Why Ownable Originality Is the Only Differentiator Left with Rob Meyers
“Ownable originality is about creating something uniquely you—something no one else can do, even if they tried.”
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What does it mean to create something that no one else can replicate?
In this episode of The Storytelling Lab, Rain sits down with Rob Meyers, Managing Director of the creative studio Versus, to explore the concept of “ownable originality.” Rob shares the philosophy behind Versus—one that prioritizes culture over style, curiosity over templates, and meaning over metrics.
The result? A studio that helps brands and creators make work that is not only beautiful, but deeply aligned with who they are.
They discuss the evolving landscape of branded content, how more companies are creating their own original documentaries and films, and why traditional marketing models are no longer enough. Rob also explains how a founder-led, culture-first organization can scale without losing its soul—and how his team’s creative autonomy fuels both client work and original IP like films, books, and games.
If you’re looking for a model that balances creativity, commerce, and community, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine your own storytelling strategy.
In the episode, you will learn to:
Define your brand through culture, not content volume or visual style
Build a studio or agency that empowers creativity across departments
Make the case for long-form storytelling and brand-backed originals
Balance client work with internal creative projects to retain passion
Lead with values and build trust as your most irreplaceable asset
"Ownable originality is about creating something uniquely you—something no one else can do, even if they tried."
- Rob Meyers
If you want to learn how to create work that is so original it is only ownable by YOU, this is the episode for you!
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Some of the highlights of the episode:
00:00 – What “Ownable Originality” Really Means
01:46 – The Versus Philosophy: Culture Over Style
04:13 – How the Brand Name Reflects Their Mission
05:46 – Creating a Recognizable Brand Without a Signature Look
08:08 – Why Culture Is the Heart of Creative Identity
11:00 – Leading Through Conversation and Constant Contact
13:25 – The Illusion of Stability in Creative Work
15:12 – Burnout, Overexposure, and the Content Machine
17:45 – Why Brands Must Be Thoughtful, Not Just Fast
19:32 – Transitioning Versus into Long-Form Storytelling
21:49 – Helping Brands Start the Story, Not Just Join It
23:54 – Creating First-Look Partnerships and New Deal Structures
26:00 – Can Any Business Use Storytelling? (Short Answer: Yes)
28:00 – Style vs. Substance in a Trend-Obsessed Culture
30:30 – What “Ownable” Looks Like in Execution
32:45 – Artists vs. Entrepreneurs: Shared Traits and Risks
35:20 – A Lesson in Embracing Uniqueness from His Daughter
37:18 – How Trust, Not Creativity Alone, Builds Loyalty
39:05 – Balancing Client Projects with Original Content
41:00 – Multiple Funding Models: Studio, Brands, and Self
43:10 – Publishing, Streaming, Festivals, and Tech Tools
45:02 – Building a Universe of Creative Expression
46:35 – Why Rob ’s Fulfillment Comes from Mentorship and Culture
48:20 – Final Thoughts on Leadership, Team, and Story as Legacy
As always, I hope you enjoy the episode!
Rain
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