22 - Identity

Steve Carle
Aug 8
2 min read

Updated: Oct 3

Today's challenge;

Ask others how they would describe you. It doesn't mean they are correct; it is just an information baseline.

What is it?

Let's start with making a distinction between one's identity and one's brand.

Identity is how you define yourself, consciously or unconsciously. It’s deeply personal and can evolve over time. It includes:

Values: What matters most to you.
Beliefs: How you see the world.
Personality: Your traits, behaviors, and emotional patterns.
Experiences: Your background, culture, and life journey.
Aspirations: What you strive for or hope to become.

A personal brand is strategic—especially in professional settings. It’s about aligning your identity with how you want to be seen by others.

Communication: How you speak, write, and present yourself.
Appearance: Your style, body language, and visual presence.
Online Presence: Social media, websites, portfolios.
Reputation: What people say about you when you're not in the room.
Value Proposition: What you’re known for and what you offer.

Why is it important?

Identity is the foundation. Personal brand is the façade built on it.

A strong personal brand is authentic when it reflects your true identity.
If your personal brand doesn’t align with your identity, it can feel fake or unsustainable.
When identity and personal brand are in harmony, you build trust, influence, and impact.

Your brand can boost your social networks, help secure job opportunities and promotions, build your influence as a leader and used as a tool to create positive change in the world.

Personal branding can be applied to corporate branding as well. Any business can succeed or fail on the power of their brand in the eyes of their customers and those who work within the business.

How do I build my brand?

Know yourself (Identity first).
Define your audience
Craft your personal brand statement (How do you want others to see you?)
Align your online presence with who you really are in person to create consistency and foster trust.
Communicate authentically
Build credibility
Evolve and adapt

Read the books below. The first is about personal branding the second is applying it professionally as a leader, business owner or influencer of change. I cannot understate the value of this synching your identity and your brand.

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