Olesija Saue

Great workshop last week, organized last week by Startup Garage& ESN TalTech IC - Building Your Brand: Discover Your Strenght from their Empower Your Future series

A couple of interesting questions from the participants that I wanted to share with answers also here:

How can someone create a memorable personal brand that feels authentic and stands out, even when they don’t have a lot of professional experience or a big online presence?
You don’t need to create anything—your personal brand already exists within you. Start by reflecting on your values, strengths, style, passions, and purpose. Even without a large presence or extensive experience, share your journey consistently, stay authentic, and offer value through your insights. What lessons have you learned that could benefit others? To be interesting, focus on what interests you, and share your passion with others.

If you could start from the beginning, what is one thing you would do differently?
I would let go of perfectionism earlier. I spent too much time trying to make everything perfect instead of testing ideas, playing with them, and taking action. This would have allowed me to move faster and learn more along the way. I’d also share my journey and story much sooner.

What key soft skills should people develop to have a great personal brand?
Emotional intelligence, communication, and self-awareness. These skills allow you to connect with yourself and others, understand your audience, and effectively communicate your brand’s value.

Personal brand vs. being yourself: Can they be separated? What types of brands are there, and how do you develop them?
Personal branding and being yourself are intertwined. Your personal brand is an authentic reflection of who you are, but it’s also strategic in how you present it to the world. There are various brand types, like the expert, the connector, the visionary, or the executor. You can explore brand archetypes to find what feels natural, then amplify that. A strong brand keeps you top-of-mind, but if your real personality and your brand don’t align, it can erode trust and work against you.

How do I understand what people want to see in my brand?
People want to see your passion, your journey, and how they can be inspired or helped on their own journey. Share what excites you and offer insights that provide value.

Join me on a journey to building a global personal brand https://olesija.ck.page/a33576a470

Every second person I work with on personal branding tells me the same thing: they hate selling. They don’t want to be salesy or too self-promotional. But here’s the thing—without sales, you don’t have a business. You have a hobby. And if you don’t have clients, there is no one to help.

SELLING IS NOT ABOUT YOU. It’s about the people who can benefit from your knowledge, experiences, and expertise. It’s about getting them from where they are to where they want to be—feeling successful, happy, and fulfilled, ultimately improving the quality of their life. When you approach selling from this perspective, it becomes an act of service, not self-promotion.

You pour your heart and soul into your coaching, courses, programs, and services because you love what you do. You are good at what you do, and you see your clients’ incredible results. Imagine how powerful it would be if you could channel that same passion into inviting people to join you for their transformation.

Last week, I posted an invitation to a 1:1 branding mentorship. I’ve already had over 15 sessions with so many amazing people, and more are on the way. Seeing people gain clarity, structure, confidence, and focus from our work together makes my heart sing. And it all started with that simple invitation.

So, next time you think about selling, I invite you to shift the focus. It’s not about boosting your ego or getting external validation. It’s about being there for someone who needs your expertise. Approach it with the intention to serve and a state of genuine care and enthusiasm for what is possible. Make it your responsibility to be visible, known, and approachable—so you can help those only you can help.

p.s. Are you ready to get excited about personal branding and selling, truly serving those who need you, and making the impact you are meant to make?

Join me on a journey to building a global personal brand
https://olesija.ck.page/a33576a470

I often emphasize the importance of visibility. However, today I want to highlight another aspect: the troubling trend of pursuing visibility purely for the sake of algorithms. Active participation in visibility challenges and daily posting can lead to unintended consequences, ultimately undermining rather than strengthening your personal brand. Let me explain:

Imagine attending a networking event where one person dominates every conversation. He speaks loudly and frequently, sharing snippets of information without depth or relevance. Initially, his presence might draw attention, but soon, the lack of substance becomes apparent. Conversations with him feel too shallow, and you can’t figure out what exactly he is trying to say. You and others in the room start avoiding him, seeking more meaningful interactions elsewhere. This is exactly what happens online when people join yet another visibility challenge and flood their networks with constant updates, hoping to increase visibility. Yet, in almost every daily conversation I have, professionals mention someone they’ve unfollowed because “he/she posts all the time, and I don’t understand what is he saying and why.”

You can see everybody talking about “providing value,” yet how many of the recent posts in your feed actually did that? Recently, I have seen too many people prioritize quantity over quality. They flood LinkedIn with daily posts, believing frequent activity will boost their visibility. Are they more visible? Yes. However, from a personal branding perspective, visibility on its own is not enough. Visibility has to increase your credibility as an expert, and every post and comment either adds to your credibility or subtracts from it. To be perceived as an expert, you need to have and share meaningful ideas, you actually need to have something of value to say, some point to deliver. Without that, visibility can quickly become a noise rather than a meaningful engagement.

Authenticity is crucial for effective personal branding. And in the pursuit of visibility, forced content loses your personality and energy. If you don’t know what to post, don’t. If you don’t feel like posting, either change your state or don’t post. People will sense your lack of passion and emotion, and ChatGPT-written generalized texts will just emphasize that. Posting doesn’t establish expertise—it’s your unique perspective, ideas, and passion for your subject that do.

Last but not least, pressure to maintain a constant online presence can lead to fatigue or, even worse, burnout. In the long run, there is no value in being visible for a couple of months and then disappearing again. Find the right and natural schedule for you and stick to that.

My advice?

• Share unique insights and contribute only when you have something valuable to say.
• Use your natural voice: Many ask how they should sound on LinkedIn. My advice: like yourself, just as you are in real life. Anything else works against you.

While visibility is crucial for personal branding success, it’s only effective when it’s valuable and authentic. By all means, be visible, but in a way that enhances rather than detracts from your professional presence. By maintaining a balance that prioritizes substance and authenticity, you can build a personal brand that resonates authentically with your audience and stands the test of time and algorithms.

Join me on a journey to building a global personal brand: https://olesija.ck.page/a33576a470

Monika Kuzmina joined us on a morning walk with Joy Fur, and we discussed how to take care of your Digital Twin- your digital visibility during the summer period.

