How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in executive branding? What is one resource you find valuable?

Question

Staying ahead in the fast-paced world of executive branding requires access to cutting-edge strategies and knowledge. This article distills expert insights and practical tips across a spectrum of resources to keep professionals at the forefront of industry trends. From leveraging professional networks to the latest in artificial intelligence, discover the tools that leading experts are using to shape personal and corporate branding success.

Ana Malovrh · Answer

I rely on professional networks and associations like AICI (Association of Image Consultants International). In my experience, they provide and follow the most accurate and up-to-date trends and are grounded in expertise.
For someone outside the fashion industry, however, I would recommend browsing Pinterest. It provides timeless and practical inspiration without overblown promotional and paid advertising.

Amber Masciorini · Answer

To stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in executive branding, I rely on a mix of industry insights and direct journalist feedback. One of my go-to resources is subscribing to Substacks from journalists who regularly share pitch callouts and expert requests. It's incredibly valuable to hear directly from them about what they're looking for and what makes a pitch stand out.
I also make it a priority to stay plugged into podcasts across the industries my thought leader clients are in. This helps me track trending conversations, understand what's resonating with a broader audience, and refine my approach to positioning clients in ways that align with current interests and media needs.

Tiffany Knighten · Answer

Staying ahead in executive branding requires more than chasing trends—it's about sustainability and building a strategy that aligns with the executive's strengths and long-term goals. I focus on a LinkedIn-first strategy because it's the best platform for thought leadership and professional engagement. I regularly tap into LinkedIn newsletters, Substack publications, and Slack communities to stay informed and inspired.
For executives, branding is not one-size-fits-all. Creating a custom strategy that best positions them to thrive is essential. This means selecting a core medium that plays to their strengths, whether long-form written content, going live to engage directly, short-form video, or audio content like podcasts. By prioritizing substance and consistency over growth hacks, we create an authentic and sustainable brand presence.

Tim Hanson · Answer

I'm pretty skeptical of most "best practices" content out there. In my experience, by the time something becomes a "best practice," it's usually already outdated. Here's what actually works for me: I run my own tests and experiments. With executive branding, just like with SEO and content, I've found that hands-on testing teaches you way more than any trend report or best practices guide ever will.
The most valuable resource isn't a specific newsletter or platform - it's building a network of other practitioners who are actually doing the work. I've got a small group of other consultants and business owners who share what's actually working (and more importantly, what's not) in real-time. We skip the fluff and share real results. This beats any "thought leadership" article because we're seeing the actual impact on real businesses, not just theorizing about what might work.

Faizan Khan · Answer

I frequently attend webinars, listen to podcasts, and read industry blogs to stay current on the latest trends and best practices in executive branding. Attending conferences and networking with colleagues also enables me to get new perspectives. The Harvard Business Review is one site that I think is quite helpful. I can better understand how great CEOs construct their public personas because of its comprehensive essays and case studies on leadership, personal branding, and commercial strategies. I also stay up to date on new findings and developments that have a direct bearing on executive branding thanks to the HBR newsletter. Maintaining a solid, authentic online and offline presence for the executives I work with is essential to establishing credibility and trust; thus, it's imperative that I stay up to date in this industry.

Emma Sargsyan · Answer

If you are in PR, Communications, and Personal Branding, the world around you changes particularly fast. In order not to be kicked out of the market, you have to stay up to date every second. At the same time, there is so much information noise that it makes it very hard to differentiate the important changes from less important and relevant ones.There are different ways I try to catch what's happening and what is relevant. Firstly, I make it a priority to constantly engage with a combination of industry insights, expert discussions, and real-world applications. This includes reading influential publications, attending high-level conferences, and leveraging insights from my network of PR professionals, business leaders, and branding experts.One resource I find particularly valuable is Harvard Business Review. Their articles often provide a deeper understanding of how executives can cultivate and communicate their personal brand to enhance both their professional image and organizational success. The insights from thought leaders published there help me refine strategies and stay ahead of emerging trends in executive branding.I also prioritize hands-on experiences with clients, as every executive's brand is unique. This practical knowledge allows me to tailor strategies that resonate with their personal story while aligning with their business objectives.

