dnb Productions

I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. 

My team and I strive to deliver exceptional results that exceed our clients’ expectations. Every project is an opportunity to explore new creative avenues and bring innovative ideas to fruition.

My journey began in broadcast production with networks like ESPN and Nickelodeon, where I learned the importance of captivating storytelling. Working with corporate clients such as Shell and BP, I merged visual creativity with strategic communication to produce impactful content.

A memorable moment in my career has been capturing live sports for teams like the Houston Texans and New York Yankees. This experience honed my ability to capture the essence of a moment quickly and precisely—skills that translate seamlessly to corporate events and executive portraits.

Beyond technical roles, my passion lies in crafting narratives through photography. 

Whether it’s a dynamic headshot for a LinkedIn profile, a captivating portrait for a corporate website, or vibrant coverage of a corporate event, I aim to create visuals that leave a lasting impact.

We specialize in executive and corporate event headshots, as well as event booth photography. We understand the need for professional, engaging imagery that reflects your brand’s identity and connects with your audience.

 Our approach is highly collaborative; we work closely with each client to understand their story and how they want to be portrayed. This connection allows us to capture images that resonate with authenticity and depth.

Building this company has been a labor of love, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for innovation. We're committed to telling stories that matter, stories that inspire and provoke thought.

If you’re looking to elevate your next corporate event or need striking headshots that capture your professional essence, let’s connect and create something extraordinary.

Founder, Principal

Douglas N Burns Portraits

My journey as a photographer began with a passion for people and storytelling. 

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition and awards for my work, which has only fueled my dedication to the craft. I founded my own photography business to merge my love for art with my interest in human connection. 

From the start, my goal was to move beyond the basic headshot and create portraits that genuinely capture the essence of the individuals I photograph.

The inspiration to start my venture came from observing a growing need for business portraits that tell a story. Professionals wanted images that conveyed their journeys and personalities, not just their professional appearance. 

I saw an opportunity to fill this gap by offering a more personalized and artistic approach to corporate photography.

Building my business has been a labor of love. I’ve dedicated countless hours to mastering lighting, composition, and posing to ensure each portrait I create is not just a photograph but a piece of art. 

My process is highly collaborative; I work closely with each client to understand their story and how they want to be portrayed. This connection allows me to capture images that resonate with authenticity and depth.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing the impact a powerful portrait can have. A well-crafted image can boost confidence, make a lasting impression, and tell a story that words alone cannot. I'm passionate about helping people present their best selves to the world, whether it’s through a dynamic headshot or a compelling portrait for a corporate website.

From the boardroom to homes, I strive to craft portraits that showcase individuality and expertise in a natural and captivating way. 

Every portrait is an opportunity to connect, to tell a story, and to celebrate the unique qualities that make each person remarkable. 

It is this passion for people and storytelling that drives me every day and fuels my photography journey.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Manager, Broadcast Studio Scoring 

Culturally Creative Travel

We understand that vacation planning can be time-consuming and overwhelming. With busy lives and demanding schedules, finding the perfect getaway can feel impossible.

That's where we come in. Our mission is to give you back your valuable time and take the stress out of vacation planning, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – enjoying your well-deserved break.

We go to great lengths to create and find the perfect vacation package, presenting only the best travel options that align with your interests, budget, and schedule. 

Our dedication to personalized service ensures that each journey is meticulously planned and flawlessly executed, offering you an unforgettable travel experience.

Our Specialties:

- Luxury Travel: Indulge in the finest experiences with our luxury travel packages. From opulent accommodations to exclusive access and personalized services, we create bespoke itineraries that cater to the most discerning travelers. 

- Family Reunions: Strengthen bonds and create lasting memories with our customized family reunion packages. We design engaging itineraries that cater to all ages, ensuring that every family member has a memorable experience. 

- Corporate Training Events: Elevate your corporate events with our expertly planned training retreats. We specialize in organizing corporate training events that blend professional development with unique travel experiences. 

- Customized Itineraries: Whether you're planning a group trip or an individual adventure, our customized itineraries are designed to meet your specific needs and interests

Why Us?

- Personalized Service: Every detail of your vacation is tailored to your preferences.

- Stress-Free Planning: We handle the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

- Memorable Experiences: We create vacations that are enjoyable, enriching, and transformative.

Let us help you create the vacation you've always imagined.

Co-Founder, Principal

🔍 I’m Douglas, a native Texan, world traveler, and proud dog dad to Peanut. My journey behind the lens began with a childhood fascination, sparked by the captivating images in National Geographic Magazine. This passion blossomed in college, where I honed my skills and developed a profound appreciation for visual storytelling.

As an Award-Winning Corporate Photographer, I bring over 20 years of professional experience to every project. I've enhanced the brand identity of more than 800 professionals, helping them communicate their unique value through compelling imagery.

𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗜’𝗩𝗘 𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣𝗘𝗗

My work has taken me across the globe, contributing to prestigious projects with National Geographic TV, ESPN, BBC, Fox News, CNN, and notable personalities like Dr. Phil, Yao Ming and George Foreman. Each experience has enriched my understanding of people, enabling me to create photographs that capture moments and evoke emotions.

