The Personal Branding Strategy That Made a Marketing PhD Uncomfortable

You’d think that someone with a PhD in marketing would understand what a real personal branding strategy looks like and they’d be open to a little debate. Or at least to the idea that… I don’t know… real life might occasionally challenge the textbook.

Spoiler: they weren’t.

This is a story about what happens when personal branding strategy isn’t just a LinkedIn buzzword — but a lived, practiced, slightly inconvenient truth.

And about how the truth doesn’t always get you applause. Sometimes it gets you… blocked.

The Setup: Ask Me Anything (Just Kidding)

It all started when a self-proclaimed branding expert (PhD, international campaigns, yada yada) posted something that raised eyebrows.

He implied that his students were “stupid” for quoting real-life experience instead of bowing to the holy gospel of Philip Kotler.

Now, Kotler is brilliant. Let’s be clear. But treating him as the final word in every conversation? That’s not thought leadership. That’s intellectual karaoke.

So, I asked a simple, respectful question:

“If they don’t understand… maybe you didn’t explain it in their language?”

Apparently, that was too much.

The Fallout: Ego Over Education

Instead of engaging in a real conversation, the guy launched into a humblebrag speech about his students working on international campaigns. About how some of them are now “our colleagues.” And my favorite part:

“I won’t ask what campaigns you’ve done… so you don’t feel bad.”

Charming.

Still no answer to my question.

And then… block.

No space for discussion. No room for dissent. Just a good old-fashioned ego meltdown disguised as authority.

Here’s What That Reveals

This wasn’t just about a comment thread. It’s about how fragile some “expert” personal branding strategies really are.

Because when your credibility is held together by buzzwords, awards, and clout-chasing — the truth doesn’t feel like insight. It feels like an attack.

And that’s the branding trap too many fall into: building an identity so polished and so performative, that any deviation feels dangerous.

Real Personal Branding Strategy Isn’t About Ego

The personal branding strategy I believe in — the one I help dream-chasers build — isn’t about posturing. It’s about presence.

It’s about making room for honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable.

Because real branding doesn’t just look good.
It feels true.
It stays relevant.
It invites connection — not censorship.

TL;DR?

Truth might not get you trophies.
But it will get you real traction.

So if you’re tired of pretending, performing, or pandering to the content gods, and want a personal branding strategy that actually sounds like you…

Let’s talk. The honest way. Feel free to send me a message.