Storytelling, Personal Brand Building and Following Your Passion with Tulani Andr‪é‬ When Science Speaks

In this episode, I sit down with Tulani André, Vice President, Social Media at National Geographic, to discuss the power of storytelling, brand building, and following your passion in career transitions and professional success.
[00:00:00] Introduction: Tulani André is an expert in creating successful social media campaigns and brand presences for major organizations. Tulani shares insights from her diverse career spanning National Geographic, Amazon Prime Video, and Fox Corporation.
[00:01:00] Tulani's Career Journey: Tulani emphasizes the importance of aligning career paths with personal passions rather than specific industries or companies. She shares her experience transitioning between sectors, emphasizing the value of social storytelling and connection.
[00:02:00] Career Transitions: Tulani offers practical advice on preparing for career transitions, stressing the significance of having an exit plan and cultivating positive relationships within organizations.
[00:03:00] The Power of Storytelling: Tulani discusses the importance of storytelling in engaging audiences, particularly for scientists and engineers. She highlights the need for authenticity and a clear understanding of the "why" behind one's work.
[00:04:00] Crafting Impactful Narratives: Tulani advises professionals to take a step back and view their work from a broader perspective, identifying the significance of their contributions within larger ecosystems and societal contexts.
[00:05:00] Key Takeaways: Tulani underscores the value of following one's passions, developing exit strategies, and building positive relationships within organizations to drive career success.
00:10:00] Connecting with Others: Tulani emphasizes the importance of adopting a broader perspective, encouraging professionals to elevate themselves above the minutiae of their work to understand its broader impact. By making connections and leveraging social media, individuals can engage audiences and foster curiosity about niche topics.
[00:11:00] Building Your Personal Brand: Tulani offers practical advice for professionals entering the job market, emphasizing the importance of leveraging writing and speaking opportunities to showcase expertise and thought leadership. By sharing insights and engaging with industry conversations, individuals can amplify their personal brand and attract opportunities.
[00:12:00] Writing and Speaking Opportunities: Tulani encourages professionals to seek out writing and speaking opportunities to showcase their expertise and perspectives. Whether contributing to publications or participating in conferences, these activities can help individuals establish themselves as thought leaders in their field.
[00:13:00] Embracing Exposure and Connection: Tulani shares her approach to speaking engagements, emphasizing the value of exposure and connection over monetary compensation. By seizing opportunities to share insights and engage with audiences, individuals can build meaningful connections and enhance their personal brand.
[00:14:00] Amplifying Industry Conversations: Tulani advises professionals to actively participate in industry discussions by sharing relevant articles and insights on social media. By contributing to ongoing conversations and amplifying important topics, individuals can position themselves as valuable contributors within their field.
[00:15:00] Buidling Your Brand: As professionals navigate their career journeys, Tulani encourages them to embrace opportunities for self-expression and connection. By leveraging writing, speaking, and social media engagement, individuals can build their personal brand and establish themselves as influential voices within their industry.
[00:17:00] Making Authentic Connections: Tulani emphasizes the importance of genuine connections in networking and personal branding. She acknowledges the courage it takes to reach out to others and encourages individuals to find common ground and genuine interests wh