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗜 𝗗𝗢

📸 Corporate Photographer: I specialize in stunning corporate headshots that convey professionalism and authenticity. My on-site photo studio ensures consistency across your team, using custom digital and traditional backgrounds, and personalized coaching to bring out the best in each individual, resulting in a cohesive visual representation of your brand.

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗪𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞 𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥

🌟 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀:  We bring the studio to you, ensuring a seamless experience capturing your brand's essence. The results are immediate, with instant viewing and image selection on-site, followed by professional editing and secure online delivery.

🌟 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵𝘀: Ideal for businesses with a widespread workforce, our headshot booth ensures stunning and uniform headshots. Participants benefit from private proofing galleries and instant email delivery. The booth sponsor receives the comprehensive lead list and has the option to brand the individual private galleries for an additional touch point to the participants, with zero administrative work for you.

🌟 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: I offer private consulting workshops to help businesses refine their visual storytelling. These sessions cover headshot techniques to brand imaging strategies, providing personalized guidance to elevate your company’s visual impact.

Through my lens, I strive to capture the unique essence of individuals and brands, creating images that resonate and inspire.

📸 Ready to start your journey?

╰┈➤ Click on the link in my bio.

Douglas N Burns

Ever notice how the clients who grow your business aren't usually the ones who fill your inbox with endless proposal requests?

I've spent over twenty years behind the camera, 

meeting every kind of professional and executive you can imagine. 

I've fielded long RFPs, detailed proposal rounds, and bucketloads of “we’ll get back to you.” 

But when I look back, the real growth in my business has come from a specific kind of client. 

They're not the ones who make you jump through hoops. 

They're the ones who trust your expertise and come to you because they actually want results.

Those are the relationships that last. 

They’re the clients who stick around for years, refer you to their colleagues, and show up every time their brand or team needs a refresh.

My most transformational projects never started with a 10-page questionnaire or a bidding war. 

They started with a real conversation about goals, trust, and how visual storytelling can move their business forward.

I get it, sometimes procurement has its own process, and I respect that. 

But the difference is clear: 

The high-value clients see you as a partner, not just another vendor. 

They want to talk about the story behind the headshot, the why behind the branding. 

They care about how their people show up in the world, and they know a strong image opens doors.

Here's what I’ve learned:

- The best results come from real collaboration, not endless back-and-forth.

- The photos that transform a brand are always built on trust, not paperwork.

- Clients who value your craft are the ones who send referrals, come back for updates, and become part of your own professional story.

If you ever feel stuck chasing every proposal and feeling like just another item in someone’s comparison chart, take a step back. 

The real business builders are looking for a partner, not just a price.

This is true in every industry, but it’s front and center in photography. 

Images are personal. 

Trust is everything. 

And the people who "get it" are the ones you want to work with long-term.

Have you seen the same thing on your side of the business? 

Which clients actually move the needle for you?

Enhancing Your Brand’s Visual Storytelling with Stunning Corporate Headshots | Award-Winning Houston Corporate Photographer | 20+ Years that Elevates Brand Identity for 800+ Professionals including CNN, Fox News, ESPN

No alternative text description for this image

Sometimes, the best trips aren’t planned for work or for play

they’re for saying yes when your spouse needs backup.

This weekend, I tagged along with Kathy for the overnight preview of MSC's first ship to set sail from Galveston. 

She’s there to meet with the sales team and tour the ship. 

I’m there to support her and to see what kind of fun we can find together along the way.

Turns out, mixing business with a bit of adventure is a tough combo to beat.

We managed to sneak in a little downtime and explored every corner of the ship, just the two of us. 

Between her meetings, we found time to relax, share a few laughs, and make some memories neither one of us expected when we packed our bags.

For me, supporting Kathy isn’t just about being helpful. 

It’s about showing up and grabbing those moments together, even when life is busy.

Sometimes, the best stories happen when you’re there for someone else and you both step into something new.

Who knew “support crew” could be this much fun?

LinkedIn

li_at

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(35) Feed | LinkedIn

Everyone thinks running a creative business is all big moments and bright lights.

The reality? 

It's a lot less glamorous than it looks from the outside.

It's about showing up, every day, and doing the stuff nobody sees. 

The boring work. 

The tiny improvements. 

The follow-ups, the emails, the early alarms.

This year reminded me just how true that is.

Here are the three biggest lessons that stuck with me:

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗼𝘀.

If your back end is messy, your client experience will be too. 

Systems, processes, and automation aren’t just nice to have, 

they're what buy back your time and keep the work moving forward.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝘀.

No matter how polished your website or how much you spend on marketing, 

the best work keeps coming from people, referrals, introductions, and the reputation you build one job at a time.

𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Motivation is great when you have it, but it fades. 

What lasts is getting up and doing the work, especially on the days you don’t feel like it. 

Over time, that momentum is what moves everything forward.

Creative businesses are built in the unglamorous moments. 

That’s where the real growth happens.

Anyone else feel this?

Ever notice how everyone says they want something different, but it all boils down to the same thing?

