Students’ Reflections on Personal Brands & Stories I

New Year. New Resolution.

In 2025 I made a resolution: to give voice to the people who entrust me with their brands and stories: my students. And so, I’m launching a series of reflections with one central aim: to spark meaningful thought about how we see ourselves – as complex human beings shaped by countless fascinating elements that both connect us and distinguish us –, and how our personal stories are instrumental in shaping that self-perception and the world around us.

In short: students are protagonists; I’m just the messenger.

I hope this journey will pique your curiosity, stir fresh ideas, and contribute to a deeper understanding of who we are.

Dear storyteller, welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride!

What is your vision of your personal brand, now and in the future? Is this something you've already thought of?

How will storytelling help you define your personal brand? In which occasions?

“My vision for personal branding is to leave an indelible mark on the world. Whether I meet someone for the first time or the tenth, I aim to leave them with a positive impression, not just about myself, but about themselves as well. My goal is to create great things wherever I go and in whatever I undertake.

I aspire to build bridges between people, fostering connections that lead to the creation of something new, powerful, and beautiful that benefits all. My aim is to be unparalleled in my areas of expertise and knowledge. This vision has been shaping since I was 14, guided by pivotal life events that set me on this path of developing my personal brand and striving for excellence in branding myself and my work, both present and future.

Despite rapid technological advancements and innovations that we rely on for daily tasks, human nature remains fundamentally unchanged. We still crave communication and connection with one another, whether through movies, TV shows, or real-life events. We constantly seek to find people who understand us and share our interests.

Engaging with people through stories helps us connect and allows others to build our brand in their minds. Storytelling is akin to building a reputation based on first impressions. Mastering this art is crucial; by excelling in storytelling, you master your personal brand, continuously improving and refining it to its best version.

Personal branding requires constant momentum and balance to survive and remain engaging and suitable for our ever-changing environment. After all, personal branding is an introduction to our character, a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.”

P.S. Before publishing any reflection, I always obtain the student’s permission to share their individual testimonial, ensuring complete anonymity. Under these terms, no personal data is ever disclosed.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog series – Students’ Reflections on Personal Brands & Stories – are solely those of the contributing students, and do not necessarily reflect my own. As such, I, Tomás Varela Pinto, cannot be held responsible for their content.