We’re often encouraged to lead by example and lead boldly, but that often requires a mindset shift because what got us ‘here’ won’t necessarily get us ‘there’. As someone who has invested significantly in personal development over the years, one thing that keeps coming up is that change is constant. We can’t hold ourselves back from the future version of who we are becoming. And yet, I still see so many talented people I speak to at events I’m hosting still relying on their work or achievements to ‘speak for themselves’.
Become more visible:
Here’s the truth: if you’re not visible, you’re invisible. Time and again, I’ve seen knowledgeable, successful women overlooked in favour of peers or even new candidates who are simply more visible; the ones confidently talking about their achievements, experiences and expertise. But how do you do that without feeling cringey? Start with a personal brand audit. Before you refine your personal brand, you need to understand how others perceive you. I always encourage my clients to start with a simple task:
Ask peers, colleagues and mentors:
- What three words come to mind when you think of me?
- What strengths do they associate with you?
- How would they describe your expertise?
- What’s one thing they believe makes you stand out?
- Compare their responses to your own perception. Does how you see yourself align with how others see you?
My clients love seeing the feedback, as it either highlights what they already knew but emphasises it more, or they realise they need to work on it a little more.
Do a social media audit:
My next suggestion is to audit your online presence. Your personal brand isn’t just what you say, it’s what people see when they Google you. Google yourself. What shows up first? Is it your LinkedIn profile? If so, is it up to date? Run your profile picture through an AI platform to check how it’s perceived (friendly? authoritative? outdated?).
Check your recommendations/testimonials – if your last one was in 2012, it screams “I only update this when I’m job hunting.” And don’t forget, visibility on LinkedIn isn’t just external. One of my clients focused on building her LinkedIn strategy and, unexpectedly, it also increased her visibility internally within her company. More employees and senior leaders started noticing her expertise, leading to new opportunities.
Share your personal stories:
Use storytelling to build trust. As AI-generated content floods our feeds – I’m thrilled to announce pops up daily – nothing humanises your brand more than storytelling. People remember stories, not just facts. AI can’t create your lived experiences; it’s the moments that shaped your journey that make you stand out.
A strategy I love working on with clients is building a ‘story bank’ – a collection of real experiences that showcase your expertise and values. Try this: In your phone’s notes app, create sections for key areas of expertise, then start collecting real stories that demonstrate these skills. Use them in your LinkedIn posts, weekly team meetings and networking conversations. For example, if you talk about resilience, have a go-to story about a time you overcame a challenge. If leadership is your focus, what’s an experience that shaped your leadership style? A memorable personal brand isn’t built overnight – much to the annoyance of my Gen Zs hoping for viral success. It’s built through consistent, intentional visibility.
Work out why you’re unique:
One of my favourite ways to support clients’ individuality is to help them create what I call a UPBS (Unique Personal Brand System or Solution). What’s your methodology for the way you do things in business? Can you coin a phrase or signature concept that people associate with you? Do you have a distinct approach to problem-solving? Having a framework really helps position you as an authority and makes you more memorable in your industry, plus, it also gives you great content to talk about.
Be intentional and authentic
Memorable leadership is your personal brand. It’s not just your job title; it’s how people experience you. The more intentional, authentic, and visible you are, the more unforgettable you become. Pick a primary platform (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) and commit to showing up regularly – not just when you’re looking for a job or launching something new!
About Author
Personal brand guru Kelly Lundberg [https://kellylundbergofficial.com] is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, TEDx speaker and brand strategist with 20 years’ experience. She has worked with entrepreneurs, CEOs and some of the world’s biggest brands, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Bloomingdale’s, Harvey Nichols, HSBC, W Hotel and Lenovo. She is author of personal brand strategy guide Deseed The Lemon.