Today I talked with a CPA deep in healthcare M&A, then turned around and met with a marketing strategist. 

Two totally different worlds. 

Different industries, 

different personalities, 

different day-to-day headaches.

You’d expect their expectations from photography to be miles apart.

But here’s what surprised me: 

both told me almost the exact same thing.

They're tired of the noise. 

They just want results.

They don't care about fancy filters, complicated setups, or trendy edits. 

They want images that make them look confident, trustworthy, and professional. 

They want to be taken seriously. 

They want their brand to look as bold as their ambitions.

That hit home for me. 

Because no matter who walks into my studio, the goal never changes

helping people show up as their best selves, 

and making sure their headshot or portrait actually does the work.

Here’s what I’ve learned after 20+ years, working with everyone from Fortune 500 execs to brand-new entrepreneurs:

It’s not about chasing trends.

It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not.

It’s about showing people who you are, with absolute clarity.

That’s why I built my business around one thing: creating images that speak for you before you say a single word.

No clutter. 

No fluff. 

Just photos that make you look like a leader.

Because in the end, everyone wants the same thing

something real that actually works.

If your photo doesn’t open doors or start conversations, what’s the point?

Are you still settling for images that don’t do you justice?

A good headshot isn’t just for show. 

It works for you before you ever say a word.

The right photo says “I belong here.” 

It builds trust, credibility, and confidence fast. 

That’s not decoration. 

That’s strategy.

Whenever I’m behind the camera, I’m thinking about what you want your image to say. 

Your personality. Your story. 

The details that make you stand out in a crowded market.

Anyone can take a quick photo and call it a day. 

But intentional photography makes people stop and pay attention.

It’s your first impression, handed out to every client and decision maker before you’ve even met.

If you want your brand to speak for you, start with the photo.

Use your image to move your audience, not just fill space.

Grateful for the clients, partners, and friends who keep the work meaningful.
Wishing you a peaceful Thanksgiving.

from DNB Productions Hey friends, The best light isn’t always the brightest — it’s the kind that reminds us where we stand and who stands with us. I’m

Open article: Happy Thanksgiving by Douglas N Burns • 1 min read

Almost at the end of 2025.

For me, this is the real crunch time.

The last shoots, last edits, and making sure every detail lines up for clients before the clock resets.

If you're winding down for the holiday weekend, that's not wasted time.

Rest, recharge

let your brain breathe. 

January always shows up fast, and being ready matters more than any all-nighter in December.

I use this quiet stretch to plan, organize, and clear a path for a sharper start.

Wrap up what you can, let go of what you can't, and get set for what's next.

Finishing strong starts now.

*The Headshot Rule Nobody Talks About*

Your team doesn’t care about the camera you use.

They care about whether they look like they belong next to their peers.

Ever looked at a company’s “Meet the Team” page and thought, does this crew even work together?

It happens when there’s no plan with headshots. 

I’ve seen it too many times. 

One photographer, 

three lighting styles, 

four backgrounds, 

five editing approaches.

The result? 

A team page that looks like a ransom note.

Everyone’s photo tells a different story. 

Some look like LinkedIn, 

some like a passport, 

and some like a college yearbook. 

That’s not a brand. 

That’s chaos.

So here’s the fix:

Pick a lighting style. 

Stick to it.

Set one look for backgrounds, outfits, and direction.

Suddenly, the whole team looks like they belong on the same winning side. 
It’s not about fancy gear. 

It’s about consistency.

That’s the difference between “we hired a photographer” and “we look like a brand.”

I never expected a portrait project to get under my skin like this.

When you spend time with volunteer firefighters, you see something different. 

You see grit, yes

but also quiet moments most people never notice.

You see families putting dinner on pause, kids waiting at the door, and neighbors dropping everything when the siren sounds.

These folks aren’t in it for the paycheck. 

They don’t do it for headlines or hero stories.

They show up because someone has to. 

Because the community counts on them.

Every portrait I take is an attempt to honor that spirit. 

To show the human side behind the uniform

the tired eyes, the cracked smiles, the muddy boots on the station floor.

I want these stories to reach more people. 

If you know someone at a volunteer fire department in the greater Houston area, I’d love to connect and shine a light on their crew.

Let’s give their dedication the spotlight it deserves.

I’ve learned more about teamwork from firefighters than from any business book.

When you’re on a fire crew, there’s no time for ego or confusion. 

Everyone knows their job. 

Everyone trusts the person next to them. 

If things change, you adapt together.

That’s exactly the mindset I bring to every production day.

It’s not about following a script. 

It’s about being prepared, staying calm, and communicating.

On a shoot, things can go sideways fast. 

Lighting fails. 

Schedules shift. 

Something unexpected always happens.

But if you trust your crew and everyone is clear on their role, 

you can keep moving, keep creating, and get the job done safely and with great results.

The best teams don’t just follow the plan. 

They adapt together and have each other’s backs.

That’s how you get the shot.

Most photographers treat their camera like it's the whole job.

I used to do the same until I realized photography is a business, not just an art.

That shift changed everything.

I stopped guessing and started running my work like a real business. 

I began asking, "What problem am I solving for my client?" 

