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Scott Harrison is one of the most authentic storytellers youâll ever meetâhis ability to connect on an emotional level is unmatched. Itâs one of the key reasons his raw, unfiltered approach has helped over 19 million people get access to clean water.
In this weekâs SOFE issue, Iâll share his story and:
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3 tips to learn from Scott on authentic storytelling
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Research that validates the power of authenticity in business
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One of my FAV Charity Water videos I saw when I met Scott & hooked me in.
Enjoy this refreshing storyâŚ.LG
Founder Story: Scot Harrison
At 28, Scott Harrison found himself at the height of New York Cityâs nightclub scene, orchestrating exclusive parties and basking in a life of excess. He was the guy who could convince people to pay $500 for a bottle of vodka just to impress their friends. Brands like Bacardi and Budweiser paid him thousands just to be seen drinking their products in public.
On paper, he had it allâmoney, status, and influence. But deep down, he felt empty, morally bankrupt, and lost.
A trip to South America on New Yearâs Eve 2004 became a turning point. Staying in a rented mansion with servants and horses, lighting fireworks with friends, and indulging in the opulence that defined his life, Scott picked up a spiritual book his father had recently given him.
As he read, the pages forced him to confront his reality: he had become the antithesis of who he wanted to be.
Determined to change, Scott walked away from the nightclub world and began applying to humanitarian organizations, hoping to serve others and find redemption. Rejections poured in, but one opportunity caught his eye: *Mercy Ships*, a nonprofit offering free medical care in impoverished nations via a floating hospital.
The catch? Heâd have to pay $500 a month to volunteer. Without hesitation, Scott committed, even going into debt to join.
When Scott boarded *Mercy Ships*, he didnât anticipate the reality he would face. He was sent to photograph and document the organizationâs work, a job that plunged him into some of the worldâs most desperate conditions.
Villages without basic healthcare, children with untreated deformities, and families ravaged by diseaseâit was overwhelming. After one week, he wanted to leave.
A senior medical officer confronted him. âYou signed up for this,â they said. âToughen up.â It was a turning point. Scott stayed, and as the weeks turned into months, he began to see the world differently.
His camera became a tool for storytelling, capturing not just suffering but also resilience and hope.
Through his lens, Scott noticed a recurring theme: many of the diseases and illnesses treated on the ship stemmed from one causeâcontaminated water. Communities were drinking from rivers and ponds shared with animals, leading to preventable deaths.
This discovery ignited a fire in Scott. He realized the lack of clean water was the root problem, and addressing it could transform millions of lives.
For two years, Scott traveled the African coast with *Mercy Ships*, taking more than 60,000 photos and documenting stories of heartbreak and hope. The experience shaped his belief that clean water was not just a necessity but a human right.
Returning to New York, Scott combined his newfound purpose with his promotional expertise. For his 31st birthday, he threw a party at one of the cityâs hottest venues. Instead of gifts or drinks, he asked friends to donate $20 to fund a clean water project in Uganda.
The event raised $15,000, enough to build three new wells and repair three broken ones for 30,000 people in a refugee camp.
That night, *Charity: Water* was born. Scottâs mission was simple yet bold: bring clean water to every person on the planet. Since its founding in 2006, *Charity: Water* has raised over $860 million, funded more than 170,000 water projects in 29 countries, and provided clean water to over 19 million people.
Storytelling Lessons:
Authenticity is the cornerstone of Scott Harrisonâs story and the driving force behind the success of Charity: Water. Scottâs ability to connect with audiences stems from his willingness to be realâsharing his flaws, his triumphs, and the unvarnished truth of his journey. His story is a powerful reminder that people are drawn to whatâs genuine, not whatâs perfect. Here are 3 lessons you can take from Scott's approach:
- Share Your Full JourneyâFlaws and All
Authenticity begins with openness. Scott Harrison doesnât shy away from the messier parts of his story. From his indulgent years in the nightclub scene to his spiritual reckoning, Scott shares every step of his journey. For founders, this means owning all aspects of your storyânot just the polished highlights.
People connect with imperfections because theyâre relatable. Sharing your failures and personal struggles humanizes your journey and makes your audience feel like theyâre walking alongside you. By being raw and real, you invite others to trust you, invest in your vision, and root for your success. - Embrace Radical Transparency
Scottâs storytelling is a masterclass in full transparency. He doesnât gloss over the mistakes of his past or downplay the challenges he faced. Instead, he uses honesty to build credibility and deepen connections with his audience.
As a founder, being transparent about your setbacks, uncertainties, and even insecurities can foster stronger relationships. Transparency isnât a weaknessâitâs a tool that makes you approachable and trustworthy. Authenticity shines brightest when you let your audience see the whole picture, not just the curated parts you think they want to see. - Live Your Beliefs Through Your Story
Scottâs authenticity stems from his alignment between beliefs and actions. He doesnât just talk about the importance of clean waterâhe lives it. This conviction resonates with everyone who encounters his story.
For founders, your authenticity is amplified when your actions reflect your core beliefs. Define what you stand for and make it the foundation of your brand and story. Let your passion and purpose shine through in every decision you make. When your story is an extension of your true self, your audience will feel it, believe in it, and rally behind you.
Authenticity isnât about being perfect; itâs about being real. By sharing your personal journey, embracing transparency, and living your beliefs, you can create a story that inspires, resonates, and drives meaningful connectionâjust like Scott Harrison.
Fun Fact: Authenticity Science
Authenticity drives engagementâ90% of consumers say it influences which brands they support, yet many marketers fail to deliver it effectively (Stackla). Yet, thereâs a gapâwhile 83% of marketers claim authenticity is crucial, many fail to deliver it in a way that resonates with their audience.
Scott Harrison has shown that when you use radical transparency as the core of your brand, people donât just listenâthey believe and take action.
Video to Watch: Unshaken Resolve
The first time I heard Scott Harrison speak, his authenticity and passion left a tremendous impression on me. At a Charity: Water event in Austin, he shared the story of his personal transformation and how Charity: Water was born.
He then showed Unshakenâa stunning, heart-wrenching video documenting their work in Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake. The footage brought their mission to life, revealing the profound impact of clean water in the hardest-hit communities. Click on this video to see and feel the power of Scott's storytelling as he is one of the best at drawing you into a cause and movement:
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SOFE Issue #018 - How Authenticity Helped Scott Harrison Raise $860M for Clean Water
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