How to Stand Out and Lead Authentically With Lesley Everett

Welcome back to Connected Leadership Bytes where this week, we look back at a powerful conversation with personal branding expert Lesley Everett. Andy and Lesley explore why simply "doing a good job" is no longer enough for career advancement. Lesley introduces the crucial concept of the 'entrepreneurial mindset' for leaders within large organisations. This involves being more visionary, visible, and connected; moving beyond your job description to see the bigger picture. Their discussion looks into the importance of authentic visibility, emphasising that it's not about being the loudest person in the room but about strategically and genuinely making your expertise known. Lesley provides practical advice on uncovering your core values to guide your authentic brand and shares research highlighting that exposure and image—not just performance—are the primary drivers of promotion. This episode is a masterclass in building a memorable and effective personal brand that truly differentiates you, proving that your personality is the most powerful part of your brand. Key Takeaways Good Work is a Prerequisite, Not a Differentiator: Excelling at your job is the baseline expectation; it won't get you promoted on its own. Adopt an Entrepreneurial Mindset: Leaders must be visionary, build connections, and understand how their role fits into the larger strategic objectives. Visibility Drives Advancement: Research shows that exposure (who knows you and what they know about you) is far more critical for career progression than performance alone. Authenticity is Your Compass: Your personal brand must be rooted in who you truly are. Understanding your core values is fundamental to acting with consistency and authenticity. People are the Brand: An organisation's brand personality is built by its people. Your individual brand contributes directly to how the company is perceived. Actionable Insights Uncover Your Values Through Frustration: Identify things that consistently frustrate or anger you. Flip that negative emotion to discover the underlying positive value you hold (e.g. frustration with lateness reveals a value for respecting others' time). Practice Strategic Storytelling: Incorporate relevant personal stories into your presentations and team interactions. This makes your message more memorable and reveals your personality, helping you connect with others on a deeper level. Focus on Your Impact: Before communicating, shift your focus from what you want to say to the impact you want to have. Ask: "What do I want my audience to think, feel, or do after hearing this?" This will make your communication more effective. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Lesley Everett: Website |Twitter / X | The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 129 Featuring Lesley Everett