By Bernard Kelvin Clive
“Your authentic personal brand begins the day you stop performing for public approval and applause and start becoming what you were meant to be and do.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive
I’ve been training, speaking, and writing on the subject of personal branding for well over a decade, long before it became the trendy buzzword it is today.
These days, the concept is everywhere. Everyone’s doing their best to put themselves out there, posting and promoting nonstop.
But I’ve observed a few things that need to be addressed—especially if you want to build a brand that’s truly meaningful and impactful.
Yes, there are countless tools and strategies out there to help you craft your brand. But without the right foundation, all that effort can lead to confusion and misalignment.
So today, I want to speak to some of those foundational issues and set the tone right. Let us get into the details.
The Foundation of an Authentic Brand
Before you can build a powerful, celebrated personal brand, you must first ask: “Am I clear on my sense of purpose and direction?” Because the truth is, every lasting brand is built on a foundation of authenticity, ethics, and value.
A brand that stands the test of time is not one that simply thrives on trends, social media traction, or digital visibility.
You can have all the links on Instagram, Facebook, and beyond. You might even receive the applause of the masses.
But if your internal compass is off—if there’s no clarity or conviction behind what you’re building—there will always be a missing piece. That’s why I urge every one of us to step back and reflect: Are you truly on track?
Check the Motivation: Purpose or Popularity?
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Many people are not building from the right place. They’re riding on trends, trying to meet the expectations of others, or following what’s popular.
But here’s a question I always ask myself: Would I still be doing this if I weren’t getting paid? If I didn’t get the likes, the validation, the visibility—would I still show up?
If your answer is “Yes,” then your brand is built on something unshakable. But if you hesitate, it’s a cue to pause and realign. The most potent brands are born from within—crafted in purpose, rooted in identity, and anchored in impact.
Don’t build your brand on borrowed convictions. Don’t pursue visibility without clarity. Build from the inside out.
Are You the Center of Your Assignment?
This is personal. Sometimes, we get so caught up in building brands and platforms that we forget our original assignment—our why. You can have strategy, resources, and a strong digital presence, but if your brand is disconnected from your God-given assignment, it will feel hollow.
Ask yourself: Is this really about me, or the people I’ve been called to serve?
Don’t be afraid to take time to answer this honestly. It might take you a few days. It could take a week or even a month. But clarity is worth the wait. Once you know who you are and why you’ve been placed here, everything else—books, content, products, services—flows from that center.
Purpose Isn’t Always Loud—But It’s Always Present
Some people think purpose is a mystical thing. But often, it’s not. It’s already in you—subtle but persistent. Purpose shows up in what comes naturally to you, in what brings you joy, in what you’d do even if you weren’t paid.
Society tells us to pursue jobs that “make sense” or “pay the bills,” and we often sideline what makes our soul sing. For me, writing is at the core of it all. It comes quite easily. 😉
But over time, I found ways to monetize my passion. I built around it, not to force it, but to give it space to grow sustainably.
And that’s what I encourage you to do: Identify your sweet spot. Build around it. Even if you’re multi-talented, start with one thing. Nurture it, grow it, and then layer in the rest.
- Don’t Confuse a Good Idea with a God Assignment
Someone else’s success in a particular area does not automatically mean it’s the best fit for you, or that you will achieve similar results. This is a reality seen in places like Ghana, Nigeria, and perhaps across Africa.
Often, when one person finds success, many others quickly follow the same path without a clear plan, simply believing they can also make money from it.
Another pitfall is chasing every idea. Just because something is good doesn’t mean it’s yours. Some ideas are meant for others to execute. Not every idea is a divine assignment.
When you try to juggle too many things, you lose focus. So, discern: Is this my lane? Is this my assignment? Find that one thing you can ground yourself in, then let the other expressions build around it.
It’s not about limitation—it’s about direction.
Aligning Your Brand with Where You Work
Now let’s talk about personal branding within organizations. If you’re employed by a company, your values must align with theirs. If not, you’ll find yourself in conflict—either pretending or constantly compromising.
You can’t claim to stand for one thing while working for an institution that stands for the opposite. That’s where you lose authenticity. That’s when you start hiding parts of yourself just to “fit in” or “move up.”
So, here’s my advice: Before you accept a role or partner with an organization, ask yourself: Can I be myself here? Do our values align?
If not, it’s okay to take a “survival job” temporarily—but don’t build your life there. Don’t stay hidden in the corners of compromise just to get paid. That paycheck may cover your bills, but it won’t fulfill your soul(Your inner man).
The Real Reward: Purposeful Work that Pleases God and Impacts People
This is not just about branding—it’s about legacy and impact. If your work doesn’t, please God, it won’t satisfy you long-term. Build something you can pour your heart into—something you’re proud to leave behind.
Even if the money takes time to come in, let your motivation be bigger than profit. Let it be purpose.
Eventually, when you build from that centre(the heart), everything else will align—your impact, your influence, and yes, even your income.
So, to put it all together, I simply want to challenge you.
Take time to reassess. Don’t rush to build on shaky ground. Ask the hard questions:
- Am I really doing what I was called to do?
- Would I still be doing this without applause or income?
- Am I building for likes or lives?
Because in the end, your personal brand is not a performance—it’s a platform to serve. When built right, it becomes unshakable.
Remember, I’m your brand and publishing consultant.
