Crafting a Personal Leadership Brand

“Leadership is autobiographical. If I don’t know who you are as a person, I don’t know who you are as a leader.” - Noel Tichy

Leadership isn’t a job title—it’s your signature. Every email, meeting, and decision leaves an impression. The question is: What do you want yours to say?

Whether you're guiding a team, influencing stakeholders, or exploring what's next in your career, your leadership brand anchors you in who you are and amplifies the impact you want to make.

Why Your Leadership Brand Matters

Your leadership brand isn’t about being polished or perfect—it’s about being clear and intentional. When you can articulate your value, voice, and vision, you:

• Show up with grounded confidence

• Communicate clearly in high-stakes moments

• Invite aligned opportunities

• Lead others with authenticity and purpose

Your brand becomes a compass for your career and a mirror for your integrity.

The 3-V Framework: Value, Voice, Vision

Think of your leadership brand as the integration of these three elements:

• Value – What do you do and how does it make a difference?

• Voice – How do you lead and show up?

• Vision – What do you believe in and where are you going?

Try this simple formula:

I do [so what] for [who] by [how].

Example: I build high-performing, purpose-driven teams by aligning people around strategy, emotional intelligence, and shared values.

5 Reflection Prompts to Shape Your Brand

Grab a notebook or voice note and sit with these:

1. When do I feel most aligned in my leadership?

2. What do people consistently come to me for?

3. What values guide how I lead and make decisions?

4. How do I influence, communicate, and engage with others?

5. What do I want others to say about my leadership when I’m not in the room?

Crafting Your Statement in 3 Steps

1. Dump your thoughts. Don’t worry about structure—just get your phrases, feedback, and memories on paper.

2. Draft a sentence. Use the formula above or prompts like:

• I lead with...

• I create value by...

• I’m known for...

3. Road-test & refine. Say it out loud. Try it in a meeting intro or LinkedIn summary. Make sure it sounds like you.

Beyond the Sentence: Building Your Brand Narrative

Once your core statement feels solid, expand it into a paragraph that tells the story behind your value. Reflect on:

• What drives your leadership?

• What impact do you create?

• How do your values show up at work?

• What legacy are you building?

When to Use Your Brand

Your leadership brand can show up in:

• Performance reviews

• Team meetings

• Interviews

• Speaking engagements

• Networking conversations

It helps others understand your why—and helps you stay rooted in it.

Want to Go Deeper?

• Read: No Permission Needed by Tissa Richards. A powerful, direct guide for leaders ready to take control of their value narrative.

• Explore: Book a Call to talk through your brand with a coach

• Practice: Share your brand with a colleague or friend and ask what resonates most

Your leadership brand is not about crafting an image—it’s about aligning your inside with your outside. When you know who you are and lead from that place, people trust you, follow you, and grow with you.

Let your leadership speak for itself—clearly, confidently, and connected to what matters most.