A strong personal brand can open doors. A weak one can quietly close them.

In today’s hyper-connected world, leaders are under the spotlight more than ever. While some thrive, others unknowingly undermine their credibility by ignoring the fundamentals of personal branding or worse, by falling into the traps of red flags and deal-breakers.

In Episode 4 of The Inside-Out Conversations, the tables turn once again. Our host Manju welcomes back the personal branding expert Charan to decode the truths and traps of building a brand that lasts.

This episode is not just about what works, it’s about what doesn’t. Because often, knowing what to avoid is just as critical as knowing what to embrace.

What You’ll Take Away from This Episode

• Red Flags in Personal Branding - The signals that instantly erode trust, credibility, or influence.

• Deal-Breakers - Non-negotiables every leader must avoid if they want to be taken seriously.

• Must-Haves - The timeless elements that make your personal brand stick in the minds of others.

• Inside-Out Lens - Why branding is as much about internal alignment as it is about external projection.

Whether you’re a senior leader, a founder, or a professional working your way up the ladder, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and build a brand that’s authentic, sustainable, and respected.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(01:59) Understanding the Role of Personal Branding Consultant

(04:08) The Importance of Engaging a Personal Branding Consultant 

(05:35) Navigating GenAI in Personal Branding

(08:49) Qualities to look for in a Consultant

(11:03) Industry Specificity in Consultant Expertise

(14:03) Building Perception Vs Building Influence on Your Personal Brand

(16:22) Red Flags and Deal-Breakers in a Consultant

(20:52) Measuring Success in Your Personal Brand

(26:46) Where to Start on Your Own?

(30:08) What’s next on Inside-Out Conversations