LES leaders chat with Camille Vasquez after her Keynote address, from left: Mike Perham, Karthika Perumal, Camille Vasquez, Ian DiBernardo, Mihaela Bojin and Ann Cannoni.
Personal branding has become an essential aspect of career success in an age where our lives are increasingly lived in the digital realm. The LES 2023 Annual Meeting saw a captivating keynote presentation by Camille Vasquez, Partner at Brown & Rudnick, where she delved deep into the world of personal branding and its connection to reputation cost. Camille’s insights, influenced by her involvement in the high-profile Johnny Depp defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard, provided attendees with a clear roadmap for managing their brand effectively.
The Intersection of Perception and Reality
Camille Vasquez’s keynote began by challenging the commonly held notion that personal branding is merely about perception. She emphasized, “Personal Brand is the intersection of perception and reality. It’s not just perception…So what is a personal brand, and if it’s not just perception? It’s you. You are at the heart and epicenter of your personal brand.”
Why: Personal Branding as Self-Preservation
Camille suggested that one should take control of their own narrative before others define it for them. In a world where information spreads rapidly, it’s crucial to tell your story. Camille highlighted the importance of understanding the ‘Why’ behind personal branding as a means of self-preservation. She explained, “Your voice will always stay true to you, but your tone will change over time based on your audience, context and purpose.
What: The Power of Networking
Camille Vasquez emphasized the value of networking with fellow LES attendees. Her tip of asking someone “what they love about what they do” can reveal a great deal about their personal brand and values. She illustrated this concept through the evolving personal brand of her client, Johnny Depp. His transition from the beloved character Jack Sparrow to the courtroom persona underscores how understanding personal branding can be crucial in high-stakes situations like a defamation case.
How: Building Blocks of Personal Branding
To incorporate personal branding into one’s life, Camille stressed the importance of designing an approach through building blocks, beginning with voice and tone. Her intention is to create value for others through activities like writing, speaking, and podcasting. Embracing your identity and creating value for your audience is also essential. She exemplifies the’ How’ of personal branding by helping others to position themselves as top-of-mind figures in their industry.
Grow: Depth Over Width
Camille emphasized cultivating meaningful relationships with a smaller group of people rather than aiming for the widest network possible. She introduced a 50-30-20 approach to personal branding, allocating 50% of the time to aspirational leaders, 30% to peers and colleagues, and 20% to paying it forward to those who seek mentorship. She added, “Personal Brand is mainly the representation of the past to view your flaws, your triumphs through challenges, and your successes as well.”
Brand Management and Crisis Communication Strategies
Camille Vasquez’s presentation also touched on brand management and crisis communication strategies, particularly referencing a client who had a shooting on one of their premises. She advised having a crisis management plan in place before a crisis emerges, which includes identifying key players, separating the corporation’s response from any on-premises incidents, and collaborating effectively with legal experts who understand the importance of coordination with stakeholders.
Conclusion
Camille Vasquez’s keynote at the LES 2023 Annual Meeting gave attendees invaluable insights into personal branding and its link to reputation cost. Her engaging and informative presentation encouraged individuals to take control of their own narratives, build meaningful relationships, and navigate the challenging waters of personal branding with intention and purpose.