That question became my roadmap.

I built systems for workflow, pricing, and client protection. 

No more winging it.

I chose to focus on services that actually scale

on-site headshots and branding photography for business clients. 

My goal: solve real problems, not just take pretty pictures.

I started shooting work that clarifies, connects, and stands out. 

Not just "nice images," but images with purpose and real business impact.

This industry moves fast. 

If you're not intentional about running your business, you'll get left behind.

If you’re a photographer (or any creative pro) asking, "What next?" here are three questions to get moving:

- What business problem am I solving for my ideal client?

- Can my workflow scale without burning me out?

- Am I building a reputation for more than just "nice images" for real results?

Right now, I’m building my foundation to create a client-focused brand that balances creativity and sustainable growth. 

The strategy isn’t perfect yet, but the momentum is real.

If you’re in the visual business and want to talk systems, pricing, or how to turn your craft into a business engine, reach out.

Let’s raise the bar for our industry.

Ever watched a whole team see themselves in a new light?

After a recent headshot project, I sent the gallery link to the client. 

The HR manager replied:

"These look like the version of our team we want clients to meet first."

That’s what it’s all about.

A unified headshot experience isn’t just about flattering angles and good lighting. 

It’s about giving a team a visual identity that feels true to who they are; confident, polished, and connected.

When people see themselves represented well, something shifts. Morale goes up. 

There’s a sense of pride.

And when clients see a team represented well, trust builds. 

They feel like they already know who they’ll be working with.

Simple idea, big impact.

Here’s to the companies investing in their people and in the brand that represents them.

"How long will it take?"

That's the question I hear most from companies shopping for a photographer.

But here's the thing

if your main goal is speed, 

you’re looking in the wrong direction.

Sure, I can photograph 40 people in two hours.

Will you love how everyone looks? 

Probably not.

Great photography isn't about how fast you move through the checklist.

It’s about what people feel when they see the result.

Confidence. 

Approachability. 

Trust.

If you want pictures that actually support your brand,

Start by asking better questions:

What do these images say about us?

What do we want people to feel?

The stopwatch doesn't build your brand.

The right image does.

Ever tried running a business when your home feels like a building site?

Right now, I'm living it.

Drywall dust covers everything. 

Tools stacked in every corner. 

Contractors drifting in and out all day. 

My home office? 

It looks less like a workspace, 

more like a behind-the-scenes blooper reel.

Here’s the reality:

The calls don’t stop.

Clients still need answers.

Big and small decisions have to get made.

And yes, my dog has no idea what's happening.

Business doesn't hit pause just because your walls are coming down.

It’s definitely not glamorous. 

This is not the polished version you see on social media. 

But it’s real life, and the work keeps moving.

Still showing up.

Still making progress.

Still grateful for it all, even in the mess.

(Photo: yesterday’s chaos in all its glory)

A new trend is showing up in boardrooms, not just in photo studios.

It’s not just “We need new headshots.”

More companies are treating their team photos as a business strategy.

Here’s what I’m seeing in the field:

Recruiting? 

Candidates want to see real people not blurry thumbnails from 2017.

Marketing? 

When every headshot looks like it belongs to the same company, customers notice. 

It builds trust.

Client relationships? 

People want to work with people. 

If your team looks present, real, and coordinated, you’re already a step ahead.

Employer brand? 

That first impression happens way before the call. 

Your team’s visuals set the tone.

But this is where most businesses miss the mark:

Strong team images aren’t about chasing perfection.

It’s about clarity and consistency. 
- Same lighting.
- Same background.
- Same framing.
- Authentic expressions.

When your team shows up with that kind of unity, it sends a message: “We’re not just individuals, we’re a team. We’re intentional.”

A lot of Houston companies are already planning for 2026.

If your team photos aren’t part of that planning, you’re leaving trust on the table.

Logos open doors, but faces build the brand.

Most people think headshots are just about those few seconds in front of the camera.

They’re missing the real story.

It’s all about the environment you set up before you even raise the camera. 

The lighting. 

The mood. 

The way the whole room feels. 

That’s what makes the difference between an average photo and a great one.

This week's corporate session was a reminder of this. 

We kept it simple

clean lighting, smooth workflow, steady rhythm. 

Each person stepped in, felt comfortable, and left looking like the best version of themselves.

Nothing fancy. 

Just the real work it takes to make a team look consistent and confident, shot after shot.

That’s the part no one ever sees in the final image.

When people feel comfortable, the images show it every time.

Headshots can do more than just refresh your LinkedIn. 

They can open doors for others, too.

This season, every time a company books a headshot session with DNB Productions, 

𝟭𝟱% 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗴𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 Dress for Success Houston

That means when you invest in your team’s professional image, 

you’re also helping women in Houston rebuild their careers and step into new opportunities.

Simple. Direct. A win for your brand and for the community.

Want to make your company’s next headshot day about something bigger?

Here’s how to get involved:

Open article: Dress For Sucess Houston - Headshot Give Back by go.dnbproductions.com

Dress For Sucess Houston - Headshot Give Back

The words “company photo day” make most people nervous.

