Personal Branding

Personal Branding

Maureen M. Kelly

Grantham University

Personal Branding

Today’s competitive market has made it hard to distinguish ourselves from others in our occupation and to reach our professional growth. Kaputa, (2005) refers to branding as the “image” created in the minds of people when they think of a name, a product or a person.  It is their feelings and perceptions about the brand’s attributes, how it performs and what it is worth. (Kaputa, 2005) A brand also represents all the tangible and intangible qualities and aspects of a product or service.  This often includes the feelings of an individual and their perceptions about the quality, image, lifestyle and status of the product or person. (Graeff, 1996)  

Today, branding has reached a new level and is not just something companies apply to promote their brands but something we all should do to cultivate our own brands.  This is, personal branding; and has become essential, if not vital to professional success. (Arruda, 2002)

My personal branding began the day I was born, April 7, 1966.  The oldest of four girls, I was born-and-raised Irish Catholic in Northeast Philadelphia. My father, the “Chief” as he was fondly called, would proudly tell you that I was the first Kelly to graduate from college and I would also be the first USAF officer he would salute, “just because”.

Passion. Integrity. Confident. These are just a few of the qualities I offer as a healthcare professional. I am a realist, thrive on challenges, lead by example, and believe insight without action is worthless.

I believe we must bring our “real” selves to the board room if we want to thrive in today’s world.  So, you will always see me committed to bring the best to everything that I do. I work hard but have a blast in the “board” room; giggling, sharing, loving and learning from everyone I encounter.  I am a happy tornado dancing down the halls of my facilities. I am unconventional and there is no doubt that I am proof that traditional rules were made to be broken.  I will always have your back and am here to serve.  Should you ask me for my opinion, I will be honest, and keep it real but I will not be hurtful because I genuinely care about you. So, please see me, I am not perfectly polished, I am after all, just a simple Irish Catholic girl from Northeast Philadelphia.