How smart leaders turn personal branding into business strategy

In today’s digital-first world, leaders can’t hide behind titles. They need visibility.

By 2030, 58% of the workforce will be Gen Z, expecting direct access to leaders via LinkedIn and other platforms. Social media isn’t optional anymore, it’s the new boardroom. With only 1% of professionals actively building personal brands on LinkedIn, early adopters gain a massive competitive advantage.

At IHR Leaders Conference, Manchester 2025, Robyn Fawcett, Personal Branding & Social Media Specialist, and Paul Bhangoo, Global Employer Brand & Attraction Manager at BT Group, delivered a powerhouse session on personal branding and leadership visibility on social media.

Some key takeaways were:

• Personal branding is a strategic business asset. It benefits both the individual leader and the organisation by enhancing visibility, trust, and engagement.
• Authenticity and value are paramount: Sharing genuine experiences that provide value to the audience builds credibility.
• Social media is becoming an essential leadership tool: Platforms like LinkedIn enable direct communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Leaders need support and coaching: Many are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with personal branding but can achieve significant results with guidance.

Want to see how it’s done? Watch Robyn and Paul’s full session below to learn practical strategies, real-world examples, and step-by-step guidance on building a leader’s personal brand.