Meet Branden, a 2019 tie designer
“All around us are opportunities to DO GOOD for others. And sometimes when we’re in situations where we wear a tie, it’s easy to forget. That’s why I asked the Dressember team to hide a reminder to DO GOOD right in the tie.”
Branden Harvey is a storyteller focused on the good in the world. He's the host of the podcast Sounds Good, the creator of the Goodnewspaper, a printed newspaper full of good news, and built an online community over more than 250,000 world changers. He's helped brands like Disney, Square, Southwest Airlines, and (RED) tell meaningful stories with heart all over the world. Fun fact: Our Communications Manager originally found out about Dressember through Blythe’s interview on the Sounds Good podcast. Thanks for that, Branden ;) Enjoy our interview with Branden Harvey, designer of “The Branden” tie.
Why did you design your tie the way you did?
I'm a casual guy — and because of that, I usually just wear a tie for very special occasions. And to be honest, normally those situations are scary for me. Whether it's a meeting with an elected representative to talk about an issue I care about, or a business meeting where I feel like I'm in way over my head, situations where I have to wear a tie are when I find my nerves are most on-edge. But I've also come to realize that I'm in these situations for a reason. My voice and my presence matter. And I have the opportunity to DO GOOD. Sometimes the actual act of being in that situation is an opportunity to DO GOOD — like being at a nonprofit event, or advocating on behalf of those in-need. But other times, the context I'm in matters less and my real opportunity to DO GOOD is to show up and be present with the people around me. To see them as people, value them, love them, and encourage them. All around us are opportunities to DO GOOD for others. And sometimes when we're in situations where we wear a tie, it's easy to forget. That's why I asked the Dressember team to hide a reminder to DO GOOD right in the tie.
Why does Dressember’s mission of a world without slavery resonate with you?
I care deeply about CELEBRATING the good in the world, and then working to BECOME the good in the world. There's SO much good news around the fight against slavery around the world. And there's still so much work to be done — which means we all have the opportunity — and obligation —to become a part of the solution.
What is something you’re proud of right now?
Reaching more people who need good news with tangible, real, messy hope through the Goodnewspaper.
Anything else you’d like to leave with us?
My favorite quote in the world, one that deeply motivates the work I do is this, from Fred Rogers. He said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
Connect with Branden.
You can find Branden all over social media at @brandenharvey & @goodgoodgoodco. Learn more about his podcast, Goodnewspaper, and more at goodgoodgood.co.