Building a Personal Brand that Reflects the Real YOU

Fixing Your Crown: Building a Personal Brand That Reflects the Real You

“Real queens fix each other’s crowns without telling the world they were crooked.”

I’ve always loved that quote. It reminds me of the incredible support I’ve both received and given throughout my career. But here’s the thing: sometimes, fixing your crown isn’t about waiting for someone else to step in. It’s about doing it for yourself.

Fixing your crown doesn’t mean changing who you are. It’s about ensuring you’re seen the way you intend to be seen—so that others recognize your value in the same way you do. That’s the essence of personal branding.

The Day I Realized I Had a Brand (and Wasn’t Managing It)

I’ll never forget the day my boss asked, “What do you want your brand to be?”

I froze. I didn’t even know I had a brand. I was just working hard, hoping people would notice. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.

Like so many others, I thought good work would speak for itself. But it doesn’t.

I kept finding myself frustrated, wondering: Why don’t people see my contributions the way I see them? That’s when I realized something crucial: your personal brand isn’t just your reputation—it’s the story others tell about you.

If you’re not actively shaping that story, you’re leaving your career to chance.

What Is a Personal Brand, and Why Does It Matter?

Your personal brand is the unique blend of your skills, personality, and impact. It’s not just your LinkedIn headline or elevator pitch—it’s the story people remember about you when you’re not in the room.

Think about it:

• Brené Brown is known for vulnerability, research, and storytelling.
• Marques Brownlee stands out for his tech expertise and polished content.
• Taylor Swift is synonymous with emotion, reinvention, and connection.

These individuals didn’t leave their brand to chance. They shaped their story intentionally.

If the story people tell about you doesn’t align with how you see yourself, it leads to frustration—and missed opportunities. Your brand affects everything: the projects you’re trusted with, the promotions you’re offered, and the people who advocate for you behind closed doors.

Stories Build (or Break) Your Brand

Your reputation is built on stories: the ones you tell about yourself—and the ones others share about you.

Here’s the catch: if you’re not shaping your story, others will shape it for you.

Let me share two examples:

• The Cautionary Tale: Sally was well-liked but known for poor judgment and complaining. When a great role opened up, she wasn’t even considered. Her reputation cost her the opportunity.
• The Success Story: A mentee of mine became known for her expertise and clear communication. That reputation earned her a chance to co-author a book with a senior leader, transforming her career.

The difference? One took control of their story, while the other left it to chance.

Start Shaping Your Story Today

To begin building your personal brand, start by closing the gap between how you see yourself and how others perceive you. Ask yourself:

• What are my top strengths and values?
• How do I want people to describe me?
• Is my behavior aligned with the story I want others to tell?

Once you’re clear on these answers, you can start crafting the stories that highlight your value—and ensure others are telling them too.

Why Personal Brand Matters

This isn’t just about career success—it’s about you. Your personal brand is deeply rooted in your values, strengths, and aspirations. By shaping your brand, you’re taking ownership of your story and your future.

If you’re ready to take your personal branding to the next level, stay tuned for my upcoming book, Fix Your Crown: A Guide to Personal Branding and Career Success. I share the tools and strategies I’ve used to help professionals like you unlock opportunities by taking control of their story.

Want to dive deeper now? My personal branding course walks you step-by-step through the process, from uncovering your strengths to creating a brand that opens doors.

How do you want to be seen? Let’s fix your crown and build a personal brand that reflects the real you.

-Gabrielle Awe Founder of She Makes it Work | Author of Fix Your Crown: A Guide to Personal Branding and Career Success | Speaker | Personal Branding & Leadership Consultant

Helping professionals build authentic personal brands that unlock new opportunities.

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