S3 E4: Criticism, Confidence, and the Personal Brand Rollercoaster

Let’s be honest, building a personal brand isn’t all wins and polished posts. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the emotional rollercoaster that comes with showing up online. From shaky starts to moments of feeling totally on fire (and then…not), we talk about how confidence isn’t a fixed state, and why that’s completely okay. If you’ve ever felt like you need to “feel confident” before you show up, we’re here to gently challenge that.We also dig into criticism, because it will come, whether it’s from strangers online or the people closest to you. We’re sharing our own experiences with unhelpful feedback, awkward messages, and the well-meaning-but-wounding comments from friends and family. More importantly, we talk about how to separate the helpful from the harmful, and how to keep your voice steady even when your confidence wobbles.From the vulnerability of being visible to the dreaded “personal brand hangover” (you know the one, when you want to delete everything and go live in a cave), we’re naming the hard parts so you know you’re not alone. And we’re ending with the stuff that helps: remembering your “why,” finding those small wins, and showing up again, not because you feel 100% ready, but because your message matters. This one’s for anyone riding the ups and downs of building something real.Follow the podcast on LinkedIn, and join the⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brand You community group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can share all your personal branding questions and queries.Follow your hosts⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Caz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ &⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Toby⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for lots of extra tips and wisdom on personal branding, social media strategy and brand photography.Check out Sparkhouse if you’re based in Lincoln and are looking for affordable, flexible and buildable office spaces.Welcome to Brand You, the Ultimate Personal Branding Podcast.