Igniting Your Personal Brand: Beyond the Buzzwords

In a world where the term "personal branding" is tossed around as commonly as emojis in a group chat, it's easy to get lost in the sea of LinkedIn taglines and carefully curated Instagram feeds. But what if I told you that true personal branding goes far deeper?

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Gen W-er, brand strategist, and compelling storyteller Lindrea Reynolds. What Lindrea was sharing wasn't just another marketing spiel – it was a call to action for authentic, transformative brand-building. Lindrea's approach cuts through the noise. She argues that significance trumps success, that our personal brand is about holistic perception, and that being true to ourselves and our needs is non-negotiable.

It got me thinking about my own journey. Like many of you, I've worn different hats throughout my career. From the basketball courts where I relished playing pick-up to the conference and boardrooms where I am now challenged to make different kinds of decisions, I've always felt the value of bringing your best self to the table. Recognizing that a personal audit of your experiences and values — and yes, even fears — is an important exercise in building confidence and better understanding personal branding.

"Who you are guides your work."

Lindrea's words resonated deeply: "Who you are guides your work." It's not about crafting a persona that you think will impress others. It's about unearthing the essence of who you are and letting that guide every decision, every interaction, every piece of work you put out into the world.

This journey isn't just about self-discovery. It's about staying curious, not just about ourselves, but about the world and people around us. By practicing this curiosity, we often uncover hidden strengths and passions we never knew existed – both in ourselves and in others.

Here's my challenge to you: Take a page from Lindrea's book. Start by asking yourself some questions:

• What's your story? Not the polished version you put on your resume, but the real, gritty, human story that's shaped who you are.
• What values do you hold that aren't just buzzwords, but guiding principles you'd stake your reputation on?
• How do you want to impact the world? Not in vague terms, but in tangible, "I can see it and feel it" ways.

Your answers to these questions move you closer to understanding how you would like to show yourself in the world. As someone who's navigated the worlds of sports, business, and social impact, I can tell you that the moments when I've been most successful – and more importantly, most fulfilled – have been when I've stayed true to my core values.

Remember, building your personal brand is an ongoing process. It requires ongoing reflection, adaptation, and growth. Your personal brand isn't just about you – it's about the positive ripple effect you can create in your community and beyond. It can be fuel for your fire, so work to ignite it!

'Till next time.