Bridging the Knowing-Doing Gap. Just Do It.

Hi there! Welcome to this edition of our newsletter, where we explore how to bridge the gap between knowing and doing to create the momentum and reputation needed to get stuff done and elevate your success. 
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Why don't we do what we know we need to do? 

You know you should pop up to the sixth floor to expand your network.

You know you should speak up in that meeting.

You know you should polish your LinkedIn profile or say yes to that opportunity.

👉 Yet so often, we don’t. It’s not because we don’t care about our reputation, credibility, or visibility. And it’s definitely not because we don’t know how.

So what’s really going on?

1️⃣ The knowing–doing gap.
Many professionals confuse awareness with action.

You might know that building a consistent executive brand will help you grow your influence, open doors, or attract new opportunities, but knowing isn’t the same as doing. Action asks more of us: to show up, risk being seen, and push through discomfort.

2️⃣ We’re wired for immediate comfort.

Our brains are designed to keep us safe and comfortable, and personal branding can feel exposing.

→ It feels safer to stay quiet in meetings than to share an insight and risk critique.
→ It’s easier to “get busy” with tasks than to carve out time for that thought leadership post.
Short-term comfort wins, even when it costs us long-term visibility and impact.

3️⃣ Old habits win.

Maybe you’ve always preferred to let your work speak for itself (it's much safer that way). Or you’ve avoided the spotlight because it felt self-promotional.

These ingrained habits can quietly undermine your brand-building efforts, even when you intend to change.

4️⃣ Underlying beliefs and identity.

Sometimes, not doing what supports your personal brand reflects deeper beliefs, hidden fears, and possible Imposter Syndrome: 

“I don’t want to seem arrogant.”
“I’m not senior enough to have a voice yet.”
“Others are already saying it better.”
“What if I’m visible, and people judge me?

💡 How to bridge the knowing–doing gap in personal branding:

✅ Make it easy. Block 15 minutes a day to write or comment. Start small.
✅ Focus on identity and your self-talk. Shift from “I should post” to “I’m a credible leader who has something valuable to share."
✅ Link actions to purpose with intention. “I share so I can help others, grow my impact, and stay true to my values.”
✅ Let go of perfection. Progress > polish. The key is showing up.

The next time you hesitate to take action on your personal brand, ask yourself: “What’s this really about, and what’s one small move I can make today?”

Because building your brand isn’t about being loud and adding to the noise, it’s about being intentional.

That's all for this edition. We hope you found it inspiring and informative. As always, we're eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Until next time, keep shaping opportunities and making a difference!

In your corner, 
Janine