How to Develop Your Personal Leadership Brand
Nancy Riegel Leadership
Defining Your Personal Leadership Brand
As a leadership strategist for corporations, one of the most important steps I ever took was defining my personal leadership brand. It became the foundation for how I showed up in the workplace—how I communicated, how I made decisions, and how others experienced me.
My brand centered on being a trustworthy ally, someone who consistently went above and beyond. It was about reducing pain points for the leaders around me and guiding them to uncover their own leadership identity. The goal was for them to take action—with confidence.
And I loved it. I still do. There’s something incredibly energizing about watching those “lightbulb” moments happen—when someone discovers what truly makes them an impactful leader.
More Than a Title
When I think about leadership, I’m reminded of the old adage: you’ll know you’re a leader if someone is following you. But real leadership is much deeper than that. It’s not just about visibility—it's about integrity.
Leadership is how you show up when no one’s watching. It’s how you serve others, build people up, and most importantly, how you behave under pressure—especially when someone on your team makes a mistake.
Do you correct them in a supportive, respectful way?
Do you steamroll them?
Or do you avoid addressing the issue altogether?
Stress Reveals the Real Leader
We all have default responses. But time and again, I’ve witnessed that the moments of greatest stress reveal the core of our leadership character. Stress points us toward the areas where we need to grow—skills like:
Truly reflective listening (beyond just head nodding)
De-escalating conflict without letting emotions take control
Communicating with courage and compassion under pressure
My First Lesson in Leadership
I still remember my first job at 17, working in the oilfield as a swamper on a 750-bed truck. My coworker—a man in his 30s—had untreated mental health challenges, and something I did triggered him. He chased me off-site with a metal pipe.
Definitely was not the time for reflective listening! But that experience shaped how I think about professionalism, conflict, and standing my ground—especially as a young woman navigating spaces where I wasn’t expected to thrive. Terrified, I ran to my boss’s office, expecting protection or at least some acknowledgment—but none came. No support. No consequences. That moment left me with a deep mistrust in leadership. I learned from it, and I made a conscious decision to be the kind of leader who others can trust, especially when it matters most.
I’m Not 17 Anymore
Today, conflict doesn’t scare me. Life teaches you. Not long ago, someone lied to my face. I was stunned. I thought, Do I call this out right now, or let it go? I chose to pause—because I knew confronting it on the spot would only lead to defensiveness. When I addressed it later, intentionally and with care, I discovered it wasn’t a lie—it was a mistake. There’s a big difference.
The Tools to Lead
What’s Yours?
Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a way of being. A set of values. And the toolkit you need to succeed. So, I’ll leave you with this question:
What is your personal leadership brand?
What do you bring into the light, and how do you want others to experience you?
👉 Claim your free Leadership Brand Guide now through my shop!
Warmly,
Nancy Riegel
Certified Executive Coach | Leadership Strategist