Why Having a Personal Brand is Non-Negotiable in 2025
On Being the CEO of YOU
Personal brand. What in the hell does that even mean?
Every January, we are bombarded with “New Year, New Me” messaging that focuses on improving your body, productivity or forming a new habit. I didn’t always get the hype around personal branding until I witnessed someone trying to create a narrative about me that wasn’t true. It was then that I realized I am the CEO of Me and it is up to me to determine how people see me and the work I do, whether inside or outside of an office. We are more than the titles we are given or acquire. We are complex humans with depth, and we have a story worth sharing. That is what personal branding is all about.
Why Your Personal Brand Isn’t Just About Your Job
First thing’s first, your personal brand is so much bigger than your 9-to-5.
It’s how you show up in the world, how people perceive you, and the impact you make. If you’re only thinking about your personal brand in the context of a job, you’re leaving a whole lot of magic on the table.
Owning your personal brand is owning your narrative. It opens doors you didn’t even know existed.
When I first thought about building my personal brand, I made all the excuses.
“I can’t start now. It’s too late.”
“Who cares?”
“I don’t have time for this.”
Sound familiar? Yeah, I get it, but that’s fear talking, not facts. That’s imposter syndrome showing up and telling you, “You ain’t shit! Who do YOU think you are?” The truth is, it’s never too late to start, there are people who care, and you do have time for it. Investing in you is always worth the effort. Let me break it down for you.
Fear is nothing more than “False Experiences Appearing Real”
How a Personal Brand Works Its Magic Beyond Your Job
Speaking Gigs & Visibility
Do you want to be the person getting tapped to share your expertise on stage or in interviews? Your personal brand does the heavy lifting. When people know who you are and what you stand for, they’ll want you in the room.
Personal Wins
Have you been talking about launching a creative project, publishing a book, or building a side hustle? A strong personal brand is the ultimate credibility booster. It says, “Hey now, I’ve got the receipts, and I can deliver.”
Thought Leadership Online
If you leverage the exposure social media can give to a personal brand, it will connect people to your ideas, expertise and inspire them with your stories. Your personal brand turns your online presence into a space where your audience can learn, grow, and vibe with you.
How to Get Started Building Your Personal Brand
Keep it simple, shall we? Here’s where you can begin:
Define Your Values: What do you stand for? What’s the energy you want to bring to every room you walk into?
Own Your Story: Start sharing pieces of your journey, including what you’ve learned, where you’ve stumbled, and how you’ve grown. People relate to stories that resonate with them. Your authenticity helps them see themselves in you.
Be Consistent: Whether it’s online or in real life, make sure the you people see aligns with your values and vision.
It’s Time to Show Up and Show Out
Friend, the world doesn’t need another cookie-cutter, basic, boring person. It needs YOU—your humor, your brilliance, and your magic.
Don’t wait. This is your sign. Start building a personal brand that isn’t just about your job but about your life. Own your narrative and the possibilities are endless. Trust me, nothing feels better than showing up as the CEO of YOU.
You are so inspiring, friend.