Personal Branding Podcast

Bernard Kelvin Clive
Personal Branding Podcast

Personal and Corporate Branding Podcast. Interviewing Branding Experts. Key areas: Personal Branding, Corporate Branding, Social Media, Digital Publishing, Book Publishing

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    The Five C’s for Breaking Career Barriers

    Career Levers – Gifted but GatedTo we will explore how to break through a career ceiling using your personal brand. Many people find themselves feeling stuck in certain careers or fields.Previously, we discussed the factors that can cause individuals to stagnate or face limitations in their professional growth.Today, we focus on how building a strong personal brand can help you overcome these challenges and break through career ceilings, regardless of your field. Developing your brand involves several key actions: enhancing your professional presence, positioning yourself for discovery and recognition, and ultimately, achieving success and celebration in your work. More importantly, it enables you to offer services that positively impact others while also being profitable.I will guide you through this process using what I call the ‘Five C’s’—a framework designed to strengthen your career brand, overcome barriers, and excel in your chosen field.The Five C’s for Breaking Career Barriers1. Courage“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” ― Dale CarnegieThe first and most important thing you need is courage. You must build confidence in yourself and believe that you have what it takes to move ahead. This is the courage to say, “No, I am not staying in the same place—I am moving forward.”Without courage, you may have plans and desires, but taking the first step—which might feel shaky, wobbly, and difficult—requires boldness.That same courage is what allows scammers to carry out their schemes so boldly. Many scammers exhibit this quality, stepping out fearlessly even when they know they could be caught, jailed, or exposed.So, if you have real substance—true expertise and value—you must build courage within yourself. You need the courage to take the first bold step in your career, to believe in your abilities, and to break free from limitations.The first thing you need is the courage to do, the courage to be, and the courage to believe in yourself—building inner confidence to move from one phase of your career to the next. That is what you need. You must carry yourself forward with courage.Now, courage will help you make decisions.Once you build confidence, the next step is…2. CredentialsOne of the key factors that help build confidence and push your career forward is credentials.In many professional fields, credentials are critical. In the medical field, for example, a doctor studies for seven to eight years to obtain their qualifications. Lawyers also study for a similar period. Credentials validate your expertise and position you for success.One way to build credentials is through certifications. You might need to take certification courses to solidify your expertise in a field. You may already know, but formal credentials—such as licenses and certifications—add credibility to your skills and open doors.For example, in accounting, ACCA certification provides recognition. In certain professions, you must renew your license periodically to prove that you’re still competent. Doctors, teachers, and other professionals must refresh their expertise to maintain their standing.Credentials are very important in helping you move forward in your career. Even if you are talented, lacking formal recognition can hold you back.However, credentials must be legitimate; while others may forge credentials to deceive people to land them the jobs they need, it never ends well for such. That’s why you must earn yours the right way—through the proper channels. No shortcuts, no fakes—just real, solid credentials that validate your expertise.3. CredibilityThe next important factor is credibility.Credentials often help build credibility, but they are not enough on their own. A doctor may have the title, a lawyer may have the certificate,

    9 min
  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    Personal Branding Mistakes Often Overlooked

