Learning the lesson of “the pivot” came early and continues to be something I speak about often.
When I became a Georgia Middle Market Underwriter, I was determined to be perceived as a strong underwriter who exceeded goals, a dependable resource for others, and a fair decision-maker.
Eight years and two positions later, I entered my first managerial role, and while I continued to build upon my brand, I needed to take it to the next level. But what did that mean? I wanted to be a leader whom others would follow, and I needed my team to trust me to support their aspirations and development. So I began the journey of enhancing my brand to reflect those aspirations.
Once I entered into my current role as Vice President, Southwest Underwriting, I was able to elevate my brand once again. All the self-branding I have done over the years is not lost; it is the foundation of the brand I continue to mold, build, and expand upon today. Without the hard work and soul searching I’ve done over the years, I would never have been able to create the personal brand I’m incredibly proud of today.
If I were asked what my brand is today, my response would be…
Authenticity, relatability, honesty, and levity. I want to be seen as an expert in my industry segment and a leader by example, not just words.
Getting to this point took years of learning. My brand is a combination of who I am as a person, and what I know and believe in as a professional. It is a continuous process of evolution that I closely monitor, so it is always a true reflection of where I am in my journey.
If you are looking to define and live by your personal brand, consider identifying those in your life, personally AND professionally, who you consider have exceptional personal brands. What are the attributes you would like to replicate? Also, understand creating your brand is a continuous process. It should grow and evolve as you do. Request honest and transparent feedback from others regarding your brand. Do others see your brand as the brand you intended or expected? If not, refer back to the first point and reassess your attributes. But most importantly, never ever give up on solidifying and improving your own personal brand. It's genuinely YOUR stamp on the world!
About the Author
Shannon Leinen is the Vice President of Underwriting in Selective’s Southwest Region located in Scottsdale, AZ. Shannon has been with Selective for 15 years with most of her tenure spent in the Southern Region in several underwriting positions. She is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ and started her career as a Commercial Lines Account Manager at a Selective NJ Agency partner.