Lessons from Len Brown: A Guide to Weathering a Media Attack on Your Brand

What to do when your personal life is in the media firing line

As Auckland Mayor, Len Brown settles into his second term in leadership of our nation’s largest city, the sex scandal that rocked his career continues to be plagued by media interest.

In an exclusive interview with TV ONE's Sunday, Brown’s former mistress Bevan Chuang has spoken about her alleged two-year affair with the newly re-elected mayor and her relationship with rival campaign worker Luigi Wewege.

Defiant Brown insists his behaviour during the affair breached no official rules – but that his extreme public humiliation has brought a “new low” to the laws of New Zealand politics. 

Whilst there are some people who believe the father of three does not have the trustworthy qualities mandatory for the position, the majority of us have said Brown’s personal life is just that – personal. Unfortunately for him, like many public figures dealing with difficult situations such as these are completely out of his hands. Brown certainly must be wondering when and how it will all end.

Fashion designer and entrepreneur, Annah Stretton believes strategy is all about saying less and getting on with the role at hand when it comes to weathering a media attack on your brand.

“It’s really about the higher up the ladder you get the harder you will fall,” Annah says. “The 20+ years that you spend building your brand can be destroyed in five minutes.”

Stretton’s own poise was recently tested when she was pictured sitting on a taxidermy bear in one of New Zealand’s largest newspapers accompanied by a Q&A that waxed lyrical about her work and connection with charitable animal rights organisations.

“For a while there I inadvertently became the poster girl of the animal activists but for all the wrong reasons. I have never seen so much hate pour out so publicly from people that have never met me and the sad thing was, that these very public social media posts simply served to turn so many people off the very necessary fights that these organisations have taken on. I watched the whole thing from the sidelines on a very public social media platform. PETA’s website now even hosts a direct link for people to email their ongoing attacks to me.

Have I damaged my 21 year old brand? NO sales went up, support flooded in and people took up the debate for me on Facebook, even though I chose not to give the issue any air. Customers, colleagues and friends called in to offer their support. They were truly mortified and I think also a little relieved it was me, not them, given the vermancy of the attacks. If it doesn’t kill you it surely must make you stronger and never has there been a truer word in my life.

Tall poppies will always take the heat. It’s true as your brand and person grows in your market, you have the power to influence so think carefully about the messages you send as shit sticks. Believe me!”

In Annah’s latest book, Rock the Boat she provides a sure-fire solution to weathering any attack on your brand…

“I will always be okay about tackling the tough stuff with good information and a considered approach. I have never run from confrontation. I am the fight not the flight type and I believe it is dealing with the tough stuff head on that gets the change most needed whereas it’s avoidance that causes us all the problems. I urge all of you to consider the platforms that you may have available to you – and we all have them – and speak out for action and positive change where it is required.

And as for Mr Brown, my advice is to carry on no matter what happens around you. When you are unable to control it – it’s all about how you maintain your dignity and composure.”

Purchase your Rock the Boat e-book at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3OZ90O

Purchase a physical copy of Rock the Boat at http://www.annahstretton.co.nz/shop/Shop+Online/Accessories/Shoes+Bags+Homewares+Other/Rock+the+Boat.html

ABOUT ROCK THE BOAT:

Rock the Boat, the highly anticipated third book from international fashion designer and entrepreneur Annah Stretton is a must read manual for all employers of women and for all women that drive daily for that elusive business and life success. From Annah’s tips on succeeding in life to hard-hitting opinions on New Zealand’s social policy, Rock the Boat brings together Stretton’s hard won experiences in life and leadership.

“Rock the Boat is an insightful and inspiring book drawn from her huge and varied experiences over many years of business. Her sound advice will inspire confidence in many to affect real change in their lives and their business.”

Dame Pieter Stewart

Founder, New Zealand Fashion Week

“Decisive, direct, inclusive … inspiring those around her to be challenged, confident and independent.”

Helen Clark, Prime Minister of

New Zealand from 1999-2008

ABOUT ANNAH STRETTON:

Annah Stretton is the founder of the Annah Stretton fashion label and is a wildly successful New Zealand entrepreneur, author and speaker. With an online following of over 210,000, over 30 retail stores, 3 books and a strong business leadership programme under her belt, Annah frequently appears in the media and on stage discussing everything from entrepreneurialism, living fearlessly, females in the work force, right through to her philanthropic efforts like the Million for a Million campaign in which she teamed up with Westpac to help inspire one million New Zealanders to commit to a healthier lifestyle and thus, reduce the nations obesity levels. In September this year Annah released her third book, Rock the Boat. She has also been the recipient of the coveted Veuve Clicquot Award. 

ENDS

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