    “The next generation is watching—let your brand be the permission they need to rise.” — Bernard Kelvin CliveSo today we are looking at some personal branding mistakes that people often overlook in building their personal brand, particularly through the lens of cultural and religious settings—especially in Africa—and how brands can break through to succeed and impact the lives of those who matter to them most.The need to build a personal brand—rising above the noise, social limitations, and cultural myths or biases—is critical to standing out. You know, long before now, some religious and cultural systems didn’t give women the opportunity to lead or take the front lines. I mean, to spearhead great initiatives or even engage in challenges like going to war—those were seen as men’s responsibilities.Over the years, things have evolved, and now women are taking up major roles. However, the belief systems that shaped earlier generations still hold many women back. When they reflect on how society or their ancestors perceived them, they often shrink from who they’re meant to become. Though some women boldly step out and have a voice, fame, and platform, many are still hindered by social norms and expectations.1. The Self-Belief Gap: Overcoming Cultural LimitationsThe first challenge—and mistake—is the struggle with self-confidence and self-worth. Women, especially, need to examine their backgrounds and identify the cultural and religious beliefs that have limited their voices or discouraged self-promotion in business or leadership.Once this awareness sets in, they can intentionally break out of those limitations. When you realize why you’ve been held back, you can more consciously challenge and change the narrative. So yes, now is the time to step out—as many women are already doing—to voice your opinions, share your message, advocate for others, and drive innovation and change.This break in stereotypes becomes fuel for future generations. When young girls see women boldly and rightly positioning their brands, not just to be loud but with a clear sense of purpose and understanding, they are inspired to do the same.This first mistake doesn’t just affect women—some men are also held back, especially in African societies where children are taught not to speak unless spoken to. You don’t ask questions, you don’t question leaders—be it in religion or governance. This stifles creative expression and personal growth.If you want to build a strong brand, address the mindset and belief systems that limit your voice.When that self-belief gap is bridged, younger people can step forward—not boastfully, but rightly—and confidently own their space. Personal branding isn’t self-promotion for fame; it’s about putting your best foot forward, adding value to others, and showing up in ways that help and inspire.2. The Perfect Persona Trap: Don’t Fake FlawlessnessThe second mistake I find rising brands making is positioning themselves as flawless—like the ideal, perfect brand. They step out with an “I’ve got it all together” attitude. You see them on TikTok or Facebook presenting a polished image that suggests they’re always on top, never making mistakes. That’s a big mistake.We don’t build authentic brands that way. When you create a perfect image—flawless, untouchable—you eventually lose credibility. People stop relating to you because they can’t connect with someone who seems unreal.Every human has flaws, weaknesses, or struggles they deal with behind the scenes. To build a truly authentic brand, let some of those struggles be known. Share the parts of your journey that others can learn from. When people know you’ve been where they are—or are still navigating challenges—they gain courage and connection. They know you’re real. Reveal the real behind the reels.You don’t have to spill everything.

    15 min
  3. 7 APR

    Do You Really Care About Customers?

    “A business without customers is just a hobby with expenses.” – Bernard Kelvin CliveToday, we continue our series on customer care, customer experience, and handling negative feedback. This is especially vital for small business owners and brands who want to build and sustain a cordial relationship with clients. Businesses thrive on clients—without them, there is no business. That’s why every single customer should be treated like gold.There are many instances where businesses fall short, and these shortcomings must be addressed. In the previous article, I shared some personal experiences with vendors and clients, and how I handled them. That piece sparked a lot of conversation—others shared similar stories, especially from the entrepreneurship ecosystems in Ghana and Nigeria. So, let’s get into some of those insights and lessons.The Customer Care Shift: From Humble to HaughtyMost small business owners start off strong with customer care. When they’re just launching, their focus is on gaining traction. By default, they treat their first clients well—polite, patient, and attentive.“Please buy from me.”“Try my product or service.”These are common initial pleas. The tone is warm and welcoming. That behavior is often the reason they get their first few loyal customers.But here’s the problem: once they begin gaining popularity—especially online with digital followers—their attitude shifts. The very people who helped elevate their brand suddenly start receiving less attention or, worse, are disregarded. I call this the celebrity stage. It’s the point where some brands think they’ve “arrived.”When Complaints Are Met with DisdainIf a customer complains about a service or product that didn’t meet expectations, that feedback should be seen as an opportunity to grow. But what often happens? Customers are treated with disdain.It’s worrying, especially when the very customers being disregarded are the ones who helped build the brand’s foundation. Businesses should never forget their “first love”—those early patrons who gave them a chance when nobody else did.Create a category for such customers. Recognize them. Honour them. Treat them with intentional respect and benefits. They are your core tribe.The Price Trap: When Growth Pushes Old Clients AwayAnother issue arises when businesses start pricing their products or services higher after gaining some traction. Again, there’s nothing wrong with charging what you’re worth. However, a strategic pricing model should still exist—especially for your early supporters.Offer loyalty bonuses or discounts. These clients held the fort for you. They shared your posts. They referred people. They were your marketing department before you had one.If your pricing suddenly becomes exclusive and unreachable to your early adopters, you’re essentially pushing them out. That’s not how sustainable business is done.Put customers in different categories and serve them accordingly. If growth is overwhelming, delegate. Employ systems or people to handle parts of your customer relationship management. Use tools to automate and streamline. Numbers can overwhelm, yes—but systems can balance the load.The Cost of Disregard: Real Stories That HurtLet me share some real-life stories that reflect these challenges.Worlanyo’s Disappointment: From Supporter to IgnoredNanyi Wolanyo, a clinical psychologist and a member of a mentorship group I’m part of, shared how she supported startups and friends in business by buying from them and referring clients to them.At some point, however, these businesses began ignoring her. She would place orders and get no responses or delivery. This really hurt her.She said, “You were the same people who begged us to buy from you. Now you’re acting like you don’t need us.”That is a trend that must be addressed. If you’re growing and cannot manage everything, communicate clearly. But never disregard those who held you down when you were ...