Executives dread the chaos. 

HR fears no-shows. 

Employees worry they’re not “camera ready.”

So what actually happens when I photograph an entire company in one day?

Here’s a quick reality check:

- A simple 10-minute prep guide turns down the stress for almost everyone.

- Lighting and backdrop? Totally consistent, so every department looks like one team.

- Images delivered instantly; no long waits, no follow-up emails.

- HR gets to relax, because no one has to chase people or fix mistakes afterward.

The best part: it’s not just a photo session.

It’s a moment where people see themselves as part of something bigger. 

That builds pride in the brand, and it shows in every shot.

If you think “photo day” is a hassle, maybe you’ve just never seen it run the right way.

If you’re the one who has to organize these days, don’t do it blind.

I built The HR Director’s Playbook from real company photo days; 

prep scripts, timelines, and the exact process I use so your team looks unified without the chaos.

Open article: The HR Director's Playbook by go.dnbproductions.com

Ever noticed how some company About pages look a bit... all over the place?

Different lighting. 

Different crops. 

Some headshots shot on an iPhone, others in a studio. 

It’s not just about looks—it tells a story.

When your leadership team’s portraits feel disconnected, so does your brand story.

Consistency in headshots does more than just look good. 

It quietly builds trust.

People pick up on these small details, even if they can’t explain why. 

The message? 

This is a team that pays attention, cares about first impressions, and knows who they are.

This one simple change leads to real results:

- Easier recruiting (you look like a team people want to join)

- Smarter marketing (your story looks polished from every angle)

- Stronger brand identity (customers remember what feels genuine and intentional)

It sounds simple, but it’s not just a “nice to have.” 

It’s a brand investment that pays off everywhere your people show up online.

Tiny detail, big impact.

The Call and the Quiet explores the space between action and stillness — portraits of those who meet chaos with calm precision.

This is the beginning of a long-term series honoring the men and women who stand ready when the alarm sounds.

Where duty meets humanity Hey friends, This new series honors the men and women who run toward heat, chaos, and danger with calm precision. Each portr

The Call and the Quiet

Jack Dyer🕺

JOIN US NEXT WEDNESDAY IN CARDIFF: My team and I are running an interactive workshop!



We’ve seen time and again how
important your LinkedIn profile is.

But we’ve seen so many Leaders
with neglected LinkedIn profiles…
leave thousands ££$$ on the table.

(or more accurately, their keyboard)
So why don’t we change that?

We’ve grown unknown leaders from
total obscurity to thought leadership
on LinkedIn during 2025.

We’ve worked with 11 clients from
the USA…  to the UK…  to the UAE.

Now it’s time we showed you
how to do it FOR YOURSELF!


So we’re launching our interactive
LinkedIn Optimisation Workshop next
Wednesday at Studio Halo Cardiff!

This workshop is an investment
in the future of your business.

We’ll show you how
to get your Storytold™

5 hours that will change everything,
Discounts on remaining tickets,
Link in the comments below,
Only a few places left,
Come and join us,
In Cardiff Bay,
19th Nov,
❤️🕺

https://lnkd.in/e2eN9qn6

Stop posting in the dark. We turn your LinkedIn into a business asset, with almost ZERO effort from you. | Top 1% LinkedIn Storyteller | CEO of Storytold.

Well, that was a success!



This week, my team and I went
to The Business Show London 
and saw 25,000 businesses!

And only a few stood out to us.

We'll be promoting you next week.
Today I'm sharing the adventures 
of our newest team member... 

Jeff Von Duckington!

He's been giving out discounts like
he doesn't give a duck, and only 
a select few people were lucky
enough to meet him this week!

We met many who 
weren't duck-worthy. 

But if we gave you a duck, it means
you made a big impression on us
and we'd love to work with you!

Watch this space. Good things are coming next week.

Natasha, Gabrielle and
I will get your Storytold™
Trust me on this one.

🕺



Some fantastic people:

David Francis, Gemma Kavanagh and Richard Collins

Amie Crews and Paddy Keogh Weller

Katie Shaw and Jessica Hart

Nicola Lyle and Stella Chaplin,

Simon P. and Erina Singh Ellis,

Mike Strange and Clare Bungey

Russell Schaller and Kevin F.

And of course Katerina Christou, Jonathan Russell, Stephanie Henwood, Blair Fiander, Nicole Bachmann, Lewis Sweeting, Amy Parry, Michelle Scott, Alina Khardina

I don’t like my employees.



I love them!
Ok, sorry for the bait and switch.
But it was important for this next part:

I never thought I’d actually
achieve my lifelong dream of
running my own company.


But I have.


And even then, I never thought
I’d get myself a team (I thought I’d
run a freelance solo consultancy)


But I have.


And then, I never expected that
other people would believe in me
and my vision as much as I do.


But they do.


And now, it just feels the most
natural thing in the world to have
become friends with my team.


Because we have.


My team mean the world to me.
I’m not a father. I don’t know if I’ll
ever choose to have kids, and that’s
okay. Everyone does life differently.

But I feel like a proud father of my
team. They’re weird. They’re brilliant.
They make me smile on an hourly basis.

