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Building My Personal Professional Brand: A Journey of Storytelling, Leadership, and Action
I’ve been told for years: “You should write a book.” “You should teach a course.” “You’re a natural storyteller.” Encouragement like that, repeated by peers, leaders, and teams, would usually make me nod politely and say, “Someday, maybe.” But honestly, the idea of putting myself out there felt daunting. Would I be received well? Would people actually care what I had to say?
These thoughts did not come from a place of disagreement or a lack of self-belief – they came from overthinking. The same overthinking I’ve advised countless teams and leaders to avoid.
As Simon Sinek might say, “The greatest contribution to leadership is taking action when it matters, even when you feel unsure.”
My first post, published on May 25, 2024, was a long time coming. I wrote it on a flight to Bhutan, somewhere over the Himalayas. My heart was pounding as I hit publish, but I also felt something shift – a clarity that this was the right step.
It was time to take my own advice: Once you’ve put in the thought, don’t overthink. Take action.
Why Build a Personal Professional Brand?
First things first – building a personal brand isn’t about ego – at least not entirely. It’s about clarity, connection, and impact. In a world where we’re bombarded with noise, our brand is our voice cutting through. It’s how people remember us, how they trust us, and, most importantly, how they feel about us.
For me, the decision to intentionally craft my professional brand came from a realization: I have spent 20+ years helping leaders, companies, and teams transform. I’ve led meaningful global projects and cracked frameworks that work. I’ve stumbled through my fair share of mistakes and poor decisions, each one a humbling teacher that forced me to reflect, adapt, and ultimately hone the skill of making deliberate, high-impact decisions.
But what’s the point of that knowledge if I don’t share it? A personal brand is my way of scaling impact – to teach, inspire, and guide beyond the Boardrooms I’ve sat in.
As Naval Ravikant puts it, “Play long-term games with long-term people.”
Your brand is your invitation to the right people to join you in those games.
The Foundation: Action, Authenticity, and a Little Bit of Humor
My first step was getting clear on who I am and what I stand for:
- I’m an Advisor: Helping others navigate complexity is what I do best.
- I’m a Guide: I don’t have all the answers, but I know how to ask the right questions.
- I’m a Storyteller: Stories build bridges, and I use them to connect ideas, people, and possibilities.
This clarity has become my compass, guiding every post, reel, essay, and interaction.
But clarity is only the first step. The magic happens when you take action consistently. Since May 25, I have consistently increased my posting frequency. Today, I post daily on LinkedIn and X. I engage with thought leaders, share lessons learned, and, yes, post video reels (now even on TikTok – who knew?). Every Sunday, like today, I write essays that distill my decades of experience into relatable lessons for young and mid-career professionals.
And, I’m working on a course and book to help 20- to 35-year-olds understand digital business leadership in everyday language.
This consistency has taught me something profound: “Your brand isn’t what you say about yourself – it’s what people see you do every day”.
Storytelling: The Heart of Every Brand
Let’s talk about storytelling, the heart of any personal brand. Why does it matter so much?
Because, as Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
The stories I share – whether about complex global transformations or lessons from my kids – aren’t just anecdotes. They’re bridges. They connect me to my audience by making abstract ideas tangible and relatable.
Consistency Creates Trust
From LinkedIn essays to Instagram reels, my storytelling is consistent. Whether I’m breaking down a business strategy or reflecting on resilience, my voice doesn’t change. Consistency breeds trust, and trust is the currency of any brand.
Emotion is the Secret Sauce
Storytelling works because it evokes emotion. When I write about the nerves I felt publishing my first post, it’s not just my story – it’s something anyone who’s faced self-doubt can relate to.
Performance is the Difference Between Promise and Delivery
A great brand isn’t just a good story – it’s a promise kept. People don’t simply engage with you because you sound good; they stick around because you consistently deliver value. Value that they can use.
Daily Posts, Essays, and Reels
Every piece of content I create – whether it’s a 60-second TikTok reel or a 1,500-word essay – is an opportunity to exceed expectations. My audience doesn’t just want ideas; they want insights they can apply.
Building for Scale
The course and book I’m developing are about scaling my impact. These aren’t just projects; they’re promises to my audience:
You’ll walk away with the tools, language, and frameworks to lead in a digital world.
Performance isn’t about perfection – it’s about consistently delivering beyond what people expect.
Lessons Learned
Building a personal professional brand is as much about learning as it is about teaching. It’s a journey, not a sprint. Here’s some actionable advice that is shaping my path:
1. Start Before You Feel Ready
There will never be a perfect time. You’ll never feel “ready.” That first post over the Himalayas taught me this: Just start. Clarity and confidence will follow action—not the other way around.
2. Be Vulnerable (and Mindful)
Vulnerability doesn’t mean airing every detail of your life. It’s about being real – share your doubts, failures, and lessons in a way that helps others. But always tie your vulnerability to a larger takeaway for your audience. Authenticity shines brightest when paired with purpose.
3. Have some Fun
A personal brand isn’t a lecture. It’s a conversation. Infuse humor, wit, and lightness into your storytelling. Self-deprecation works wonders (I’ve tried and tested this repeatedly). When you enjoy the process, your audience will too.
4. Engage Thoughtfully and Generously
Your audience isn’t a monologue; it’s a dialogue. Respond to comments, share perspectives, and engage with people who show up for you. Be generous with your insights and thoughtful in your interactions. Building a brand is about building relationships—one meaningful interaction at a time.
5. Diversify Your Platforms
What resonates on LinkedIn might not translate on TikTok. experiment and try to learn the nuances of each platform and tailor your content accordingly, but always stay true to your core message. Consistency does not mean repetition – it means alignment.
6. Be Patient
Growth takes time. It’s tempting to want immediate results, but building a meaningful brand requires persistence. Don’t measure success by likes or shares alone. Focus on the quality of the connections you’re making and the long-term impact you’re creating. Patience is your ally in crafting something that lasts.
7. Keep Learning
My brand evolves as I do. Stay curious. Read widely, listen to feedback, and refine your approach. Treat every post, video, or interaction as a chance to learn – about your audience, your craft, and yourself.
As Naval Ravikant says, “The best investment you can make is in yourself.”
Building a personal brand is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a process of showing up consistently, learning from your audience, and improving over time. Trust the journey. Your growth – both personal and professional – is the greatest reward.
Building a Legacy
At its heart, building a personal professional brand isn’t about popularity or clicks. It’s about creating a legacy – a body of work that outlives you.
For me, that legacy is about empowering others. It’s about equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools to navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. It’s about showing that even seasoned professionals can step into something new, take risks, and grow.
So, here’s my advice to you: Don’t overthink it. Start where you are. Write that first post, create that first video, or share that first story. Your brand isn’t built in a day—it’s built in the moments you decide to show up.
And one more Navalism, “If you can’t decide, the answer is no.”
Saying “Yes” to star building my brand wasn’t easy—but it’s been worth every step.
Now, your turn. What will you create?
And always remember: we’re all just doing our best. Assume Positive Intent.
Let me know how I can help.
Adi
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