No More Fairy Godmothers: Why Personal Branding Isn’t Just for Influencers
We all know the story of Cinderella: banished to cleaning fireplaces by her evil stepmother, she gets a magical make-over and lands herself a prince. But let’s look at it through a different lens, one less about pumpkins and more about professional perception.
Strip away the sparkles, and you’ve got a masterclass in personal branding. Or rather, the danger of not owning your own.
At the start of her story, Cinderella had all the makings of a great leader: she was competent, resilient and emotionally intelligent, everything you’d want in a senior leader, on top of which, she kept the whole household running with zero recognition. But her stepmother was controlling the narrative: she was “just” the hired help. And everyone bought it.
Sound familiar?
You’ve seen this place out in the workplace, or lived it. The behind-the-scenes powerhouse who keeps projects afloat, mentors emerging talent, and quietly drives results, but they get passed over for the next big role. Not because they’re not qualified, but because they haven’t claimed the mic. They’re letting other people tell their story.
Enter: The Fairy Godmother Moment
The fairy godmother didn’t change who Cinderella was, she revealed what was already true. The gown and the glass slippers weren’t a disguise; they were a spotlight. That’s what a personal brand should do.
A strong personal brand isn’t about dressing up as someone you’re not. It’s about aligning how you show up with the value you already bring. It’s not artifice - it’s clarity.
Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Be You
Here’s how to ditch the glass ceiling, and maybe the glass slipper:
Know Your Story - What do you want to be known for? What business outcomes are better because you were in the room? Identify the strengths and values that drive you - and make them visible.
Audit your visibility -Your brand shows up everywhere: in meetings, on LinkedIn, in Slack threads and offhand comments. Do all those touchpoints reflect the leader you’re becoming?
Stat consistent (even when no one’s watching) - Unlike Cinderella, you don’t get one big reveal. Your brand is built over time - through small moments of clarity, credibility, and showing up like you mean it.
Personal branding isn't vanity, it’s visibility. And visibility creates influence. So, forget waiting for a fairy godmother. You’re already dressed for the ball. Step into your power and let them see you.