Elijah Donnelly — Personal Brand Manager

My career began 10 years ago in the film and television industry, where story was ubiquitous. I trained formally as a screenwriter until the 2023 WGA strike. Then everything changed. Suddenly, I was without a job and the movie industry was on life support. It seemed to me that no one wanted story anymore. I had a set of skills that seemed to be unwanted.  I realize story is more important now than ever. 

Voters don’t trust politicians, workers are unhappy, customers are jaded, and even the cat is barking at the postman. Story can change that.

Story can’t solve all of society’s problems, but it can build trust, credibility, and influence.

Over the last decade, I’ve learned what makes a story connect with audiences and what makes them flop. I’ve seen how impactful founder and CEO stories can be and how it influences customers, investors, and potential partners. 

Today, I work as a perusal brand manager, using my background in film and television storytelling to help founders and CEOs build trust, credibility, and long-term visibility.

When I work with clients, I make sure they sound like the thought leader they are: human, grounded, and trustworthy. I avoid clichés and focus on their unique experiences and what they bring to the table. I ensure that their voice sounds like them, and not mine or someone else’s. 
I work best with founders and CEOs who don’t want to chase viral moments but are ready to share their unique experiences and build real credibility.