When navigating conflicting advice on personal branding, I believe it’s important to strike a balance between authenticity and professionalism. Reveal enough of your true self to connect with your audience—sharing personal stories and values can create relatability and trust. However, consider your industry and audience; tailor your openness to ensure it aligns with your professional goals. Ultimately, authenticity resonates, but it should be presented in a way that supports your brand narrative and maintains your credibility.

Indeed it wise to not reveal too many personal details. Reveal just enough of your true self to be authentic, yet strategic—like sharing a personal failure to show resilience without delving into vulnerabilities that dilute your message. Balance is key; by selectively revealing aspects of your personality, you maintain control over your narrative while inviting genuine connection.

The amount of your true self you reveal should depend on your target audience and the nature of your brand. For example, a personal brand built around humor and storytelling might benefit from sharing more personal anecdotes, while a professional brand focused on expertise and authority might require a more reserved approach. Example: Gary Vaynerchuk is another example of a successful personal brand built on authenticity. He is known for his no-holds-barred approach to business and his willingness to share his personal experiences. This authenticity has helped him build a massive following and become one of the most influential entrepreneurs of his generation.

A personal brand is a curated but authentic version of you, hence the word 'brand'. You don't want to launch a tell-all, nor do you want to air dirty linen. What you do want is to make clear what and who you are as a brand - what you stand for and why.

We must always be cautious and stealthy when sailing in storms that may affect our reputation. It is better to stay attentive and measure our reactions on social networks and avoid that our words are misinterpreted.