    10 min
  4. 24 MAR

    The Dangers of Trends and Traditions

    In this article, we’re looking at trends and traditions—the dangers of following trends blindly and the risks of sticking to traditions when the signs are clear for a transition.In it right?In a small business management group, we discussed the content we share for an organization whose portal we manage. One of the interns suggested that we should run the captions in a particular way because they had seen several similar organizations using the same pattern. I paused for a moment and then told them that just because others are following a particular pattern doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for us.Firstly, it doesn’t mean it’s right. What they are doing may be completely wrong. Just because they are screaming and shouting doesn’t mean we should also scream and shout to get the attention of our audience. We need to run our content through a set of filters to ensure that what we produce aligns with the brand we are working on. Blindly following trends is dangerous both for business owners and brands. The fact that something is trendy doesn’t mean we should all jump on it.That said, there is a time for leveraging trends. However, for brands to stay on the right path and maximize exposure, they must always have standards and metrics to work with.Brand Alignment: Does the Trend Fit Your Identity?When something is trending and we want to follow it, the first check we need to run is what I call brand alignment. What is trending at the moment? For example, everyone is using voiceovers and dancing on TikTok. But is that something that aligns with our brand strategy, values, and signature?Does it fit with the kind of audience we want to impact? If it doesn’t align in any way—regardless of its reach and impact—or if we can’t find a way to align it with what we stand for, then we must uncheck that trend.Brand Values: Staying True to What You Stand ForThe second filter to apply is brand values. Every brand, whether a solopreneur, MSME, or large corporation, has values. What are your brand values? Authenticity? Honesty? Integrity?If a trend violates your core values, then it’s not something you should follow. Just because people are craving certain types of content doesn’t mean you should feed them with it. Staying true to your values ensures long-term trust and credibility.I recall a conversation with a few friends about different types of brands. We observed some individuals skyrocketing in their industries by adopting certain methods. Someone asked why we weren’t trying those methods. We all laughed because we knew what we stood for. Our brand values were based on honesty and authenticity.Yes, others were succeeding, but for us, it didn’t align. Just because people are making money from a certain trend doesn’t mean we should follow suit. There’s something within a person’s core that tells them when something doesn’t feel right. We can make millions, yes, but if it doesn’t sit well with our conscience, then it’s not worth it.Ethics: Is It Right or Wrong?The third filter is ethics. Some believe that to break through in business, you need to be ruthless and relentless—doing wild and crazy things to gain attention. But even amid that, you need to step back and ask yourself: Is this ethical?Are you violating certain principles or values? Are you twisting arms, misleading people, or engaging in deceptive marketing just to sell products and services? If something is unethical, no matter how successful it appears, it is not worth the compromise.Every business or industry has its code of conduct and ethics. Journalists, public speakers, PR professionals, and content creators all have ethical standards to uphold. Violating these ethics for the sake of trends can be damaging in the long run. Yes, others may disregard ethical standards to trend, but if you filter your decisions through these values and realize they don’t align,

    10 min
  5. 10 MAR

    Entertainers Seek Likes. Entrepreneurs Seek Leads.

