Authenticity Key for Leaders to Build a Strong Personal Brand

By: Kamini Shahani, Senior Director, Global Capability Center, Marsh McLennan - India

Kamini has over two decades of experience in Operations and Customer Service, specializing in Insurance. Currently Senior Director at Marsh McLennan’s Global Capability Center in India, she also champions inclusion as Chair of the Women Leadership Forum and leads the LGBTQI+ Colleague Resource Group.

In an insightful interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine, Kamini shares leadership insights for women professionals. She talks about effectively balancing leadership demands with personal branding, challenging common misconceptions about women leaders, and rewriting internal narratives to build a confident executive presence.

To know more about Kamini Shahani’s thoughts on building stronger women leaders, read the interview below.

In your role at Marsh McLennan, how do you balance the demands of leadership with the need to cultivate your personal brand? What strategies have you found effective?

Balancing the demands of leadership with personal branding is like conducting a symphony; it requires harmony and intentionality. One of the most effective strategies I've employed is to integrate my personal brand into my leadership style rather than viewing them as separate entities. I prioritize authenticity by staying true to my values and beliefs in every interaction.

For instance, I actively advocate for causes that matter to me, such as leading the Women Leadership Forum and the LGBTQ+ CRG. In these roles, I share my journey, highlighting both successes and setbacks, which resonate with working women and the wider community, fostering a culture of openness and inclusion. I also leverage storytelling as a powerful tool; by sharing relatable experiences, reinforcing my brand as a leader who values transparency and resilience.

Additionally, I prioritize continuous learning and self-reflection, regularly seeking feedback from my peers and team members, which helps me refine my approach and stay aligned with the changing times and narratives. This feedback loop not only enhances my leadership effectiveness, but also strengthens my personal brand as someone who is committed to growth and collaboration.

Ultimately, I believe when you lead with purpose and authenticity, your personal brand naturally evolves, creating a lasting impact that goes beyond titles and roles. It’s about being a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for others, and that’s what truly defines my leadership journey.

What are some misconceptions about women leaders that you’ve encountered, and how do you address them in your professional life?

One common misconception about women leaders is they must adopt a more aggressive or traditionally masculine style to be taken seriously. I address this by embracing my authentic self, which is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity. I demonstrate that strength can manifest in many forms, including vulnerability and emotional intelligence. I am intentional in leading by example, mentoring other women, encouraging open dialogue and advocating for policies that promote gender equality.

I encourage my team to leverage their unique strengths, fostering an environment where collaboration is not viewed as a sign of weakness but a strategic advantage.

It’s essential to create an environment where all leadership styles are valued, proving that true leadership is about impact, not conformity.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly boosted your confidence?

I have had a few pivotal moments in my career early on which shaped my career and my values as a professional leader. One, when I was selected for a job with the pilot team at Jardine Lloyd Thompson. It was a completely new industry, new profile, working for a global organization and it was a big step to move out of my comfort zone.

Initially, I felt overwhelmed, but very quickly I was able to learn the business with the trust instilled in me by my leadership. This trust had a visceral impact and ignited my confidence which led to my personal growth.

Another occasion was when JLT India was nominated in the global Jardine Matheson Awards in Hongkong and I was chosen to be part of the group along with the senior leadership team to receive the award.

That was a huge testament to the fact that my efforts in building the team and the organization were being appreciated by the India Senior Leadership team. The positive impact of the work that we do inspired me to work harder and propelled me in my journey to be more confident and to always have a growth mindset.

How do you ensure that your personal brand remains authentic to who you are, especially in a professional setting?

I believe in keeping it real. Maintaining authenticity in my personal brand is essential. I ensure that my values and beliefs guide my professional decisions. By openly sharing my experiences and insights, I create opportunities for others to connect with me on a deeper level. It’s important to own your choices and have the courage of conviction. Authenticity builds trust, and I see it as the cornerstone of a strong personal brand.

Always have the courage to do what is right, even when the odds are stacked against you. Your true character is revealed in how you act and behave when no one is watching.

How important has mentorship been in building your confidence, and what advice would you give to someone seeking a mentor?

I have had the privilege of having some outstanding mentors in my life – people who have played that role formally and informally. My mentors have provided guidance, encouragement, and constructive criticism, which has helped me believe in myself and overcome some tough challenges.

Being able to pass that back to people who have asked me to mentor them has also helped play a role in my learning and development. I encourage others to seek mentors who resonate with their values and aspirations. Once you do have your mentor, put in the work, build a relationship based on trust and open communication so that it can provide the support needed to build confidence and achieve professional goals."

What internal narratives do high-potential women professionals need to rewrite to translate expertise into confident executive presence?

High-potential women professionals need to rewrite their internal narratives to embrace their unique strengths and capabilities. Instead of merely going the mile or even the extra mile, they should aim to go long distance, with ease and confidence. Finding your own inimitable skill is essential; identify what sets you apart and leverage it unapologetically. I believe family and your immediate environment also plays a critical role. Breaking the stereotypes and treating each other as equals and as partners, can play a vital role in the future success and confidence of young women in the corporate world.

When faced with detractors, handle their criticism unabashedly, using it as fuel to propel you forward. It’s crucial to work hard, stay focused, and remain committed to your goals with a strong work ethic. Make decisions based on strong research and move forward with hope and possibilities rather than fear or doubt. Remember hard work, thoughtful choices, and persistence are key to success.

When you have put in the work and achieved success, remember to lift others up and keep the door of opportunity open for people behind you.