C.A.R.E About Your Personal Brand?

Reflecting on the guidance I received about personal branding as a community leader at Illuminate Universe, I've come to appreciate the significance of identifying my four core personal values from Sam Thiara's “ THE CARE MINDSET “ These non-negotiable values form the foundation of my personal brand. It's enlightening to realize that everyone, including myself, has a personal brand based on how others perceive us.

CARE" mindset, which stands for:

Collaboration - Recognize that we are not alone and can help and be helped by others.

Adaptability - Be agile and able to shift to new circumstances, rules, and environments quickly.

Resilience - Face challenges head-on with perseverance, as difficulties will not be over anytime soon.

Empathy - Show care and compassion for others who are also struggling.

The advice to focus not just on "what" I want to be, but "who" I want to be as a person, resonates deeply with me. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in communication and media in grade 11, but I didn't know which specific career path to take. I began exploring various roles in the field by working at the young, vibrant radio station YFM in Ghana and Vibe 105 in Toronto. I also volunteered as a Public Relations and Event Organizer for Afronation (the African version of Coachella). Through these experiences, I realized I want to be a Public Relations and Brand Strategy agent. Based on these events and opportunities, I now see the importance of crafting a personal statement that encapsulates my values, beliefs, and how I want to interact with others. This approach ensures that I maintain authenticity and credibility in my personal brand.

Moreover, I've come to understand the power of perspectives. Seeking out diverse viewpoints is crucial for gaining new insights and solutions. Different perspectives can reveal positives I may have missed and help shape my own truth and opinions. This realization has encouraged me to be more open-minded and receptive to various ideas and experiences.

This reflective process has highlighted the importance of both self-awareness and openness to others' experiences in my personal and professional growth. It's a journey of continuous learning and self-improvement, one that I'm excited to embark upon as I develop and refine my personal brand.