What if your personal brand wasn't something carefully crafted but rather something that emerges naturally when you consistently show up as yourself?

That's exactly what happened to Thomas Woodhams, who built a quarter-million following on TikTok before finding his home on LinkedIn, where he now creates content about recruitment, career advice, and neurodiversity.

In this illuminating conversation, Thomas shares his journey of accidental brand-building through authenticity. From creating sketch videos with tea towels on his head to illustrate workplace scenarios for neurodivergent individuals, to sharing his own ADHD diagnosis journey, Thomas demonstrates how being genuinely yourself resonates more deeply than polished corporate personas.

Joining the discussion is Inga Sleinere, a 'vision alchemist' who helps solopreneurs translate their essence into visual identities that feel authentic. Inga approaches personal branding from a more strategic angle while still centering authenticity at the core.

"Personal branding is almost a by-product of showing up consistently," she explains, emphasising that trying to look too 'professional' can actually work against you.

Both guests offer practical wisdom for anyone building their presence online. They advise keeping visuals simple rather than trying to 'jazz it up', which often creates visual noise. They discuss how commenting thoughtfully on others' content can be more powerful than your own posts, and why understanding your purpose – whether building community or generating leads, should guide your content strategy.

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway is that personal branding serves both altruistic and practical goals. Thomas shares that he creates content not just to help others but as a form of 'safeguarding' for his future – building relationships and establishing expertise that could help him navigate career changes.

Whether you're just starting out on social media or looking to refine your existing presence, this episode offers a refreshing perspective – focus less on crafting a perfect personal brand and more on consistently sharing your unique perspective and knowledge. The personal brand will emerge naturally as a consequence of your authenticity.

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TL;DR

In this episode you'll learn...

• How Thomas built a quarter-million TikTok following before focusing on LinkedIn where he now creates content about recruitment and ADHD.
• How personal branding emerges as a byproduct of consistently showing up as yourself rather than something intentionally constructed.
• Why simple visuals outperform complex designs.
• How human connection through humour and relatability creates stronger engagement than corporate jargon or buzzwords.
• Small shifts in commenting style and engagement with others can significantly impact how you're perceived online.
• Why video content is increasingly important, even if you're camera-shy.

Check out the show notes @ scwair1.com
And connect me, Thomas and Inga on LinkedIn if like me, you like meeting new people.

I'm Andy Greenhouse.
And I'm a creative evolutionist.
I help people, brands and businesses evolve in an ever-changing landscape.

Find me writing daily on LinkedIn @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andygreenhouse

My video agency @ swhype.com

And if you're looking for your tribe...
Maybe I'll see you at Scwair1.