    Entertainers Seek Likes. Entrepreneurs Seek Leads.Have you ever posted something online and received thousands of likes but saw no real business growth?In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers—likes, views, and shares. However, if you’re serious about building a brand or growing a business, you must focus on the right metrics.The Fundamental DifferenceEntertainers crave likes. Entrepreneurs crave leads.Entertainers go after likes. Entrepreneurs go after leads.This distinction is so critical for one’s success in the digital ecosystem. If you position yourself as someone who simply follows the trends, chasing followers and social media virality without a solid plan to monetize your efforts, you may miss the essence of doing business in this digital age.Positioning Yourself for GrowthYou need to decide: Are you merely entertaining people for likes, or are you strategically positioning yourself to generate leads? Having a post go viral with thousands of likes means little if it doesn’t translate into something tangible.Consider this—some people have massive engagement on their posts, but it doesn’t lead to anything meaningful. It’s just entertainment. There’s no clear call to action, no structured pathway for conversion. On the other hand, entrepreneurs—real business-minded individuals—focus on monetization. They seek leads, not just visibility.The Power of Leads Over LikesGreat entrepreneurs understand this concept. You may see their posts getting fewer likes, but behind the scenes, they are generating leads and converting them into paying customers. That’s the mindset small business owners, entrepreneurs, and personal brand builders must adopt.Your goal should be to provide value, help, and impact lives. But at the backend, there should be a system that constantly generates leads, allowing you to monetize what you do and scale your business.If you focus only on likes, you may end up with a massive following that doesn’t contribute to your financial growth. That’s why you must shift your focus.The Business Behind the ContentIf you’re an entertainer—creating funny videos, skits, or viral content—that’s great. But what’s the business behind it?Do you have a long-term plan? Do you want to be a stand-up comedian? Do you intend to monetize your content through brand deals or advertisements? Without a structured strategy, you’ll simply be another content creator hoping for recognition instead of someone strategically building a business.Thinking Like an EntrepreneurInstead of just posting and hoping for likes, think like an entrepreneur:* How can I generate leads from my audience? * Do I have a landing page to collect emails? * Do I have a lead magnet to attract potential customers? * Do I have a team that helps me convert engagement into sales? * Am I building a system that works beyond social media views?When you start thinking this way, you’ll realize that every piece of content should have a backend strategy. It’s not just about putting content out there; it’s about building a system that converts engagement into income.I’ll share three examples from Ghana to illustrate a key difference: entrepreneurs seek leads, while entertainers seek likes.First, comedian Parrot Mouth, a Christian comedian, runs the Laugh It Off program two to three times a year. While he has a social media presence, he doesn’t rely on online clout to sell tickets. His visibility helps, but he has a solid system that ensures tickets are sold and venues are booked in advance. That’s the difference—a business strategy behind his online presence.Having a social media following is great, but without a system to generate leads and convert them into sales, it’s just vanity. Your presence should work for you, not just make you visible.Another example is Dr. Jeff Bassey, who runs ILS International Leadership and Strategy Institution. He has trained corporations,

