Beyond the Boardroom: How Personal Branding Shapes Your Influence

Personal branding isn’t just about looking the part in a boardroom—it’s about how you show up in every space that matters. It’s about owning your expertise, making an impact, and ensuring people remember you long after the conversation ends. Whether you’re networking at an event, engaging on LinkedIn, or building relationships that lead to new opportunities, your personal brand should work for you everywhere—not just in formal meetings.

Your brand is a living extension of who you are. It’s not just what you say but how you say it, how you carry yourself, and the value you bring to every interaction. When done right, personal branding creates opportunities before you even have to ask for them.

Personal Branding is Bigger Than Your Job Title

Your personal brand is your reputation—what people say about you when you’re not in the room. It’s how you show up online, communicate, and present yourself in professional spaces.If you’re relying on your job title alone to get noticed, you’re missing out. LinkedIn, networking events, and even casual conversations are opportunities to position yourself as a leader.

A strong personal brand should showcase your expertise and your personality. People don’t just connect with credentials—they connect with authenticity. The more you share insights, experiences, and even challenges, the more relatable and memorable you become. The key is balancing professionalism with personality. People do business with those they trust and feel connected to—not just those with impressive CVs.

LinkedIn: More Than a Digital CV	Networking: It’s Not Just About Business Cards	Stay Consistent—Online and Offline	Branding for Growth—Not Just Visibility
If you’re treating LinkedIn as just a place to store your CV, you’re missing a huge opportunity. It’s one of the most powerful platforms for building authority and visibility. Here’s how to use it strategically: Optimise your profile – A strong headline, professional photo, and summary that clearly communicates who you are and why you matter. Post with purpose – Share industry insights, professional experiences, and personal perspectives. Thought leadership isn’t about frequency—it’s about value. Engage meaningfully – Comment on relevant posts, join discussions, and build real connections rather than just accumulating contacts. Your LinkedIn presence should feel as intentional as your in-person interactions. It’s not just about being seen—it’s about being remembered for the right reasons.	Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about building relationships that open doors. Here’s how to make sure people remember you: Introduce yourself memorably – Instead of relying on your job title, craft a powerful introduction. "I help executives build brands that attract opportunities" is far more engaging than "I work in branding." Be where the right conversations happen – Industry panels, executive roundtables, and high-value networking events are where real connections are made. Make an impact – Whether through storytelling, insightful commentary, or even your presence, ensure you stand out for the right reasons.	Your brand should be cohesive, whether someone sees you on LinkedIn or meets you in person. Here’s how to maintain consistency: Visual alignment – Your professional headshot, website, and even your personal style should reinforce your brand message. Messaging clarity – Whether speaking at an event or posting online, your values and expertise should come across consistently. Show up regularly – Engage in conversations, post valuable insights, and maintain visibility without disappearing for months at a time. A strong personal brand isn’t just about being visible—it’s about positioning yourself in the right conversations, with the right people, at the right time.	A well-crafted personal brand creates more than just visibility—it builds influence and opens doors. It helps you: Get invited to speak and be featured – Thoughtful content and insights increase your chances of being asked to join panels, podcasts, or industry discussions Attract high-level opportunities – When people understand who you are and what you stand for, the right opportunities find you Build long-term influence – Personal branding isn’t just about the present—it establishes a lasting reputation

Final Thoughts

Personal branding isn’t just a corporate buzzword—it’s a strategic asset that helps you control your narrative and open new doors.

The strongest personal brands aren’t built overnight—they are consistently refined to align with long-term goals. Whether you’re stepping into leadership, pivoting careers, or expanding your influence, your brand should reflect where you’re headed—not just where you’ve been.

Authenticity remains the most powerful tool in personal branding. It’s not about curating a perfect image—it’s about showcasing your real expertise, values, and experiences in a way that resonates with the right audience.

When your personal brand aligns with your vision, you’re not just positioning yourself for career success—you’re creating a legacy that leaves a lasting impact

What’s Your Next Move?

How are you ensuring your personal brand works for you beyond the boardroom? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear your perspective.