The Reputation You Own

95% of professionals don't realize their reputation is rented.

A title can create credibility. A logo can create visibility.

Neither one belongs to you.

Three years ago, while I was still at Microsoft, I decided to do something about that.

I wanted to be known for who I am, not just the logo next to my job title.

So I started investing in my name.

WHAT

When most people hear that phrase, they immediately think:

"Personal branding."

That's not what I'm talking about.

I'm talking about becoming intentional about what you want to be known for.

Your expertise.

Your perspective.

Your values.

Your contribution.

The things people would still associate with you if your title changed tomorrow.

WHY

The women reaching out to me rarely ask:

"How do I build a personal brand?"

They're asking:

"What do I want to be known for?"

Different question.

And usually a much more interesting one.

I've heard it from a Partner thinking about the legacy she wants to leave.

A senior leader building a portfolio career.

An entrepreneur turning decades of expertise into global visibility.

Different stories. Same question:

What am I building that comes with me wherever I go?

HOW

Most people think this starts with visibility.

I don't. I think it starts with clarity.

I've met a lot of successful professionals who can tell you exactly what they do.

Far fewer can tell you what they want to be known for.

There's a difference.

One is a job description.

The other is a reputation.

The women who do this well don't start by asking:

"How do I build a brand?"

They start by asking:

"What do I want my name associated with?"

Everything tends to get easier after that.

A question worth sitting with:

If your title disappeared tomorrow, what would people know you for?

If you've been thinking more intentionally about that question lately, reply with:

REPUTATION

I'd love to hear what's coming up for you.

Until next week,

Jaspreet