How to create a backstory that connects and inspires your audience

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Takeaways

A relatable backstory builds trust and makes your audience feel connected to your mission.

Your story should highlight your challenges and transformation, it’s about where you started, not just where you are now.

Use a seven-step framework to create your narrative in a way that feels authentic and engaging.

Share your backstory strategically in places like social media, interviews, or investor pitches.

Your story isn’t just personal, it’s a bridge that connects your leadership to the people you’re trying to inspire.

Reading time: 8 minutes

Why your backstory matters to your audience

If you’re leading a company or a team, you’ve probably felt the pressure to have all the answers or appear like you’ve always had it figured out. But here’s the thing: people connect with realness. They don’t just want to see your success, they want to understand the journey behind it.

Your backstory is the tool that bridges the gap between where you are and where your audience sees themselves. Whether you’re trying to inspire your team, win over a room of investors, or attract customers who believe in your mission, your story is the glue that holds it all together.

And don’t worry, you don’t need some wild, once-in-a-lifetime story to make an impact. What matters most is that your audience can see a piece of themselves in you. If they can feel like, “If they went through that and made it, maybe I can too,” they’ll naturally trust you more and root for your success.

How to create your backstory step by step

The best backstories follow a clear structure. I’ve found that using a seven-step framework keeps your story focused and makes it easier for people to follow. Here’s how it works:

1. Start with your obstacle

What was the challenge or setback you faced? Be specific, and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability. The more relatable this is, the more your audience will connect with you.

For me: By the time I was 28, I had been fired three times. I was embarrassed and unsure if I’d ever succeed.

This is where you show the emotional side of your journey. How did the obstacle make you feel? What doubts or fears were you battling?

For me: I had zero confidence. I thought I wasn’t cut out for success, and the idea of “figuring it out” felt completely overwhelming.

3. Highlight external struggles

These are the challenges other people could see, things that were happening in your environment or things others may have said.

For me: My friends ridiculed me for living in small towns like Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Steubenville, Ohio. They joked about how far behind I seemed in life.

4. Describe the change event

What was the moment when things started to shift? This could be a decision you made, an opportunity you took, or an event that forced you to see things differently.

For me: I took a bus to New York City to interview at a small startup called ZocDoc.

What was the magic moment that gave you hope or energy to move forward?

For me: Getting that job completely changed my mindset. The energy of the city, the team, and the product gave me new purpose almost overnight.

6. Introduce the guide

Who was the person who helped you see your potential or gave you the tools to succeed?

For me: My boss, Ryan, took me under his wing. On my first day, he went out with me to help me make a sale, something I’d barely done before.

7. End with the result

What was the outcome of your transformation? Where did this journey lead you, and what have you accomplished since?

For me: Over the next seven years, my career skyrocketed. By 33, I became an executive at a startup in L.A.

Why your backstory needs to be relatable

As a founder or executive, it’s tempting to position yourself as someone who’s always had it together. But here’s the truth: if your story feels too polished or perfect, it’ll feel unattainable.

Your audience doesn’t want to hear that you’ve always been successful. They want to know about the moments when you weren’t. Those are the moments that make you human. They’re also the moments that your investors, employees, or customers will remember when they think of you.

For example, if you’re running a company in the fitness space, your backstory might be about how you used to struggle to stay in shape. If you’re leading a SaaS company, you could share how you struggled to adopt technology early in your career. The point is to meet your audience where they are, so your transformation feels achievable to them.

Once you’ve created your backstory, you need to know where to share it. The right story shared in the right place can spark big opportunities.

Social media: Platforms like LinkedIn are perfect for sharing your story. One time, I posted my backstory about being fired three times, and it got over 1.25 million views. It’s the kind of content that builds trust and engagement quickly.

Investor meetings: When pitching to investors, your backstory can help explain your passion for what you’re building and why you’re uniquely equipped to solve the problem.

Team meetings or all-hands: Sharing your story with your team builds trust and shows them you understand what it’s like to overcome challenges.

Speaking engagements and podcasts: When someone asks, “Tell us a little about yourself,” you’ll already have your answer ready.

Your backstory isn’t just about you

Here’s the thing about your backstory: it’s not just a story about your journey. It’s a tool for connection. It’s about helping your audience, whether they’re employees, customers, or investors, see what’s possible through your leadership.

When you take the time to create your backstory thoughtfully, you’re giving people a reason to trust you and a reason to believe in your vision. So don’t overthink it, and don’t try to make it perfect. Just make it real.

Now it’s your turn. Take these seven steps and start creating a backstory that feels authentic and inspiring. Trust me, your audience is ready to hear it.

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