When I was entering college, everyone started asking what felt like large, daunting questions: "What do you want to major in?" "What do you want to do?" At that time, I wasn't ready to answer, knowing how much growth happens during the college years. Instead, I wanted to be able to walk into any room or meeting and, at the very least, be ready to contribute to the conversation.
This desire led me to major in Entrepreneurial Management, where I immersed myself in learning about all the major facets of a company. Courses in Finance, Marketing, and Strategic Management equipped me with a broad understanding and the ability to view business from multiple angles, knowing I could continue to specialize in the future. What I didn't realize then was that this strategy was also training my mind to think like a business owner. It helped me understand perspective within in a company – and the underlying why.
The 'why' is more important than it may seem. It can bring you back to center in a moment of despair, allow you to critically think through an obstacle that may not warrant the obvious answer, and help you continually show up alongside the people around you day after day. Understanding the 'why' in life gives purpose and direction, fueling passions and guiding actions with intention. It transforms mundane tasks into meaningful pursuits, helping us navigate challenges and find fulfillment.
When I initially decided to enter the workforce, alongside many peers with incredible backgrounds and experiences, it was easy to get lost in comparison and doubt my choices. It was difficult at first to submit applications in a very business-oriented world, where most of my days and summers were spent competing on a golf course and preparing for the next event. Early on, I was uncomfortable and quite embarrassed to mention my golf background to people or interviewers, fearing I would be written off as just an "athlete" lacking specific internship experience that I knew was necessary to a successful start.
It wasn't until months of networking and soul-searching that I decided to draw from my golf skills and translate them into business terminology, instead of trying to minimize golf from my past. Why? Because I realized it was true to who I am and reflected years of dedicated effort. That’s when I experienced the biggest shift in my journey—when I began to brand myself with what was most genuine and authentic to me. The discipline, strategic thinking, and focus required in golf have become invaluable assets in the corporate world.
Now, let’s shift to why personal branding matters. Personal branding matters because it helps you differentiate yourself in a competitive landscape by showcasing your unique skills, values, and experiences. It builds trust and credibility, allowing others to understand who you are and what you stand for. Personal branding doesn’t have to be grand or an epiphany, but its essence is authenticity. By embracing and showcasing your true self, you create a personal brand that stands out and resonates with others, both on and off the golf course.
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