How can you build a personal brand in IAM?

After a decade in the IAM space, I've learned that specialization isn't just about narrowing your focus—it's about maximizing your impact. Don't just pick the hottest trend. Choose an area where your background gives you unique insights. My journey led me to specialize in access management (JML/PAM) & IGA because I always found myself trying to understand why people wanted access, how long and why didn't they have it from day 1. Remember: The most rewarding niches often lie at the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and what the market needs.

Defining your niche is a sure way to stand out and play with your strengths. The IAM domain is vast and depending on your experience and expertise it’s essential to define a niche whether it’s a particular pillar of IAM, technology, product or process. Another aspect to keep in mind is that this niche is not set in stone and you can always change it depending on new developments in your career.

Start by thinking about important IAM events that happened to you. Focus on content that reflects what you needed to hear when you started in IAM. Write as if it's for you. That will give you a framework and help with authenticity. Pick formats that suit you: LI post, a blog, video or podcast. Start small to build confidence and find and refine your voice. Relevant IAM topics are in current events. Share challenges, lessons and tips that help others. Choose social media platforms to reach your audience. Consistency matters. Post regularly, even if it’s once a month. Engage by responding to comments and joining discussions on other posts. It's a steady build for credibility. You'll grow and people will grow with you.

It starts with understanding the domain of Identity and Access management beyond the product level. Share your experience, thoughts and opinions; the good, bad and ugly in project and product…

Networking with individuals in the same domain is useful to gain different perspectives and helps you know what is out there without being limited to what happens in your organisation. Although in -person networking is great, it’s also important to engage on blogs, communities and other social channels.

Keep up with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in IAM through continuous learning , Write articles or posts about IAM topics, sharing insights, case studies, and lessons learned , Attend IAM-related conferences, workshops , sharing your knowledge publicly can significantly enhance your visibility and authority in IAM.

1- Share Your Wisdom: When you share your knowledge with beginners, you don't just teach; you inspire. Your expertise can ignite the spark of curiosity and passion in others. 2- Give Generously: When you volunteer your time and skills, you create ripples of positivity, and your selfless acts demonstrate that kindness is a strength. 3-Collaborate and Be part of something bigger! Joining large projects allows you to contribute to meaningful achievements.

Beyond the technical and strategic aspects of building a personal brand in IAM, I've learned the importance of authenticity and passion. These personal attributes resonate with audiences and colleagues alike, fostering genuine connections and long-term engagements. Sharing not just successes but also challenges and how I overcame them has added depth to my brand, encouraging others to share their experiences and fostering a collaborative and supportive IAM community.