top of page

Beyond the Looking Glass: Why Personal Branding Is About Value, Not Vanity

Updated: 7 days ago

There’s a lingering myth that needs dismantling. A myth that equates personal branding with narcissism, attention-seeking, and shallow aesthetics. That the only people who care about personal branding are those chasing the spotlight or curating perfectly-filtered versions of themselves.


Let’s be clear: that’s not personal branding. That’s performance. And it’s often driven by insecurity, not intention.


Done right, personal branding isn’t about vanity. It’s about value. And in today’s world, where the right opportunity, partnership, or funding decision can hinge on how clearly and confidently you communicate who you are, your personal brand is not a luxury. It’s leverage.


Lisa Maynard-Atem speaking at the BBC 1Xtra event after receiving an award for her work in social justice. She stands confidently at the podium, highlighting how personal branding rooted in value can lead to meaningful recognition.
Speaking at the BBC after receiving a 1Xtra Future Figures Award for my work in social justice - a reminder that personal branding is about the impact you make, not the spotlight you seek.

The Misunderstood Art of Being Seen

Somewhere along the way, “visibility” became a dirty word. Especially for women. Especially for people of colour. Especially for those of us raised to believe that hard work alone would get us through the door.


We were taught not to take up too much space. To keep our heads down. Let our work speak for itself. But here’s the truth: in a world saturated with noise, silence is often mistaken for absence. And invisibility is not a virtue - it’s a risk.


A personal brand isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about standing firm in your values, your voice, and your vision - so the people you’re here to serve, collaborate with, and impact can find you. That’s not ego. That’s alignment.


Branding Isn’t Just for Businesses

We accept that companies need brands. No one questions why Apple, Nike, or Patagonia invest millions to craft an identity. We understand that a clear brand builds trust, loyalty, and recognition.


So why do we resist doing the same for ourselves?


Whether you’re a founder, a freelancer, or a leader navigating reinvention, your personal brand does the heavy lifting when you’re not in the room. It’s the story others tell about you, the feeling they associate with your name, and the clarity they have around the value you offer. And unlike a CV, it’s not bound by job titles or timeframes. It’s fluid, human, and future-focused.


Value Is the Currency of Connection

Here’s where the shift happens: your personal brand is not about what you do, it’s about what you bring. The problems you solve. The way you show up. The lived experience you carry. The impact you leave behind.


When you centre your brand around value, not vanity - you build a bridge.

One that connects you to:


  • Opportunities that align with your purpose

  • Communities that reflect your values

  • Partners who see your worth without needing a sales pitch


This isn’t about crafting a persona. It’s about honouring your personhood.


Visibility Isn’t Vanity - It’s Survival

Let’s talk facts for a moment. Ethnic minority female founders in the UK received less than 0.02% of all venture capital funding between 2009 and 2019. Less than a drop in the investment ocean. This isn’t just a funding gap -it’s a visibility gap. Because when you’re not seen, you’re not heard. And when you’re not heard, you’re not funded, supported, or taken seriously.


I’ve lost count of how many talented women I’ve met who hesitate to put themselves out there -not because they lack the talent, but because they fear being seen as “too much”.


But here’s the thing: you don’t owe anyone smallness. You owe yourself space.


When you build a personal brand rooted in clarity and contribution, you don’t just amplify your voice, you model what’s possible for others who look like you. That’s legacy. That’s leadership. That’s value.


Three Questions to Build a Value-Driven Brand

So how do you ensure your personal brand doesn’t veer into vanity territory?


Start by asking:


  1. What do I want to be known for - and why does it matter?

    Strip back the titles and accolades. What’s the impact you want to make? What change are you here to drive?

  2. Who am I here to serve?

    Your brand isn’t for everyone, and that’s the point. Clarity attracts. Confusion repels. Be specific about your people.

  3. What stories, experiences, or expertise can I share that will help others?

    We connect through stories, not stats. Share the lessons, not just the wins. That’s where the real value lives.


Value Looks Different for Everyone

For some, value means thought leadership. For others, it’s practical tools, mentorship, or visibility for their community. It might look like:


  • A female founder sharing how she navigated burnout and bounced back stronger

  • A designer spotlighting sustainable practices to educate their audience

  • A creative sharing behind-the-scenes lessons in building a business from scratch


Whatever it is, it should feel true. Because authenticity is your brand’s backbone, and value is the heartbeat.


But What If It Feels Uncomfortable?

Let’s be honest: putting yourself out there can feel exposing. Especially when your brand is rooted in you, your name, your story, your voice. But discomfort isn’t always a red flag. Sometimes, it’s a signal that you’re stepping into your power.


If it helps, reframe personal branding as legacy building. Because every time you show up with purpose, you leave a digital footprint. One that says:


“I was here. I stood for something. I helped someone.”

That’s not vanity. That’s vision.


Your Brand Isn't Just What You Build - It's What You Leave Behind

Every message. Every introduction. Every conversation. It leaves a trace.


That trace is your legacy. I used to think legacy was something far away, something to think about at the end. But I now know it’s something we create every day.


It’s in the way you treat people when no one’s watching.

It’s in the platform you build to raise others up.

It’s in the quiet decisions, not just the big ones.


Personal branding, for me, is about showing up in a way that says: I was here, and I left something better behind.


A Final Reflection

Personal branding isn’t about slick logos, curated feeds, or polished taglines. It’s about showing up with intention, sharing your truth, and building a body of work that speaks louder than any sales pitch ever could. In a world that tells women, especially Black women, to dim their light, your brand is your permission slip to shine.


Not for applause. But for alignment. For impact. For legacy. And if that’s not value, I don’t know what is.


Follow me on:   



Comentarios

bottom of page