Your Personal Brand IS How You Show Up

I am a TEDx curator and this past year's TEDxHobokenWomen theme and TEDWoman theme for 2018 was "SHOWING UP". I had a great line up of speakers, and post-event, as a coach and consultant for executives and entrepreneurs, I find that this theme comes up daily and weekly in my conversations. It even came up in my leadership class yesterday with my high school students.

The way in which we portray ourselves to the world is how we show up. That includes all the not so great patterns and habits which we often don't think about. We steer clear of the habits and patterns that we don't want to think about because they're embarrassing and we feel shame and regret- both feelings which are not necessary.

In my latest book on kindness and compassionate leadership as well as my next book on men's vulnerability, I am hoping to provide a mindset shift, even if it's a ripple in the ocean that what we say and how we say it matters. Not only does it matter to others, but it matters to us.

In reading the latest viral article about the women who felt humiliated in an interview by the CEO for over two hours, I recognize that his personal brand must be: POWER, FORCE, DEMAND, SCARE. But what the heck does that do for him or for his teams in the present and future, but provide a sense of shame and regret; again two unnecessary words and feelings.

The article is here if you haven't read it.

Our personal brands are not only about a logo or a website, landing page, insta-famous personality or Facebook live rockstar. It's about who we are when the cameras are on and off. It's about how we show up to people who WANT to work for us and not for someone else and it's about being happier, healthier - more connected people and co-workers.

I'm an executive coach and consultant with a focus on vulnerability leadership training- tools for active listening, kind communication, and going beyond ego- which equates to confidence, courage, management of different personalities and a happier you- a happier workplace.

I encourage every leader out there to consider themselves a personal brand- and that includes how they show up, and it's beyond title, status or what's on your business card, where your office is located (corner with a view or cubicle)- it's a matter of your integrity.

Branding and marketing can be fun. It can be super cool to create and magnify the significance of a mission or movement, product or service, but if the person behind the brand isn't showing up in a great way- the trickle down theory is present. Authenticity is MAGNIFIED x infinity in 2019. Be careful, be cautious and be aware.

If you're feeling shame, regret or embarrassment, this is where the fun begins- this is vulnerability training at its finest and this is when you feel the freedom you so rightfully deserve to feel behind the ego, the shield or the persona that your personal brand is portraying to the world.

LET GO.

Love, EB

Elizabeth Barry is a leading business consultant for individuals and businesses. From entrepreneurs to C-Suite executives, her inspirational approach will add a powerful skip in your step, as your leadership swagger cascades to your teams and clients. From tactical tips to intelligent analogies, The Elizabeth Barry effect is clear communication. From profit to happiness, to new leadership mentalities, hire Elizabeth Barry to coach you or your senior leadership team- as well as the teams below them to create kinder, more effective day to day business deals. Happy, healthy adults. That’s what it comes down to. 

Elizabeth is a self-published author of Own Your Vulnerability and newly released, The Kind Communicator. Visit her website at www.elizabethbarryconsulting.com. And please follow Elizabeth on LinkedIn for articles and inspiration.