Personal branding has become a crucial component of career success in today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world. At MYCareerFair in KLCC, Ms. Nadiah Tan, Chief Human Resources Officer of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, delivered an insightful keynote on building an authentic personal brand that resonates with potential employers, colleagues, and the more comprehensive professional network.
Purpose Over Paychecks: Choosing the Right Career Path
Ms. Tan highlighted the importance of purposeful career choices beyond financial motives. “It is very important to know the meaning and purpose of what you wanna do,” she explained.
While it’s natural to desire financial security, she advised young professionals not to join companies solely for money. Instead, she emphasized joining organizations that invest in their employees’ growth.
“Number one, to get into the right company so that you have the right brands on your CV. Joining the right company means you have the right development program that’s being provided for you.”
Discovering What Truly Excites You
The keynote also stressed the importance of self-discovery. Ms. Tan encouraged the audience to reflect on what excites them and what they want in a career, not just what’s available.
“You got to know about yourself. What is it that excites you?” she said, noting that an employee’s personality should naturally align with the brand of the company they represent.
This self-knowledge and alignment can create a strong, authentic brand that shines through to potential employers and coworkers.
Authentic Branding: The Key to a Lasting Impression
Ms. Tan highlighted the importance of authenticity in personal branding and warned against mimicking others. “You have to decide who you want to be and what you want to be, and it has to be authentic.”
She likened personal branding to the “iceberg theory,” explaining that while our personal brands are visible to others on the surface, beneath it lies a depth of values, attitudes, and beliefs.
“What you see is up there (the surface). What you don’t see is my values, my attitude, how I view certain things until you get to know me better.”
Social Media and Consistency
With social media increasingly affecting recruitment and professional visibility, Ms. Tan encouraged the audience to maintain a consistent, authentic online presence. She pointed out that social media impressions are often the first thing employers look at when hiring.
“Nowadays, even in recruitment, we also look at your social media. Because then it also tells us a bit about yourself.”
Ms. Tan advised young people to focus on representing their true selves online, cautioning that any inconsistency could harm their professional image.
“What people think of you matters. If you’re not consistent, whatever you put on social media, it will be good branding for you, but it will not be sustainable because eventually, what they see of you is not the same.”
Ms. Tan highlighted LinkedIn as an essential platform for young professionals. She explained, “Professionally, as a student coming up, it’s better that you create a LinkedIn account because recruiters will use LinkedIn as a field where they go and hunt for candidates.”
She also shared her experience, noting, “When I sit in a meeting with someone, I have my phone, and I am already going on LinkedIn and looking at the person’s profile while I’m speaking to that person.”
Aligning with Companies That Reflect Your Personal Brand
Ms. Tan emphasized the importance of working for companies that reflect one’s values. “You want to join a company that aligns with who you are and aligns with your values.”
She cautioned against molding oneself to fit every position out of desperation. “Sometimes I see candidates who are desperate, right? In the interview, they say ‘I can do anything; I don’t mind.’ But actually, when they start, they suffer a lot.”
Balancing Authenticity and Appropriateness
Ms. Tan also discussed the importance of striking a balance between authenticity and professionalism online. “You can be yourself but be a little bit appropriate,” she advised, especially since everything we post online reflects on us and our affiliations.
She noted, “Whatever you do outside also represents the company that you are attached to. So if you are a student, you represent the uni that you are in.”
Ms. Tan urged caution in navigating the fine line between personal expression and professional etiquette.
Navigating Social Media Risks
Ms. Tan acknowledged the power and risks of social media visibility, especially for those with large followings. While strong followership can positively impact company branding, it can also invite risks.
“Social media exposure is important, but it can be dangerous as well, so please remember the ethics and managing your personal safety and risk,” she emphasized.
Leading with Authenticity
Ms. Tan concluded her keynote by encouraging young professionals to view personal branding as more than just a career too. It’s also a way to shape their future impact.
“Whilst we spoke about personal branding, all of you are going to grow and become leaders, managers, senior managers, GMs, and so on, remember that it’s very important because it has a big impact on the company culture as well.”
In an era where digital presence can be as influential as in-person interactions, Ms. Tan’s insights provided valuable guidance on creating a sustainable, meaningful personal brand that resonates and stands the test of time.
