Visual Identity and Personal Brand
I had an opportunity to present 2 virtual guest lectures to students at the North Carolina State University - NCSU as part of the public speaking class.
Loved the discussions and the opportunity to inspire the future workforce.
We started each class with a 2 minute mindful practice. With personal stories and experiences, we brainstormed and crafted our own picture perfect introduction. We explored collaborative thinking and creative confidence. And I shared my personal life and career journey with 21 reflections.
Visual Identity
Who am I is a question we often ask and are seeking answers.
What makes me me? How are my perceived by my peers and teams?
Visual identity and perception go hand in hand in the world of business and life.
Monroe's Motivated Sequence explanation with examples for persuasive speeches. Your supporting steps from stats to quotes help shape your narrative and story.
I shared the progress on my own picture perfect introduction and the evolution over the past 5 years on identity and personal brand.
We have all been faced with a simple statement:
“Tell me a little bit about yourself”And I ask: “What exactly do you want to know about me?
How much is too much information to share?”
And we had a fun breakout for 20 minutes to craft a picture perfect introduction and the students got creative with their storytelling.
Brainstorm topics/themes that represent your story.
Find photos and words to create your introduction.
Be your authentic self and include both professional and personal stories
in your picture-perfect introduction.
Personal Brand
Creative confidence
Lead the conversation
We don’t need all the answers. We need the right frameworks to carry the conversation forward. We need the confidence to lead the way and be comfortable with the unknown.
Be your authentic voice
Don’t be afraid to raise concerns or shed light to the wrongs in the workplace. Each of us have an authentic voice. We need to be brave and be comfortable with who we are and be ok if folks don’t understand.
Embrace fear
So, from one who has lived in fear all her life to the new me, all I have to say is this:
Fear will be right next to you everytime, you do something out of your comfort zone. You will struggle to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And that’s ok. Confidence is a zone that we enter once we embrace fear and welcome with both hands.
Collaborative Thinking
I was amazed how the Mind Patterns and Thinking Talent map helped me better understand my flow - KVA(Kinesthetic, Visual, Auditory). We all assume that everyone must read, write and learn in the same way. This book helps you to understand that is not true. Find out what is your Mind Pattern and unlock your true potential to learn and focus.
KVA - Kinesthetic, Visual, Auditory
Kinesthetic: I noticed that when I teach my classes, I am full of energy when I stand. This is how I focus best - by movement.
Visual: I always took notes when I was a student and now I know why. I am a visual learner. That’s probably also why I love to share my story in visual ways like my picture perfect introduction.
Auditory: This is my last one - I don’t really learn much or focus just by listening. That’s probably why I listen to audiobooks on Alexa and follow the words along in the book/kindle. Or I walk and listen to audiobooks. Quite an introspection on why I do what I do.
And we wrapped up with the 21 reflections and books that changed my life.
Here are 3 reflections for you!
Time is the biggest wealth
Are you spending time on what matters?
Do what you love (Ikigai)
Find meaningful work - mentor
Success on your own terms
My career was several detours and reached a place I am happy with..
and here are a few quotes that inspire me everyday.
And thank you Doris for the wonderful and thoughtful gift.
Resources:
PDF - Visual Identity and Brand - Div Manickam @NCSU - March 2024
2min Mindful Motivations: Intention | Focus | Creativity | Lovingkindness
Collaborative thinking KVA - Kinesthetic, Visual, Auditory