Why the Hero’s Journey Might Be Outdated for the Female Founder

The hero’s journey, a storytelling framework popularized by Joseph Campbell, has been a narrative staple for decades. It has been a go-to structure for portraying triumph over adversity, from literature to video games. But in today’s online business world, is the hero’s journey still relevant for modern female founders seeking to stand out? This blog post explores why framing our marketing around the traditional hero’s journey may no longer be sufficient for female founders to stand out online.


Vibrant black business owner smiling in front of a staircase in a peach suit behind text that reads "Why the hero's journey might be outdated for the female founder".

Differentiation in the Online Business World

Success in business hinges on standing out from the crowd. As entrepreneurs, we have diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our individual stories are our most significant assets! Instead of relying on the formulaic hero’s journey framework to sell our services, we should embrace what makes us uniquely qualified to help others solve their problems: our stories. Leveraging our personal narratives can forge powerful connections and foster lasting customer relationships.


Embracing Personal Transformation

By focusing on the transformation we offer, rooted in our own stories, we can establish emotional connections with potential customers that resonate far more than a generic hero’s journey framework. One limitation of the hero’s journey is its assumption of a one-size-fits-all solution to problems.

However, the reality is that every entrepreneur and every business is unique. Therefore, we must offer more than a simple solution to a pain point to differentiate ourselves online. The difference lies in what we bring to the table as problem-solvers and how we tell our stories.


Marketing to Desires, Not Just Pain Points

Sales psychology shows that marketing to clients’ desires is more effective than solely addressing pain points. Instead of just highlighting what’s wrong and how you can fix it, emphasizing the benefits of the transformation clients will experience after working with us is a much more robust marketing tool. 

By sharing our personal stories, discussing our unique experiences, skill sets, and perspectives, and connecting them to the value we deliver, we help potential clients understand the impactful change that working with us can bring. Our shared stories create an emotional connection that resonates far more than the generic hero’s journey framework.


Embrace Your Uniqueness

No one else has the same experiences, skill sets, and perspectives as you. So, you must identify what makes you unique and leverage those strengths to build your brand. Staying true to your values, goals, and vision is crucial as you develop your brand–don’t try to be something you’re not or fit into someone else’s mold. I promise you the more authentic you are, the more impactful your brand will be.


The End of the Hero’s Journey

The hero’s journey framework has lost relevance for modern female founders in today’s digital landscape. It’s time to break free from the mold and establish a brand that is uniquely yours.

Embrace your personal story, offer transformative experiences, and market to your client’s desires to create a brand that resonates deeply with your target audience. Remember, your uniqueness is your superpower–embrace it and watch your brand thrive.


Ready to unlock the full potential of your brand and change the narrative? Book a session of The Brand Radiance Activator™ today and embark on a transformative journey to elevate your brand presence. 

The Brand Radiance Activator™ will help you discover how to authentically connect with your audience, leverage your unique story, and stand out in the online business world.

Reserve your spot now and start shining brighter than ever before!


author avatar
Lena Gosik-Wolfe Brand Strategist and Designer
Lena, the founder of Lena Designs Studio, is a seasoned brand strategist and designer with a passion for empowering female entrepreneurs. With years of hands-on experience, she specializes in crafting brands that resonate with authenticity, purpose, and leadership, helping her clients stand out and succeed in their respective industries.

Why the Hero’s Journey Might Be Outdated for the Female Founder