I had the honour of speaking at an incredible workshop for women last week, hosted by the Dream Factory Foundation’s 2025 Emergent Business Accelerator Program.
We unpacked Personal Branding — a journey I’ve had to fully embrace as a woman navigating both business and the media industry. It’s been real, raw, and transformative.

Why Personal Branding Starts With You
Growing up in the media industry, I always knew I had talent — the gift of the gab, to be precise. From a young age, I was told I had what it takes. Industry veterans, mentors, and colleagues would often affirm that I had the potential to become one of the best television presenters, MCs, and keynote speakers. Deep down, I believed them. But belief alone wasn’t enough.

Somewhere along the way, self-doubt crept in. I battled with a lack of self-belief that kept me stagnant, and if I’m being honest — I passed the buck. I kept waiting for someone else to push my career forward: a boss, a colleague, a casting director. I looked around and watched others, some with arguably less talent, boldly going after the very dreams I had shelved. And I got comfortable watching from the sidelines.

The Realization That Changed Everything
After years of being “fake humble” — yes, fake — because true humility is shining your light and walking boldly in who God created you to be, I came to a pivotal realization:
Everything I was waiting for someone else to do was actually my responsibility.

It was up to me to:
* Understand my gifts and talents
* Invest in developing them
* Learn how to effectively showcase them
No one knows you better than you. And no one can share your story, your voice, or your value the way you can. That’s the power and responsibility of personal branding.

Doing the Inner Work First
Before I could show up authentically and confidently in public spaces, I had to do the work behind the scenes — healing, renewing my mind, and releasing fear:

* I had to believe in myself again
* I had to stop fearing being seen
* I had to embrace being a beginner
* I had to let go of the perfectionism that kept me stuck
That’s the part many people skip — but it’s foundational. Personal branding isn’t just a strategy, it’s a journey of becoming.

What Is Personal Branding, Really?
Personal branding is the strategic process of creating, positioning, and maintaining a positive public perception of yourself.
It’s about:

* Actively managing your reputation
* Showcasing your unique skills, expertise, values, and personality
* Establishing influence and authority
* Generating trust and standing out in your industry or field
Whether you’re a businesswoman, a woman with a growing platform, or a career professional working your way up — personal branding is no longer optional. It’s essential. And in today’s digital world, it’s never been easier to build and maintain a strong personal brand.
So the next time you update your CV, launch a new offering, or step into a new season of growth — don’t forget to do the intentional work of personal branding, too.

✨ Stay tuned for more posts in this personal branding series, where I’ll be sharing practical tips, real stories, and tools to help you build your brand from the inside out.
Want to go deeper?
Book a personal branding session with me and let’s work together to shape the powerful, purposeful brand the world needs to see.

With love,
Laurian