428 - The Moment I Realized Personal Branding Was a Game Changer

After leaving a major corporation, I realized people cared more about the company I worked for than me as a leader. That’s when I discovered the power of personal branding. In this episode, I break down how CEOs can build influence beyond their job title and turn their personal brand into a growth engine.

 
 
 

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The Moment I Realized Personal Branding Was a Game Changer

For over a decade, I thrived in a corporate leadership role. My work spoke for itself, my network was strong, and I believed my experience alone would open doors.

Then, in 2019, I left the corporate world. And reality hit me like a brick.

People weren’t interested in me. They were interested in the company I represented.

Why This Matters for Every CEO and Executive

Many leaders think their credibility is theirs. But in reality, much of it belongs to the brand they work for. The moment they step away, they realize how little influence they actually carry as individuals.

I wasn’t alone in this realization. As I looked around at those who had successfully made the transition, one thing stood out:

🔹 They all had a strong personal brand.

Personal branding wasn’t just an ego play—it was a business asset.

The Strategic Approach to Personal Branding

I knew I needed to build my brand systematically, not just randomly post on LinkedIn or attend more networking events. Here’s what I focused on:

1. Positioning Myself as a Thought Leader

I identified the topics I wanted to be known for—personal branding, leadership, and business growth. Every piece of content I shared reinforced my expertise in these areas.

2. Creating Consistency Across Platforms

I didn’t just rely on social media. I spoke on podcasts, wrote articles, and built a presence that worked for me 24/7.

3. Building a Brand That Attracts Inbound Opportunities

Instead of chasing opportunities, I focused on delivering value. And as my brand grew, speaking engagements, partnerships, and business deals started coming to me.

The Results? A Brand That Works for Me, Not the Other Way Around

Today, my personal brand fuels my business.

✔️ I receive more inbound opportunities than I can handle

✔️ My brand generates business and partnerships effortlessly

✔️ I have control over my influence, independent of any company

Here’s the reality:

If you’re a CEO, founder, or executive, you must invest in your personal brand. If not, you’ll always be dependent on the company you work for.

Ready to build your personal brand the right way? Listen to today’s episode of The Daily Hint to get started.

Highlights:

00:00 The Decision That Changed Everything

00:03 Leaving the Corporate World

00:20 The Importance of Personal Branding

00:29 Building My Personal Brand

00:46 Reaping the Benefits

00:56 Conclusion: Personal Branding for Success

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Transcript:

This one decision changed my entire career. 2019, I left a big corporation. I have had a beautiful job and what I learned is stepping out of the large corporate, which I was representing over almost 12 years, I understood that people are not really interested in me as an individual. They're interested in the company that was.

Behind me. So I looked into and deconstructed what is the difference of people that are successful in today's world. They have a personal brand. So what I was looking into is how do I build my personal brand strategically but systemically so that I can benefit from it? In the future, and it took me a couple of years, and today I'm in a place where I get inbound so much that I almost cannot handle it.

So I have business that is driven, I have speaking engagements, and I have a lot of opportunities for partnerships and engagements in general, just through my personal brand. Personal branding is a no-brainer for CEOs and others.

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427 - How CEOs Can Learn from the Transformation of Mark Zuckerberg