Here are a few key takeaways:

• Every post, picture, and comment adds colors to your personal brand. Ensure they strengthen your image rather than create misalignment. Consistency is key.
• Your presence across different platforms should create a cohesive image that helps people get to know you better, without diminishing your professional reputation.
• The lines between professional and personal lives are increasingly blurred. It’s crucial to understand yourself and how you want others to perceive you in the digital space.
• Many people operate in “summer mode” during this period, which is an excellent opportunity to diversify your visibility. Incorporate new aspects of your personality and use daily metaphors to communicate your message effectively. Finding links with your work showcases the real passion behind what you do.

It’s also crucial to be mindful of how your actions online can impact your personal brand, especially during the summer when things might feel more relaxed.

Here are some key points on how you can unintentionally ruin your Digital Twin during this period:

• Posting content that doesn’t align with your professional image can create confusion. Avoid sharing random, unfiltered posts that don’t contribute positively to your brand.
• While it’s great to show your personal side, ensure you don’t compromise your professional reputation. Avoid overly casual or inappropriate content that could be perceived as unprofessional. Make sure tags from other people should be reviewed and accepted by you, especially on FB or IG.
• Summer might be a slower period for some, but totally dissapearing and neglecting to engage with your audience can make you appear disengaged. Consistent interaction helps maintain your presence and relevance.
• Sharing too much about your personal life can blur the lines between personal and professional too much. Balance is key; share personal stories that relate to your professional values and message.
• Failing to keep track of how you are perceived online can lead to a mismatch between your intended brand and public perception.

Take time to get acquainted with your Digital You.
Reflect on what truly matters to you.
Share your insights, inspiration, and stories with your audience.

p.s. I’m happy to say that I don’t need to rest from my work because I absolutely love what I do. So, if you need my help with auditing and strategy for your Digital Twin, write to me olesija@goal.ee, and I would be happy to help you.

Today, first impressions are often made online, whether through a social media profile, a website, or a virtual meeting. These initial interactions, what we can call “digital handshakes,” play a crucial role in how we are perceived by others. And just like in-person interactions, making a strong and positive first impression online is essential. Let’s explore how Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques can ensure your digital handshake is as impactful and memorable as a face-to-face encounter.

What is a Digital Handshake?

A digital handshake is your initial online interaction with someone. This could be the first time someone visits your LinkedIn profile, reads your introductory email, or sees your video introduction. The goal is to make this first impression strong and positive, setting the stage for a great relationship.

The Psychology Behind First Impressions

First impressions are formed within seconds and are heavily influenced by our brain’s rapid assessment processes.

• Snap Judgments: Our brains are wired to make quick judgments based on limited information. This evolutionary trait helps us rapidly assess whether someone is a friend or not. Within milliseconds, we subconsciously evaluate facial expressions, body language, presented or missing facts, and other cues to form an initial opinion.
• Confirmation Bias: Once an impression is formed, our brains tend to look for information that confirms our initial judgment. This means that a positive first impression can lead to ongoing positive perceptions, while a negative first impression can be harder to overcome.
• Halo Effect: This cognitive bias causes us to make assumptions about a person’s character based on a few positive traits. For example, if someone appears confident and friendly, we might also perceive them as competent and trustworthy.

Understanding these psychological principles can help you craft more effective digital interactions.

Crafting a Compelling Visual Presentation

The visual aspect of your online presence is often the first thing people notice. Ensure your profile pictures, website design, and overall digital aesthetics are professional and aligned with your personal brand.

• Use consistent colors, fonts, and styles across all digital platforms to create a cohesive, recognizable, and professional look.
• Invest in high-quality profile pictures and cover images. Professional pictures can significantly enhance your professional appearance.
• Make sure all aspects of your online presence, including your social media profiles, website, and email signature, are updated and professional. This attention to detail enhances perceived credibility.

Optimizing Your Language and Tone

The language you use in your digital communications sets the tone for your interactions. NLP emphasizes the power of language in influencing perceptions and emotions.

• Use positive and empowering words in your profiles, emails, and messages. This will create a positive impression and attract others to your energy.
• Write in an active voice to convey confidence and clarity. For example, instead of saying, “A solution was developed,” say, “I developed a solution.”
• Avoid professional jargon and overly complex language. Clear, straightforward communication enhances credibility and ensures your message is understood.
• Stick to your normal communication style—the way you would talk to a friend or a colleague across the table. Your tone of voice should sound and feel like the real you talking. This is especially important when you use the help of ChatGPT!

Building Rapport Online

Building rapport is about creating a genuine connection with your audience. Even in a digital context, this is crucial for making a lasting impression.

• Mirroring: Subtly mirror the language and tone of the person you are communicating with. This can be done by matching their formality, pace, and terminology, creating a sense of familiarity and connection.
• Personalization: Personalize your messages to show genuine interest in the other person. Use their name, reference past conversations, and tailor your communication to their interests and needs. As the saying goes, to be interesting- be interested.

Sensory Language

Sensory language involves using words that appeal to our five senses, making your communication more vivid and engaging. “Can you picture how different words appeal to different senses?”Tune into the needs of your clients. Let’s move forward with making our digital handshakes memorable.”

• Adding specific details to your descriptions can help your audience visualize your message better. Instead of “We had a successful event,” you might say, “The event was a big success with over 500 enthusiastic participants.”
• Incorporate words that evoke emotions. For example, “I am excited to connect with you” is more engaging than “I am looking forward to our connection.”

Creating Powerful Content

The articles, posts, and updates you share bring your Digital Twin to life and create a possibility to get to know you.

• Share and post not for the sake of posting but with a genuine intention to provide value. Posts created just for the sake of visibility lack emotion and soul and often have the opposite effect. Be knowledgeable about the algorithms and trends, but always put yourself in the shoes of your reader.
• Share personal stories, case studies, real-life examples, insights, lessons, and challenges to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
• Support your claims with evidence, such as statistics, testimonials, and case studies. This not only adds value but also enhances your credibility.

Maintaining Authenticity

Authenticity is key to a memorable digital handshake. Be genuine and transparent in your online interactions.

• Ensure that your online persona matches your real-life self.
• Be honest about your experiences, skills, and achievements. Avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting facts, as this can damage your credibility.
• Consistently present the real You across all platforms to build a coherent and trustworthy personal brand.

However, be aware that sharing genuine opinions in a professional environment, especially on sensitive topics like politics, can lead to confrontation and polarization.

