Stop Leading With Your Job Title — Start Leading With You
(Because your title isn’t your legacy)
“Why doesn’t your LinkedIn profile feature your employer more prominently?”
If I had money for every time someone asked me that over the years, I’d have a very well-funded sarcasm account.
Here’s the thing: my personal brand isn’t defined by my job title—and neither should yours be.
In my book, Influence Unleashed – Forging a Lasting Legacy Through Personal Branding, I break down the four foundational elements of a real, resonant personal brand:
- What you do – your subject matter expertise, professional experience, industry etc
- Who you are – the values, beliefs, and lived experiences that have shaped you
- What makes you different – your unique value proposition
- What you want to be known for – the impact you’re here to make, your reputation and legacy
Most professionals stop at the first one. They lead with their role, attach their identity to their employer, and call it a day. But that’s not a brand—that’s a business card. This is precisely WHY I wrote my book – after being asked repeatedly to help coach others with their personal brand and even develop training for my fellow executives.
The truth is: your job will change. Your title will change. Even your industry might change. But your personal brand? That’s what creates pull. That’s what gets remembered. That’s what gets doors opened, even when roles and markets shift.
When I show up online or on stage, I bring all four brand elements with me—not just the corporate resume. And yet, I consistently rank as a LinkedIn top social seller, often THE #1 social seller for my company. Why? Because people don’t just do business with companies. They do business with people. They buy from people they like and trust. And they trust people who show up with authenticity and consistency—not just credentials and logos.
A powerful personal brand isn’t built on job descriptions. A personal brand speaks to the whole human.
Your credibility. Your convictions. Your impact. Your presence.
If you’re still anchoring your online presence to your employer, ask yourself: What happens when that title changes? What do people associate with you, regardless of where you work? What conversations are you shaping, and what legacy are you building?
This isn’t just a philosophy—it’s strategy. Whether you’re an early-career professional or a seasoned executive, your brand equity is one of your most valuable assets.
I’ll be sharing more in upcoming keynotes—especially with the next generation of leaders—because building a whole-human brand is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s how you rise, lead, and stay relevant in a world that’s constantly evolving.
Your job might open the door—but your brand determines who invites you back.
