The Challenge:

The client was on a mission to foster a culture where people felt empowered to grow not just in their technical roles, but in how they show up, speak up, and connect with others. They wanted their global workforce to feel more confident communicating in high-stakes situations, more intentional about their personal brand, and more comfortable expressing themselves with clarity and presence. This wasn’t just about presentation skills, it was about helping employees understand how to influence, lead, and represent themselves with credibility and authenticity, whether in meetings, interviews, or cross-functional collaborations.

However, the topic came with its own set of challenges. Executive presence and self-branding can often feel abstract or even intimidating, especially in cultures where humility and deference are valued over self-promotion. The client had seen this before. In previous virtual sessions, employees had kept their cameras off, stayed silent, and disengaged despite the best intentions behind the content. Participation was minimal, and the learning rarely translated into lasting behaviour change.

They needed a session that would feel fresh and human—not formal or performative. The experience had to feel safe for quiet contributors while still nudging people to try something new. The tone needed to be supportive, the exercises practical, and the delivery engaging without being overwhelming. Above all, it had to feel relevant, something that would meet people where they are, and gently pull them forward.

The Solutions:

PPEARL proposed and delivered a 1.5-hour virtual session titled “Using Storytelling to Enhance Your Personal Branding and Presence.” The talk reintroduced storytelling as a tool to enhance communication, build credibility, and increase presence in both formal and informal settings. 

The session covered: 

• The building blocks of compelling storytelling 

• The “3 S’s” framework – Setup, Struggle, Solution 

• How to use stories to elevate one’s personal brand and connection with others 

• Real-time application and story practice with selected participants 

Despite the virtual setting, the session succeeded in creating a vibrant, high-participation experience. 

 

The Impact:

PPEARL's Promise:

At PPEARL, we don’t just deliver talks, we shift energy. Our bite-sized sessions combine relevance, interactivity, and personal insight to help individuals grow, connect, and lead with presence—on screen and off.