In 2019, I left IKEA after years of executive leadership.
I had helped build one of the most recognized brands in the world.
But the day I walked out?

Nobody outside of that ecosystem knew who I was.
I had no visibility.
No digital presence.
No audience.
Just a résumé.

And that’s the trap most CEOs fall into.

🛑 They build a powerful company brand
🛑 They stay behind the curtain
🛑 They forget that their name also needs equity

The Biggest Missed Opportunity in Modern Leadership? Personal Branding.

Here’s why you can’t afford to ignore it:

1. When You Leave the Logo, You Leave the Leverage
The brand you lead gives you power, but it also hides you. The halo effect disappears when you exit unless you’ve built your own platform.

2. Influence Doesn’t Transfer Automatically
Your achievements at a company don’t automatically position you as a thought leader. You must document your thinking, share your vision, and publicly own your ideas.

3. Your Personal Brand Builds Long-Term Leverage
Even inside an organization, your visibility builds trust with partners, recruits, investors, and the market. People want to follow leaders, not logos.

4. Visibility Creates Optionality
A strong personal brand opens doors to consulting, board seats, speaking, and investments. It makes you resilient. It future-proofs your leadership.

How to Start Building Now (While You're Still Leading)

• Share your insights regularly, posts, videos, and podcast clips
• Publish stories that reflect your leadership style and values
• Create a personal website or digital hub
• Speak at events beyond your own brand’s spotlight
• Build recognition now, not when you’re already in transition

Final Thought: If You’re Only Building the Company’s Brand, You’re Playing Defense

Your legacy isn’t just what you build.
It’s what people remember when the logo’s gone.

This episode gives you the wake-up call and the roadmap to build your name with intention, not regret.

🎧 Tune in to The Daily Hint and build your personal brand today.

Highlights:

00:00 Introduction: Leaving IKEA and Facing a New Challenge

00:16 The Common CEO Dilemma

00:30 The Importance of Personal Branding for CEOs

Links:

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Equipment and Software that I use for my Videos and Podcasts!   

Jens Equipment and Software overview: https://www.jensheitland.com/equipment

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Books that I read and recommend.

My Book Recommendations: https://www.jensheitland.com/books

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Here are the ways to work with me:

Speaking: https://www.jensheitland.com/speaking

Leadership Skills Assessment: https://www.wearesucceed.com/

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Connect with me!   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensheitland/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JensHeitlandofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jensheitland/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jensheitland

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jensheitland

Newsletter: https://www.jensheitland.com/newsletter

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Subscribe and Listen to The Jens Heitland Show Podcast HERE: 

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjuSGi1feauCNSER3IKuGWg

Web: https://www.jensheitland.com/podcasthome

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jens-heitland-show-human-innovation/id1545043872?uo=4

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7H0GWMGVALyXnnmstYA1NL

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Subscribe and Listen to The Daily Hint with Jens Heitland Podcast HERE: 

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2tLdutVh6b6nCBgWQ817eQ

Web: https://www.jensheitland.com/the-daily-hint

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-hint-with-jens-heitland/id1722930497

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4T02uYPvcOrajPC6FgH64r?si=8aab1e7683204160&nd=1&dlsi=0f69c72af017454a