• Understand that your audience has different people with different viewpoints. Frame your opinions in a way that acknowledges and respects these differences.
• Different platforms have different norms and audiences. What might be appropriate for a personal blog may not be suitable for LinkedIn. Tailor your content to fit the platform’s culture and audience expectations.
• It’s possible to be honest without being confrontational. Share your views clearly but respectfully, and be open to dialogue.
• If you decide to discuss polarizing topics, emphasize common ground and shared values. This strategy helps to unify rather than divide and keeps the conversation constructive. Once again, a good strategy is to simply ask yourself- How do I make the people I interact with feel?
• Use “I” Statements- frame your opinions as personal views rather than absolute truths. This technique reduces defensiveness in your audience and encourages open dialogue.

Enhancing Perceived Credibility

Credibility is fundamental to establishing trust and authority online, as people are more likely to engage with and trust someone they perceive as credible.

• Highlight your qualifications, certifications, and professional achievements. Make sure these are visible on your profiles and website.
• Seek endorsements and recommendations from reputable sources. Displaying endorsements from respected individuals or organizations can significantly boost your credibility.
• Position yourself as a thought leader by sharing insights, participating in relevant discussions, and contributing valuable content to your industry.

Highlighting your professionalism is not bragging but a vital opportunity to inform your ideal clients that you can help them and are equipped with the tools and expertise to do so. By not showcasing your skills, knowledge, and expertise, you are doing a disservice to potential clients who could benefit from your experience and unique approach.

P.S. If you need help with crafting an authentic yet strategic Digital Twin, write to me olesija@goal.ee

Have you ever met someone online and felt like you already knew them when you met in person? That’s the power of a well-crafted digital presence.

Whether we realize it or not, each of us has a digital twin—the way people see our personal brand online. Your Digital twin can open doors or create barriers, depending on if and how we shape it. It breaks my heart to see how many talented professionals shoot themselves in the foot by disregarding their Digital Twin.

In the digital world, where personal interactions are limited, the perception of your brand’s credibility is vital. Two core components—perceived trustworthiness and perceived expertise—significantly influence perceived credibility online. Combining these elements effectively and strategically is a must-have in today’s world. And NO, you can’t leave it to chance.

Imagine if YOUR digital twin worked tirelessly as your most powerful ally, showcasing your strengths, passions, and unique story to the world.

I invite you to have a 1:1 together, review the current status, and strategically align your digital presence so that it creates an authentic and favorable representation, opening doors and creating new opportunities.

Are you ready to turn your Digital Twin into your greatest asset? Write to me.

In today’s unpredictable economic climate, the digital footprint of your leadership team is more crucial than ever. It’s not just about being seen—it’s about being recognized correctly and influentially by the target audience.

WHY ENHANCE DIGITAL VISIBILITY AND CREDIBILITY?

• Before potential partners, customers or top talent ever step foot in a room with your people, they will explore them online. A strong and accurate digital presence can set the stage for successful real-world interactions. Or create mistrust we can’t afford in today’s business environment, where customers are looking for every possible excuse not to buy.
• In times of economic instability, stakeholders look for stability and reliability. A professional strategic digital presence reassures stakeholders of your leaders’ expertise and organizational stability.
• A strategic digital presence taps into new markets, attracting new opportunities and partnerships.

One of the things I do is conduct an in-depth digital footprint audit along with competitors benchmarking to strategically enhance leaders’ profiles, elevate their digital presence, and match their real-world influence and expertise. In these uncertain times, ensuring that your leadership’s digital presence accurately and powerfully reflects their capabilities is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

I combine strategic personal branding and advanced NLP Techniques
to align leaders’ digital presence with their real-world reputation quickly and efficiently. These methods are not only effective but also ensure the process is engaging and fun.

Here’s how they help:

• NLP techniques address common reservations leaders may have about digital visibility, transforming underlying doubts into confidence and assurance.
• These techniques ensure that the digital personas of your leaders are congruent with their real-life personas, enhancing authenticity and trustworthiness.

DM, and let’s discuss how I can help your leaders elevate their digital Twins.

When I shared that I'm going on a one-year adventure and started publicly sharing my weekly reflections, I had a feeling that I wasn't just telling a story—I was creating and living it as we spoke. This inspired me to write this article.

We talk a lot about storytelling, but what if we moved beyond merely sharing our narratives to creating immersive, engaging experiences that allow people around us to feel like they’re living the story with us?

What is Storyliving?

Storyliving is the art of making your brand narrative dynamic and interactive, inviting your audience to step into your world and experience your journey alongside you. Instead of just reading about your achievements or aspirations, your audience becomes emotionally invested and feels like an active participant in your story. Essentially, it is when you don't just tell a story but take action of some kind. I believe storyliving can be an interesting way to enhance personal brand’s authenticity.

Storyliving vs. Storytelling: The Differences

1. Passive vs active

• Storytelling: The audience listens or reads passively.
• Storyliving: The audience becomes emotionally involved and participates in the journey.

2. Static vs dynamic

• Storytelling: Often structured and linear.
• Storyliving: Fluid and interactive, evolving with audience engagement.

3. Surface-level vs deep-reflection

• Storytelling: Provides information about your brand.
• Storyliving: Creates a deeper emotional connection and trust.

4. Past vs present-oriented

• Storytelling: Primarily recounts past achievements and experiences.
• Storyliving: Focuses on living your live to the fullest in this present moment, noticing the experiences and sharing your insights in the real time.

Can storyliving create deeper connections in an oversaturated digital world?

As the digital world evolves and information becomes more accessible than ever, I believe it's increasingly important for us to focus on real, deep connections. And yes, your Digital Twin is capable of that. But only when you understand and accept who you truly are? Can it be the time for us, to stop wearing masks in order to be liked by others, step into the power of being yourself and by doing that inspire others to do the same? Storyliving offers a powerful approach to achieve this:

1. Immersive engagement: In a world of scrolling and swiping, attention spans are short, and capturing audience interest is a challenge. Storyliving creates an immersive experience where the audience feels part of the journey, not just an observer. By actively involving them, they become emotionally invested and more likely to engage with you on a much deeper level.
2. Authentic transparency: We crave authenticity. Storyliving embraces behind-the-scenes moments, challenges, and emotions, showing the human side of you. This transparency helps to build trust and makes people around you feel like insiders.
3. Connection: Online interactions can feel transactional and disconnected. Storyliving focuses on the present moment, encourages participation, and creates possibilities for sharing and learning from each other. To get inspired and be inspired.

