the personal branding myth all leaders must ignore
There’s a persistent myth in the world of personal branding:
“To build a strong executive presence, you need to share everything - your passions, your family, your life story - on camera, across every social platform.”
Here’s the reality: That advice is non-sensical and could even hurt rather than enhance your personal brand.
Last month, I met the CEO of a charity who wanted to develop her executive profile and that of her senior team. She is a highly experienced, competent and successful leader but feels deeply uncomfortable talking publicly about personal rather than professional matters. The idea of taking a selfie and sharing it on social media brings her out in a mild panic.
Yet the advice she has seen and read is the need to get herself ‘out there’ all the time - talking about both professional and personal matters. She feels pressured by this and frustrated because this is not who she is.
Your personal brand isn’t about oversharing. It is about credibility, clarity, and consistency. People follow you for your expertise and insights - not for what you had for breakfast, your weekend plans, or even your family holidays.
here’s the truth:
You do not need to expose your private life to be authentic.
You do not need to share every hobby to be relatable.
You DO need to communicate your vision, values, and perspective.
The strongest leaders build trust by being intentional - not by being an open book. Share what reinforces your authority and aligns with your goals. Your brand should serve your business, not your ego.
Why this matters in 2026
This year, your business brand and personal brand carry equal weight. Each accounts for roughly 50% of how your audience will perceive you. Neglect one, and you risk undermining the other.
A well-crafted executive brand positions you as a thought leader, attracts opportunities, and strengthens your company’s reputation. Done right, it’s not about vanity—it’s about influence.
Ready to elevate your personal brand?
At MarComs People, we help senior leaders achieve their personal branding objectives in just 8 weeks - without sacrificing privacy or authenticity. We can guide and train you and your team on how to maximise your personal brand, or we can take do this for you.
If you are ready to build a brand that commands respect and drives results, email Paul MacKenzie-Cummins today to talk it through.