Talk About A Branding Moonshot
How two Blue Origin crewmembers seamlessly tied their trip to space into their brand story.
Katy Perry’s recent trip to space with an all-female Blue Origin crew has captivated social media. From a photo of her kissing the ground post-landing to a daisy held up in zero gravity, the internet can’t stop talking.
Hot takes have poured in—skeptics questioning the flight’s legitimacy, critics dissecting post-flight interviews, and some debating whether these women qualify as “astronauts.” But let’s set those conversations aside for a moment.
Because what these women have done well is build a powerful personal brand.
That’s no accident. Each of the six crew members was selected not for technical flight experience, but for their “proven ability to inspire.” Their real qualification? Their storytelling skills.
Weaving Present into Your Story
And a critical story is the one they tell is about themselves. Two crew member’s stories in particular stood out to me: Aisha Bowe and Amanda Nguyen.
Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and founder, was already branding herself as a “soon-to-be astronaut” before liftoff. Her website reads like a story in motion—positioning this flight as the next milestone in a mission-driven career promoting STEM and entrepreneurship. Her messaging was clear and aligned with her broader purpose.
Amanda Nguyen’s story was even more personal. While studying astrophysics at Harvard, she survived a sexual assault—an experience that propelled her into activism. She’s used her platform to advocate for justice, and this spaceflight became a powerful part of her journey. Despite all this, she never gave up on her dream of reaching space. She brought her audience along for every step.
These aren’t just stories—they’re catalysts. They open doors to book deals, business partnerships, investments, and other opportunities. That’s the power of owning your narrative.
When It Clicks
This is why I work with client’s to develop a compelling brand story as part of their brand strategy.
Recently, during a session with a client in nonprofit leadership, we reached a breakthrough. I asked about an early job she held in the criminal justice system—something that seemed unrelated to her current work. But as we explored it together, she began to unpack something deeper.
That role had exposed her to the cracks in a system that, despite good intentions, often spoke for people and tried to control them. It was a frustrating experience—but it also lit a fire. That moment became a turning point, planting the seed for her passion: empowering others to advocate for policies that truly serve them.
As we worked this insight into her brand story, everything clicked. Her audience no longer just understood what she does—they felt why she does it. That shift would resonate with her audience and forge a connection that helped them feel a part of her story.
The Takeaway
Your story is your power. Told with clarity, heart, and purpose, it doesn’t just inform—it inspires.
So take a cue from the Blue Origin crew: every step in your journey has meaning. The question is—how will you tell your story in a way that builds connection, earns trust, and moves people to action?
Could you use help crafting a powerful brand story?
Let’s connect! I’d love to help you attract an audience that not only resonates with your message—but drives real opportunities for you or your organization.