I recently got captivated by a golden goblet on Love is Blind; not because of what was inside it, but because of what it represents. Although this is the first season of Love is Blind that I’ve watched all the way through, I have to tell you that it’s not the relationships that intrigued me as much as the drinks the contestants met over, or rather, the glasses they were in.
No matter what was happening – whether it was deep confessions in the pods, heated confrontations, or awkward silences – contestants always had their golden cups in hand. These goblets became a constant familiar fixture amid all the drama, reinforcing the show’s visual identity in a way that was impossible to ignore.
What started out as a production tool to ensure continuity in the show’s timeline post-production actually turned into a very powerful branding tool as well.
What is Love is Blind? A Netflix reality show that shapes perceptions
For those unfamiliar with it, Love Is Blind is a Netflix reality dating experiment where contestants form emotional connections and even get engaged before ever seeing each other. They communicate solely through “pods”, relying on their words, tone, and storytelling rather than physical attraction.
Isn’t that exactly how Public Relations (PR) works? People form opinions about brands, businesses, and leaders before they ever meet them in person. Their trust is built on the story they hear, the way it’s told and the consistency of the message long before they have a direct interaction with a brand. This consistency reminds me of the golden goblet on the show. No matter the situation, no matter the drama unfolding around it, it remains the same. It’s a constant in the chaos, just as a well-defined PR strategy should be for a brand.
In PR and brand storytelling, your golden goblet is the unique perspective, brand voice or key differentiator that makes you memorable.
A strong golden goblet in PR is built on three key elements: distinctiveness, consistency and substance. If your messaging sounds like everyone else in your industry, it will be lost in the noise because PR should highlight what makes you different. Just like the golden goblet appears in every episode of Love is Blind, your core message should remain steady and recognisable across all platforms, reinforcing your brand identity.
Consistency alone isn’t enough; substance matters as well. A golden goblet isn’t just a shiny prop, instead it holds something of value. In the same way, PR efforts that are all style but lack depth will fail to make a lasting impact.
In PR, that means choosing your niche and sticking to it. You shouldn’t have an opinion on everything. Credibility comes from owning a specific, well-defined perspective. Thought leaders and brands that try to comment on every trending topic dilute their authority. The most impactful voices are the ones that stay true to their core message, reinforcing their expertise instead of chasing relevance.
Thought leaders and their distinct golden goblets
Some of the most impactful thought leaders built their reputation by sticking to a clear and consistent message. Their golden goblets weren’t just empty vessels but rather filled with strong, unwavering viewpoints that shaped industries. A few local and international examples include:
- Elon Musk – The power of radical innovation
Musk’s golden goblet? Pushing the boundaries of human potential. Whether it’s Tesla, SpaceX, or AI, his messaging stays consistent: Engineering the impossible. - Simon Sinek – Start with why
Sinek owns one powerful idea: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” His thought leadership around purpose-driven leadership is a golden goblet in PR consistency. - Mpumi Madisa – Championing diversity and inclusion
As the first Black African female CEO of Bidvest Group, Mpumi Madisa’s golden goblet is corporate inclusivity—and she consistently reinforces this through her leadership and media presence. - Leila Fourie – Advocating for sustainable investment
As CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), Fourie’s golden goblet is clear: ensuring Africa’s financial markets drive sustainable, long-term growth.
All of these thought leaders chose a niche instead of trying to be experts in everything, owning a specific message that set them apart. Their messaging was consistent, making it clear what they stood for. Most importantly, they backed it up with substance – their ideas weren’t just catchy slogans but real insights that drove impact.
What is your golden goblet?
Netflix ensured that the Love is Blind contestants always had their golden goblets in hand – to the point where I found myself Googling their significance. That’s how prominent your PR message needs to be. When looking at your own brand can you identify your golden goblet? What’s the story, value or unique perspective that sets you apart no matter the situation you’re in?
If you don’t know, perhaps it’s time to define your unique perspective and align it with a dedicated public relations strategy. And if you’re in Gauteng, let’s discuss it over your drink of choice – served in a golden goblet, just for fun. Get in touch today.