Oh yeah, and they’re gonna think I’m
drunk writing this because why am I
spewing such sentimental nonsense?

Because, quite frankly, it’s true.

Now I’m off to tell them I hate them and
they’re fired. It’s how I show affection.

Don’t worry, they fire me too.
It’s the culture we’ve built, and
often they threaten to overthrow me
and burn Storytold™ to the ground.

Then in the same hour, they create
something outstanding for our clients.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Come and work with us as a client!
https://lnkd.in/ea2qz8vX

Spaces are limited, because there’s
so much awesome flowing from our
team that if you joined us as well….

The universe might explode.
🕺🏻

I worry that I’m never going to be rich.



When I was a freelancer in 2019,
I designed a campaign to the Maldives…

And every day I worked on the project,
I was constantly jealous that this was
a once-in-a-lifetime, luxury holiday,
I’d never have the chance to go on.

It was for the top Citroen salespeople.
The top dealers across the UK could
win a trip to LITERAL paradise.

And I got to design all the
collateral for the whole trip:

→ The itinerary
→ The brochures
→ The web banners
→ The branded menus
→ The personalised boxes
→ The excursions and events
→ Even the damn luggage tags


And I’d never get to go.

Except…. I was dead wrong.

6 years ago I designed this.


But last month,
with my proven Storytold system...
I finally got to go to the Maldives!


This is the power of hard work,
combined with having a dream
that you keep working towards.

For 5 days, my girlfriend and I
experienced what the super-rich
experience about 6 times a year.

So keep working,
keep building something,
and know that anything can
happen if you put your mind to it.

If you’re not where you want
to be right now, I hear you.

But you can be.

If your LinkedIn is neglected
That’s the best place to start.

I grew from 740 to 46K followers
with my proven Storytold system.

And you can too.


Let’s get you to the Maldives!

Burnout isn’t sexy. 




For the last 4 weekends, I’ve been:

- attending business shows in London
- going to public speaking events
- travelling across the UK for work
- running workshops to help others

On top of that, I’ve been working
12 hour days for 5 days a week. 

Which means I haven’t had a 
day off to rest in over a month. 


And y’know what? 


I’m an idiot. 


Because if I want to perform at my best
during the week, I need some downtime!

Humans aren’t designed to run on empty.
We need days off.


So today, I’m not travelling, I’m sat at home 
with my feet up and actually letting my brain 
recover by playing a mindless PC game! 

That photo is from Cardiff on Thursday
(one of many, many, many trips recently)


I’m not getting anyone’s #storytold today! 


Have a great weekend all, and remember:
High achievers like you can only achieve
if you give yourself permission to rest.

The loudest leaders are losing their voices.



Sometime in the last 20 years,
leadership became about showing off.

Every post was carefully crafted to say:

“Look how brilliant I am.”
“Look how many things I know.”
“Look how successful I’ve become.”


But thankfully, things have changed.


There’s so much ‘perfect’ AI content,
that those ‘perfect’ leaders are DONE.
We don’t believe them, and switch off.

The ones who ACTUALLY get attention
are the leaders who admit when they
falter, fail, or even duck things up.


Because it makes them HUMAN!


We pay attention to Leaders who:

→ Admit when “I made a mistake.”
→ Say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”
→ Share the lessons they’re learning,
not just the ones they’ve mastered.


Your flaws don't make you weak.

They makes you RELATABLE.


So next time you want to share
something, don’t make it perfect.

Tell us about a time you got it wrong,
and we’ll all respect you a hell of a lot
more than all those ‘look at me’ leaders.

THAT’s how you get your Storytold™ 🕺
Join us for a limited time offer:

https://lnkd.in/e633ifJr

“I want him to do well, but not better than me.”



I overheard this in the gym the
other day (well, the locker room).

And I thought to myself…
I used to think this way.

No need to comment or tell us.
Have you ever thought this too?


This is a very limiting belief.
A mindset winners DON’T have.


For context, here’s the full story:

I was changing after going swimming.
Two other guys were in the locker room.

One guy was talking about his friend.
He got him a job at the same company,
and watched as his friend climbed the
ranks quicker than the guy talking did.

Eventually, his friend became his boss.
And he completed his story by saying:

“Like, I wanted him to be successful…
Just not more successful than me! 😂”

And I get it.
When I was young,
I thought this way too.
(to my shame, looking back)

But if someone is truly your friend,
And if you have an infinite mindset,

You don’t let your own jealousy
begrudge them their success.

You’re happy for them!
You want them to win!
You cheer them on!
You support them!

THEIR success is NOT a reflection of
your own inadequacy. But thinking that
you’re only successful if they’re not, IS.

Leaders know we can all be successful.
And: That comparison keeps you small.

The friend who did well was focused
on being the best version of himself.
By not comparing, he succeeded.

The jealous friend was constantly
comparing. And he got left behind.

Focus on your own journey.
Do the work. Make it happen.
And support others to join you.

There’s enough success for us all.

Jack 🕺

How I hit 46k followers (without using AI)



“AI really pulled through for me”

Someone said when I was freelancing.

