Behind the Messy Desk: Real Talk on Personal Branding and Leading with Your Values
What do you think of when you hear the term “personal branding”? I’ll admit it: when I first heard “personal branding,” I kind of rolled my eyes. I was working in the Fortune 5 at the time, and it sounded like something that people in big companies talk about to help them climb the corporate ladder, navigate company politics, or get more visibility to upper management. But the more I’ve walked this business journey, the more I see and understand that this stuff actually matters. Not in a “look at me” way like I originally thought, but in a “how do I serve people well and stay true to who I am?” kind of way.
If you’re running a business, or leading a team, your name means something. Or, at least, it should. I see it all the time here in my local area of Cincinnati and Dayton—people do business with people they know, like, and trust. Not with faceless logos, not with perfect websites, but with real people. And trust, if I’m honest, is built on the little things like how you show up, what you share, and how you treat others when nobody’s watching.
What Even Is Personal Branding?
Maybe you’ve never thought about personal branding, or maybe you’re unclear about what it really is. Personal branding isn’t really about having a slick headshot or a color-coordinated Instagram. (If that’s your thing, I'm not judging.) But it’s more about what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Are you a “go-to” resource for practical advice? Do you tell the truth, even when it’s awkward? Or maybe you’re the person who just takes care of getting things done and you do it without creating a bunch of drama in the process. That’s a brand, too.
In my corporate America work years, I used to think I had to fit some mold as an employee—to be more polished, and show up a certain way that felt less authentic to who I am. Maybe that's just corporate America, but in the real outside work, I've found something quite different. The more I lean into who I really am (quirks, faith, messy desk, sports lover, ice cream addict and all), the more people seem to respond. I think that’s just how God wired us. People want to connect with people, not personas. So, who are you really? What would others say about you?
Thought Leadership: Not Just for the Big Shots
“Thought leadership” sounds intimidating, right? Like you have to be some kind of guru. But, I mean, who really feels like a guru? Most days, I’m just trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t—same as everyone else.
But transparency in sharing what you’re learning, what you’re noticing, or even what you’re struggling with—that’s what makes you a leader. You don’t need to have all the answers, but you should be willing to ask good questions out loud. Sometimes, I’ll write a post or share an idea and think, “Is this even helpful to anyone?” And then someone will message me saying it was exactly what they needed in that moment. Funny how God works like that.
Why Bother?
I get it. You’re busy. Everyone’s busy. There’s always another fire to put out, another email to answer. I build my to-do list every Monday morning. Let me just share that it’s longer than ever right now. There’s no shortage of things to do, just a shortage of time to do them. But here’s what I’ve seen about why you should prioritize building into these things:
People remember the business owner who shares their story, not just their services. It’s about building connections and relationships.
When you’re visible (even a little), opportunities seem to find you. You might just be the resource someone desperately needs today. Be seen.
And maybe most importantly, your personal brand is the one thing you take with you, no matter what happens to your business or your career.
I’ve had business owners come back years later—not because of the amazing products and services I could sell them, but because they remembered how I made them feel, and that I genuinely wanted to help them grow their business. That’s branding, whether you call it that or not. And honestly, I think it’s a reflection of something deeper—how you live out your values, how you treat others, and whether your faith shows up in the way you lead.
Getting Started (Even If You’re Not Ready)
If you’re not sure where to start, that’s fine. Honestly, just start somewhere. Imperfect action is better than no action. Share a lesson from your week. Post a photo from your messy desk (yep, that’s my current messy desk in the title image of this post). Admit when you’re stuck. Ask a question you don’t have the answer to. People relate to real. They crave it, actually.
And don’t overthink it. (I say that as someone who tends to overthink everything.) Your brand will grow as you do. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just be honest, be kind, and let your faith and values guide you—even when it’s not the popular thing to do.
One Last Thing
Look, I’m not saying you need to become a “thought leader” overnight. Or ever, really. But if you want your business to grow, and if you want people to remember you for more than just your logo, it’s worth putting yourself out there—even if it feels a little awkward.
If you’re curious about how this could look for you, or if you just want to talk it through, let’s grab a coffee or even some ice cream (either virtual or in-person). Sometimes, the first step is just saying, “Hey, I want to try this.” And if you’re reading this in Cincinnati or Dayton, you know—around here, a little authenticity and a lot of integrity go a long way in this market.
So, what do you want people to remember about you? And maybe, just maybe, how do you want God to use your story?
Be bold. Be real. Let your faith and values shine. Your story matters—probably more than you think.
Be blessed. Do good stuff today.
