Stretching for thousands of miles across mountains, deserts and plains, the Great Wall of China is one of the most extraordinary structures in human history. Built and rebuilt over centuries, its purpose was simple: protection. It was meant to keep invaders out and secure those within. And in many ways, it worked. The Wall became a visible mark of identity: it declared, “Here is where China begins, and this is who we are.”
But there was another side to the story. The same Wall that offered protection also created isolation. Trade routes were slowed, opportunities for exchange limited, and sometimes the very strength of the Wall became a weakness. The Wall stands today not only as a monument to endurance, but also as a reminder of how the things we build to protect ourselves can sometimes keep us from connecting with others.
Isn’t that true for organizations as well? Many businesses unintentionally build “walls” around themselves. They use insider language, outdated methods or fragmented messaging, thinking they are safeguarding their identity. In reality, those walls keep people from seeing who they are and what they stand for. They have a story worth sharing, but it remains hidden behind barriers of their own making.
At Bark, we help organizations tear down those walls. We work to ensure their story is clear, welcoming and faithful to their mission, so that instead of isolating people, they invite them in. Because a strong brand doesn’t just protect identity, it opens a gateway for connection.
