For directors, heads of function, and executive leaders building influence, visibility, and strategic career alignment in supply chain and commercial operations
At senior level, your personal brand is your leadership signal. Here’s how to ensure it reflects your value, presence, and future direction.
By now, your results speak for themselves. You’ve led teams, delivered strategy, and navigated complexity. But leadership today isn’t just about experience – it’s about visibility, alignment, and influence.
As career progression becomes less linear – and executive opportunities more confidential – a clear, considered personal brand can set you apart. Not by shouting louder, but by showing up with purpose.
This guide is for senior professionals who want their reputation to work strategically, not just historically. Whether you’re preparing for your next move, raising your external profile, or shaping your legacy, your brand plays a pivotal role.
At this stage, your brand isn’t about job titles or qualifications. It’s about:
It’s reflected in your online presence, your boardroom impact, your team culture - and the decisions others invite you into.
Executive hiring often happens behind closed doors. Roles are shaped around individuals. Decisions are influenced by perception as much as performance.
A well-defined brand can help you:
It’s less about being noticed – more about being remembered for the right things.
Senior leaders don’t always realise how visible they already are. Your brand comes through in:
At this level, silence can send as strong a signal as presence. If you don’t shape the narrative, others will fill in the blanks.
1. Get Clear on Your Leadership Identity
What kind of leader are you now – and what kind of challenges are you best suited to solve next?
You might be:
“A turnaround operator who builds clarity and accountability in fast-moving supply chains.”
“A people-first logistics director who drives efficiency by empowering mid-level managers.”
“A strategic procurement leader with a focus on ESG, innovation, and risk.”
This positioning doesn’t go on a business card – but it should inform how you talk, write, and present yourself professionally.
2. Audit Your Executive Presence (Starting With LinkedIn)
LinkedIn isn’t just a CV. It’s often the first – or only – external window into your leadership.
Your headline should go beyond title. Include scope, focus areas, or strategic contribution.
Your About section should reflect your leadership journey, values, and forward focus – not just a list of functions managed.
Example:
“Experienced operations leader with a track record of delivering scalable logistics strategies across retail, 3PL, and e-commerce environments. Passionate about building resilient teams, driving digital innovation, and aligning execution with commercial goals.”
This isn’t fluff – it’s framing.
3. Own Your Value Story
At senior level, your CV, conversations, and interview presence should reflect impact and insight, not just experience.
Think in terms of:
What are you most proud of? What do others consistently count on you for? What kind of legacy do you leave?
Frame your narrative around that.
4. Engage with the Right Conversations
Your brand is strengthened every time you contribute - not just post.
That might mean:
These actions show that you’re engaged, evolving, and generous with your insight - key traits of respected leaders.
5. Keep It Aligned
At this level, inconsistency can damage trust.
Make sure your messaging aligns across:
When your brand is aligned, people don’t just understand you - they believe you.
Senior candidates can sometimes undermine their brand unintentionally. Watch out for:
At this stage of your career, your personal brand isn’t decoration. It’s direction.
It helps others understand your leadership, your impact, and your ambition – in ways that open the right doors and shape the right conversations.
So ask yourself: what do I want to be known for – and am I showing up that way?
Because senior roles aren’t just filled by those with the right experience. They’re filled by those who are seen, remembered, and trusted.
And your brand is the bridge between who you are – and where you’re going next.
