How We Wrote Our Book: an inside look at coauthoring Own Your Brand with Mike Kim

Andy Storch recently sat down with Mike Kim, Wall Street Journal best-selling author, branding expert, and his co-author on the new book Own Your Brand, Own Your Career, for a compelling episode of the Talent Development Think Tank podcast. Together, they unpacked the power and practicality of personal branding not just for entrepreneurs and influencers, but for anyone seeking to grow within a corporate environment.

The conversation offers a wealth of actionable insights for talent development professionals and ambitious employees alike. Here’s how you can foster intentional, impactful personal brands across your organization:

Reframe Personal Branding as Reputation and Make It Intentional

Andy and Mike are clear: You already have a personal brand, whether you realize it or not. In today’s interconnected workplace, your “brand” is your reputation, a combination of your expertise, reliability, values, and how you show up for others. Rather than leaving this to chance, Mike encourages people to take ownership: “You might as well be intentional about it, or someone else will control the narrative.” Help your teams discover what they want to be known for and provide opportunities for reflection and articulation of personal strengths and passions.

Build Human-Centered Development on Purpose and Values

The strongest personal brands are rooted in self-awareness, clarity of purpose, and values alignment. Both Andy and Mike stress the importance of helping employees get clear on their “why.” This isn’t just about career advancement, it’s about feeling fulfilled and recognized for meaningful contributions. Lead reflective exercises like the “Personal Brand 3” (what angers you, what breaks your heart, what problem do you want to solve?) to spark purposeful growth conversations. Remember, values and purpose can evolve, so keep space for refresh and revisit.

Foster Collaboration, Not Competition

A key theme in Andy and Mike’s own collaboration is the power of partnership over rivalry. The most high-impact contributors are those who work well with others, seek out diverse perspectives, and elevate their teams. Encourage cross-functional projects and mentorship that reward joint success. “People at the top are always collaborating, not competing with each other,” Mike observes. Make collaboration a core competency in your learning and development programs.

Empower Employees to Tell Their Story

Visibility is more than self-promotion; it’s about making your value and interests clear to those around you. Use team meetings, internal newsletters, and even social platforms like LinkedIn to encourage employees to share wins, milestones, and even challenges they’ve overcome. Andy reflects, “Nobody likes someone who is bragging all the time … but we do need to make sure we are known for something.” Normalize authentic storytelling as a pathway to recognition and trust.

Equip for Success in the Age of AI

With technology evolving rapidly, Andy and Mike dig into the uniquely human traits that will matter most: emotional intelligence, adaptability, resilience, critical thinking, storytelling, inclusion, and discernment. Integrate opportunities to practice and develop these skills in your curricula, whether through scenario-based learning, collaborative workshops, or leadership communities.

Make Managers Multipliers of Branding and Growth

Managers play a pivotal role in amplifying learning and personal branding. Mike and Andy are living proof that the right direct manager can make or break someone’s ability to experiment, share, and grow. Invest in manager training around personal brand coaching, purpose-based career conversations, and inclusive feedback. Recognize managers who elevate others’ brands as much as their own.

Provide Tools, Frameworks, and Safe Spaces

Practical exercises from the book, such as listing accomplishments beyond job descriptions or defining what you want to be known for, help employees translate strengths into action and advocacy. Create psychologically safe spaces where these explorations can happen, whether in workshops, peer collaboration sessions, or one-on-one career coaching. Mike puts it simply, “The framework frames the work.”

Support Visibility Inside and Outside the Organization

Andy shares his journey from unheard employee to sought-after speaker and consultant after building a personal brand on LinkedIn and through podcasting. The tides are turning, with leading organizations now inviting workshops on personal branding and even championing employees’ external visibility. Make clear how personal brands can lift both individual careers and your organizational reputation. Share stories of employees who have made an impact inside and outside your company.

Normalize Evolution—Personal and Organizational

Just as people grow and learn over time, so do companies and their views on brand, visibility, and career development. Recognize and celebrate this evolution. Encourage employees to think of their careers and their brands as dynamic journeys, not static roles.

Make It Practical: Action, Not Just Aspiration

The most effective development efforts combine deep reflection with practical, repeatable action. Andy and Mike close with a challenge; help employees “do the book,” not just read it. Provide workbooks, prompts, structured exercises, and opportunities to practice these skills repeatedly.

Personal Branding Is the New Career Currency

Building a personal brand isn’t just for influencers, it’s the linchpin for career growth, leadership, and ultimately, business results in the modern world. And it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with self-awareness, authentic communication, and strong collaboration. Provide resources and space for employees to articulate, evolve, and amplify what they bring to the table.

Want even more tips, stories, and actionable takeaways? Listen to the full episode with Andy Storch and Mike Kim on the Talent Development Think Tank podcast, and be sure to check out their new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career, for a comprehensive playbook on building lasting impact for yourself and your organization.

Be sure to listen to the full episode on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast!

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