By: Dr. Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker
In today’s competitive workplace, talent alone isn’t always enough to rise through the ranks. What distinguishes a professional in a crowded workplace isn’t just performance—it’s presence. At the heart of that presence is your personal brand. During this year’s Career Mastered “Brunch with the Masters, we honored the women who’ve not only mastered their careers but have become known, respected, and sought after for the unique value they bring. That’s the power of personal branding.
“When you cultivate a strong personal brand, you position yourself for visibility, trust, and leadership.”
What Is a Personal Brand?
Your personal brand is the story others tell about you when you’re not in the room. It’s how your colleagues, managers, and industry peers perceive your character capabilities, and contributions. Are you known as the go-to problem solver? A compassionate leader? A strategic thinker? Your personal brand is built through consistent actions, values, and interactions that reinforce a compelling narrative about who you are and what you
stand for.
Why It Matters for Career Advancement
Promotions and opportunities often go beyond job descriptions—they’re offered to those who stand out. When you cultivate a strong personal brand, you position yourself for visibility, trust, and leadership. People advocate for those they remember and believe in. A well-developed personal brand says: “I’m ready. I’m capable. I’m next.
5 Strategies to Build Your Personal Brand at Work
1. Know Your Strengths and Values
Before others can see your brand, you must define it for yourself. Reflect on your unique strengths, what energizes you, and the values you won’t compromise on. Align your daily work and goals with these attributes.
2. Be Consistent
Consistency builds credibility and commitment. Whether you’re sending an email, leading a meeting, or navigating a challenge, show up with professionalism and integrity. A consistent personal brand earns trust.
3. Communicate with Intention
Make your work and contributions visible. Don’t assume others know your value—advocate for yourself respectfully. Share your wins, articulate your ideas, and speak up in ways that reflect your leadership voice.
4. Build Relationships Across the Organization
Your brand travels through your network. Connect with people in and outside of your department. Be known not just for what you do, but how you collaborate, uplift others, and contribute to a positive culture.
5. Seek Feedback and Keep Evolving
Ask trusted mentors and peers how they perceive you. Feedback is a mirror and a gift that helps refine your brand. Stay open to growth and adapt your narrative as your career evolves.
Let Your Brand Speak Before You Do
The Signature Career Mastered “Brunch with the Masters” is more than a celebration—it’s a reminder that we are each the architects of our own legacy. Whether you’re just beginning or scaling new heights, building your personal brand with clarity and confidence is a strategic investment in your future.
Your brand is your promise. Make it iconic. Make it powerful. Make it a lasting presence. And most importantly, make it yours.
Dr. Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker Internationally recognized HR executive, thought leader, author and career strategist, Dr. Lisa J. Lindsay Wicker shares contemporary relevant work life experiences and empowering principles with her clients as demonstrated in her books, The Winning Spirit, Power Play! and her award-winning release – Capacity: Women Shattering the Limits – NOW! With her dynamic approach to life and her signature style, she connects people across the world and finds her mission to be that of helping others to get the most out of their work lives and companies to create value. She is the founder/Chief Visionary of Career Mastered. Following prominent human resources careers with Fortune 50 Companies, Dr. Lisa established her Detroit, MI and Charlotte, NC firm, Linwick & Associates, LLC (LWA).
