No matter how big or small your business, knowing the answer to a few key questions makes the difference between unencumbered growth and deadwood.
Who Are You? What are you making? What does it mean to you? Why does it matter?
People don’t connect to stuff they connect to people. Entrepreneurs who feel solid in authentically answering these questions aren’t selling themselves — they’re being themselves, elevating their business to an art form. Other team members who can answer these same questions become leaders with skin in the game who know their voice matters.
When every detail of your business is consistently telling the same story — one centered in your Kernel of Truth — you’re cultivating true connection to people, not stuff.
Our Kernel of Truth, led by Rootstock Creative Strategist Gwendolyn Kuhlmann, is a 2- hour intensive to identify and articulate your story, followed by touchstones you (and your team) can easily return to again and again for impactful and empowering communications.
After the interviews, you will receive a Brand Identity Document designed to help guide your new story and message:
- A One Page Summary for each leader answering four key questions: Who are you? What are you making? What does it mean to you? Why does it matter?
- For teams, a second summary document connecting the dots between each team member so that leaders have a better picture of how the thought leadership of each individual connects to a larger whole.
- Future prompts to help you develop comms around central business themes.
- A “This is Me/Us” post.
- Transcript highlights from all interviews.
Who It’s Ideal For:
Individual leaders (founders, consultants, executives, owners, solopreneurs) as well as leadership teams who have struggled to clearly convey their vision and purpose.
“…money well spent”
“This was money well spent. It’s so powerful how you’re empowering me, and now I can ensure everything I’m doing is aligned. I feel seen. I feel refreshed. I feel inspired. ”
“. . . love it.”
“I f**king love it.”
“. . . perfectly aligned . . . ”
“Wow, that is powerful. And it’s perfectly aligned with everything we’re growing into.”
“. . . true gold . . . ”
“The Kernel of Truth session showed me how understanding my story drives business growth. It clarified what I offer beyond services — and the ‘why’ behind it. That insight is true gold. This whole process with Rootstock has empowered me to refine our messaging, and I’m feeling inspired and excited. Now we have a clear, concise message — a ‘bumper sticker’ we can rally behind.
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“. . . really valuable.”
“This is really valuable. It clearly states what gets me up in the morning, and articulates what I’ve been trying to put words to for the last six months.”
“That IS my Kernel of Truth.”
“That IS my Kernel of Truth — there’s no question about that. It’s perfect. I’m so glad I did this to prepare myself for what’s next.”
“. . . most seen and listened to . . . ”
“Holy sh*t you guys and your way with words. This is really cool, very brilliant, and the most seen and listened to I’ve felt in my life. This is giving me a way to articulate my innate way of BEING, my way of WORKING, and the throughline. Making it tangible for me is really helpful. ”
