An interview with
Innate Motion
In today's competitive business landscape, companies are constantly looking for ways to stand out and connect with their audience on a deeper level. One approach that has gained momentum in recent years is purpose-driven branding. By aligning a brand's values with a larger purpose, businesses can not only differentiate themselves but also make a positive impact on the world. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of utopia and its role in marketing and branding, drawing insights from a conversation with Benoit Beaufils and Subodh Deshpande, founders of Innate Motion, a regenerative purpose agency.
According to Beaufils and Deshpande, at the core of successful purpose-driven brands lies a utopian vision – an idea of a better world that can be built through their products or services. Brands like Tesla and Oatly have expertly leveraged this concept by envisioning a world where electric cars and plant-based milk are the norm. By placing utopia at the center of their branding, they inspire consumers to connect with a larger vision and rally behind it.
To effectively communicate their purpose, brands must embrace transparency, another key principle identified by Beaufils and Deshpande. In the age of information, consumers are increasingly discerning and seek brands that are open and honest about their processes, sourcing, and impact. By providing transparency, companies can build trust and authenticity, which are essential for long-term success.
In addition to transparency, the notion of abundance plays a crucial role in purpose-driven branding. Instead of focusing solely on sustainability or social impact, brands that thrive in this space find ways to provide pleasure and enjoyment to their consumers. By emphasizing the positive aspects of their offerings, these brands create a win-win situation. Consumers enjoy the experience while contributing to a greater cause.
Another principle highlighted by Beaufils and Deshpande is the power of building communities. Successful purpose-driven brands actively engage with their audience, focusing on building relationships rather than simply selling products. By involving communities, brands can receive valuable feedback, collaborate on initiatives, and create a sense of belonging. A remarkable example of this approach is how Mattel engaged with various organizations supporting the development of young girls, thus promoting diversity and equality while fostering a positive reputation.
The shift towards purpose-driven branding has transformed the role of marketers and brand managers. It is no longer sufficient to view branding as a standalone marketing exercise. Rather, branding has become a leadership tool that influences the entire organization. Through the process of defining a purpose and aligning it with business operations, brands can shape their culture, business model, and interactions with stakeholders. This holistic approach allows brands to make a more significant impact and instill purpose in everything they do.
As the business landscape evolves and consumers become more socially and environmentally conscious, purpose-driven branding has emerged as a powerful strategy. By embracing utopian visions, implementing transparency and abundance, and building communities, companies can create meaningful connections with their audience while driving positive change. The potential of purpose-driven branding goes beyond marketing and becomes a driver of leadership and holistic business transformation. As we move forward, more and more brands will embrace a purpose-led approach, positioning themselves not just as providers of products or services but as agents of positive change in the world.
To learn more about purpose-driven branding and the power of utopia, we recommend exploring the work of Benoit Beaufils and Subodh Deshpande, the co-founders of Innate Motion. Their book, "Utopia Brands", delves deeper into these concepts and provides further insights into the world of purpose-driven marketing and branding. Connect with them on LinkedIn to stay updated with their latest work and be inspired to make a difference through your own brand.
