A few weeks ago, I was a guest lecturer in an engineering class at a local university. The department had thoughtfully designed its curriculum to equip students with the skills to navigate real-world professional challenges. As part of this effort, the professor invited industry professionals to share their experiences. My lecture focused on brand management and career navigation.
“I have one goal for this talk: for you to understand that you are a brand,” I told the students. “And just like a company manages its brand, you must manage yours.” To illustrate this, I began with a simple yet deceptively challenging task — introducing myself.
The Challenge of Self-Introductions
Introducing yourself can be an anxiety-inducing experience. The question “Tell me about yourself” has often left me flummoxed. My response varies depending on the context, yet I frequently find myself unsure of what to say — whether in social or professional settings. A typical default question is, “What do you do for a living?” as though that alone defines us. It’s often easier or expected to respond with a job title: “I’m a software engineer, a doctor, a lawyer.” Even in retirement, many people continue to identify themselves by their past roles, saying, “I used to be X or Y.” More recently, I’ve noticed a growing trend where people introduce themselves by the companies they’ve worked for: Ex-Amazon, Ex-Meta, Ex-Microsoft, Ex-Google.
But surely, we are more than our job titles. We are the sum of our experiences, choices, and perspectives. My liberal arts education, for example, shaped my ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and solve problems — qualities that remain fundamentally human in an increasingly technological world driven by AI. Like most people, I’ve navigated life’s ebbs and flows, building resilience along the way. My choices reflect my values and worldview, underscoring the courage it takes to stay true to myself. I survived social and political upheavals, escaping from my country of birth — a testament to adaptability and perseverance.
How, then, can I introduce myself in a way that captures the depth of who I am — without reducing myself to a trite soundbite?
This realization led me to explore ways to more thoroughly encapsulate my experiences, perspectives and aspirations. Instead of defaulting to job titles or listing professional accomplishments, I began experimenting with different ways to tell my story. Through trial and error — and even some informal A/B testing — I learned to weave in elements beyond my roles and titles, offering a fuller picture of myself. This approach made my personal brand more dynamic, authentic and relatable.
Crafting a More Meaningful Introduction
Storytelling is about crafting narratives that captivate, inform and emotionally connect with an audience. Compelling storytelling creates meaning, evokes emotions and inspires action. Great stories make messages more memorable and impactful in writing, speaking or other media.
So, how do you craft an introduction that reflects the depth of your experiences, while staying true to your brand? Consider weaving in these key elements:
- Your Purpose: Purpose is the foundation of a strong personal brand. It provides direction, meaning and motivation. Without it, a career can feel like a series of disconnected job titles, rather than a cohesive journey. What drives you? What problems do you want to solve?
- Your Values and Beliefs: Simon Sinek famously said, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” A brand rooted in strong ethical principles and a clear sense of purpose — whether it’s a commitment to sustainability, innovation or social impact — resonates deeply with others. What principles guide your decisions?
- Your Journey: People are drawn to growth, resilience and transformation stories. How have you evolved in your career? How have you navigated challenges or pursued passions beyond traditional paths? Sharing your journey makes you relatable and inspiring.
- Your Unique Perspective: How you see the world differentiates you. Your perspective shapes your narrative. It can challenge conventional thinking or introduce fresh ideas. How have your experiences influenced the way you approach problems and opportunities?
- Your Aspirations: A personal brand isn’t just about who you are today; it’s also about where you’re going and what you learn along the way. A brand that communicates ambition and vision attracts opportunities and inspires others. What are you working toward, and why does it matter?
The Hero’s Journey as a Career Narrative
Let’s take a familiar example — Luke Skywalker’s journey in Star Wars. Initially, he’s a restless farm boy on a remote desert planet, yearning for something greater. His call to adventure arrives when two mysterious droids set him on a path toward the Rebellion and, ultimately, his destiny as a Jedi.
Now, imagine Luke Skywalker interviewing to become Yoda’s apprentice. How might he introduce himself?
“I grew up on a remote desert planet, dreaming of adventure beyond the horizon. Opportunities were scarce — until two droids arrived, seeking a legendary Jedi Master. Their mission set me on an unexpected path, and I chose to follow it. I began as an intern apprentice under Obi-Wan Kenobi, assisting him while learning the ways of the Force. That journey led me to join the Rebellion, where I served under Princess Leia and played a pivotal role in destroying the Death Star. These experiences helped me discover my true purpose. Now, I seek to deepen my knowledge of the Force under your guidance to help overthrow the Emperor and restore balance to the Force.”
Rather than simply stating, “I’m a Rebel pilot” or “I used to be a farm boy,” Luke frames his introduction as a compelling narrative highlighting his purpose, values, journey, perspective, and aspirations.
Moving Beyond Job Titles
By integrating these elements, we shift from being defined by a title to being recognized for our stories. We become more than just engineers, managers or executives. We become people with purpose, vision and voice. This is the essence of a strong personal brand.
So the next time someone asks, “Tell me about yourself,” what story will you tell?
