The White Lotus logic
Applying the influence, storytelling, and psychology to brand positioning
Credit: Town and Country Magazine
With The White Lotus Season 3 now unfolding, it’s the perfect time to revisit the first two seasons, not just for the scandal and satire, but for the masterclass in power, perception, and reinvention. This show isn’t just about luxury resorts and dysfunctional elites - it’s about influence, storytelling, and the psychology of positioning.
For brands in PR, marketing, media, and events, these are invaluable insights. The strongest brands don’t just exist in a competitive space - they own the conversation, dictate the perception, and make sure they’re impossible to ignore.
Let’s break down what The White Lotus teaches us about brand strategy.
1. Control the narrative before the market does (Season 1 – PR & reputation management)
Season 1 is a case study in how perception shapes reality. The characters who controlled their own stories, whether through charm, deflection, or calculated positioning, came out on top. Those who lost control? They became the spectacle.
Brands in PR and media need to operate the same way. If you’re not managing your own narrative, competitors, customers, or the press will do it for you. Proactive PR, crisis planning, and sharp media relations aren’t optional. They’re the difference between being respected and being ridiculed.
SCENE TO WATCH: Armond, the hotel manager, unravels under pressure and his lack of control over his reputation ultimately leads to his downfall. His failure to manage perception is exactly how brands get buried in bad press.
BRAND TAKEAWAY: Reputation isn’t just about what you say. It’s about what others say about you. Get ahead of the conversation and steer it in your favour.
Credit: Vanity Fair
2. Adaptability is everything (Season 2 – Brand reinvention & experiential marketing)
Season 2 took us to Sicily, a fresh new setting with an evolved tone, sharper storytelling, and higher stakes. It was still The White Lotus, but it wasn’t a repeat of Season 1. That’s exactly how smart brands operate. They evolve without losing their core identity.
In marketing, PR, and events, adaptability is the key to longevity. Brands that refuse to pivot get left behind. The best campaigns feel fresh, immersive, and unexpected, while still being unmistakably you.
SCENE TO WATCH: Tanya’s attempt to integrate into Quentin’s world in Sicily. She adapts, embraces the experience, and understands the power of immersion.
BRAND TAKEAWAY: Every event, activation, and campaign should be familiar but fresh. Reinvention should feel natural, not forced.
Credit: Vanity Fair
3. Presence is everything (Both seasons – Brand visibility & messaging)
Some characters in The White Lotus fade into the background. Others walk in and own the room. That’s what brand marketing is. It's about creating a presence that’s impossible to ignore.
Whether it’s PR, advertising, or experiential marketing, the strongest brands command attention. They’re clear, confident, and unforgettable.
SCENE TO WATCH: Tanya’s grand entrances, whether by boat, Vespa, or dramatic monologue, make her unmissable. Meanwhile, characters like Harper (Season 2) struggle to stand out, even when they’re trying to.
BRAND TAKEAWAY: Whether it’s a campaign, an event, or a brand refresh, your presence should be bold, clear, and undeniably you.
Credit: British Vogue
4. The risk of trend-chasing without purpose (Portia – The cautionary branding tale)
Portia is the perfect example of what happens when you don’t know your brand identity. She wants to be trendy but doesn’t know how. She switches styles, adapts her personality depending on who she’s around, and lacks any real sense of direction.
Many brands fall into this trap, such as jumping on TikTok trends, shifting messaging constantly, and chasing relevance without a real strategy.
The result? A brand that’s forgettable because it has no core identity.
SCENE TO WATCH: Portia’s chaotic fashion evolution. One minute, she’s Gen Z TikTok-core, the next she’s corporate casual confusion. It’s a perfect metaphor for brands with no clear identity.
BRAND TAKEAWAY: If your brand doesn’t know who it is, neither will your audience. Define your voice, values, and visuals and stick to them. Trends should enhance your brand, not define it.
Credit: Harper’s BAZAAR
5. Long-term strategy beats short-term hype (Season 2 – PR & media planning)
Some The White Lotus characters chase instant gratification. Others play the long game and they’re the ones who win. The same applies to branding. Viral moments are fun, but longevity comes from strategic PR, sustained media presence, and carefully curated partnerships.
SCENE TO WATCH: Quentin’s entire long con where he didn’t make impulsive moves; he played the game patiently, setting up the right plays at the right time.
BRAND TAKEAWAY: The strongest brands don’t just show up. They stay relevant. PR and media planning should be consistent, strategic, and focused on the long haul.
Credit: Collider.com
6. Read the room & adjust your strategy (Season 1 – Audience insights & brand positioning)
Not every The White Lotus character thrives. The ones who succeed are the ones who read the room and understand power dynamics and know when to adapt their approach.
Brands must do the same. Audience preferences shift, cultural conversations evolve, and what worked yesterday might not work today. Listening, analysing, and adjusting are critical.
SCENE TO WATCH: Belinda, the spa manager, is excellent at reading guests’ needs and tailoring her approach, until she misreads her opportunity with Tanya and loses control of the situation.
BRAND TAKEAWAY: Great PR and marketing isn’t just about what you say. It’s about knowing what your audience wants to hear and meeting them where they are.
Credit: Screen Rant
What it all comes down to
As The White Lotus Season 3 unfolds, it’s clear that power, influence, and perception aren’t accidental. They’re built, shaped, and strategically managed. The strongest brands don’t just exist in the noise; they rise above it.
And if there’s one lesson above all? Don’t be a brand that loses control of its own story.
Want to craft a PR and marketing strategy that keeps your brand at the forefront? Get in touch with us at We Are Brooklyn and let’s build a brand strategy that turns heads and drives real impact.