Representing Extraordinary Impact
Bernie Hollywood presented one of the most complex storytelling challenges we've ever encountered as a business. How do you create a coherent digital presence for someone who is simultaneously a Guinness World Record holder, Justice of the Peace appointed by King Charles, international policy advisor, and third sector fundraising expert who has raised over £42 million for charities worldwide? When your client has spent four decades helping others, you feel the responsibility to honour that commitment.
The Challenge of Multiple Audiences
Our discovery process revealed the complexity of Bernie's work and the diverse audiences he serves. In a single week, he might address UN officials about sustainable development goals, speak to school children about mental health through his "Boat of Hope" campaign, advise charity executives on fundraising strategies, and sit as a magistrate in Liverpool courts.
Each audience needed different information presented in different ways. UN officials required serious policy credentials and evidence of impact. School children needed inspiration and accessible storytelling. Charity leaders wanted practical expertise and proven results. The challenge was creating a unified digital presence that could serve all these needs without diluting any single message.
Information Architecture Strategy
We developed a structure that presents Bernie's work through multiple lenses while maintaining narrative coherence. The homepage establishes his unique combination of extraordinary personal achievements and serious professional impact, immediately answering the question "who is this person and why should I listen to him?"
From there, visitors can explore different aspects of his work depending on their interests. Policy makers can dive into his UN advisory work and third sector expertise. Educators can learn about his school programs and mental health advocacy. Adventure enthusiasts can explore his record-breaking expeditions and their connection to his charitable mission.
Content Strategy and Storytelling
The content strategy balanced inspiration with credibility. Bernie's personal achievements — rowing solo across the Atlantic, running 41 consecutive marathons, reaching both poles — provide powerful hooks that capture attention. But the website quickly connects these achievements to his serious work advocating for disability rights, advising on sustainable development, and raising millions for charitable causes.
We worked with Bernie to craft narratives that show how his extreme personal challenges inform his professional work. His 109-day solo Atlantic crossing in the #BoatOfHOPE was the centrepiece of a campaign to raise awareness about children's mental health and suicide prevention. The journey, which reached 950 million people worldwide, built on his earlier work touring over 55 UK schools to open conversations with young people about mental health and wellbeing. The campaign's success story would later showcase the wisdom of our original technical strategy.
Technical Implementation
The technical challenge was creating a platform that could grow with Bernie's ongoing initiatives while maintaining performance and usability. We built a flexible content management system that allows easy updates as new campaigns launch or achievements are added.
The wisdom of this approach became clear when the "Boat of Hope" campaign launched in 2021. The flexible foundation we had built proved capable of supporting a campaign that would reach 950 million people worldwide. The website served as the central hub for campaign information, connecting Bernie's Atlantic crossing with the broader message about children's mental health, while integration capabilities allowed it to work seamlessly with social media and press coverage to amplify the campaign's reach.
Impact and Ongoing Evolution
Bernie's website serves as more than just a professional portfolio, but a platform for advancing his mission to inspire others. The clear presentation of his work and achievements lends credibility to his advocacy, while the inspiring story of his personal journey motivates others to take action in their own communities.
The success of the digital platform in supporting campaigns like "Boat of Hope" demonstrates how effective web development can amplify real-world impact. By providing a professional, comprehensive, and inspiring online presence, we've helped Bernie extend his influence beyond the speaking engagements and advisory meetings that were previously his primary channels for reaching others.
We're currently in the process of helping Bernie Hollywood transition to Odoo ERP to better manage his various charitable initiatives and global advisory work.