Who Are You When No One Is Looking?

I recently attended a funeral. The ceremony was uplifting. I was deeply struck by the impact we have on the lives of those around us, often without even realizing it. The woman who passed away was the wife of my favorite cousin. I knew her well and recognized her talent; she was an incredibly gifted seamstress. However, the profound legacy she left on her family and friends was truly remarkable. Her husband, grown daughters, grandchildren, and lifelong friends shared heartfelt testimonies about her loving guidance and charming personality.

People notice you, even in your absence.

Often, we don’t consciously consider how we influence, encourage, guide, or mentor those around us. This woman, a professional seamstress, had honed her skills so well that when her company was sold to a new owner, only four employees were retained. She was one of them. Not one to brag, it spoke volumes about how her personal brand and competencies were conveyed. People notice your value and your personal brand, which shapes how others perceive you—often when you’re not even present.

Pay attention to how you wish to be known.

As a career coach, I help individuals craft strategies that shape how they wish to be recognized through their career documents. It amazes me how little effort people often put into defining their personal brand and presenting their expertise and value, except when they are pursuing specific career goals.
Since starting my career services company in 2009, I’ve learned that people frequently view their careers only through the lens of roles, dates, locations, and job titles. In this age of AI, it’s easy to talk about these superficial aspects of your work life. However, AI cannot create a true representation of you that conveys all you have to offer for a position. People hire people.

There is work to be done before writing begins.

You want to communicate more than just your expertise; you also need to convey your value and personal perspective. Unfortunately, this essential element is often missing when clients approach me for services. Most of them come seeking help with modernizing their resumes. Thankfully, I’ve learned to slow them down and guide them through self-discovery, helping them understand who they are, what motivates them, and the unique talents and abilities they possess—before I begin writing.

Create your self-portrait.

This introspective approach has worked well for my clients, as they leave with clarity about their careers and alignment between their personal and professional goals, both of which are critical. If this introspection doesn’t occur, clients often return after settling into new jobs and express dissatisfaction.

This usually happens because they skipped the important step of crafting their self-portrait. Without this clarity, it’s challenging to ensure the right environment, capabilities, culture, and personal preferences are in sync.

Reflecting on the funeral, I realized how often individuals focus so much on achieving career goals that they overlook the impact they have on all they encounter in their lives.

Shape how you wish to be known – your whole, authentic self.

Ultimately, it can be incredibly valuable to collectively consider your professional identity, your personal brand, what you excel at, and the value you can offer. Taking the time to reflect on how you fit into the world, who you are now, and who you are becoming can shape your life and legacy in meaningful ways. Life is short, and there’s great merit in reviewing your journey.

Think about the value you provide in your daily life, whether it’s to your coworkers, your business, your family, or your inner circle of loved ones.

Invite a professional into your self-talk.

Sometimes, having a conversation with someone who has resources, tools, and credentials can help you not only with your career documents but also with slowing down, reflecting, and reviewing your life journey. If you’d like to discuss exploring, evaluating, or elevating your career options, I’d be happy to chat with you. You can schedule a free 15-minute conversation on my website.

Wishing you clarity and encouragement for your success,

Brenda