Disrupting the Ordinary: Shape Your Brand and Inspire Others
Patrick Leddin, PhD
Practice Leader | Professional Disruptive Speaker | Led the Vanderbilt Disruption Project | WSJ Bestselling Author | Podcast Host
Are you actively shaping how people see you, or just hoping your work speaks for itself?
If you’ve ever wondered how to ensure you’re sending the right signals, you might appreciate something Seth Godin once shared with me.
Seth explained that when you join a new team, your boss and coworkers don’t know much about you. So, when you show up on that first day, everything about you—from your haircut to your clothes—is already telling a story, just like the iconic Harley-Davidson logo does. From day one, you’re making promises—about who you are, what you stand for, and how you’ll show up. Those promises, he said, shape your brand over time.
Whether you’re starting a new job, stepping into a new role, or repositioning yourself in your current one, Seth’s insight might be precisely what you need to hear.
The “Premium Product” Mindset
It got me thinking: what if we saw ourselves as a “premium product”?
What if we invested the emotional labor to make ourselves someone others view as indispensable? Not in a superficial way, but by consistently showing up as someone whose contributions make a difference.
Consider Your Promises and Your Choices
So here’s something to consider:
Own Your Story and Build Your Legacy
If you’re ready to take the next step in your personal and professional journey, my Wall Street Journal bestseller, The Five-Week Leadership Challenge , is all about helping you become the leader you were meant to be. It’s designed to guide you through crafting your own story so you don’t just shape your brand—you own it. Pick up a copy and start challenging yourself today.
Here’s the truth: every day, you’re either building your brand or letting it be shaped by default. Choose to be intentional.
Think of every project as a chance to deliver excellence. Think of every interaction as an opportunity to reflect the values that matter to you. And keep showing up, day in and day out, as someone who delivers, inspires, and elevates.
Because when you do, you don’t just shape your brand—you help others do the same. By leading with integrity and purpose, you become a source of inspiration and guidance, empowering those around you to realize their potential and build brands they’re proud of, too.
And when that happens, you don’t just build a brand—you build a legacy.
So ask yourself, What story am I telling, and is it the one I want to leave behind?
Make it a great day! - Patrick
P.S. Need a speaker for your next event? Contact my agents Michele Lucia or Canesha Appleton to learn more and book a date.
#personalbrand #disruption #success
Helping Business leaders and Educators build Championship Teams. | Keynote Speaker, Workshops and Coaching | Author
1 天前Great insights Patrick. Love the idea about making promises. I remind people to build their discipline muscle they must make and keep promises to their self and then make and keep promises to others. Keep up your wonderful work!