The Real Strategy Behind Building a Personal Brand While Working a 9-5

"Personal branding isn’t a vanity project. It’s strategy. It’s insurance. We all need it." - Niya Baxter

"You owe it to yourself to show up for yourself. A corporation should never own your entire professional identity." - Niya Baxter

Summary:

In this solo episode of BLKGirl Ambition, host Niya Baxter gets real about what it actually takes to build a personal brand while navigating the demands of a 9-5. From the corporate grind to creative breakthroughs, Niya shares the mindset shifts, strategies, and risks behind growing BLKGirl Ambition while staying true to herself in the workplace. She breaks down the macro environment that’s forcing Black women to rethink their career playbooks—from mass layoffs to the rise of AI—and makes the case for why personal branding is no longer optional, but a non-negotiable. Through personal anecdotes, bold truths, and case studies from powerful women like Brooke DeVard, Bozoma Saint John, and Dara Chike-Obi, Niya offers a framework for building a brand rooted in truth, resilience, and cultural power. This episode is your reminder that personal branding isn’t a vanity play—it’s a strategic tool for self-definition, career protection, and creative liberation. Whether you’re just getting started or already making moves, this conversation will leave you empowered to take up space—loudly, visibly, and on your own damn terms.

Keywords:

personal branding, Black women, career strategy, visibility, community, empowerment, corporate culture, authenticity, networking, ambition

Takeaways:

Building a personal brand is essential for career growth.

Visibility is key; you must be comfortable being seen.

Letting go of perfectionism can enhance your branding efforts.

Define what you want to be known for in your personal brand.

Community and networking are crucial for success.

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for personal branding.

Surround yourself with supportive and ambitious individuals.

Understand your company's guidelines when building your brand.

Authenticity in your brand will resonate with others.

Your ambition is a unique strength that should be showcased.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to BLKGirl Ambition

01:50 The Importance of Personal Branding

06:43 Visibility and Authenticity in Branding

09:10 Defining Your Personal Brand

11:28 Case Studies of Successful Personal Brands

15:21 Building Community and Networking

21:48 Final Thoughts on Personal Branding

Use ChatGPT as your Personal Brand Coach! Try this prompt and let me know how it works for you.

“Help me clarify and strengthen my personal brand across social media. I want to show up with more intention and ensure that my platforms reflect who I am, what I stand for, and what I want to be known for…”

Ask ChatGPT to guide you through:

✅ 2–3 core themes or values your brand represents

✅ Your tone, style, and voice

✅ A platform-by-platform brand audit

✅ Where you’re aligned vs. where you need a glow-up

✅ Quick wins you can implement this week

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