How Professionals Can Benefit from Storyliving?

Increased Emotional Connection

• Storytelling: "I accomplished X by overcoming Y."
• Storyliving: "Join me on this journey as we overcome Y together.

Benefit: The audience feels a shared sense of achievement and loyalty.

Enhanced Authenticity

• Storytelling:Sharing curated highlights.
• Storyliving:Showing behind-the-scenes moments, progress, challenges, and real emotions.

Benefit: Authenticity builds trust, making your brand more relatable.

Stronger Community Building

• Storytelling:Providing content for an audience to consume.
• Storyliving: Creating spaces for conversation and shared experiences.

Benefit: Creates a sence of belonging, where we all can share and learn from each other.

How to let Your Digital Twin storylive?

Your digital twin is the online representation of your who you are. By applying storyliving principles, your digital twin becomes a vibrant extension of YOU.

Talk Your Walk

Talking your walk means bringing your digital twin to life through storyliving. It's about embodying your values, dreams, and goals in every interaction and narrative you share. Here's how to talk your walk through storyliving:

1. Clarify Your personal brand values and goals
2. Craft an engaging vision behind the vision
3. Document the journey in real-time
4. Make your audience feel like partners
5. Stay consistent and true to yourself

I wonder if story living, in which professionals invite their audience to journey alongside them in real-time, could be a powerful way to connect, learn, and grow.

Don't wait for your hero journey to come to a happy ending before you are ready to tell your perfect story. You will never know what you are truly capable of until you make that very first frightening step.

And you will never know who needs to hear YOUR story “right in that moment” until you decide to tell it.

So, what's your story, and how will you invite others to live it with you?

p.s. You can follow my own storyliving here

What if we’ve been charting the waters of the vast digital ocean with the wrong map altogether?

I see so many amazing professionals with years of experience taking social media too seriously. This seriousness permeates our online presence, transforming what could be spaces of authentic connection into platforms of performance and perfection. Social media ISN’T JUST about mastering algorithms. If we peel back the layers of what social media truly aims to be, we find its essence: CONNECTION.

Social media, at its core, is about connecting people. It’s a digital gathering place where stories are shared, experiences are exchanged, and relationships are formed and nurtured. It’s about finding your people, sharing your journey, and being part of someone else’s story from miles away. This essence of connection is what makes social media so powerful and pervasive in our lives. The younger generation considers it a natural part of their lives and thrives there without overthinking.

Experienced professionals tend though to overthink. A lot. Myself included. We focus too much on what we lack, not what we have, and fueled by the fear of judgment and the desire for validation, we take our online presence—and, by extension, our lives—too seriously. When you anchor yourself in the belief that you lack sufficient skills, you inadvertently set up barriers to your potential growth.

What if we approached our digital spaces not as stages for performance but as playgrounds for authenticity and playfulness? Imagine approaching social media not as a platform for proving your worth but as a playground for expressing your true self.

I suggest a shift in perspective:

• Engage with genuine curiosity. Ask questions, start conversations, and genuinely connect.
• By all means, learn new skills, but most importantly, use them! The only way to harness these skills is through action. A lot of small, messy, imperfect actions.
• Celebrate the small joys and share them. These moments resonate most deeply and remind others to find joy in their daily lives.
• Laugh at ourselves. Sharing those not-so-perfect moments can be incredibly relatable and disarmingly charming.
• Finally, experiment and explore without the fear of ‘mistakes’. There’s only feedback and endless opportunities for creativity.

The truth is, when we let go of the pressure to be perfect, social media becomes what it was always meant to be—a space of true connection, growth, and fun.

I invite you to change the paradigm from “I don’t have enough social media skills” to “I’m willing to play and enjoy the game.” After all, it’s not about the skills you start with but the mindset you adopt when approaching the game. And it’s a fun game worth playing.

Join me for inspiration and practical tips: https://olesija.ck.page/a33576a470

Have you heard a popular advice- BE AUTHENTIC? I bet you have. Many, many times. “Authenticity” has become a buzzword, right? I have yet to meet a personal branding expert who would not tell you you must be authentic. And I fully agree that it’s one of the two most important things to have a strong personal brand. But here is where it gets confusing and complicated- how do you actually do that? You can’t learn authenticity, and you certainly can’t fake it.

We, as humans, are equipped with an almost instinctual ability to sense authenticity—or the lack of it. This  “authenticity detector “functions without fail both in personal interactions and online, often without our conscious awareness. Have you ever felt something was just “off” about someone? That unsettling feeling usually surfaces when there’s a misalignment between someone’s projected image and their true self. This dissonance can make it hard for others to trust or connect with them.

But here’s the empowering truth-authenticity can only be embraced. It’s about understanding and accepting yourself the way you are. With all your strengths and weaknesses, stories of successes and failures, and the quirky things, too. It isn’t about presenting an unfiltered version of yourself to the world, nor is it about curating a perfect image. It is about how you convey your very essence online and offline. It is about ensuring that all your actions, communications, and presence genuinely reflect your core values and passions, balanced with your professional.

So, let’s address some common misconceptions:

Myth 1: Authenticity equals full transparency

Being authentic doesn’t mean sharing every aspect of your life and running around 24/7 with your live stream on. It’s not about baring your soul, either. It’s about aligning your actions ( be it posting, sharing a video, recording a podcast, or choosing a specific tactic) with your core values and what resonates with you on a deeper level. How do you know what’s right for you? Take a moment to check in with yourself: How does it feel? Pay attention to your physical and emotional responses—does it feel light or heavy? Do you feel uplifted and inspired or tensed? We always know what is right or wrong for us if we get out of our heads and listen to what our body tells us.

