Your Story Is More Powerful Than You Think

Hi there, welcome to Work Wise! My name’s Octavia Goredema.

I’m the CEO of Fire Memos, the host of the new Audible Original series Brand Yourself for Success, and the author of Prep, Push, Pivot.  

Every week I share insights and actionable steps to help you do your best work and achieve your career goals.

If you’re looking to accelerate your career this year, click the “subscribe” button above.

Let’s be real for a second. Building your personal brand can feel like a lot.

If you’ve made the decision to be proactive, it’s likely you’re juggling a lot, and possibly feeling a bit awkward as you figure it out.

You’re working on expanding your network and figuring out how best to present yourself, all while trying to stay consistent.

But here’s a lesson I’ve uncovered as I’ve walked this path myself.

One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of building a personal brand is taking time to recognize your progress.

My biggest personal branding milestone moments so far include being featured on a billboard in Times Square, gracing the cover of a Los Angeles Times magazine, and receiving an award from Buckingham Palace.

But I’m also wildly proud of the invisible moments, where I’ve persevered and figured out how to do something I’ve never done before, or overcome nerves to ask for an introduction, or established a valuable connection after a chance encounter.

Invisible Progress Fuels Major Milestones

In the race to do more, it’s easy to downplay, or even forget, your invisible progress. But reflecting on what you’ve accomplished, even the small stuff, builds clarity, boosts confidence, and creates the kind of momentum that gets you promoted, hired, or invited to the next big opportunity.

This week’s edition is a reminder to stop and recognize how far you’ve come. Because when you see your value clearly, others will too. 

Your Journey Deserves to be Documented

In episode 5 of my new Audible Original series, Brand Yourself for Success, I discuss the importance of maintaining a professional portfolio.

Maintaining your own professional portfolio – whatever form it takes - is like building your own a personal highlight reel. It’s your chance to showcase your unique skills, accomplishments, and growth over time.

The form your portfolio takes will depend on the type of work you do. For example, my professional portfolio comprises testimonials from the clients I’ve worked with, videos of speaking engagements I’ve completed over recent years, and my career long list of published articles I’ve written.

It’s Not Just a Resume, It’s Your Brand

Think of a professional portfolio as a living, breathing document that reflects your career journey. It’s not just a resume; it’s a deeper look into your career story - your wins, your skills, and how you’ve made a difference.

It captures the essence of your personal brand, giving people a clear picture of what you stand for professionally.

A well-crafted portfolio demonstrates not only what you’ve done but also how you approach your work. It shows your growth, your initiative, and your contributions. 

This is crucial because your portfolio helps bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to go. It’s proof of your progress, showcasing your potential.

Ask Yourself These Four Questions

In addition to updating your portfolio on a regular basis, you should also set aside time to conduct your own personal branding performance review.

I recommend sitting down at least twice a year to evaluate your highlights, learnings and insights. Four questions you can ask yourself are:

1) How has my online presence evolved over the past six months?

2) What challenges did I overcome, and how have they shaped my personal brand? 

3) Is my personal brand message still aligned with my long-term goals?

4) How has my personal brand contributed to advancing my career?

By digging into the details, you can better understand how your efforts move the needle.

Take The Next Step

In Lesson 5 of my Audible Original, Brand Yourself for Success, I walk you through how to unlock your next level by documenting your growth, building your portfolio, and using your wins to shape your career narrative.

If you’ve ever struggled to feel confident about your value or unsure how to position your personal brand, this series is for you.

You can listen exclusively on Audible, and I’d love to hear what resonates with you most.

Let’s make this your best year yet.

– Octavia Goredema

CEO of Fire Memos, host of the new Audible Original series Brand Yourself for Success, and the author of Prep, Push, Pivot

PS – Your resume tells where you’ve been. Your portfolio shows who you really are. Start building it today.