Let’s talk how to build your personal brand like a CEO — by thinking strategically about the people, mentors and professional relationships shaping your career. In this episode, I introduce the idea of a Personal Board of Directors: a carefully curated group of people who can help you develop your personal brand, expand your perspective and navigate your ambitions.

Traditional career advice often tells us to “find a mentor.” But what if you don’t need one perfect mentor? What if you need a network of people who each play a different role in your development?

Drawing on career research around developmental networks and mentoring, as well as Napoleon Hill’s idea of an “invisible council” from Think and Grow Rich, I explore how to build your own Personal Board of Directors — whether you know these people personally or learn from them from afar.

Your board might include a Connector, Informer, Influencer, Sponsor, Cheerleader, Critic, Captain, Next Gen or Invisible Counsellor. Each can offer something different: industry knowledge, career advice, connections, challenge, encouragement, perspective or inspiration.

Your personal brand doesn’t develop in isolation. The people and ideas you surround yourself with influence how you think, what you believe is possible and where your career can go.

So, if you’re building a personal brand, developing your career, looking for better mentors or thinking about your next level of professional growth, ask yourself:

Who’s at your table?

You’re the CEO of Brand You. Build your board accordingly.

0:00 Your Personal Board of Directors Intro

2:05 Your Invisible Council

9:08 Appointing Your Board Members

18:25 Evolve Your Board