More companies should be like US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau 🏌🏻♂️ His incredible journey from polarizing figure to beloved champion 🏆 is a masterclass in how to build future-proofed brands and fan communities. The question that's more important than HOW he did it, though, is WHY. What sent him on that journey? My theory after being in the business of commercial transformation for over a decade: 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁. Despite the big LIV payout, perhaps Bryson was 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 with the possibility of becoming irrelevant to PGA Tour fans. The worst possible fate for his career. 🪦 Perhaps that discomfort spurred on his personal brand transformation. Perhaps not. But the reality is, Bryson had the same opportunities to create content and engage directly with fans when he was on the Tour. Yet, he didn't. It's understandable. That kind of transformation takes a LOT of extra effort. And before the LIV move, there wasn't much inherent pressure for him to do anything different. Unfortunately, most brands and properties avoid discomfort for far too long and lose their window to achieve transformation intentionally. Fortunately for him, Bryson chose to embrace the discomfort proactively. Transformation born out of necessity is much riskier business. Although sometimes the pressure does make the most spectacular 💎 #makemorepossible #transformation #marketing #sports
The way Bryson has transformed his brand over the last couple of years is amazing. You can see he has really thought about it and built a strategy that has allowed him to build something that is authentic to him. Great post Laura Miranda
Love how he embraced the discomfort, owned his brand and also persevered with tenacity thru this nail biter championship tournament! The entire Pinehurst #2 was cheering like crazy when he made that last putt!! Woot!
Laura Miranda thoughtful thesis. We used to call that going out of your comfort zone. Same same right? Whatever you call it, it takes courage, perseverance and determination. He doesn’t lack for any of that!!
Sports and Sustainability Consulting | President of SBS
2moWatching Bryson play the crowd on the 18th was truly something special. I agree - the discomfort and ultimately fear of being outcast from the traditional golf viewer’s narrative showed him (or smart people on his PR team) the value in reinventing his image and reconnecting with the fan base.