Myth 2: Professionalism Precludes Personality

Professional doesn’t have to mean boring or personality-free. True professionalism doesn’t suppress personality; it incorporates it strategically to build an emotional connection. People work with people whom they know, like, and trust. We like and trust people who share similar values with us and with whom we have things in common. There is a certain way you are doing things based on your unique personal brand DNA. It defines how you use your unique strengths to solve challenges, how you speak and connect, and how you make people feel. Your personality attracts a specific type of people and repels others. And that is perfectly fine. It happens automatically in real life, but we must understand ourselves to create the same effect in the digital space. You don’t want to be liked by everybody; you want the right people to come to work with you because of who you are! And when you make sure your Digital Twin is not a stand-alone fictional character but a true representation of who you are, people will know if you are right (or not) for them before you actually meet. Once you do, you will already have connection, liking, and trust. Just imagine how much easier and quicker it would be to start working together.

Myth 3: Authenticity Is Fixed

Authenticity isn’t a one-and-done thing—it evolves, just like you do. Our experiences and insights shape us continuously, and reflecting on these changes is essential to maintaining an authentic Digital Twin.

This doesn’t mean adding new certifications or achievements; it involves sharing insights from recent challenges, shifts in your professional focus, or emerging passions. Each update is an opportunity to show your audience the real, evolving you. This ongoing process not only keeps your personal brand fresh but also relatable.

Moreover, embracing this dynamic nature of authenticity helps build a deeper connection with your audience. People are drawn to growth and evolution—they want to follow a journey, not just a static snapshot. When you share your journey openly, you invite others to learn from your experiences, engage with your story, and find parallels in their own paths. You also inspire people around you to start learning and embracing who they truly are.

I invite you to think of your personal brand as a living document of your professional life. As you evolve, it should, too, mirror your real-world changes with online updates that reflect your current interests and expertise. This practice enhances your authenticity and underscores your commitment to personal and professional integrity. By managing your Digital Twin in this way, you’re telling your audience that you value transparency and are confident in your skin, even as it changes.

This evolving authenticity is what can make a personal brand genuinely magnetic. It attracts people who resonate with who you are today and who are eager to see where you will go tomorrow.

Myth 4: Authenticity Doesn’t Drive Business Success

The reality is quite the opposite. Genuine vibes build trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship. Being authentic online can build deeper, more meaningful connections, leading to tangible business victories and enduring partnerships. Authenticity isn’t just appealing; it’s a magnet that keeps the right people coming back because they feel a genuine connection with you. This trust that authenticity builds is a powerful asset in the business world, giving you the confidence to build and maintain strong relationships.

Why copying another’s personal branding strategy won’t work?

It’s tempting to copy a successful personal branding strategy, thinking it will guarantee success. However, without the “real you” at its core, even the most effective systems and strategies will not work. Many teach personal branding after finding success themselves, but a critical element of their teaching must be helping you discover and articulate who YOU are.

Embracing authenticity means more than just being honest—it’s about being profoundly true to your essence in a way that resonates with both yourself and your audience. It’s this genuine representation that not only attracts but sustains valuable relationships. When your “Digital Twin” truly mirrors who you are, people can sense this congruence before they even meet you. This pre-established trust dramatically simplifies and accelerates the process of building effective collaborations and partnerships. Authenticity is your most compelling asset; use it wisely to not just meet but exceed your professional aspirations.

If you are interested to learn more about authentic leadership, I just shared my thoughts with the Authority Magazine Read more

p.s. If you’re curious about growing your personal brand on a global scale, I invite you to follow me on my journey. Will I succeed, or what will I learn? We’ll find out on April 1, 2025. READ MORE ABOUT MY EXPERIMENT

JOIN ME TO FOLLOW THE ADVENTURE & GET INSPIRATION AND PRACTICAL TIPS

In today’s digital age, the importance of personal branding cannot be overstated, especially for professionals across all generations. Recent research from Morning Consult has highlighted a significant trend among Gen Z adults, with 67% valuing the importance of a strong personal brand.

This figure notably surpasses that of their generational neighbors, the Millennials, and the broader adult population in the United States.

The inclination towards personal branding among Gen Z can be attributed to their affinity for influencers and creator-driven platforms, along with a strategic response to the economic uncertainties and job insecurities that have characterized their entry into the workforce.

I want to emphasize the critical lesson that professionals from other generations should take from Gen Z’s proactive approach. In times marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, disregarding the development of one’s personal brand is not just an oversight—it’s a threat to one’s career sustainability and growth.

Personal branding no longer serves merely as a tool for self-promotion; it is a fundamental survival skill in the modern job market. It acts as a public portfolio, showcasing your skills, expertise, and personality, thereby enhancing your visibility and employability.

The success of Gen Z in building compelling personal brands through visual content and lifestyle-focused networks should serve as both inspiration and a call to action. It’s a reminder that in a world where job security is increasingly fragile, a strong personal brand is not just valuable—it’s essential.

Great article by Allison Carter, make sure you read it.

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In 2012 Jeff Bezos famously said that “Personal Brand is what people say about you after you have left the room”. The world has changed a lot over the last few years, and today, personal brand is what people know about you BEFORE you enter the room.

In today’s digital age, the importance of personal branding cannot be overstated, especially for professionals across all generations. Recent research from Morning Consult has highlighted a significant trend among Gen Z adults, with 67% valuing the importance of a strong personal brand.

This figure notably surpasses that of their generational neighbors, the Millennials, and the broader adult population in the United States.

The inclination towards personal branding among Gen Z can be attributed to their affinity for influencers and creator-driven platforms, along with a strategic response to the economic uncertainties and job insecurities that have characterized their entry into the workforce. Free platforms give us all possibilities to present ourselves in a way we want and creating an image has never been as easy as today. The younger generation clearly uses this to their advantage when many more established professionals underestimate the importance of the digital world.

Contrasting the digital confidence of younger, tech-savvy individuals with the reluctance of established professionals to engage online reveals a very distinct gap—and a paradox. So who is a thought-leader- a visible yet less experienced one or more knowledgeable yet invisible? This paradox highlights the evolving nature of professional visibility but also underscores significant issues that can arise from this gap.

Imposter syndrome and personal branding

Imposter syndrome — the internal experience of believing one is not as competent as others perceive them to be — is often a significant barrier for established professionals. Despite their achievements, the fear of being exposed as a “fraud” or making a “mistake” can deter them from showcasing their expertise online. Accompanied by many other, often unrecognized fears, stereotypes, and misconceptions around personal branding and digital, it leads to an underrepresentation of established professionals in digital spaces where their voices are crucial.

