Leadership branding 101 with Martha Stewart

Author

Shahbaaz Kara
November 04, 2024

In 2024, “The Creator Economy” is forecasted to be a $250 billion industry, with top influencers generating massive revenue streams. Now, executives such as Elon Musk, Arianna Huffington, and Gary Vaynerchuk also leverage personal brands to drive revenue and brand loyalty.

This shift is impacting both B2C and B2B, where thought leadership, reviews, and consistent multi-channel presence have massive influence on purchasing decisions.

Below you’ll find why you should care:

  1. Why you need to build a brand

  2. The U.S election

  3. Events you can attend to grow your network (and have a great time)

  4. How to improve your longevity

Let’s get into it.

⌛️ Estimated reading time: 4.5 minutes

Personal Branding for Leaders is not optional

Last night, while prepping for the week, I watched a Martha Stewart documentary. She grew a media empire with TV shows, magazines, and books, eventually taking her company public at a $1.8 billion valuation.

Even after a prison stint at 62, Martha reinvented herself and remained relevant. Her journey is a powerful example of personal branding in action, and as a leader, building a personal brand isn’t just optional— it can be essential to your company’s success and your future net worth.

Random picture of Martha to refresh your memory (and to break up my text)

Here are three branding lessons from Martha’s story:

  1. Don't Fear Haters: Martha faced criticism, particularly from people who felt her brand was unrealistic. Yet, she remained confident, pushing forward with her vision.

Lesson: If you're a disruptive leader, you must share your authentic views and push through negativity. Stand firm in your content and ideas.

  1. Embrace Omni-Channel Presence: Early on, Martha recognized the need to reach her audience across multiple channels. She even named her company Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, comparing it to a solar system with her at the center.

Lesson: As a leader, your content needs live across TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, and all of your company pages. This is challenging but essential for connecting with today’s diverse audiences. Now more than ever, people consume content when & where they want.

  1. Keep Moving Forward: After prison, Martha’s relevance faded, but she made a comeback through a roast with Justin Bieber and a surprising partnership with Snoop Dogg, even landing on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover.


Lesson: Success is never linear. There will be setbacks, but resilience can turn struggles into a compelling comeback story. Embrace these moments and, if possible, share them publicly—people are drawn to stories of perseverance and growth.

*Not a sponsorship

Personal branding is no longer optional for leaders; it's a path to resilience, reach, and impact in today’s dynamic economy. I worked heavily on this for myself this year and learned a lot. If you are curious on how to get started, reply back to this email to book a time to chat about your brand strategy.

Industry Updates - U.S Election

Whatever happens tomorrow with the American Election...

It’s incredible to think cannabis has a significant growth opportunity. But after 7 years in this industry, I’m not sure Federal Legalization is the key to prosperity.

  1. How will the myriad of regulators unite on a framework?

  2. Can hemp and cannabis coexist as industries?

  3. Just because cannabis will be rescheduled, legalized, and open for national business doesn't guarantee traditional access to capital & tech firms will jump right in... does it??

  4. How will Big Pharma look at cannabis and how will it impact small businesses state-to-state?

I have so many more questions, because I’m genuinely curious. Will it have more upside or downside?

📆 Upcoming events

Business of Cannabis

🗽 Business of Cannabis: New York
📆 November 12, 2024
📍 The New York Academy of Medicine

JOIN 400+ INDUSTRY LEADERS FOR AN EXCLUSIVE ONE-DAY EVENT

This event will see over 400 industry leaders, investors, and policy-makers gather at the The New York Academy of Medicine for a one day program that focuses on

  • Driving investment

  • Accelerating retail growth in the New York market.

—

Holidays with The Collective 2024

🗽 Cannabis Collective!
📆 December 12, 2024 6pm - 10pm
📍Final details coming soon

—

Strengthzen

🗽 Fairchild Events
📆 November 9th, 2024 5:30PM - 7:30PM
📍139 East 57 Street New York, 5th floor, New York, New York, 11203

Quick notes:

  • S&P Circuit with Leon- Build strength and muscle coordination. Gain stability as you condition a more solid mind body connection

  • Yoga Elevation with Liz- Chill out with a sensory yoga and meditation class and let the good vibes hit.

  • Phyt Gym Mixer hosted by Carlos- Stretch with trainers, toke with “Hazel” outside and take a cold plunge while networking with High Graders

  • Sips and Snacks- enjoy healthy treats from our wellness sponsors to energize and enhance your pre/post workout

  • Cannabis - learn more about healing properties of the plant and elevate.

🧘 Longevity

Finding ways to lead a healthy lifestyle, give myself more sustainable energy, and allow me to do more for a longer period of time has become a passion of mine. I thought I’d share quick tactics, resources, and reasons to improve your longevity.

Today it’s walking backwards. Yes, literally walking backwards has some great benefits. This Clevland Clinic Article outlines the benefits:

  • Strengthens Different Muscle Groups

  • Higher Caloric Burn

  • Joint Relief and Injury Prevention

  • Cognitive Engagement and Mental Health

  • Better Posture and Balance

Full article is linked here and if you see me walk by you backwards, just appreciate the speed and know that I’m doing it for my health.

As the world becomes more complex, it becomes more and more challenging to stay grounded, focused and aligned. Stay ahead by fostering unity, innovation, and trust across your teams and yourself. Don’t miss out on upcoming events and insights that will help shape your success in the months to come.

- SKV