You don’t have to be an entrepreneur to build a personal brand—and you definitely don’t have to wait until you need a new job to start. In this episode of You’re the Boss, Now What?, Desiree Petrich sits down with Liam Darmody, founder of Liam’s Brandstand, to talk about how showing up authentically online can strengthen your self-awareness, expand your opportunities, and make you a more confident leader at work.
Whether you’re a first-time manager, a corporate leader, or simply trying to grow your influence, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you show up in your professional life.
Why Personal Branding Matters for Leaders
Most professionals think of LinkedIn as a place to job-hunt—but it’s so much more. As Liam explains, it’s your digital networking event that never closes. It’s where you can share what you’re learning, connect with people who inspire you, and build credibility in real time.
For leaders, your personal brand is not about going viral—it’s about building trust, visibility, and self-confidence. The act of putting your thoughts out there (even when it’s uncomfortable) strengthens your ability to lead with authenticity.
What We Covered in This Episode
Liam and Desiree unpack:
- How to manifest serendipity by showing up consistently and sharing who you are.
- Why posting online helps you stop worrying what people think—and start owning your message.
- How personal branding helps you connect with mentors, peers, and future opportunities long before you need them.
- Why confidence and vulnerability matter more than follower counts.
- The mindset shift that turns LinkedIn into a leadership development tool instead of just a career one.
Key Takeaways for New Managers
- Your personal brand builds credibility. When hiring managers, clients, or executives look you up, they should see thought leadership, not silence.
- Consistency beats perfection. Don’t wait until you “feel ready.” The act of sharing is what builds confidence.
- Visibility creates opportunity. When people see how you think, they can imagine what it’s like to work with you—which opens doors you didn’t know existed.
- Authenticity attracts alignment. The right people will find you when you stop trying to please everyone.
- Leadership is influence. If you want to grow your impact, you have to practice showing up publicly with integrity and intention.
In Liam’s Words
“If you give people a window into your world, some of them will come around to the front door—and that’s where opportunity knocks.”
Action Steps for This Week
- Audit your digital presence. Does your online profile reflect who you are as a leader today—or just the job you do?
- Start small. Leave a thoughtful comment on one post per day. Build confidence through engagement before posting your own content.
- Share one insight. Post about a recent lesson, challenge, or leadership takeaway from your role.
- Connect with intention. Follow three people who inspire you and engage genuinely in their comment sections.
Why This Matters for Leaders
Personal branding isn’t about self-promotion—it’s about self-awareness. By putting your ideas into words, you refine how you think, communicate, and connect. And those are the same skills that make you a better manager, coach, and communicator.
This episode is a reminder that leadership presence begins long before a title. The confidence you build online will ripple into your meetings, your team dynamics, and even your self-trust as a leader.