The digital confidence of younger generations

In contrast, younger generations, having grown up with digital technology, easily navigate these platforms. They’re more likely to leverage social media for personal branding, viewing it as an essential career development and networking tool. Their digital fluency allows them to confidently craft and control their professional narrative, often bypassing traditional pathways to professional visibility and credibility.

Problems arising from the gap

1. Underutilization of experience: The hesitancy of seasoned professionals to engage in personal branding online can significantly underutilize their vast experience and knowledge. Valuable insights and mentorship opportunities that could benefit the wider professional community remain untapped. Life-long experiences and learnings remain unshared. Inspiring stories of real-world successes and failures remain untold

2. Generational knowledge divide: There’s a risk of creating a generational divide where experienced professionals’ wisdom and learning are not adequately represented in digital dialogues. This gap deprives younger professionals of learning from those with decades of experience.

3. Marketplace misrepresentation: When established professionals shy away from personal branding, there’s a risk of marketplace misrepresentation. Potential clients, partners, and collaborators might find it challenging to discern the true leaders and experts in a field, making decisions based on digital presence rather than actual expertise and achievements.

4. Limited professional growth: For established professionals, avoiding digital visibility can limit career growth and opportunities. In an era where networking, collaboration, and professional development increasingly happen online, a lack of digital presence can hinder access to new ventures and even lead to professional irrelevance.

Bridging the Gap

To bridge this gap, it’s crucial for established professionals to overcome imposter syndrome and embrace personal branding as a means to extend their influence and share their wealth of knowledge:

• Acknowledge and address imposter syndrome or fears and limiting beliefs: Recognizing those psychological barriers and addressing the underlying motivations can be the first step towards overcoming them. I see that NLP strategies can be particularly effective in reframing self-doubt into a drive for continuous learning and growth.
• Leverage personal branding strategically: Personal branding doesn’t require revealing personal details or constant online engagement. It can be strategically used to highlight professional achievements, insights, and contributions in a manner that feels authentic and manageable and grows the impact on a much larger scale.
• Knowledge, mentorship, and collaboration: Established professionals can use digital platforms to share their experiences, stories, and learnings which provide invaluable guidance to younger generations. This enhances their personal brand and contributes to richer, more inclusive professional discussions online.
• Continuous learning: Embracing a mindset of continuous learning can help established professionals become more comfortable with digital tools and platforms, reducing the fears associated with technology and online engagement.

I want to emphasize the critical lesson that professionals from other generations should take from Gen Z’s proactive approach. In times marked by rapid technological advancements and shifting economic landscapes, disregarding the development of one’s personal brand is not just an oversight—it’s a threat to one’s career sustainability and growth. Personal branding is no longer merely a tool for self-promotion; it is a fundamental survival skill in the modern world.

The common belief is that there is a lack of digital skills.

Yet, I don’t believe it’s true. I believe all tools and formats can be mastered, and new formats can emerge if we focus on the human side first- YOU! I believe we need to delve deeper, addressing the underlying motivations, fears, and psychological barriers that truly shape an individual’s digital journey. While technical proficiency is crucial, real transformation in digital branding and marketing comes from understanding and leveraging the human elements behind the screen.

Addressing the personal branding paradox involves recognizing the value established professionals bring to the digital table. By overcoming these barriers, they can ensure that their expertise and leadership continue to shape and influence their industries, bridging the generational divide and enriching the professional community as a whole.

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CXO Outlook® asked me this question in a recent interview. Reflecting on my journey in building my personal brand, the greatest challenge was undoubtedly embracing my authentic self, with all its imperfections. Like many, I was initially caught up in the pursuit of perfection, wanting to present a polished image that I thought was ‘right.’

I began sharing my story timidly, with a quiet, trembling voice, one small piece at a time. And then the next time, a little more and a little bolder, until finally, I fully embraced my unique story. I’ve discovered that I can only tell my story boldly and clearly by getting to know myself and accepting myself just the way I am.

Tell the story in a way that reaches other people’s hearts, touches them, speaks to them, and inspires them to look inside and discover the hidden gems that make them so unique and so precious. Because in retrospect, my most painful experiences have been my greatest hidden blessings – and that is where my most extraordinary personal power lies.

Owning your story and fully accepting yourself gives you wings. Over the years, I have learned to understand, appreciate, and be who I really am. All my life, I have wanted to inspire others to act. Now I know that to inspire others, all you need is to be yourself. To feel, accept and love yourself just as you are.

By living life in harmony with our hearts and sharing our stories, speaking directly from the heart, we reach into others’ hearts and inspire them to seek their uniqueness and passion, which gives them wings and the freedom to fly high.

As Howard Thurman has said — ‘Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.’ Let others get inspired by how you do YOU, how you live your passion, deal with your imperfections, spread your wings and fly high.

Owning our story and loving ourselves through this process is the bravest thing that we will ever do – but there is no need to tell a perfect story to inspire others—just the real one.

And once you do, Your people (right customers, right partners, right employees) will come to you. Because of YOU. Because of YOUR story.

Don’t wait for your hero journey to come to a happy ending before you are ready to tell your perfect story. You will never know what you are truly capable of until you make that very first frightening step.

And you will never know who needs to hear YOUR story right this moment until you decide to tell it.
What is YOUR biggest challenge when it comes to your personal branding?

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I’ve been absent from social media for over a month, and many started to wonder, “Where are you? Is everything all right?” The truth is, I did it again.

I spread myself too thin and pushed too hard during the autumn. Weekly 1:1 coachings and workshops, managing multiple clients accounts full-time, building a team, expanding our international presence, launching a new project, and, on top of that, finishing a book. My superpower- Maximizer definitely overdid it this time:) My relentless pursuit of various projects led to a fragmented focus, increased decision fatigue, and compromised my ability to achieve flow—the very state I needed for optimal performance.

The real wake-up call came after I completed my book. The day I sent it off to the publisher, a sense of accomplishment was quickly overshadowed by a stark reality—I fell ill. It was as if my body was saying enough is enough. My ambitious end-of-year to-do list remained untouched, a stark reminder of my physical and mental limits.