Kristin Marquet · Answer

At Marquet Media and FemFounder, staying ahead in executive branding requires a mix of real-time media monitoring, industry analysis, and direct engagement with top-tier business leaders and journalists. One of the most valuable resources we rely on is high-level PR and branding reports from top media intelligence platforms like Meltwater and Cision, which provide insights into emerging trends, media sentiment, and shifts in thought leadership positioning.Beyond media analytics, we actively track how executives and personal brands are evolving through top business publications like Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur—not just for their content but also to analyze the strategies behind which executives are gaining visibility, how they're positioning themselves, and what narratives are resonating.Additionally, we engage in private industry networks and invite-only PR groups, exchanging insights with fellow branding and media professionals on what's working in executive branding, influencer positioning, and high-impact storytelling. Staying ahead is about understanding what's trending now and predicting what's next—and leveraging that knowledge to craft branding strategies that make executives truly indispensable in their industry.

Milan Kordestani · Answer

Staying updated on the latest trends and best practices in executive branding is crucial in our fast-evolving digital landscape. One resource I find invaluable is leveraging AI tools to analyze data and gain customer insights, a practice we've integrated at Ankord Media. This approach has significantly enriched our strategic decision-making, allowing us to tailor our brand solutions effectively.
Being hands-on is another strategy I swear by. During a recent rebranding initiative at Ankord Labs, we employed competitor analysis and creative A/B testing, refining our approach to exceed client expectations. This process sharpened our strategy, improving brand storytelling and audience connection.
Additionally, I immerse myself in relevant publications and platforms where industry leaders share their insights. My writing experience with Forbes and HuffPost helps keep me attuned to the latest business, technology, and culture trends, ensuring that our branding methodologies are always cutting-edge and impactful.

Priyanka Prajapati · Answer

Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in executive branding requires a combination of continuous learning, industry networking, and leveraging high-quality resources. I actively follow thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, where experts share insights on personal branding, leadership positioning, and digital reputation management. Engaging in relevant industry events, webinars, and workshops also helps in gaining firsthand knowledge from professionals who specialize in executive branding. 
One of the most valuable resources I rely on is the Harvard Business Review (HBR). It offers in-depth articles, case studies, and research-backed insights on leadership branding, reputation management, and career growth. HBR provides actionable strategies from top executives and branding specialists, helping professionals refine their personal brand to align with evolving market expectations. Their content is well-researched, making it a reliable source for staying ahead in the executive branding space. 
Beyond reading, I believe in actively implementing what I learn. By analyzing real-world branding strategies of successful executives, experimenting with personal brand messaging, and optimizing online presence, I ensure continuous improvement. Whether it's refining LinkedIn profiles, contributing thought leadership content, or leveraging SEO for visibility, staying adaptable and strategic is key to effective executive branding.

Meghan Calhoun · Answer

I keep up with trends and best practices in executive branding by engaging in continuous learning, particularly through my work with Positive Intelligence, which I'm getting certified in. This framework is powerful for developing emotional intelligence and mindfulness, essential parts of any executive brand. My work experience, spanning industries from television to sales, taught me the importance of adaptability—something that contributes significantly to personal branding.
One valuable resource is the insights we gather from Give River's analytics dashboard. It provides real-time feedback and employee engagement metrics, which allow me to understand what resonates with people on deeper levels. For instance, data collected from our platform showed that recognition significantly boosts engagement and productivity, which is crucial for branding as an effective leader.
From my podcast "Don't Just Manifest, Megafest," I've learned that storytelling is a powerful tool in executive branding. Sharing real, relatable experiences fosters connection, demonstrating authenticity and relatability—key elements in shaping an executive's brand. These stories not only engage the audience but also serve as a means for personal growth and community building, both essential for sustaining a strong brand.

Justin Belmont · Answer

Staying ahead in executive branding means diving into where thought leadership lives: LinkedIn. It's my go-to for spotting trends, seeing what content performs, and how top leaders position themselves. I also keep tabs on newsletters like **Marketing Brew** or **Fast Company**, which highlight fresh takes on leadership branding and personal PR. The key? Watching how execs turn their experiences into stories that resonate-it's the ultimate masterclass in staying relevant and relatable.

