Personal growth thrives on the endless journey of learning
Lesley Everett - Executive Branding Consultant
Executive Brand Consultant | Integrated Executive Branding | Corporate Brand Personality | Creating Visibility & Profile | Keynote Speaker | Author
"Just as the giraffe stands tall, personal growth rises from a foundation of continual learning and the courage to embrace new heights." – Lesley Everett
As a reminder, firstly here's my definition of Integrated Executive Branding:
Executive branding is designed for current and aspiring executive leaders who want to build a strong professional reputation, laying the groundwork for success and advancing their careers to the next level.
Integrated executive branding extends traditional executive branding by focusing not just on the leader’s personal reputation but also on the performance and success of your team. This approach involves coaching both you the executive and your leadership team, empowering everyone to elevate their personal brands and leadership skills. As team members excel and align with your vision, their collective success enhances your brand and reinforces your reputation as a successful transformational leader.
Back to giraffes......
I love my job - not just because I get to travel, but because I get to learn something new and significant every day too. I've just returned from a trip to South Africa, with clients stops in London and Paris on route. I have to say it is my absolute favourite place on earth to visit. This time, I really appreciated it more so though - I was more acutely aware of the peace and beauty there, in stark contrast to the division and conflict in the world right now.
Also I was even more tuned into the lessons we can learn from the animals, and reminded of just how much there is still to learn and how much we still don't know about our planet. I love to learn something new every day and on this trip I was in overload! Many of you know that the giraffe is a favourite animal for me, and my first book and my company of course - Walking TALL - includes a giraffe in the branding. It symbolises standing out from the crowd with grace and gravitas.
So back to learning and personal growth - I recall Andy Clarke former CEO of Asda/Walmart UK saying to his leadership team and senior managers during a program I was running there, that as CEO he now gets his personal growth outside of Asda in other environments, on Boards and in interest groups, pointing out that it is important to never stop learning and growing.
As an executive, do you ever consider where you get most of your inspiration for learning and growth from? Are you getting enough exposure to it and enough time to absorb and use it? Being mindful of where and how you grow is of as much importance for your wellbeing and mental health as it is for your career and success.
While we're on giraffes - we can liken to effective executive leadership and presence too. Giraffes carry presence in bucket loads - they rise above the immediate rush and see the bigger picture so gracefully. When they do move it appears to be with intention, and fast when it needs to be!
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Q: A question I was asked today in fact, when being interviewed for a podcast (to be posted soon): Do even executives hold back on being truly themselves, and why?
A: Yes! I see this often. It's natural for most people to be reticent at being their true self at all times, and perhaps some level of restraint is good! However, seriously, with a good coach and solid feedback, it's important to explore who you really are and your true motivators, drivers and purpose are at this point in your career. It can be the basis for some amazing content and stories for your presentations and unlock some hugely valuable insights to enhance your executive presence and gravitas. Don't avoid it - be transparent with your values and what you stand for - you'll take people with you more effectively.
For more tips on building your executive brand, you can get my book Corporate Brand Personality (revised edition) on Amazon around the world, and on Kindle. Kindle Unlimited too for a limited period.
As always, if you'd like to get in touch and discuss Executive Branding, you can reach me [email protected] or 831 251 1488
Here's a great way to start - take my 5-min Executive Branding Assessment to see where you're at right now and where the gaps are that need to be addressed. https://www.magpaiassessments.com/4174/0
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