January brought a long-overdue vacation. I slept 12 hours a day for two weeks and didn’t open my computer once. In fact, I was so mentally exhausted that I didn’t even open a book. So, I let myself just be and enjoy time with my loved ones, sun, beautiful places, and lazy long days. This wasn’t just a break but a necessary retreat for recovery. It led me to an important lesson for this year: the need to tame my maximizer.

This experience has taught me the value of balancing ambition with self-care. In our drive to achieve, we often overlook our bodies’ signals, mistaking them for hurdles rather than warning signs. But I’ve learned that our well-being is the foundation of our success. Ignoring it can lead to burnout and ultimately hinder our ability to achieve our goals.

So let’s use this new year’s “fresh start effect” not only to set ambitious goals but also to commit to sustainable practices that prioritize our health and well-being. True success is achieved not just by what we accomplish but also by how we sustain our journey.

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But here lies a fundamental note of caution: Personal Branding is not a one-size-fits-all melody.

Consider this: Each record, with its grooves and quirks, represents a unique narrative, much like the individual stories that comprise our personal brands.

Your Personal Brand DNA is Your Signature Album
Your Personal Brand DNA-your strengths, your values, your passions, your style, your story, your why is the music only you can produce, not a mere echo of someone else’s playlist. It’s about aligning your external brand with the internal rhythm of YOU. Without this, any attempt to play to the market will be off-key.

Crafting a Brand That’s True to Your Sound
Just as vinyl requires a particular player to translate its grooves into music, your personal brand demands a system that resonates with the core of who you are. This is where strategy meets soul, where your unique sound is honed, and your story is told in high fidelity.

Be the DJ of Your Brand
Your journey should be like finding a rare vinyl that speaks to you among a sea of records. It’s personal, it’s profound, and it’s powerful. It’s not about playing what everyone else is playing. It’s about crafting a brand so authentic that it can only be yours.

Join me on a journey to building a global personal brand: https://olesija.ck.page/a33576a470

Competitive analysis is a powerful tool for differentiating your personal brand. By understanding what others in your field are doing, you can identify your unique strengths and areas where you can stand out. The key is to focus on the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of what you do.

Your personal personal brand dna- your strengths, your values, your passions, your style as well as your story, motivations, and the unique approaches you take in your work are aspects that cannot be replicated by others.

Start by researching peers and competitors in your industry. Note their branding strategies, communication style, and areas of expertise. Then, reflect on your own experiences and values. What drives you? How do your background and personal experiences shape your approach? This introspection will help you articulate a distinct narrative that resonates with your audience.

Emphasize your unique methods and insights. Maybe you have a novel approach to problem-solving, or you integrate diverse skills in a way that others don’t. Highlight these aspects in your branding materials and communications. This not only sets you apart but also showcases your value proposition in a way that’s authentically you.

Personal branding is not just about being different; it’s about being true to yourself and letting that authenticity shine through. This authenticity is your ultimate competitive advantage – it’s what makes you relatable and memorable in a crowded market.

Read more in Linkedin article.

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In my work, the most rewarding experience has been guiding established business owners and traditional CEOs as they venture into thought leadership, not just in their physical business circles but also in the online world. Irrespective of their industry, the transformation is remarkable—they experience a rapid increase in visibility and discover new opportunities.

Why does this happen?

The answer lies in the evolving expectations of their audience. Partners, clients, employees, and investors are no longer content with just hearing company news or business updates. They yearn to see these leaders more visibly, to understand their thoughts, values, and what they stand for on a deeper level. This shift towards a more personal connection is where the essence of personal branding shines through.

Personal branding in this context is not just about self-promotion; it’s about authentically representing oneself and one’s values in the digital space. For business leaders, this means:

• Building an authentic online presence that reflects their beliefs, leadership style, and vision. This authenticity attracts and resonates with their audience.
• Through strategic personal branding, leaders can amplify their voice and extend their reach beyond traditional boundaries, connecting with a broader audience.
• By sharing insights, stories, and perspectives, leaders can engage more deeply with stakeholders, fostering trust and loyalty.
• A well-positioned personal brand allows leaders to influence business decisions, broader industry trends, and social issues.

The Results? A Win-Win for All

As these leaders amplify their personal brands, they enhance their professional position and create a ripple effect of benefits. Their businesses gain from the increased visibility, while partners and clients feel more connected and aligned with their values. Employees and investors better understand the leader’s vision, building a stronger sense of trust and alignment with the company’s direction.

Personal branding for business leaders is more than just a strategic move; it’s about creating a legacy, a narrative that extends beyond business achievements to encompass their values, beliefs, and vision for the future.

Join me on a journey to building a global personal brand: https://olesija.ck.page/a33576a470

In the game of influence and personal branding, the board is set with pieces of various sizes and scopes. Like pawns on a chessboard, we each hold potential influence, with the reach of our impact akin to the strategic moves we make in our careers and personal lives. Each of us is an influencer.

However, the magnitude of our influence is as variable as the pieces on a chessboard, each with its unique power and movement.

As I prepare for tomorrow’s training, I wanted to share this thought with you.

Our influence is not static but dynamic and expansive. It grows with every interaction, every piece of content we share, and every connection we foster.

Personal branding is not about self-promotion but about the value you provide, the consistency of your message, and the compound impact.

Every chess piece, from the humble pawn to the commanding queen, plays a crucial role in the game’s outcome. Similarly, each individual has the potential to create a ripple effect with their personal brand. Whether you’re speaking to a dozen people or a thousand, the essence of your influence lies in the quality of your impact, not merely the quantity of your audience.

In tomorrow’s presentation, we’ll explore strategies for personal growth, professional development, and digital presence that can amplify our influence regardless of the size of our platform. I strongly believe that every story and voice matters and your personal brand can resonate far and wide with the right approach.

The question really is only: HOW BIG IMPACT DO YOU WANT TO HAVE?

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It’s not just about the task at hand but the passion and professionalism with which we execute it. Our personal brand sets the stage, but our enthusiasm and dedication ignite the real magic.

For me, work is about relationships, maximizing, and constantly redefining excellence. We create lasting business relationships by infusing our work with heart and expertise and genuinely caring about our customers. Personal branding works if you deliver on your promises and strive always to exceed expectations (Maximizer in me talking:) You might not get it perfect the first time, nor will it be perfect all the time. But if you keep this mindset of listening, caring, and constantly thinking- what else could be done, and how could we do better- the compound effect will be profound.

