Most people introduce themselves with a chronological background story: where they grew up, where they went to school, the jobs they’ve held. It’s forgettable. The VPGS method replaces that timeline with four elements that make an introduction inspiring and memorable: Vision, Profile, Gratitude, and Service.

Vision

What I want the world to be. What am I doing, and how do I want to change the world in a way that is inspiring? Lead with the future you’re working toward, not the past you came from.

Profile

Who I am and what I do. For example: “I’m a founder of such and such, and we’re building this to do that.” This is the concrete anchor, but it comes in service of the vision, not as a resume recital.

Gratitude

Express how fortunate you feel to do the work. For example: “I am so lucky that every single day I get to help X do Y” or “move toward making this vision come true.” Gratitude signals genuine passion and makes people want to root for you.

Service

Who I serve, and what it looks like when the work goes well. Paint the picture of the impact: the person or group whose life is better because of what you do.

Lean Into the Future

A related tip: introduce yourself leaning into the future: what you will become, what you want to become, and what inspires you. People connect with trajectory and aspiration far more than with a list of past credentials.

References