Creating My Brand: From Pebbles to Ripples and Beyond
Bobby being and becoming her Brand x
My own brand journey - one that’s been full of discoveries, growth, and yes, a few tears!
So, the latest More Than a Lumpy Jumper episode just dropped, and this week we had the joy of catching up with branding powerhouse Kayleigh Lloyd. As we chatted about all things personal branding, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own brand journey—one that’s been full of discoveries, growth, and yes, a few tears (in the best way possible!).
When I started, I was thrown right back to my time working on corporate branding with The Q Hotels Collection. It was one of my favourite projects, where I learned the importance of weaving together the customer and employee experience to create a seamless brand. Back then, whilst I knew better than believing s Brand was just, “Where’s the logo?!” (IYKYK), I didn’t know quite how much deeper brand creation could go.
Interestingly, I went nowhere near branding when I first became an independent coach and consultant. A good friend advised me not to rush into websites or brand identities too soon; I needed time to learn more about myself in this new role. She was absolutely right. So, for 18 months, I hung out with my tagline, “Bring, Breathe, Be,” and a hand-drawn banner on my LinkedIn profile. I was just starting to discover who I was becoming in this new chapter of life.
Then I met Kayleigh.
Beyond the Corporate Mould: A Brand That’s 100% Me
Kayleigh didn’t even have to remind me to break free from those “corporate constraints”—I think it’s safe to say I’ve been doing that for most of my adult life! So, we went straight to the heart of things: What’s my story, and what do I want to bring to others? For me, it’s all about transformation and helping others navigate change. This reflects the evolution I’m going through myself as I enter the second half of my life.
There’s a bold side to me, a side that’s a bit “oh god, what’s she up to now?!” And then there’s this softer, deeper part that’s more about holding space, guiding gently, and creating fluidity in transitions. Think of all the colours you see when light catches water, how it moves on the surface and ripples into the depths. Kayleigh’s job? To capture all of this in my brand.
The Two-Option Moment (and the Tears)
Kayleigh gave me two totally different options for my brand direction:
Option 1 was fluorescent orange/reds and yellow/greens, with bold, solid lines.
Option 2 was a mix of blues, greens, purples, with a hint of pink and gold—all swirling together in softer transitions.
Both were 100% me, but Option 2? Well, it had me in tears. Kayleigh had somehow captured not just who I was but who I was becoming. Option 1 was my earlier story, full of strident boldness, while Option 2 held all the strength with a touch more softness. I knew this was the one because it mirrored where I am now: still ready to jump into ponds, make mischief, and play, but with a little more fluidity and grace.
Pebbles, Ripples, and Being Alluring to Myself
This branding journey with Kayleigh wasn’t just about creating a logo or choosing colours. It was about reflecting my story and the work I want to do in the world. Kayleigh’s prompts helped me dive into what I value, my quirks, my boldness, and my softer side. And I know we got it right because every time I open Canva, see my signature block, or visit my website, I smile from ear to ear. I hope my brand speaks to others the way it speaks to me, not out of vanity, but because this journey into my own depths helped me decide what I truly want to put out into the world.
In the End…
Creating a personal brand is a journey of self-discovery. It’s not about fitting into a mould but about embracing the layers of who you are. Pebbles, ripples, “Bring, Breathe, Be”—these all made the cut because they’re a part of the journey I want to share. I hope my brand continues to evolve with me, reflecting every new layer of who I am and who I’m becoming.
If you’re on your own branding journey, take your time. Begin with your story, stay true to yourself, and never be afraid to hold space for the quirks and colours that make you unique.
This journey into my own brand feels like just the beginning, and who knows where the next ripple will take me.
Bring…Breathe…Be
WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR LIFE? DROP ME A LINE AND LET’S TALK!
Bobby Davis is a qualified executive and team coach with extensive experience in organisational development, business change (the people angle), human resources and personal leadership.
Her coaching experience is against a backdrop of 30+ years working in managerial and human resources/OD roles in the British Army, Not for Profits, Professional Services and most recently with a private equity owned Hotel Group.
She has led the People “strand” within large business transformation programmes, creating people strategies, internal coaching schemes and embedding strong performance cultures, as well as supporting at all levels of an organisation to implement effective change.
She is absolutely passionate in her pursuit to support, challenge and deliver sustainable change for individuals, teams and organisations, one person at a time if necessary!
You can catch her for a chat about coaching, using your body better as a leader and/or supporting you in HR/OD here Bobby Davis FCIPD PCC | LinkedIn
And check out her dulcet tones in “More Than A Lumpy Jumper” - Conversations about Leadership, Life and Learning here More Than a Lumpy Jumper | Podcast on Spotify
