Hi, I'm Rajen Mistry.
I'm a brand coach and photographer.
I created Founder Story to assist modern founders, CEOs, creatives, and consultants in amplifying their voices and increasing their visibility. I'm on a mission to work with change-makers doing brilliant things in their communities to make a real difference.
Everyone, whether by default or design, has a personal brand. Are you prepared to own yours?
Rajen
My Founder Story
Raised in Leicester, I observed two types of workers: those like my father, toiling for others' and self-starters like my neighbour. I initially followed my father’s path, establishing a career in marketing and design, contributing to the success of global brands like Johnson & Johnson, Cadbury's, Facebook, and Accenture.
However, as I advanced, creativity took a backseat to administration, and my work became monotonous. The entrepreneurs on my street back home echoed in my mind, but I clung to job security.
My world shifted in 2019. Following the birth of my daughter and my redundancy from work, I started questioning my life's path. The jobs available didn't match my desire for creativity or financial security. Inspired by an entrepreneurial spirit, I launched a brand agency, capitalising on my hard-built network and reputation.
Despite the initial success, something was missing. Residing in Cambridge, a hotbed of entrepreneurship, I was inspired to make a change. I asked myself, What if instead of rendering faceless brands, I helped founders personalise their brands with their story, values, and face?
This was the spark that lit the Founder Story fire. Now I use my brand strategy experience and love for photography. Along with decades of storytelling to help founders, CEOs, and consultants craft their personal brands. To build confidence, communicate their values, and unlock exciting opportunities.
I grew up admiring entrepreneurs who bet on themselves, and today, through Founder Story I get to help make sure those bets pay off.
Creative background
I'm a natural creative, and coach. I believe design is a tool for solving difficult problems, and I've solved many in my career as a creative director working with world-class brands. I've sat on the management team of three creative agencies, with responsibilities to develop teams across locations. build client relationships and oversee the delivery of effective creative work. Now I help entrepreneurs directly.
Key skills
Brand strategy
Brand identity design
Brand activation
Coaching
Creative direction
Digital Design
Employee branding
Lifestyle photography
Portrait photography
Management
Brand experience
Accenture/AstraZeneca/BP/Business Link/Cadbury/Cambridge University/Cancer Research/Centre Parcs/Clarityn/Clifford Chance/Cotswold Outdoors/Crocs/Durham University/E-Trade/English National Opera/Facebook/FIA/Johnson & Johnson/Miele/Nido/PA Consulting/The Open University/Thomson Reuters/TK Maxx/Wonderbra.
Life experience
Married to Bisha
Dad to Pia
People person
Terrarium maker
Origami student
Table player
Scouts alumni
Travel lover
Interiors dabbler
Tech adopter
I discuss Personal Branding on Through The Line Podcast
Andy Bargery invited me to walk his listeners through the process of developing a personal brand. I share my thoughts, and lots of takeaways, tips, and ideas about what to do and how to measure results.
What makes Founder Story different?
I believe that helping craft your identity and capture your story is a privilege, and I never take that responsibility lightly. At Founder Story, I'm here to amplify you, not augment you, through personal branding services.
My role is to help you own your story.
As a branding expert who has collaborated with some of the world's leading companies, I'm uniquely positioned to forge powerful connections between your personal brand and your audience.
I advocate a personalised approach to personal branding; my process is engaging, and my results-driven approach ensures you won't just leave with captivating images and a compelling story. Instead, you'll have a credentialing tool that highlights your unique experience.