The Never Ending Story of You
Build Trust, Connection, and Momentum with Mission-Driven Storytelling and Visual Punctuation
A Hands-On Workshop led by M. Shannon Hernandez & John DeMato
Date & Time: May 30, 2025 • 10:00AM – 1:00PM ET
Location: 307 W 38th Street, Midtown Manhattan
Workshop Price: $97; 30 participant capacity.
Most experts focus on what they offer, but often forget to communicate why they do it.
It’s your mission—your deeper purpose—that emotionally connects with your audience, building trust and loyalty. When you pair this mission with strategic visual storytelling, it doesn’t just capture attention—it builds lasting relationships.
This workshop will help you begin turning your marketing content from a mission into a movement. You’ll learn how to tell your brand’s story with emotional depth and strategic clarity, combining powerful storytelling with intentional visuals to create content that’s unforgettable, on-brand, and aligned with your mission.
Meet Your Facilitators
M. Shannon Hernandez is a globally sought after speaker and trainer. She is a messaging and marketing strategist and helps mission-driven business owners clarify their message, own their voice and expertise, and lead a business rooted in their highest values.
John DeMato is a branded lifestyle portrait photographer and visual storytelling strategist who works with speakers, authors, and service-based experts to create powerful image libraries that prove credibility, amplify message, and build trust at first glance.
Together, Shannon and John will teach you how to seamlessly align words and photos for maximum impact.
What You Will Experience in this 3-Hour Workshop:
Mission-Driven Messaging
Shannon will guide you through the first pillar of her Profit-Driven Messaging Ecosystem: Mission-Driven Content. Get clear on your why, refine your mission, and explore how to make it the heartbeat of every story you share.
Visual Punctuation of Purpose
John will layer in visual strategies to support your messaging. Learn how to choose or create photos that punctuate your mission, reinforce your credibility, and emotionally connect with your audience.
The “Hottie Seat” Story + Photo Coaching
LIVE coaching with Shannon and John! You’ll work together to create a mission-driven story and choose a visual that aligns with it for maximum impact.
Independent Story Crafting
Using a simple framework and guiding questions, you’ll craft your own mission-driven story and pair it with a relevant image (either smartphone or professional). You’ll have a publish-ready post or email by the end of this session
Story Share + Community Reflections
Share your story and image with the group for constructive feedback. This will build your confidence, reinforce the process, and foster a sense of community.
You’ll Walk Away With:
- A crystal-clear, compelling articulation of your business mission
- A solid understanding of how to use visuals to punctuate your purpose-driven content
- One crafted, story-based post or email you can publish immediately
- A stronger connection to your brand, audience, and your authentic voice
What is the Profit-Driven Messaging Ecosystem?
In this workshop, we will be focusing on Mission-Driven Messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What will I learn in this workshop?
You’ll learn how to create mission-driven content that connects with your audience on an emotional level, paired with visual storytelling strategies that amplify your message. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have crafted a compelling, story-driven post or email that reflects your mission and aligns with your brand.
- Do I need any prior experience with storytelling or photography?
Not at all! This workshop is designed for anyone looking to refine their storytelling and visual content, regardless of your background. We’ll guide you step-by-step, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience.
- What do I need to bring to the workshop?
Just bring yourself and an open mind! Also remember your business cards–you will be making lots of new connections at this event! We’ll provide the workbook, the fun, and the positive learning environment.
- Can I get feedback on my story or images during the workshop?
Yes! During the “Hottie Seat” portion of the workshop, Shannon and John will coach participants live, helping you craft your story and choose the right images to make an impact. You’ll also have the chance to get feedback from the group in a supportive, constructive environment.
- Is there a limit to how many people can attend?
To ensure an intimate, high-quality experience, we’re keeping this workshop small at 30 participants. Be sure to register early to secure your spot!
- Coffee –will there be coffee?
Yes! We are providing coffee, water, and some snacks. You can also join us at a nearby restaurant for lunch if you’d like. (Lunch not included in the workshop fee.)
A Little Bit More About Shannon & John
M. Shannon Hernandez
M. Shannon Hernandez is a Messaging & Email Marketing Strategist and the Founder of Joyful Business Revolution. She helps established business owners and mission-driven organizations turn their mission into a movement—so their work becomes a force for connection, community, and lasting impact. Shannon partners with coaches, consultants, and experts whose messaging no longer matches their magic; founders who want conversion without compromising depth; and neurodivergent, DEI-rooted leaders who need nuance honored in every word. Her clients aren’t interested in surface-level marketing–the crave messaging that fully reflects the depth, nuance, and brilliance of the work they’re here to lead. A sought-after expert in business strategy, Shannon has been featured on CBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC. Her award-winning background in curriculum design includes work with the NFL and U.S. Military. She is a master teacher and proud advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion—committed to helping clients use their profits for purpose. She is also the author of Practical Joy: Simple Tools To Cultivate More Joy Every Day and the co-host of the Grow Your Business for Good podcast.
John DeMato
John DeMato is a visual storytelling expert who works with speakers, trainers, coaches, consultants, and authors to build compelling photo libraries that prove their authority and make their message impossible to ignore.
A former television producer who thinks like a marketer, John brings a strategic lens to every session—capturing more than just nice photos, but rather curating a Visual Storytelling Library that aligns with how experts want to be seen, heard, and hired. His work ensures that clients never have to rely on outdated headshots or stock images again.
Through an intentional, collaborative process, John helps experts articulate their personality, credibility, and expertise in every frame—creating not just portraits, but a powerful, evolving visual narrative designed to support their business goals and scale their impact.
Whether it’s showcasing a keynote, capturing the energy of a workshop, or spotlighting the behind-the-scenes details that round out a brand’s identity, John builds visual assets that serve as strategic proof points across every platform.
Ultimately, John empowers experts to attract higher-value opportunities and more of the right clients by making sure their photos speak before they do—and say exactly the right thing.