    8 min
  6. 24 FEB

    10x Strategy to Scale your Silent Brand

    The ten times ten strategy: creating a silent brand army“True influence starts small; ten committed individuals can quietly create a movement that echoes across industries.” — Bernard Kelvin CliveToday, I continue with the emergence of silent brands. Businesses and brands doing remarkably well but unseen in the digital sphere, devoid of clear signs or online presence.We will use a strategy similar to how several multilevel marketing (MLM) functions.Using the (MLM), approach in recruiting and building a team, their conventional wisdom such as “bring x number of people, and they will bring x number, in that order” is widely used.Similarly, we will be using a methodical, scalable technique that will enable us to acquire a presence in the market even without great visibility, therefore strengthening a powerful, selling brand.Digital Visibility: The ChallengeThe concept of “1,000 true fans” and the difficulties of establishing a digital presence in a market growingly saturated are well-known ideas. Still, there are ways people and small businesses could flourish even without a significant online presence. I refer to one such strategy as the “Law of the 10x.” Solopreneurs, business owners, and young professionals ready to work silently but regularly behind the scenes will especially find this approach helpful.The Law of the 10x StrategyThe Law of the 10x is a basic yet efficient strategy: assemble a ten-committed army. These are folks that understand your vision, are dedicated to your cause, and can assist spread your message. The trick is that each of these 10 people must also recruit their own 10, producing a ripple effect that will multiply your reach tenfold. If you have a strong group of 10, and each of them has their group of 10, you’re now dealing with 100 people. If each of those 100 individuals hires 10 more, you have 1,000. The arithmetic is simple, but the impact is immense.Addressing Potential ChallengesWhile this paradigm has considerable potential, it is crucial to overcome a few challenges:1. Defining Success MetricsWhat does success look like for a Silent Brand Army? Growth in numbers alone is not enough. To quantify effectiveness, consider engagement levels, conversion rates, or customer retention. Defining these indicators from the start will assist track development.2. Recognizing Growth is Not Always LinearThe technique predicts that each individual would recruit exactly 10 more, but in practice, development is typically unequal. Some may bring in fewer than 10, while others may bring in more. A contingency strategy should be in place to accommodate changes in recruiting and assure continued expansion.3. Upholding Quality Over QuantityA wider network is great, but quality counts. How do you ensure that recruits remain interested and committed? Clear expectations, constant training, and incentives will assist in sustaining excitement and consistency.4. Keeping the Momentum GoingOnce the Silent Brand Army is founded, how do you sustain it? Regular check-ins, progress tracking, and team incentives can help retain motivation. Without continual interaction, networks risk stagnation.5. Selecting the Right Initial 10Your foundation dictates your success. How do you choose the correct first 10 members? Look for individuals who align with your beliefs, have leadership potential, and are willing to actively engage in the success of the business.Building and Empowering Your Core 10To recruit your first 10, you may need to reach out to more than 10 people initially. It’s necessary to keep the core group small yet highly focused. The people you select should believe in your vision and be willing to help spread the message.Once you have your solid 10, your next duty is to empower them. Equip them with the tools, resources, and information they need to market your brand or business. Make sure they thoroughly grasp your product or service,

    4 min
  7. 17 FEB

    The Value of Attention!

    “Attention is one of the most prized assets in this age” – Bernard Kelvin Clive.In this digital age, attention is indeed one of the most valuable assets. The ability to capture and hold attention determines the success of brands, businesses, and individuals. To illustrate its true worth, let’s examine the Super Bowl halftime show, a prime example of how strategic attention management translates into massive impact and value.Did you know that a 30-second Super Bowl ad costs approximately $8 million? According to a report by Forbes, when you factor in production costs, talent fees, and marketing expenses, the total investment can range between $10 to $20 million. Why such a high price? Because at that moment, millions of people are glued to their screens, providing brands with unparalleled exposure. The greater the audience, the higher the value of the attention being sold.However, not all attention is equal. If you’re getting millions of viewers but not converting them into lasting engagement or revenue, then that attention may not be as valuable as you think. The key is to ensure that the attention you attract is worth the return on investment. Here are four key lessons from Super Bowl halftime performances that brands and individuals can apply:1. Bring Quality Talent TogetherEvery successful halftime show features a lineup of high-caliber artists. In 2022, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige delivered a legendary performance. In 2024, we saw Usher and the squad also taking it to another level. Similarly, in 2025, Kendrick Lamar headlined a show that brought together top-tier talents. These performances weren’t random—organizers carefully curated experts in their field to ensure excellence.The same principle applies to building a brand. You must develop and refine your talent to offer premium-quality products or services. Subpar efforts do not command attention; quality does. Invest in skill-building and innovation to ensure that what you offer is irresistible to your audience.Additionally, think about what makes you unique. What specific skill, product, or service do you bring that differentiates you from the competition? In today’s digital landscape, standing out is critical. If you’re just another brand or creator without a unique angle, it’s difficult to command attention at the level you desire. Quality is not just about skill; it’s about originality and innovation.2. Collaboration and TeamworkThey don’t show up alone, halftime performances are never solo efforts. Even artists known for their individual brilliance collaborate with other musicians, dancers, and stage designers. The 2025 show featured a well-orchestrated fusion of music, choreography, and visuals, all executed by a highly skilled team.Likewise, businesses and personal brands thrive when they build strong teams. A solopreneur may start alone, but success often requires assembling a team of experts—someone for media, another for marketing, and others for execution. Collaboration amplifies impact, ensuring that every aspect of your brand is polished and well-received.Consider how major brands work with influencers, designers, and strategic partners to create a stronger presence. If you want to gain premium attention, you must surround yourself with people who enhance your strengths. Even global icons understand that teamwork is essential. The Super Bowl halftime shows prove that even the biggest names don’t work alone; they bring in support to ensure excellence.3. Perfect the Craft: Practice and RehearseTop-tier performances do not happen by chance—they are rehearsed rigorously. The 2025 Super Bowl show was largely pre-recorded, with live elements seamlessly integrated for a flawless experience. Artists spent months perfecting every detail to ensure a world-class presentation.For brands, the lesson is clear: continuous improvement is non-negotiable.

