I’m Lowell Bergman. I’m from 60 Minutes.
You know, you take the 60 Minutes out
of that sentence, nobody returns
your phone call.
— The Insider
Here’s an excerpt from the Oscar-nominated movie ‘The Insider’- a gripping thriller that really brought to light the deceit of the tobacco industry, revolutionising change.
This quote really stuck with me long after the credits rolled. The truth is, when you become the face of a company, people often recognise you through its name, not that that’s a bad thing. It means you’ve built credibility, and the brand trusts you to represent it.
But here’s a deeper thought: what if your identity could stand with the organisation, not just within it? What if you could build a presence that strengthens both you and the legacy you represent?
That’s where true personal branding begins.
Here’s how you can master it:
Every great brand tells a story. One that resonates, endures, and inspires trust. Why should your personal brand be any different?
You are a sum of experiences, lessons, and defining moments that no title can fully capture.
Begin by asking yourself: what are the few things you do that truly move the needle: for customers, for employees, and for partners? Translate those into how you show up every day – the instincts you bring, the curiosities you chase, the ways you make teams better.
A simple rule of thumb: if you were a brand on a shelf, what would make someone choose you, and stay with you?
Sure, your quarterly achievements may raise a few eyebrows at every dinner table, but is it really going to stick? Or make an impact? I doubt it. Replace that with insights, perspectives, or even learnings from failures. Now, you’re not adding noise, but value instead.
Think of LinkedIn, industry panels, or even casual networking events as your media channels. You don’t need a prime-time slot on national television. Sometimes, a well-written post, a sharp question in a discussion, or mentoring a younger colleague does more for your personal brand than any award ever could.
A strong brand name can open doors, yes, definitely. But what matters most is what you bring in when you walk through them.
Add your unique perspective, your curiosity, and your voice. These are the real differentiators. When you consistently share your expertise, whether it’s through a strategic question that shifts a meeting or a piece of thought leadership that makes someone stop and think, you’re turning mere association into real impact.
Because when you grow, the brand you represent grows too. A collaborative cycle of growth, if you may.
A resume is a snapshot, whereas relationships are a story.
Your personal brand isn’t built only on what you claim to do. It’s built on what others have experienced of you.
Are you reliable when the chips are down? Do you bring perspective when the room is divided?
Are you the person people remember for the right reasons, long after the project is over?
Word of mouth, after all, is the oldest, toughest and most enduring marketing tool – which is why it needs to be built with conscience.
A Closing Thought
We often joke that a brand is what people say about you when you leave the room. The same holds true for individuals. The best ones are remembered not just for what they achieved, but for how they made others grow along the way.
Your personal brand doesn’t need to outshine the institution; in fact, it should illuminate it. When your growth fuels the organisation’s, and the organisation in turn refines and uplifts you, that’s when the magic happens.
So build yourself with intent, contribute with generosity, and let the synergy of purpose and partnership speak for itself.
Because when it all comes together – your name, your work, and your values, that’s the kind of legacy that lasts a lifetime.
-Madan Mohan
Head of Strategy,
Concept Communication
