Personal Brand As a Safety Professional

“Personal branding is less a marketing exercise than it is becoming the best person you can be” – Frank K. Sonnenberg

I’m sure that by now you’ve heard the term “personal brand” thrown around quite a bit, especially on sites like LinkedIn. While “personal brand” is often used as a buzzword, the concept of personal branding is nothing new. The concept (or at least the buzzword) originated in the field of marketing and advertising before gradually evolving into a broader concept applicable across various professions and industries. While the term "personal brand" may have gained popularity in recent years, the idea of individuals consciously shaping and managing their public image has deep historical roots.

One of the earliest instances of personal branding as we understand it today can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the rise of mass media and the emergence of celebrity culture. Public figures such as actors, politicians, and athletes began to cultivate distinct personas and carefully craft their public image to appeal to their audiences and differentiate themselves from competitors.

In the corporate world, the concept of personal branding gained traction in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly as globalization and advancements in communication technology made it easier for individuals to establish their presence on a global scale. Executives and entrepreneurs began to recognize the importance of building their personal brand to enhance their credibility, attract opportunities, and advance their careers.

The invention of the internet and social media further accelerated the expansion of personal branding, providing individuals with more platforms to showcase their expertise, connect with audiences, and build communities around their areas of interest. Today, personal branding has become an important aspect of career development and self-promotion, with professionals across various industries leveraging various channels to organize their online presence and communicate their unique value proposition.

While the concept of personal branding may have evolved over time, its underlying principles remain rooted in the fundamental human desire to be seen, heard, and recognized for our individual talents and contributions. Whether it's through traditional marketing strategies, digital platforms, or personal interactions, personal branding plays a significant role in shaping how we present ourselves to the world and how others perceive us.

In the OHS world, where regulations and protocols often dominate discussions, it's easy to overlook the power of personal branding. As professionals in this field, we really have to recognize that our effectiveness isn't solely determined by our technical expertise or the certifications we hold. It’s our unique identity and how we choose to present ourselves that can truly make a difference in influencing others and effecting change.

From the moment we step into the workplace safety world, we bring with us a blend of experiences, perspectives, and values that shape who we are as individuals and professionals. We are not just the sum of our qualifications or the knowledge we've acquired in classrooms and seminars; instead, we are inherently "us" – with our own personalities, communication styles, and approaches to problem-solving.

Understanding this is the first step in creating our personal brand as OHS professionals. It's about embracing our authenticity and recognizing the value we bring to the table beyond what is written on our resumes. Whether we're conducting inspections, leading training sessions, or investigating workplace incidents, our personal brand saturates every interaction we have.

Central to our personal brand is the question of how we choose to engage with others when it comes to safety. Are we seen as enforcers of regulations, wielding authority to ensure compliance? Or do we position ourselves as allies and advocates, offering guidance and support to help others navigate the complexities of safety?

The truth is, sometimes we have to play both roles, enforcing when necessary and assisting when needed. However, it's our personal brand that ultimately determines how we are perceived and the impact we have on those around us. A strong personal brand built on authenticity, empathy, and integrity can pave the way for meaningful connections and lasting change.

Consider this: when we prioritize building relationships based on trust and mutual respect, we create an environment where people feel enabled to put their own safety and the safety of those around them first. Not out of fear of reprisal, but out of genuine concern for their well-being and the well-being of the people they work with daily.

Crafting a personal brand thoughtfully can make a real difference in how we drive change within organizations. Whether it's pushing for new safety ideas, getting everyone on board with best practices, or challenging old ways of doing things, our personal brand can give weight to our efforts. It's not just about what we do; it's about how others see us and trust us, making it easier to make positive changes that stick.

As safety professionals our reputation is everything. It's not just about our job titles; it's about how others see us and the mark we leave on our workplaces and communities, both offline and online. Building a personal brand that reflects who we truly are in our values, strengths, and dedication to safety is everything. When we're authentic, we inspire those around us to take safety seriously and to trust in our expertise. See, our personal brand isn't just for the here and now; it's about the legacy we leave behind. It's the lasting impact we make on the organizations we work for, the people we work with, and the communities we're part of. As OHS professionals, our legacy is about more than just the tasks we complete; it's about the culture of safety we instill. This legacy lives on, influencing future generations of safety professionals.

By staying true to ourselves while prioritizing workplace safety we're not just building a personal brand; we're contributing to a safer future. Our actions and decisions shape the story of safety in our workplaces and communities, leaving a lasting impact that goes beyond our time in any one role. It's about making a difference and leaving the world a little safer than we found it, ensuring that our legacy lives on even after we've moved on.

So, as we all navigate our own journeys in our OHS careers, remember that you are not just a collection of qualifications and credentials. You are a unique individual with the power to shape perceptions, influence behavior, and drive positive change. Embrace your authenticity, build your personal brand, and let your passion for safety be the force that guides you in everything you do.

#PersonalBrand #WorkplaceSafety #OHS #Leadership #Growth