Building a strong personal brand empowers women business leaders to stand out, showcase their unique value and build credibility. It enhances visibility, fosters trust and ensures they’re top-of-mind when opportunities arise. A clear, consistent brand positions them as experts, making it easier to attract promotions, partnerships, and professional growth. We have asked the most innovative women leaders in the world of public relations to offer advice on how women can build their personal brand.
MORE NEWS: The Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2025
DEEPER DIVE: The Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate for 2025
Jennifer Adler McLaughlin, founder and CEO, Adler Public Relations: “Women business leaders can build their personal brands by sharing their expertise and positioning themselves as industry thought leaders — both online and offline. Pursuing subject matter expert editorial opportunities, sharing insights on social media, attending networking events and applying for leadership awards are all great ways to increase visibility. A clear, confident, authentic and strategic presence ensures your personal brand speaks for itself when opportunity knocks.”
Jan Bracamonte, founder, J. Lauren PR: “Leaders can build their own impactful personal brands through purposeful storytelling that blends authenticity, expertise and visibility — both online and in person. Regularly sharing insights, engaging meaningfully in industry conversations and thoughtfully leveraging media opportunities helps establish credibility and trust. Consistency is key. This intentional approach positions them strategically, ensuring they’re top-of-mind when significant career opportunities arise.”
Samantha DeRose, vice president, The McRae Agency: “Your personal brand is your reputation. In PR, that starts with building real relationships. How you present yourself, how you treat people, whether clients, colleagues or members of the media, and how consistently you deliver results all shape your brand. That trust and credibility open doors, often before you even know they’re there.”
Melissa DiGianfilippo, founder and CEO, Proof Publicity: “Build visibility through deliberate storytelling. As a PR agency owner, I’ve found that women leaders who strategically curate their professional narrative —highlighting specific professional and personal wins, sharing informed perspectives and revealing calculated glimpses behind the curtain — create magnetic personal brands. The digital footprint you cultivate today becomes tomorrow’s career currency. Be unapologetically visible.”
Morgan Domaracki, senior director of accounts, MMPR: “Strong professional relationships are crucial for leaders in the world of PR and marketing when it comes to building our personal brand. These connections offer key platforms to showcase our expertise and build credibility. And nurturing these relationships organically allows us to develop a strong network, providing valuable knowledge, support and potential alliances for success.”
Danielle Fanning, director of public relations, Aker Ink: “Your personal brand, and opportunities you pursue to build it, should reflect who you naturally are. If you’re someone who loves mentoring or storytelling, lean into that — invest time into aligned writing, speaking or community activities. Your authenticity will build trust, attract like-minded collaborators and open the right doors.”
Danielle Feroleto, president, Small Giants: “The beautiful thing about a personal brand is that it is like a thumbprint that originates from your heart and mind. Different from a company brand, it is unique to you but it behaves like a company brand in that it is validated by others, not you. So, take the time to think about your brand and craft it to be distinctive, something others in the workforce would value and make sure they witness it. Declaring your personal brand on a resume and in conversation during an interview is an excellent way to stand out.”
Abbie S. Fink, president, HMA Public Relations: “Regularly and consistently engage in networking opportunities. As a business leader, get involved in the community by volunteering for the board of your professional association or with a nonprofit you are passionate about. It’s not just being in the right place at the right time; it’s knowing you are there and doing something about it.”
Holly Morgan, visionary, Holly Morgan Media: “Embrace your power, not just your polish. Share failures loudly, show ambition unapologetically and build visibility through opinion — not perfection. A strong brand isn’t quiet or curated — it’s provocative, human and seen. Be impossible to ignore, and opportunities won’t knock — they’ll chase.”
Veronique James, CEO, The James Agency: “Your personal brand is your legacy in motion. Share your story with authenticity, clarity and consistency. Invest in building relationships and creating impact long before you need a door to open. Opportunity follows visibility, and true leadership shines brightest when it’s fueled by lifting others.”
Angela Menninger, CEO and founder, Flutter Public Relations: “True success boils down to two things: authenticity and good karma. For me, that means honoring my social butterfly spirit and connecting people who can open doors for each other. I love seeing those serendipitous introductions flourish. It also means aligning with purpose-driven, charismatic brands (big names, but also entrepreneurs with big ideas) and always being approachable and transparent with clients (and my team).”
Robyn Patterson, founder and president, Mack Media Relations: “Successful business leaders distinguish themselves by building personal brands that highlight their professional achievements and expertise. By developing thought leadership content and sharing their unique industry perspectives, they create value while increasing visibility. Strategic relationship-building and authentic consistency across platforms enables these connections to evolve into powerful career opportunities.”
Anne Robertson, managing director of public relations and publicity, LAVIDGE: “Brand reputations emerge from your success as a leader, colleague, collaborator and the value you create for your constituents. If you put forth dedication and passion into all you do, your brand will find itself. To enhance the brand visibility, join community organizations and utilize LinkedIn to deepen your connections and credibility.”
Melissa A. Swader, president and CEO, Ruby Red Media: “Women business leaders can build their personal brand by embracing authenticity, showcasing expertise through thought leadership, and strategically leveraging social media. Consistent storytelling, active networking, and aligning their brand with clear values foster trust and visibility. A strong, recognizable brand also positions women to confidently seize more career opportunities and collaboration projects that help gain more PR visibility leading to even more business.”
Elaina Verhoff, owner, Elaina V. Public Relations: “For years, I strived to work hard, think creatively, and exceed expectations. But I also thought it was best to keep my head down and stay under the radar. With the wisdom of experience, I now see women business leaders need to do great work but also not shy away from the spotlight. And follow your gut, always.”