No, really. Let me set the scene for you:

Hey Turnipheads, it’s Natasha here.
Where’s Jack? Don't worry about it.

Recently Jack and I spoke about the
hot topic of AI, live on Radio Cardiff.

We’re not against using AI as a tool.
But people become too reliant on it.
It can’t do what people really need.

For example, last year I designed
a little logo for a castle coffee shop.

Showed the guy the logo, and he said
“Nah, we used AI & it pulled through!”


Hint, it didn't.


The logo was badly drawn, low pixels,
not adaptable, no colours, not unique.
A coffee cup with a castle thrown in.

And they liked it….. For 3 days.
Then they just stopped using it.


AI didn't understand the nuances,
or their personality, or their SOUL…
so nobody connected with the logo
emotionally. They deserved BETTER.


👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

Connecting with an audience (and
growing to over 46k followers means
understanding personality and nuance.

This is something AI cannot replicate.

AI skips the ‘why’ and “gives outcome”
Worse, everyone can tell when you get
ChatGPT or Claude to write your posts.

I used to have 740 LinkedIn followers.
Now my team and I have +46,000…
Because we connect with EMOTIONS.
We tell authentic stories. AI doesn’t.

AI cannot get your story told.
No matter how fast/easy it is.


For brands that want to build trust.

For those who connect with people,

And for those who have a story to tell:

Thats where real design pulls through.

I’m Natasha, the designer at Storytold.


And our dedicated little team has helped
global CEOs grow on LinkedIn & beyond
with more genuine connections.

Let us help you get your story told:
https://lnkd.in/e2e-4UVa

🕺

AI cant design proper good like

I realised most CEOs are failing at LinkedIn, and here’s why:



Last week at the 
The Business Show London
a CEO told me difficult to hear:

“Jack… I think LinkedIn just isn’t
for people like me anymore.”

He sounded almost embarrassed
to admit it, and realised he meant:

“I’m posting into the void and
it’s making me doubt myself.”


I get it.


LinkedIn makes smart leaders feel invisible.
Especially when see competitors post the
same recycled ideas, and somehow get
200 likes and three inbound leads from it.


Meanwhile, their own content, the stuff they
spent 20 hours a week sweating over, gets
70 impressions, 2 likes, and duck-all else.
No clicks on their website, no calls booked.


I’ve learned this issue hides a very real fear:
He also said: “Maybe the problem is me.”


It’s not.


The problem is that today, CEOs are
expected to run a business AND magically
become world-class Content Strategists too.


That same CEO told me: “I’ve got a writer.
I’ve got a marketing person. But none of
it is landing us any new clients.”


And ‘cos I want to help him, I told him the truth.


A copywriter can write. A marketer can post.
But neither can build influence if the strategy,
psychology, and story aren’t connecting on
an emotional level with your audience.


–  It’s not about posting more often.
–  Or designing prettier photos.
–  Or being “more creative.”


It’s about having a message that
cuts through, CONSISTENTLY, without
draining the CEO’s time or brainpower.


So we ran a Brand Discovery session.
We rebuilt his message. We stopped
guessing. We created a strategy that
matched his buyers’ behaviour.


And within 3 weeks, his posts were
doing what they were supposed to:

Getting attention. Building authority.
Starting conversations. Attracting leads.

Not because he changed.
But because his strategy did.


You don’t need to post more.
You need a team that posts SMARTER,
and turns your expertise into demand.


That same CEO who used to spend
20 hours of worry, now spends one
hour a week laughing on a call with us.

And his LinkedIn has become a real
business asset, not just a time sink.


And if you’ve been spending 20 hours
a week writing LinkedIn posts that take
all your energy and give nothing back…


Then it’s time for a change.


It’s time to make LinkedIn work for YOU,
without you doing all the work. DM me.


We’ll help you get your story told.
https://lnkd.in/ecCVYZhK

What’s most important to your business?



Most would say ‘getting new clients’.
That’s the whole point of networking.

But in many leaders, the thought of
“networking” brings us out in hives.

What if there was a way to attract
more clients, organically, without
chasing down the leads yourself?


There is.


Storytelling.


It’s like magic.


And when you combine the two,
you become simply unstoppable.

For every 10 exhibitors at
The Business Show London,
there was 1 who told their story.
THEY’re the ones who got noticed.

When you turn your LinkedIn profile
into an optimised, story-driven page,

And when you tell #authentic stories
that provide raw value to an audience

That’s when you’ve transcended just
networking, and when your business
hits a higher level of real engagement.


If your LinkedIn page could make sales
while you slept… would you invest in it?


'course you would.


I did. And I went from a nobody,
to 45,000+ followers, a team of 5,
and #CEO of a flourishing business.

And to replicate this for yourself, join
the other Storytold™ partners here ↓
https://lnkd.in/ewa_-z-Z

What's a success story?



For me, it's more about 
the impact we have on
our clients lives than
just the numbers.

Sure, we grew Justin from
5,300 followers to 10,091
in just over three months.

Sure, we made Cassandra's
Sports Tech brand basically
famous with her audience.

