The Power of Employee Advocacy and Online Personal Branding: My Journey to Unlocking Opportunities

In today’s hyper-connected world, having a strong personal brand isn’t just a “nice to have,” it’s an essential tool for career growth and professional development. As I reflect on my own journey this year, I’ve seen firsthand how leveraging employee advocacy and online personal branding has helped me unlock incredible opportunities, hit professional goals with more ease, and build trust both in and outside my industry.

What is Employee Advocacy and Personal Branding?

Employee advocacy is all about representing your organization and its values to your personal network, be it online or offline. When employees share their workplace experiences, projects, and successes, they can exponentially boost their company's visibility. More importantly, they simultaneously elevate their personal profiles, positioning themselves as thought leaders in their respective fields.

Personal branding, on the other hand, is the intentional process of positioning yourself as a leader in your industry. It’s about the unique combination of skills, experiences, and values that you present to the world. When nurtured properly, personal branding can open doors to networking opportunities, partnerships, and mentorship.

My Journey: From Introverted to Empowered

When I started focusing on building my personal brand online, I didn’t realize how transformative it would be. I’ve always been somewhat of an ambivert – perfectly fine in small groups, but easily overwhelmed in larger networking settings. This year, however, I committed to stepping out of my shell and making the most of every opportunity presented to me, both online and in person.

Mentorship played a key role in my growth. My bosses at Busha have been incredibly supportive, allowing me to take on projects that stretch my skills and confidence. I am especially grateful for Amanda from AWIC (Association of Women in Crypto), who has guided me through various challenges and helped me see the value in my own expertise. Their trust in me has been instrumental in how far I’ve come this year.

Unlocking Opportunities Through Advocacy and Branding

Thanks to the visibility that comes with online personal branding, I’ve been able to speak at key industry events like ETH Safari and be a part of impactful discussions on DeFi, Web 3.0, and Women in Crypto. These opportunities weren’t just the result of random luck – they came because of consistent engagement, strategic networking, and embracing my professional voice on platforms like LinkedIn.

• Online Advocacy: Sharing regular updates on my work with Busha and AWIC has allowed me to build trust within my network. People know what I stand for, the projects I’m passionate about, and the change I’m working toward in the fintech and blockchain spaces. Every post, article, or panel discussion helped increase my visibility and cemented my position as an advocate for fintech solutions in Africa.
• Mentorship: I can’t stress enough the importance of mentorship. Mentors have been invaluable in guiding me, not just with advice but also with practical steps that have helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Networking Tips for Ambiverts

If you’re like me, networking doesn’t always come naturally. There are moments when I feel awkward or introverted, especially in large settings. Here are a few tips that have worked for me:

1. Start Online: Sometimes, starting online is easier than in-person networking. Engaging with posts, joining relevant conversations, or even publishing your thoughts on LinkedIn can open doors to meaningful connections before you ever meet in person.
2. Attend Smaller Events: Not every networking opportunity needs to be a grand affair. Start with smaller events or side sessions where you can have more intimate conversations and build stronger relationships.
3. Focus on Listening: Instead of feeling the pressure to always talk about yourself, ask others about their projects, goals, and challenges. Not only does it take the pressure off you, but it also helps build deeper connections.
4. Be Consistent: Personal branding doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about showing up consistently – sharing your thoughts, your experiences, and your insights regularly. Over time, people will start to recognize your voice and what you stand for.
5. Be Yourself: Authenticity is key. You don’t need to pretend to be an extrovert or someone you’re not. Use your strengths – whether that’s one-on-one connections or sharing in-depth insights – to build your brand in a way that feels true to you.

Final Thoughts

My journey in 2024 has been nothing short of transformative. From speaking on panels to collaborating with industry leaders, the opportunities that have come my way are a direct result of embracing my personal brand and leveraging the platforms at my disposal.

As I continue on this journey, I’m reminded of my personal motto: “To become the person I want to be tomorrow, I have to put in the work today.” This guiding principle drives me to stay consistent, push my boundaries, and continue learning.

A special thanks to my mentors, my bosses Moyo Sodipo , Adeoye 'Oye' Ojo and Ngozi Okonye at Busha, and especially Amanda Wick for your trust and belief in me. Your guidance has been invaluable in my personal and professional growth, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

Let’s keep building, keep advocating, and keep growing together! If you are curious about learning more on how you too can achieve the same join me on the 26th of September at Bihi Towers as I speak on the same courtesy of the Rotaract Nairobi East Chapter