Kadmiel Van Der Puije Leads Branding and Engagement Masterclass for Bunting Leadership Program at Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute

On October 11, 2024, Kadmiel Van Der Puije, representing his management consulting firm Dervan Solutions, delivered an extraordinary masterclass titled “Mastering the Digital Space: Building Your Brand and Boosting Engagement” at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Part of the prestigious Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program, this event marked Kadmiel’s second appearance as a masterclass host, reinforcing his stature as a leading authority in branding and digital strategy.

The day began with Kadmiel’s impactful session from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM, which focused on branding and marketing in the digital era. He offered participants an in-depth analysis of how businesses and leaders can strategically position their brands for success. Kadmiel shared practical insights on building brand authority, cultivating a loyal audience, and leveraging digital tools for sustained growth. His engaging approach captivated attendees, who found the session to be a highlight of the event. Participants praised the interactive format and the actionable steps provided, which they could immediately implement to scale their businesses and amplify their online presence.

Next, from 2:45 PM to 3:15 PM, Ziyanda S. Mtshontshi, MSC, Co-Founder of Ubuntu Inclusive Centre, led a compelling session on personal branding and positioning, moderated by Iheanyichukwu Samuel Onwubiko, a Business Development and Brand Management Specialist. This segment emphasized the significance of personal branding as an essential asset for leaders seeking to establish authority within their fields. Ziyanda’s inspiring stories and real-world examples illustrated the necessity of aligning personal values with professional aspirations, motivating participants to reflect on their unique branding journeys.

The momentum continued with a dynamic panel discussion on mastering brand building and community engagement, moderated by Kadmiel and featuring a distinguished lineup of experts: Victoria Shanora, Founder of NVE Agency; Muka Chisaka, Founder & Senior Consultant of Ex Media; and Fahn Darkor, Content Creator and Co-Founder of Souled Out Dates. Running from 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM, this session explored effective strategies for cultivating strong communities around brands. The panelists shared insights on the importance of authenticity, consistency, and engagement in developing a loyal customer base. Kadmiel’s moderation skillfully drew out valuable perspectives, making it a rich and enlightening conversation that resonated with all attendees.

Concluding the day was the final session on leveraging PR to build authentic brands, once again moderated by Kadmiel from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The panel featured Cheyanne Marie Daniels, Race and Politics Reporter for The Hill and Creator/Host of The Switch Up podcast, alongside Chardelle Moore, Founder and CEO of Motivational Moore. They discussed the critical role of PR in shaping public perceptions, managing reputations, and establishing enduring authority in competitive markets. Sharing their personal experiences, Cheyanne and Chardelle provided invaluable tips on effectively utilizing media to drive brand growth. The segment also included mock interviews with Bunting Leadership Fellows, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience and receive tailored feedback on their communication strategies.

Kadmiel Van Der Puije’s expertly curated Bunting masterclass was a resounding success, equipping emerging leaders and entrepreneurs with a comprehensive toolkit for mastering the digital space, enhancing their brand presence, and fostering authentic community engagement. His thought leadership and ability to craft engaging and informative sessions made this event one of the most memorable and impactful in the Bunting Leadership Program’s history.

For those eager to scale their businesses and improve their digital footprint, this masterclass was truly a game-changer, offering practical insights and actionable strategies to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Looking to elevate your brand? Request a free consultation from Dervan Solutions at DervanSolutions.com and unlock your business potential.