But the most impactful moments
are where we grow a business
and the owner's personal life...

IMPROVES DRAMATICALLY.

That's what happens when
you get your Storytold™

Trust me on this one.

Most CEOs get 0 leads from LinkedIn for 1 reason:



Because they’re scared to look unprofessional.

LinkedIn creates a strange pressure where
leaders feel they must always be perfect:

Perfect tone, perfect message, perfect ideas.
But really, perfection is damaging their brand.

Humans (y’know the people who buy from us)
connect with other relatable, flawed humans

Not polish, perfect, poetic, professional posts
Stop PEEING everywhere! We need REAL!!

The moment you share something real,
not rehearsed, everything changes:

→  Your authority grows.
→→  Your audience pays attention.
→→→  Your content converts into leads.

Not because you kept being perfect.
but because you start sounding like YOU.


This is exactly what we help CEOs do:
turn your voice into posts that build trust,
cut through AI noise, and bring you leads…

… without you spending hours
writing posts that go nowhere.


We’ve done it for Leaders from New York
to Dubai. Join us to turn your LinkedIn into
consistent authority and new opportunities.

Let’s get your storytold.
Trust me on this one.


P.S. Who spotted the spelling mistakes in this post? They're importnat: They prove I wrote this myself, without AI!

I was writing a description of Storytold today, and there was a little “Generate with AI” button. Curious, I clicked it.

I also wrote my own, from my brain.
Can you guess which one is which?


OPTION A:
We emphasise authentic, real stories, an intimate Brand Discovery process, and help our clients communicate with real, ego-less stories about their past that connect them more authentically to their audience.


OPTION B:
We think creatively to deliver impactful results for our clients. We specialize in crafting and implementing strategies that elevate brand narratives and drive growth.
 
 
Did you guess which was which?
 

Mine was A. While my version isn’t
perfect, it definitely sounds more 
real than B, the AI written version.

The AI impressed me with how 
accurate the description was… 
But something wasn’t right. 

It somehow managed to be factual
correct with the description of our 
services, yet it also reads as hollow 
and soul-less at the same time.


This is why we need to use 
our human brains more often. 

This is why, when it comes 
to something important, 
we CANNOT outsource it to AI.

So if you're using AI to write content, 
you're damaging your reputation.

It doesn't have to be us, but get
a team of humans who write in
YOUR tone of voice instead.


Your business grows when you get your Storytold™

I gave away 3 secrets last night:



1. Know what you’re writing, and why
it matters to your audience. Content,
without intent, is meaningless.

2. Make your audience the hero.
It’s not about YOU. You’re just
the one delivering the message.

3. Format your posts nicely, in a way
that makes them attractive to read.
Nobody reads big WALLS of text.

Along with working 14 hour days and
making dozens of mistakes along the
way, that’s why Storytold™ has grown.

… From invisibility with 740 followers…
to influencing over 45,700 every day.

These “secrets” transformed my life.
They allowed me to go from employee,
to business owner with a team of five!

And I’m sharing them with you.
I don’t want anything in return.
Just use them, put in the work,
and thank me later!

This is how you get your #Storytold
(or message, and we’ll do it for you)

🕺🏻

Last week I did my first ever LinkedIn Live!  Let me know what you all think

Host of “Consulting Leaders”, Top 10% Active Podcasts Globally | I help B2B Coaches & Consultants get clients with Podcasts.

Description: 

Jack Dyer🕺 is the CEO of Storytold™, where he helps founders and consultants become influential online through authentic, visual storytelling, especially on LinkedIn. With 15+ years of experience in UX, branding, and narrative design, he turns a leader’s story into a commercial asset.
In this episode, we break down how consultants can use digital storytelling to attract better clients, build trust at scale, and communicate in a way that actually feels like them.

***************************************************************************

Links:

StreamYard (for guest):  https://lnkd.in/d3e233pv
YouTube (for sharing):  https://lnkd.in/dvJhggWp
Apply to be a guest: https://lnkd.in/dt6pEfjE

***************************************************************************

Jack's Bio: 

Jack Dyer is the CEO of Storytold™, a firm that helps founders and CEOs go from invisible to influential with authentic, visual storytelling. He’s a Top 1% LinkedIn storyteller with 45,000+ followers and more than 15 years of experience in UX, branding, and digital design.
His background spans award-winning websites, national digital systems, UX work across industries, and global brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz. At Storytold™, he and his team build story-driven websites and content systems that elevate a leader’s profile and grow their net worth.

***************************************************************************

Show Notes: 

Jack Dyer is a designer-turned-founder who now runs Storytold™, a consultancy focused on transforming how leaders communicate online. He helps consultants and CEOs move from being “good at what they do but invisible online” to becoming influential voices with a clear narrative and a recognisable digital presence.
His team creates UX-led websites, LinkedIn makeovers, creative concepts, video, and content that reflect a leader’s true personality, not the generic, polished persona most people default to. The goal is simple: make your digital presence a revenue-generating asset.
For consulting firm owners, Jack’s experience sits right at the intersection of story, design, and growth, a combination that can help any consultant communicate more clearly and close clients more easily.

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