    10 min
  8. 10 FEB

    Ungooglable Brands

    The Power of Ungooglable Brands: The Silent Influencers Who Shape IndustriesUnderstanding Ungooglable BrandsThis week we continue our series on the ‘Rise of the Silent Brands.This is the thing; not all the powerful brands are visible. Some of the most influential individuals and businesses operate quietly, pulling the strings behind the scenes while remaining virtually unknown. I call them “ungooglable brands.” They don’t flood search engines, nor do they chase online fame, yet they hold the real power—making decisions that shape industries, politics, and businesses without the public even realizing it.These individuals include quiet influencers, global shapers, and industry movers who operate under the radar. They may not have a social media presence, but they command significant influence in politics, business, and various industries. Their impact is felt, but their identities remain concealed from the public eye.The Power of Invisible InfluenceA while ago, there was a local political contest in Ghana in one of the municipalities. Among the candidates, one was a well-known, capable, and likable figure in the community. The other was relatively unknown, yet he somehow managed to garner substantial support. During the campaigning period, both candidates actively engaged the electorate, but as the elections drew closer, an interesting dynamic unfolded.While the popular candidate seemed to have a strong chance of winning, the real power resided in a group of unknown decision-makers. These were the silent influencers who could tilt the vote in favor of a particular candidate. The lesser-known candidate, despite his lack of widespread recognition, strategically sought the endorsement of these key figures. Eventually, he secured their support, won the election, and went on to make significant changes in the community. This example illustrates how unseen power structures shape outcomes, not just in politics but in business and other fields as well.The Role of Silent Investors and Venture CapitalistsBeyond politics, there are also ungooglable individuals who wield financial power—silent investors, venture capitalists, and funders who operate outside the public eye. These are individuals with substantial wealth who choose to remain unknown. They do not seek public recognition but are accessible only through exclusive networks.These investors provide funding for startups and major business ventures, but their names are rarely mentioned in mainstream media. To access their resources, one must be part of the right circles or offline networks. They prefer anonymity, not out of secrecy, but as a strategic choice to maintain privacy, control, and focus.Why Do Some People Choose to Remain Ungooglable?1. Privacy and SecurityIf you are in the public domain, you are likely the public’s. You lose your privacy. But not everyone wants that. Are you part of such? A reason many people choose to stay ungooglable is to safeguard their privacy and security. In a world where every move is under surveillance, some individuals prefer to remain off the radar. Mark Zuckerberg, despite being at the helm of the biggest social media empire, has struggled with keeping his personal life private. Visibility attracts scrutiny, unwanted opinions, and sometimes, serious security threats. The truly powerful know this: staying unseen grants them the freedom to move, decide, and influence without unnecessary interference.2. Focus and ClarityBeing in the public eye can be distracting. When the masses celebrate you, it’s easy to become swayed by external expectations rather than focusing on what truly matters. Many high achievers choose to operate behind the scenes to avoid the noise of social media and public scrutiny. This helps them remain sharp, dedicated, and undistracted in their pursuits.3. Letting Work Speak for ItselfIt’s easier to sell quality and excellent work than something merely embellished to look good.

    16 min
4.5
out of 5
42 Ratings

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Personal and Corporate Branding Podcast. Interviewing Branding Experts. Key areas: Personal Branding, Corporate Branding, Social Media, Digital Publishing, Book Publishing

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