From Vision to Reality: The Power of Personal Branding and Networking

Last week, I had the privilege of hosting a mentoring session for 12 of IBM’s emerging leaders on a topic that’s near and dear to me:?Personal Branding & Networking. Now, I know what you’re thinking—“Another buzzword-filled talk about how to make ourselves sound more important on LinkedIn?” Well, yes… and no.

While personal branding has become one of the?‘it’?phrases in business these days, it's so much more than just looking good online. It’s about being intentional with how you’re perceived and owning your narrative, both within your organization and beyond. And networking? That’s the engine that helps your brand?actually?take off. Think of personal branding as the car, and networking as the fuel—without one, the other doesn’t get you very far.

What is Personal Branding?

Personal branding is the story that others tell about you when you’re not in the room. It’s the cumulative perception that your colleagues, peers, mentors, and clients have of you. Are you the problem-solver? The thought leader? The go-to person in a crisis? You have the power to shape that image, but you have to do it with intention.

The mistake many people make is thinking that personal branding is just something you do when you need to make your LinkedIn profile look like it belongs to an international keynote speaker. In reality, it’s a daily practice. It’s about being authentic, consistent, and strategic in how you communicate, the projects you take on, and how you build relationships.

Why Does Networking Matter?

Now, let's talk about networking.?Networking?often conjures up the image of awkward handshakes and even more awkward conversations at corporate events. But, done right, networking is simply about building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships. It’s not transactional; it’s not something you only do when you need a favor.

Networking is your opportunity to showcase the real you—the talented, insightful, approachable leader who can add value to others. You can’t just show up once in a while and hope to build a reputation; networking requires consistent engagement. Trust me, the more you invest in your network, the more it will give back to you over time.

My Personal Journey: From IBM to Presenting to the Chairman and CEO

Let me take you behind the scenes of one of the most pivotal moments in my career. IBM, as you likely know, has been undergoing a transformation under the leadership of Arvind Krishna, our visionary Chairman and CEO. He has steered IBM into becoming a truly "Asset-Based" company, with a laser focus on Hybrid Cloud and Artificial Intelligence solutions. These aren’t just buzzwords thrown around the boardroom—they form the very core of IBM’s growth strategy in this new era of technological transformation.

In August 2023, during Arvind’s visit to India, I was hand-picked to present the AI First BPO vision. Now, being asked to speak in front of the CEO of IBM is, to say the least, nerve-wracking, but also a monumental opportunity. Arvind spent an incredible 4.5 hours with the IBM BPO team, and I had the honor of showcasing how our AI First vision aligns with IBM’s overarching strategy. The presentation was focused on the use of AI and Gen AI to revolutionize business process outsourcing—particularly in area of Talent Acquisition.

The fact that I was chosen to present to the Chairman and CEO of IBM didn’t happen by accident. It was the result of years of intentional personal branding—positioning myself as someone who not only understands the business but is also aligned with IBM’s technological future. The recognition I received from that presentation didn’t just stop at a “well done”. It culminated in me receiving accolades from the senior leadership team at IBM, and more importantly, it led to additional responsibilities.

Today, I also lead a global squad tasked with developing AI and Gen AI use cases for Talent Acquisition, specifically transforming the Offer and On boarding processes through IBMs advanced watsonX platform, making the experience smoother and more efficient for both candidates and recruiters. For me, this additional responsibility has been an incredibly enriching experience, allowing me to work at the cutting edge of AI innovation within a global organization like IBM.

Now, imagine if I hadn’t invested in building my personal brand. If I hadn’t been intentional in positioning myself as someone who could contribute to IBM’s future, I might have never been asked to present to Arvind. I may not have even been involved in the company’s AI-focused strategic initiatives. That’s the power of personal branding—it opens doors you didn’t even know were there.

Key Lessons from My Mentoring Session

During the mentoring session, I shared several key lessons on personal branding and networking, all of which are actionable and relatable, regardless of where you are in your career.

1. Introduction to Personal Branding & Networking

Personal branding is not about?faking it till you make it. It’s about showcasing your real strengths in a way that resonates with others. Networking, on the other hand, is the art of building and maintaining relationships with purpose.

2. The Importance of Personal Branding

• ?First Impressions: You never get a second chance to make a first impression—make it count.
• Leadership Identity: Your brand defines how others see you as a leader. What kind of leader do you want to be known as?
• Standing Out: In a sea of talent, it’s your unique brand that makes you stand out.

3. Building & Shaping Your Personal Brand

• ?Self-Awareness: Know your strengths and weaknesses.
• Be Authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not—authenticity builds trust.
• Consistency Across Channels: Whether it’s LinkedIn, internal meetings, or external conferences, your brand should remain consistent.

4. Networking to Strengthen Your Brand

• ?Network with Purpose: Connect with people who inspire you and align with your goals.
• Strategic Networking: Build relationships that will help you grow—not just in your role, but in your overall career trajectory.
• Reciprocity: Give as much as you take. Networking is a two-way street

5. Online Networking & Social Media

Your online presence is your virtual handshake. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated, share content that adds value, and engage with your network regularly.

6. Internal vs. External Networking

Internal networking helps you build allies within your organization, while external networking expands your influence in the wider industry.

7. Maximizing Networking Opportunities

• ?Active Listening: It’s not just about talking—listen to others and learn from them.
• Follow-up: After an initial meeting, always follow up to keep the relationship alive.
• Diversify Your Network: Don’t just connect with people in your immediate circle—reach beyond that for new perspectives.

8. Aligning Personal Branding & Networking

Stay visible, stay authentic, and be intentional in all your interactions.

9. Mentorship & Sponsorship

Mentors and sponsors are key to your growth. Seek them out, be a mentor yourself, and remember that these relationships take time to cultivate.

Actionable Takeaways for You

Now that I’ve shared my story and some of the lessons from the session, here’s what I encourage you to do:

1. Update Your LinkedIn Profile: Make your profile reflect the kind of leader you want to be known as. A few tweaks can make all the difference in how you’re perceived.

?2. Share Insights on LinkedIn: Write and share an article on a topic relevant to your business area at IBM. This is a great way to showcase your expertise and contribute to industry conversations.

?3. Find Two Mentors: Identify one mentor within your practice area and one outside of it. Schedule regular meetings to gain insights and grow your career.

A Few Final Words

Personal branding and networking aren’t just buzzwords—they’re powerful tools to help you accelerate your career. But here’s the secret sauce: it’s all about being authentic, consistent, and intentional. Your personal brand isn’t built in a day, but every action you take today contributes to it.

So go ahead, update that LinkedIn profile, reach out to mentors, and start sharing your insights with the world. And who knows? One day, you might just be presenting to the CEO of your company, too.

Conclusion

Personal branding and networking are two sides of the same coin, and when done right, they can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Whether you're new to this journey or just need a refresher, remember that your brand is yours to shape, and the relationships you build will take you further than you ever imagined.