Introverts are having a moment. Recently, while testing a custom developed personal branding toolkit for young leaders in Nairobi, Dereck, a sharp, professional looking young man, raised his hand. "Could we include any branding tips for introverts?" he asked quietly but with confidence, betraying he is an introvert himself. We reached out to Mike Radke, founder of Ubuntu Lab and Ion studios, a vocal introvert, for advice.

Pauline: We wanted to understand from someone who is an introvert and who is thriving in his career, how you can build a brand as an introvert while being true to yourself and comfortable with the outcome. 

Mike: “I believe there are two characteristics to introverts. A: We don’t stand up easily. I am an academic, that is where I am at my best. B: I am reluctant to talk about my self. The focus should not be on me, the focus is on interesting stuff or interesting people. I should serve the brand, the brand should not serve me.”

We can’t all be Marie Forleo’s and the world would be in a poor state if that was the case.

So how do you build a brand that works for you as an introvert?

“Put your team or the people you serve or the impact you pursue at the heart of your brand. A brand based on humility is a brand that will earn the respect and love of a lot of people.”

Macmillan Cancer Support puts their volunteers and nurses in the spotlight. Barefoot College shows accomplishments of its female solar engineers.

Another way to get the attention away from yourself as a person is to create an organisational brand, even if you are a solopreneur.

Mike: “Take for example the Red cross or Amnesty International: these are brands that are wildly recognisable and successful but not at all personality driven.”

Mike Radke is the owner and founder of ION studios and the maker of the ImpactKit, a workshop in a box that helps you learn about the basic methods of social impact. He’s also the founder of Ubuntu Center, an educational organization dedicated to help people understand people.