First impressions matter, your online presence matters. But what truly makes the difference is the passion with which we do our job and how we make people feel.

Add that touch of magic, and make every action count!

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The secret often lies in effective personal branding.

Every single one of us, from CEOs to entry-level employees, has the potential to harness this power. And the ripple effect is profound. As individuals grow their personal brands, the companies get more visibility, more credibility, and, most importantly, happy and engaged employees.

In the digital age, your personal brand isn’t just an asset; it’s a necessity. And the beauty? It leads to both individual growth and collective organizational success.

Did you know:

• Employee-shared content sees 8x more engagement
• Employee-shared content is shared 24x more than identical posts shared by official social media profiles
• Social media posts shared by employees have a 561%
• 92% are more likely to trust suggestions and recommendations from those they know than any advertising will do
• 76% are more likely to trust the content shared by a brand’s employees than the brand itself

Seems like a word of mouth on steroids?

But how do you get your employees to share?

The only whay that really work is help your people build their personal brands.

Join me on a journey to building a global personal brand: https://olesija.ck.page/a33576a470

Dive into how elevating YOUR brand can create a ripple effect of success for you and your organization.

The idea of personal branding, especially within a company’s ecosystem, often raises eyebrows. Many believe that personal branding might detract from or compete with the company’s brand. However, a more holistic view, backed by numerous real-world successes, suggests otherwise. Building one’s personal brand using a company’s platform can be mutually beneficial, creating a powerful synergy that promotes both individual and organizational growth.

Let’s look at why this approach is a win-win:

VISIBILITY

• For YOU: The company’s platform gives you an already established audience, making it easier to gain visibility and recognition. This can fast-track the growth of your personal brand recognition, leveraging company resources, events, and networks.
• For the Company: When an employee, especially one in a significant role, elevates their brand, they draw attention to the company, too. As they gain industry recognition, so does the company they’re associated with.

CREDIBILITY

• For YOU: Being associated with a reputable company brand can lend immense credibility to an individual. Your accomplishments and insights are often given more weight, as they’re perceived as being backed by the company’s reputation.
• For the Company: Having thought leaders, influencers, or recognized experts in their ranks enhances a company’s image. It demonstrates that the organization values expertise and fosters growth, making it attractive to clients, partners, and potential talent.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

• For YOU: The company platform can provide you with opportunities for to share your knowledge—be it through company blogs, webinars, or speaking opportunities. It solidifies your position as a thought leader on your subject.
• For the company: Thought leadership content boosts the company’s reputation, drives engagement, and positions the organization as an industry leader while also humanizing the brand.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

• For You: A strong personal brand within a company can make you a magnet for opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship from both inside and outside the organization.
• For the company: When employees are encouraged to build their brands and subsequently succeed, it signals a supportive company culture. It helps attract top talent who value personal growth.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT

• For You: Personal branding requires developing various skills—from public speaking and content creation to networking. These skills serve your personal brand and enhance your professional capabilities.
• For the Company: People dedicated to self-improvement and personal branding often bring new skills back into the company. It can lead to innovative solutions, fresh perspectives, and a more dynamic work environment.

Join me on a journey to building a global personal brand: https://olesija.ck.page/a33576a470

Yet, amplifying your brand begins with something other than posting or commenting. It starts with clarity.

• Understand your goal: What’s the overarching mission you’re aiming for? Is it to be recognized as an industry thought leader? Or perhaps to build influential connections? Land new jobs or start your own business in the future? Knowing your endgame is half the battle won.
• Grasp your guiding values: Your personal brand should reflect your core beliefs and principles. These values act as the magnetic north, ensuring consistency and authenticity in your branding journey.
• Know Your Industry Inside Out: A deep understanding of the industry landscape is crucial to positioning yourself effectively. What gaps exist? Where can you carve a niche that’s both unique to you and valuable to the industry?
• Strategically align with your company message. This is where the magic happens. Find the sweet spot where your personal branding objectives meet with your company’s goals. It’s a win-win when your message amplifies your brand and serves your company’s mission.

A personal brand isn’t just about humble bragging. It’s about elevation in sync with the organization you’re a part of. When done right, personal branding becomes a powerful strategy, fueling both individual and corporate growth.

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…Do you ever find yourself procrastinating?
I’ve noticed that when it comes to making my dreams a reality, that’s when my procrastination skills truly shine. But why put off what could potentially change our lives for the better?

I’ve discovered two strategies that help kick me into gear:

Combine Goals: I brainstorm ideas that excite and scare me simultaneously—projects that help me achieve multiple goals at once, creating a domino effect. It’s about finding a game worth playing. And making it FUN.

Accountability: I make my goals known, making myself accountable not just to me but to as many people as possible. Visibility matters:) And the fear of public humiliation by not following through pushes you forward through the I don’t feel like doing x…

I have an ambitious dream: to grow my personal brand internationally on a scale that’s both terrifying and exhilarating. This challenge brings all my inner dragons to the forefront, attempting to dissuade me. I’ve been procrastinating on it for quiet some time already- I’m too busy, I don’t have time, who am I.. the list goes on..

I also struggle with consistency when it comes to my email list, I fail to create a content plan for myself, I have thought about launching my podcast for years…again, the list goes on..

But what if I turned this into a game, an experiment that combines all the pieces of the puzzle and shares every step of my journey, including the ups and downs? My hypothesis: In today’s digital era, becoming an internationally recognized expert in just one year is possible and doable. And I have a plan which I believe is a win-win on multiple levels

To prevent myself from backing out, I’ve made a commitment: starting April 1st, I’ll be sharing my journey weekly in my newsletter, employing the “I.T.S F.U.N T.O B.RA.N.D M.E” methodology. I’ll share everything—my victories, my setbacks, and the exact steps you can apply to your own brand-building. Im ready to be vulnerable, to take tons of imperfect baby steps. I want to learn, grow, and, most importantly, allow myself to play. Let’s see where it takes me, but looking back at my experience, I’ve never regretted the crazy things I’ve committed to. Just the one’s I’ve never dared to try.

If you’re curious about growing your personal brand on a global scale, I invite you to follow me on this adventure. Will I succeed, or what will I learn? We’ll find out on April 1, 2025.