Not just about branding—a question of authenticity and stewardship.
“Don’t buy brands or health claims; read the food label.” This is a key piece of advice I offer when wearing my public health nutrition hat.
A well-marketed food brand does not necessarily mean a healthier option. By reading the food label, you will find out that the well-marketed food product might be high in a nutrient that you need to cut down. By reading the food label, you will find out that a food product without claims might have the nutrient the well-marketed one is claiming—in the right amount.
While this is true about food branding, it can also be true about personal branding. When others “read our label,” does it match the personal brand we project? Do we “read the label” of personal brands presented to us before “buying in”?
Leadership isn’t just about projecting an image—it’s about stewarding character and influence with integrity. Leadership isn’t just about what’s visible—it’s about what’s real. Authenticity matters more than appearance, and influence is best stewarded when character aligns with what we claim to stand for. (Ref: 1 Samuel 16:7)
Here’s the real question:
Are we investing more in projecting a brand than in building the character behind it? When evaluating partnerships or hires, do we pause to “read the label”—to look beyond polished profiles and assess substance? And as leaders, are we modelling what it means to value authenticity over appearance?
Call to Action:
Take a moment today. Review your leadership “label”—your values, actions, and influence. Does it reflect what you claim to stand for? And before your next collaboration or decision, pause and “read the label.” Because leadership isn’t just about visibility; it’s about authenticity and stewardship.