Personal Branding Podcast

Gifted but Gated: Doing the Work That Matters

“Don’t just package yourself to look good; position yourself to do good.”— Bernard Kelvin Clive

We’re continuing our series on Gifted but Gated—a deep dive into doing the work that truly matters and building a personal brand that cuts across borders, breaks barriers, and outlives businesses. Today, I want us to explore something personal, something practical.

Discovering the Gift

Years ago, while studying at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, I pursued a program at the College of Art, Rural Art. Among the many disciplines we studied, one stood out to me—Sculpture, specifically the course titled “Wood Work.” It was a fascinating class, though quite different from the kind of art I naturally gravitated toward.

I remember some of my classmates like Kwame Kyere Diabour and Preko George—these guys were extraordinary. They could pick up an ordinary log of wood, make a few chalk or pencil markings, and start carving. In no time, beautiful figures and forms would emerge from the wood. I often stood in awe. I would ask myself, “Where did they see that image?”

I tried. I did. I attempted to carve, I observed, and I even tried to understand the science or logic behind it, but it just didn’t click for me. While I had artistic skills in other areas, when it came to sculpture, I couldn’t see what they saw or feel what they felt. It was then I realized something critical—there are different kinds of gifts.

Understanding Your Zone of Genius

We all have a desire to do great things, to learn, to grow—but there is always that one area, that space, where you fit most naturally. There’s something you were uniquely wired to do—and when you do it, it flows. Others might try to learn the same thing, but they won’t quite execute it the way you do. That’s the difference between skill and giftedness.

Your gift is often the place where work stops feeling like work. It becomes a joy. A calling. A way of expressing the excellence and grace that was deposited in you from birth.

As Michelangelo once said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” That’s the essence of true gifting—seeing what others can’t and bringing it to life.

The Work That Matters

So, I ask you: What do you see in your craft, in your career, in your art?

Maybe, like me, you’re able to write and bring out creative content that others might not be able to conceptualize. Maybe you see systems where others see confusion. Maybe you inspire people with your voice or your ability to listen.

That’s your gift.

Find your space. Discover your voice. Lean into your gifting and build your career or business from that place. When you align your gift with your purpose, work transforms from duty into delight. You’re not just sacrificing your time—you’re pouring out your essence. And the world notices.

From Gift to Brand

This is where brand building begins—from the inside out. The foundation of an authentic personal brand is not a fancy logo, a curated social media page, or a string of buzzwords. No. It starts with the recognition and refinement of your gift.

You take that gift, add skill, and begin to polish it. You sharpen your craft through practice, learning, and feedback. That’s how mastery is built. When you speak, write, design, build, or consult—your expertise shows. It shines through in your delivery.

Branding that lasts is branding that is born from your gift.

Skill and Execution

Many people today fall into the trap of polishing without substance. You see it all over LinkedIn and social media—people packaging themselves to look polished online, but when hired, they fail to deliver. The execution doesn’t match the presentation. This is a major problem.

If you’re not rooted in gifting, if you haven’t put in the work to develop your skill, the results will expose you. And that isn’t just bad for your career—it’s a crack in the foundation of your brand.

Don’t build a brand just to look good. Build one that can stand up to scrutiny. Build on truth, talent, and tested expertise. It’s not about impressing people. It’s about impacting lives.

A Brand Aligned with Purpose

In this age of AI, where deepfakes and digital avatars can create any version of a person, authenticity has become more valuable than ever. People don’t just want aesthetics—they want truth. They want a heart. They want brands that reflect real people solving real problems with real solutions.

So let your brand be that—an extension of your true self. Let it reflect your voice, your vision, and your values. Let it serve your audience in a way that aligns your spirit, your soul, and your skill.

And in doing so, you’ll not only find fulfillment—yo...

“The next generation is watching—let your brand be the permission they need to rise.” — Bernard Kelvin Clive

So today we are looking at some personal branding mistakes that people often overlook in building their personal brand, particularly through the lens of cultural and religious settings—especially in Africa—and how brands can break through to succeed and impact the lives of those who matter to them most.

The need to build a personal brand—rising above the noise, social limitations, and cultural myths or biases—is critical to standing out. You know, long before now, some religious and cultural systems didn’t give women the opportunity to lead or take the front lines. I mean, to spearhead great initiatives or even engage in challenges like going to war—those were seen as men’s responsibilities.

Over the years, things have evolved, and now women are taking up major roles. However, the belief systems that shaped earlier generations still hold many women back. When they reflect on how society or their ancestors perceived them, they often shrink from who they’re meant to become. Though some women boldly step out and have a voice, fame, and platform, many are still hindered by social norms and expectations.

1. The Self-Belief Gap: Overcoming Cultural Limitations

The first challenge—and mistake—is the struggle with self-confidence and self-worth. Women, especially, need to examine their backgrounds and identify the cultural and religious beliefs that have limited their voices or discouraged self-promotion in business or leadership.

Once this awareness sets in, they can intentionally break out of those limitations. When you realize why you’ve been held back, you can more consciously challenge and change the narrative. So yes, now is the time to step out—as many women are already doing—to voice your opinions, share your message, advocate for others, and drive innovation and change.

This break in stereotypes becomes fuel for future generations. When young girls see women boldly and rightly positioning their brands, not just to be loud but with a clear sense of purpose and understanding, they are inspired to do the same.

This first mistake doesn’t just affect women—some men are also held back, especially in African societies where children are taught not to speak unless spoken to. You don’t ask questions, you don’t question leaders—be it in religion or governance. This stifles creative expression and personal growth.

If you want to build a strong brand, address the mindset and belief systems that limit your voice.

When that self-belief gap is bridged, younger people can step forward—not boastfully, but rightly—and confidently own their space. Personal branding isn’t self-promotion for fame; it’s about putting your best foot forward, adding value to others, and showing up in ways that help and inspire.

2. The Perfect Persona Trap: Don’t Fake Flawlessness

The second mistake I find rising brands making is positioning themselves as flawless—like the ideal, perfect brand. They step out with an “I’ve got it all together” attitude. You see them on TikTok or Facebook presenting a polished image that suggests they’re always on top, never making mistakes. That’s a big mistake.

We don’t build authentic brands that way. When you create a perfect image—flawless, untouchable—you eventually lose credibility. People stop relating to you because they can’t connect with someone who seems unreal.

Every human has flaws, weaknesses, or struggles they deal with behind the scenes. To build a truly authentic brand, let some of those struggles be known. Share the parts of your journey that others can learn from. When people know you’ve been where they are—or are still navigating challenges—they gain courage and connection. They know you’re real. Reveal the real behind the reels.

You don’t have to spill everything. Just enough vulnerability to show that you’re human. Let them see your growth stages. Let them appreciate who you’re becoming. If all they ever see is the celebrity, the milestone, or the filtered success, they may disconnect, thinking, “I can never get there.”

Your audience should know your path. When they see what you’ve overcome—or are overcoming—they find hope that they can rise too.

3. Only Sharing Success: Where’s the Story?

The third mistake personal brands make is constantly sharing their success without giving us a glimpse into the story behind it.

Yes, it’s good to share your wins. But when all we see is the highlight reel—without any behind-the-scenes context—your audience misses the most powerful connection: the journey.

I’m not asking you to share trade secrets. I’m talking about the pain behind the power. The struggles behind the shine. The story behind the status.

That’s where the power of storytelling comes in. S...