The Era of Faceless Companies Is Ending: CEOs and CMOs as Brand Influencers

For decades, companies relied on a faceless approach to build their brands, focusing on polished corporate identities that masked the personalities behind the business. But today, the tides have shifted, and we’re entering an era where CEOs and CMOs are no longer just executives. They are influencers. These leaders, with their communities of followers, are building trust, generating leads, and turning that trust into measurable business outcomes.

The Power of a Personal Brand

Gone are the days when brands were built solely through expensive advertising and high-budget campaigns. In today’s world, a well-known founder, CEO, or CMO can often do more to build a brand and generate leads than any marketing budget. Why? Because people trust people.

When a leader steps out from behind the corporate veil and engages with their audience, whether through social media, blogs, podcasts, or public speaking, the company benefits. Trust is earned, and in return, that trust drives business.

My Personal Experience: Becoming the Face of a Company

Several years ago, while leading one of my companies, I stepped into the role of a public face. Through my leadership posts, and participation in events, webinars, and podcasts, I became a recognizable figure. The result? I alone generated over 30 percent of the leads for our startup, a company only a few months old. That kind of lead generation, especially for such a young company, is almost unheard of.

This wasn’t the result of an extravagant marketing budget or a large sales team. It came down to personal engagement, transparency, and showing the human side of the business. The power of connecting with a community cannot be understated.

Ruben Hassid and EasyGen: Leveraging AI Expertise for Startup Success

Before founding EasyGen , Ruben Hassid had already made a name for himself as a leading expert in the AI landscape. Known for his deep knowledge and control over AI tools, particularly ChatGPT and other cutting-edge technologies, Ruben positioned himself as a key figure in the AI community. His ability to harness the power of AI not only earned him a large following but also made him a trusted voice in the industry.

When Ruben launched EasyGen, he leveraged this expertise and his vast network to propel the startup’s success. By positioning himself as both the voice and face of the company, he was able to give EasyGen a strong launch, continuously engaging his audience over the first six months. Ruben’s consistent presence in webinars, podcasts, and events turned his personal brand into a powerful asset for the company, driving a loyal following and significant leads. This combination of AI mastery and personal engagement fueled EasyGen’s rapid growth, proving that expertise and community trust are critical drivers of success in today’s market.

Udi Ledergor and Gong: A Modern-Day Success Story

Another standout example is Udi Ledergor ???? , the CMO of Gong . Udi has built a significant personal brand, actively engaging with the sales and marketing community both online and at events. His leadership in webinars, social media posts, and thought leadership content has helped Gong become more than just a software company. By being a visible, authentic public face, Udi has fostered trust and loyalty in Gong’s audience.

His personal involvement has been key in driving leads and contributing to Gong's rapid growth. This shows the immense power of having a CMO act as a chief brand ambassador, elevating the company through personal influence and connection.

Tomer Zuker and D-ID - Example of Personal Influence

Tomer Zuker , VP of Marketing at D-ID , is another example of a marketing leader leveraging personal branding to elevate a company. Through his active engagement with the tech community, his public presence at industry events, webinars, and social platforms, and by creating a top-leading LinkedIn knowledge-sharing community called "Linkers" in Israel, Tomer solidified himself as a prominent figure in the Israeli tech marketing space. He is known for being approachable, always willing to help, and consistently focused on providing value to others.

This personal connection and leadership have helped position D-ID as an innovative leader in its field. Tomer's ability to humanize the technology behind D-ID and communicate it in relatable ways has allowed the company to connect with a broader audience, generating leads and fostering trust in the brand. His influence has been invaluable in building D-ID’s reputation and driving growth.

Why It’s Essential for CEOs and CMOs to Lead the Way

Having a founder, CEO, or CMO as the face of the company is a significant advantage. It humanizes the brand, builds authenticity, and fosters trust with potential clients and partners. But even better is when both the CEO and CMO are actively engaged in building that personal and company brand. And triple the impact comes when every employee in the company participates in some way.

Encourage Your Employees to Build Their Influence

As a CEO or CMO, it’s crucial to encourage and support your employees to become influencers in their own right. Imagine the power of having multiple team members contributing to your company’s visibility and reach. Here are some ways to make that happen:

1. Offer Incentives: Provide bonuses or other incentives to employees who actively engage with the public and promote the company’s interests.
2. Training and Development: Offer training sessions and opportunities for personal branding and self-development. Employees who feel supported in their growth will be more motivated to contribute.
3. Promote Organic Growth: Encourage employees to promote the company organically. Authentic engagement leads to stronger, more trustworthy relationships with potential customers.
4. Share Success: Share deal percentages or other rewards with employees who help drive leads or close deals. This creates a sense of ownership and drives motivation.
5. Set the Example: As a leader, be the first to step into the role of influencer. Show your employees what’s possible by building your personal brand and turning it into a powerful lead-generation tool.

The Future of Company Branding

The era of faceless companies is fading, and the future belongs to companies led by human, relatable, and influential leaders. When employees are given the tools and freedom to develop their own voices, the entire company benefits. Your brand will not only reach more people but will do so with authenticity, trust, and authority, qualities that no marketing budget can buy.

As leaders, it’s our responsibility to foster this change, to build a community both inside and outside the company. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to embrace this new era, empower your team, and let your leadership guide your company to new heights.