The PowHER of a personal brand

In this game, Dawn Staley reigns supreme.

March 31, 2023
President of Client Engagement and Marketing

National Women’s History Month is winding down and sadly, so is March Madness. Let me be honest. As a Tar Heel grad, most years I am salivating over final four weekend but this year on the men’s side, well, not so much. But – I’ve also been a South Carolinian for 25 years now, living in the heart of Gamecock country. And for our women’s team, this year has been a beacon of success. And who stands firmly in the spotlight? None other than Dawn Staley.

Hall of Famer, three-time Olympic gold medalist Dawn Staley. The 2023 SEC Coach of the Year, USA Today Woman of the Year, USBWA Women’s National Coach of the Year and the Naismith Coach of the Year (again!). That Dawn Staley.

Her personal brand is as strong as her basketball resumé. She uses her platform to fight for pay equity in the women’s game. She’s found a way to teach, like when she recently wore a vintage jersey during a game as a tribute to the nation’s oldest HBCU. And her GOAT status landed her in the latest Aflac campaign with, it pains me to say, none other than Coach K.

At Chernoff Newman, we align corporate attributes to human behavior when brand building because that’s what people relate to. Dawn Staley is the perfect example of a relatable human being. We all wish her and the Lady Gamecocks the best of luck this weekend in their quest for an undefeated season. Go Gamecocks!

Chernoff Newman has deep category experience in agriculture, food and beverage, education and workforce development, energy, economic development, financial/insurance, healthcare and infrastructure. We design integrated marketing and strategic communications that are impactful, thought-provoking and influential. We marry ingenuity with business know-how to influence beliefs and behaviors for brands, companies and their many stakeholders. We influence attitude and inclination. We influence opinion and outcomes. And when needed, we also influence to quell contention.