1. What’s the Point of a Personal Brand?

HARRISON MONARTH

ONE OF MY new coaching clients, Mike, a young manager in the finance industry with a prestigious MBA, was turned down for a promotion. When he asked his supervisor for a reason, his boss replied, “Because nobody knows you.” That came as a surprise to Mike, who’d received regular praise for his strong work ethic and good results. He thought everyone knew him in the small firm. In reality, the senior managers at the decision-making table had no idea what he stood for and who he was as a person. Mike made a mistake that many of us make early in our careers. We believe our efforts, education, or performance is enough to outcompete our colleagues and secure advancement opportunities. We overlook (or simply aren’t taught) the value of building…

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Harvard Business Review Special Issues (Digital) - 1 Issue, Spring 2025

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