Building a Personal Brand That Opens Doors with Allie Fisher
Your personal brand is more than a logo or a tagline - it’s how you show up in the world. It’s the way you relate to people, how you interact, and ultimately how you’re perceived. And it matters because it shapes the opportunities you’re considered for (or overlooked for).
Strong personal branding isn’t about putting on a costume. It’s about connection.
It gives you confidence and presence.
It helps you see and articulate your value.
It makes you memorable, credible, and distinct.
And over time, it can be the differentiator that sets you apart in your career.
Allie Fisher is a San Francisco-based independent creative director and designer who describes herself as a curious creative generalist. Allie partners with clients to craft strategic visual systems and emotive narratives across brand, editorial, and film.
Her career started at Condé Nast and WIRED, where she designed across platforms, from magazine covers to live events. She then joined Godfrey Dadich Partners as Partner, Head of Creative, working with brands like Nike, Netflix, Microsoft, and National Geographic. In 2023, she launched her own consultancy, Studio Fisher, to help organizations forge deeper connections with their audiences.
Find her at allie-fisher.com and on Instagram at @allie_fish.
Together, we explore the real value of personal branding, practical exercises to define yours, and how to put it into action in ways that open doors and build lasting relationships.
Exercises for Building Your Personal Brand
Good branding always starts with curiosity. It’s about asking the right questions and uncovering your core ‘why.’ Skip the superficial and splashy - it’s not about putting on a costume or playing a part. Strong personal branding is about clarifying what you believe, how you operate, and showing up consistently in alignment with that. And the best brands aren’t static - they evolve and grow as you do.
Three words exercise
Pick three words that best describe you.
For example,
Compassionate
Pragmatic
Curious
Reflect on how you show up in those ways daily. If one feels missing, how can you intentionally prioritize it?
Look at others around you
Look at how peers and leaders in your industry show up - on LinkedIn, in articles, in public speaking. What resonates? What doesn’t? What feels authentic to you? Try things on, test what works, and refine your own distinct approach.
Think about your audience
Think about who your audience is, and tailor your messaging to them. For example, if you’re looking for a new job, the audience could be hiring managers. If you’re in a job currently, it could be your peers and your manager. If you work with clients, it could be your clients. Think about the folks that you’re interacting with.
Then, ask these questions:
What are they curious about?
What do they need? What do you know that might be able to help deliver on that?
How do you make who you are make sense and resonate with your audience
Building your values using the Who/What/Why framework
You have a unique point of view and value. This exercise will help you think from the inside-out.
Why do you do what you do?
How do you take action?
What are the outcomes you create
Start from your “why” - that’s what makes your brand authentic and magnetic.
Journal prompts
Step away from your desk. Take a notebook, use sticky notes, or even voice record ideas while you use these prompts to reflect on your personal brand:
How would you explain what you do to a 5-year-old?
How would you describe why you do it at a cocktail party?
Write down three moments you’re proud of - what made them meaningful?
Write down three times you felt frustrated - what values were being compromised?
What themes are you seeing from journaling? Reflect on your responses and where you feel aligned versus disconnected.
Partner with a professional for perspective
It’s hard to see what makes you unique when you’re “swimming in the same water” every day. Working with an advisor gives you perspective and helps you articulate your authentic brand with confidence.
At The Glass Advisory, we coach individuals 1:1 to craft personal brands rooted in their values, and to show up authentically as leaders at any level. Contact us today if interested in partnering with a professional to craft your personal brand that will open up new opportunities.
How to apply your personal brand
Audit your online presence
Without an intentional brand, your online footprint often reflects random moments or past roles. Maybe a former employer pushed you to post about the company, and now your LinkedIn is still dominated by their content. That’s fine history, but it doesn’t define who you are today.
Search yourself: check LinkedIn, Google, even YouTube. Do those posts reflect the version of you that you want people to see now? If not, refresh your presence. Remove what no longer aligns, and share content that represents your values and direction. Your “what” (posts and shares) should always tie back to your “why.”
Be thoughtful in how you present information
Think carefully about what you share and who you’re speaking to. Use storytelling and generosity so your audience experiences your message in the way you intend.
The more authentically you share, the more people connect with you. That connection builds goodwill - people want to support you, give you grace, and open doors. Test the boundaries of what feels comfortable, and find your balance between being open and staying true to your personal limits.
Be cognizant of the “how”
If your actions feel misaligned with your deeper “why,” it’s time to reset. Journaling, reflection, or simple exercises can help realign your brand with your values.
For example, if growth is a core value, set a recurring monthly coffee with a peer to exchange lessons and insights. It’s a small, structured step that reinforces your brand in action - keeping you accountable to the person you want to be.
Your personal brand builds over time. But by doing the work now, you can jumpstart your career, build trust and memorability, and confidently ask for (and deserve) the opportunities you want.
