wasn’t sure. The bloke looked like the famous wildlife warrior. Same build, kinda the same hair. But there was something wrong with his mouth. Huge teeth pushing out his jaw.I caught his eye, feeling ridiculous. How could anyone not recognise Steve Irwin ?That was our greeting. Steve headed silently for the toilet, then the exit.
Still said nothing, just climbed into the car, ready to head to our shoot for Wow, I thought. Talk about not as advertised. Steve Irwin is making a brand and a fortune out of being engaging and awesome. He’s actually a rude arsehole. But then, Steve became Steve! Whipped out the giant teeth – false! Might have also whipped off a wiglet. I couldn’t say for sure, so overwhelming was my relief.For five hours, Steve talked with openness and love about family, life, work. He was ace. And he proved he had the same kinetic energy, the same heart, as when cameras were on. His manic enthusiasm was real.That day was forever ago, but I remembered it this week amid the latest Harry and Meghan headlines over our cover story. It paints Meghan as a control freak leaving staff needing therapy, Harry as a bystander blinking in shock that he has to find work (although his reported nose job would mean a more conventional beauty and more roles, but losing that distinctive schnoz had the opposite effect and killed her career. How about Coca-Cola going “New Coke”. Or Jimmy Barnes going soul – jeez you were lucky to climb out of that, Barnesy. Even Chet Hanks, child of world’s nicest parents Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, siblings in the family biz. Yet, Chet decided to try his luck at being the white Kanye. Sure, you have to have a go to get a go, but he had his point of difference already. Use it, son!My point of difference used to be perfection. I’d fake that I was really nice. A living doll. I’d pretend I wasn’t vain and pedantic and judgy. Hide that I think cooking is boring and musicals should be banned. Would mock people who wear bronzer and tut-tut at visible bra straps. I once hissed at a toddler making it all about her at a christening, “Cut it out, toots” so only she could hear it. Now, I lay out my shortcomings for all. And people react more, either with love or hate, but it beats being an invisible Pollyanna. No doubt you, too, have a compelling point of difference. Please let someone’s be ice sculpting or clog dancing. It could be auburn hair, incredible ankles, a strong argument for how intersects with modern pop culture, a true belief that discovering tapas in Europe in 1988 changed your life. Whatever it is, run towards it and choose to be interesting. Channel Steve Irwin. Channel the random who owns their obsession with historical maritime disasters. Just wave that point of difference flag high. It’s actually your personal banner. Harry and Meghan need to embrace being royal again. Otherwise, he’s just a bloke who can ride a horse and she some chick who used to be on telly. Both possibly perfectly fine people, but not leading stars in even their own dramas.The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own
Personal Branding Authenticity Steve Irwin Harry And Meghan Royal Family Point Of Difference Television Brand Strategy
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