#238 Feel Ordinary? Try “The J.D. Vance” Positioning Strategy

“So I didn’t write this book because I’ve accomplished something extraordinary. I wrote this book because I’ve achieved something quite ordinary, which doesn’t happen to most kids who grow up like me.” – J.D. Vance, Hillbilly Elegy

J.D. Vance’s memoir – Hillbilly Elegy, written when he was 31 years old – launched him into the national spotlight and eventually the Vice Presidency of the United States.

But in the book’s first paragraph, Vance writes “… I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve accomplished nothing great in my life, certainly nothing that would justify a complete stranger paying money to read about it.”

Yet Vance’s memoir became a cultural touchstone to help understand why “hillbillies, rednecks and white trash” voted for Donald Trump in 2016, and later got made into a Netflix movie. His story launched him into national politics.

Do you feel like your profile is ordinary for business school? Why not try the “J.D. Vance?” Instead of hunting for bigger achievements, why not share the distance you traveled to get where you are? Why not offer admissions readers more context in which to evaluate your performance?

Listen on as Darren breaks down this counterintuitive positioning strategy for your MBA applications.

Topics

Why “Getting to Ordinary” Might Be Your Best Story (0:00)
Reading the First Paragraphs of Hillbilly Elegy (2:55)
What Obstacles Have You Overcome? (8:55)
Uncovering Your Best Obstacle Stories (10:45)

Show Notes

Resources for MBA Applicants

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Comments

3 responses to “#238 Feel Ordinary? Try “The J.D. Vance” Positioning Strategy”

Diego

September 27, 2026

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September 27, 2026

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October 4, 2026

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