Personal Brand and its Power: Why Founders are the REAL BRAND AMBASSADORS!

Today brands aren’t just about products or services—they're about people. I believe I've talked about this in most of my blogs. More specifically, they’re about the founders. We live in an era where the personal brand of a founder can drive the success of an entire company, often becoming synonymous with the brand itself. Think of how young people in India associate BOAT with Aman Gupta or globally with Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink being inseparable from Elon Musk. These founders have become more than just entrepreneurs—they’re icons that consumers trust and admire. In Nepal, while we see emerging personalities making their mark, this is a global trend that’s been evolving for decades.

There was a time when personal brands via various accomplishments made products - Air Jordan, is a prime example and is still being practiced - Messi & Adidas, CR7 and Nike, etc also Tiger Woods and his brand (sorry I don't follow much golf) and Rabi L and Ra Swa Pa. Then came an era when the brand made personal brands and their personal brands elevated the brand - Mark Zuckerberg. Take a quiz yourself, podcast and Joe Rogan for a global audience and Sanjay Silwal Gupta for Nepali reference, similarly, remember PRIME bottled water or whatever, KSI & Logan Paul... I can go on.

The Personal Brand Revolution

In the early days of Silicon Valley, wait, even before that Bill Hewlett & David Packard (HP) or, Micheal S. Dell of Dell Computers were a household name. The personal brand and brand made sense. And in the context of the modern era that too before social media, founders like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos were already building powerful personal brands. These founders from the last century weren’t just businessmen—they were visionaries. Their stories of persistence, innovation, and risk-taking became the narrative that defined their companies. People were drawn to their ideas and personalities, even when there was no Instagram or Twitter to amplify their voices. Let's forget tech, and remember, Warner, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Chaudhary, Khetan, Golchha, Mittal, Thani, etc. These all were personal brands. And we all associate or have associated their life and them with their products.

Fast forward to today, and social media has accelerated this trend. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) give founders an unprecedented ability to speak directly to their audience. Founders aren’t just selling products; they’re sharing their thoughts, beliefs, and values with the world. And the world is watching.

Why Are Founders So Important Today?

1. Authenticity: In an age of mass marketing, consumers crave authenticity. They want to know the people behind the products they use. When a founder steps into the spotlight, they provide a face, a voice, and a story that people can relate to. Founders like Aman Gupta of BOAT have done this masterfully. By sharing his journey from humble beginnings to leading India’s largest audio brand, he connects with young Indians who see their own dreams in his success.
2. Trust: Trust is the foundation of any brand-consumer relationship. When a founder is visible, it creates a sense of accountability. Elon Musk, love him or hate him, is known for being hands-on with his businesses. He’s vocal about his vision for the future, which makes consumers feel like they’re part of something bigger than just a product—they’re part of a movement.
3. Influence: Founders often have a direct influence on their audience. Their decisions, opinions, and actions shape how the brand is perceived. Steve Jobs' obsession with perfection became Apple’s ethos. His attention to detail and innovative mindset turned Apple into a global phenomenon. Even after his death, his personal brand continues to inspire millions, and by extension, so does Apple’s.

The Nepal Context

In Nepal, this trend is beginning to gain traction. While large-scale global examples like Musk and Jobs dominate the headlines, there are local entrepreneurs whose personal brands are making waves. Founders of emerging tech companies, artisans, and even restaurant owners are realizing the power of their personal stories in connecting with their audience. Though we may not yet have an Elon Musk or Aman Gupta, the potential for Nepali entrepreneurs to build personal brands that resonate globally is immense.

Take, for example, the growing interest in the tech and innovation space in Nepal. Startups and their founders are gaining recognition not just for their businesses but for their personalities and values. As Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem matures, this trend will only continue to grow.

Let's take a few examples of founders and co-founders - Biswas Dhakal, eSewa, Amit Agrawal, Khalti, Amun Thapa, Sastodeal, and let's not forget the OG of ride-sharing in Nepal - Sikshit Bhatta (forgive me if I miss spelt any names). Now we talk about Shreya Giri, Happymids; Santosh Pandey, Oho Cake, etc. How can I miss, Master Chef Santosh Shah, who built a reputation globally and is now treating us with fabulous Mithila delicacies?

The Intersection of Brand and Founder

The brand of a company and the personal brand of its founder are intertwined, and both need to grow together. Here’s why:

1. Longevity: A personal brand can last longer than the company itself. Even after stepping down from Microsoft, Bill Gates continues to be an influential figure in technology, business, and philanthropy. His brand transcended the company he built yet when we hear Microsoft, we remember Bill Gates.
2. Crisis Management: In times of crisis, people look for leadership. A strong founder who has cultivated a personal brand can steer the company through tough times by reassuring stakeholders—whether it's customers, employees, or investors. Elon Musk and his story of Space X comes to mind.
3. Inspiration: Founders who actively build their personal brand often inspire others. Whether it’s young entrepreneurs looking for role models or consumers who align with the founder’s vision, a strong personal brand can foster a community that extends beyond the product itself.

Building Your Personal Brand

For entrepreneurs, especially in a growing market like Nepal, building a personal brand isn’t optional—it’s necessary. Here are some ways to start:

• Be Visible: Share your story. Use social media to highlight not just your successes but your challenges. People connect with vulnerability and authenticity.
• Be Consistent: Your personal brand should reflect your values, both personally and professionally. Consistency builds trust over time.
• Be Engaging: Interact with your audience. Respond to comments, share your thoughts on industry trends, and make people feel like they are part of your journey.
• Give Back: As your personal brand grows, find ways to give back to the community. Whether through mentoring, sharing knowledge, or supporting causes you care about, your impact should extend beyond your company.
• Lastly, be honest to your audience and what you are trying to accomplish.

Conclusion

In this age and time, founders are no longer just the invisible hands behind a company—they’re the face of it, at least one of it. Think of Steve J and Steve W or Bill G. and Steve B. or even in Nepal, Amit A. and Dhurvkedar A. to name a few co-founders! And in this context, I cannot forget Sergey Brin & Eric Schmidt, whose brand far outruns their personal brand but that's because their brand is so powerful. As brands become more personal, consumers are looking for leaders they can trust, admire, and learn from as well as see if their values match. Building a personal brand isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s about creating a lasting connection between you, your company, and your audience. The rise of founder-led branding is here to stay, and in Nepal, this is just the beginning.

P.S. I have intentionally and accidentally left some names out. The reason being, I would want you, my readers, how ever miniscule in number, to engage with me in this conversation.