Stories

Personal brand or professional reputation: What matters more?
S
Storyboard•08-10-2026, 09:08
Does Personal Branding Still Matter for Modern Business Leaders?
  • •Business leaders are increasingly expected to be visible, accessible, and communicate directly with the public and media.
  • •Experts note that professional ability alone may not guarantee recognition, making personal reputation a critical asset.
  • •Apple CEO John Ternus serves as a counterexample, keeping a low-key online profile and proving the power of a solid professional reputation.
  • •Overzealous personal branding can lead to a sameness in tone, blurring the lines between corporate leadership and influencer culture.

Key Questions Answered

Apple CEO John Ternus maintains a low-key online presence, leaving his LinkedIn profile outdated and identifying him as the vice president of hardware engineering rather than CEO.

Harish Bijoor emphasizes that professional reputation forms the solid foundation of a career, suggesting that 95 percent of focus should be on reputation while keeping personal branding to a minimum.

Business leaders note that startup founders are often viewed as synonymous with their companies, and rising investor scrutiny and crisis management expectations make public accessibility increasingly important.