Clayton Johnson TCM · Answer

As someone deeply immersed in digital marketing and SEO through my work at TWINCITY.COM, staying up-to-date on executive branding trends is crucial. I lean heavily on competitor analysis, focusing on what others in the industry are doing effectively. For instance, I once identified a recurring theme in backlinks from an influential industry blog across top competitors, which led to a strategic content collaboration that boosted our SEO and resulted in a 30% increase in organic traffic.
I also integrate AI tools into my workflow to streamline content creation, making it more efficient without sacrificing quality. For example, using AI-driven content generation platforms has halved the time taken to draft content, while still maintaining high engagement metrics. This allows me to focus more on strategy and adapting to market changes swiftly.
Understanding consumer insights is another key component. By leveraging detailed data analysis and customer feedback, we recently shifted our product offerings to align with eco-friendly trends, which resulted in a significant boost in sales. This approach of integrating consumer behavior into branding strategies ensures our messaging and offerings remain relevant and appealing. In my role at Twin City Marketing, staying ahead in executive branding involves a blend of strategic digital PR and continuous market monitoring. I prioritize creating targeted communication plans that resonate with our audience, ensuring our digital footprint remains strong. For instance, after analyzing market trends and effective PR methods, I pivoted our backlink strategy post-Google algorithm update, focusing on high-quality content collaborations, which bolstered our SEO performance.
Another valuable resource is structured data implementation, especially for voice search optimization. By using FAQ schema markup on our content pages, we've improved visibility for voice queries, directly increasing our audience reach. Constant adaptation to these evolving trends has been crucial in maintaining effective executive branding strategies.

Sean Swain · Answer

Staying updated with trends and best practices, especially in executive branding, is crucial for my business's growth and sustainability. I prioritize hands-on experiences and diverse learning sources. When I first started renting out on Airbnb, I noticed the growing importance of offering unique local experiences, which was a trend catching fire. By integrating local culture into my rentals, such as collaborating with Detroit-based artisans and businesses to offer unique guest experiences, I improved my brand and differentiated my offerings, leading to increased bookings and higher guest satisfaction scores.I also focus on market research by directly interacting with my customers and partners. For instance, forming strategic alliances with local hospital HR departments and corporate housing agencies in Detroit allowed me to align my services with the needs of working professionals. This direct feedback loop helped me refine my executive branding approach to better serve niche markets like corporate travelers and nurses. Keeping abreast of local economic trends, such as Detroit's revitalization efforts, enables my brand to stay relevant and resonate with current and potential clients.

Natalia Lavrenenko · Answer

Staying on top of executive branding trends means keeping an eye on insights that fit real-world challenges. My go-to resource is the Exec Branding Weekly digest, which drops useful updates and clear examples from top industry voices. I find that these tips spark ideas for fresh content and help shape campaign direction. Practical advice from the digest sparks new ideas and makes the day-to-day work more exciting.
Regularly checking the digest has helped me spot shifts in tone and approach that work well in my role. The resource serves as a quick guide to emerging ideas that I can experiment with during content creation. It offers bite-sized information that fits into a busy schedule while still sparking creative solutions. The updates deliver useful examples that inspire a hands-on approach to refining branding efforts.

Inge Von Aulock · Answer

I maintain my executive brand through a focused content strategy on LinkedIn, creating weekly thought leadership posts that share insights from my corporate and entrepreneurial journey. Beyond social media, I host a monthly virtual roundtable with other executives in my network where we discuss emerging leadership trends and share best practices, creating a valuable feedback loop of current industry knowledge. 
For staying ahead of trends, I dedicate two hours every Friday morning to read Harvard Business Review's latest research and executive case studies, finding their mix of academic research and real-world applications particularly valuable for developing strategic insights. This systematic approach to content creation and knowledge gathering ensures my brand remains current while providing genuine value to my network.

Sylvie Di Giusto · Answer

Hello there,
I noticed your request for insights on staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in executive branding. As a keynote speaker and author specializing in leadership perception and personal branding, I thought I'd chime in.
Executive branding is a moving target. What worked five years ago—a polished headshot, a sharp LinkedIn bio, and the occasional thought leadership piece—isn't enough anymore. So to stay ahead I commit to regularly...
Studying behavioral science: Branding isn't just about marketing; it's about human psychology. Understanding how people form perceptions (and how biases shape credibility) helps me guide executives in making stronger, more intentional branding choices.
Tracking social and digital trends: From LinkedIn's algorithm shifts to the rise of AI-driven personal branding tools, I keep a close eye on how platforms evolve so executives can stay relevant.
Observing generational shifts in leadership branding: I pay close attention to how branding strategies evolve to meet different leadership expectations, values, and communication styles.
Learning directly from executives: I work closely with C-suite leaders across industries, so I'm constantly seeing firsthand how their branding challenges shift with economic, cultural, and technological changes.
Analyzing case studies of high-profile leaders: I regularly examine how well-known executives shape (or reshape) their brands in the face of success, controversy, or industry disruption. Watching real-time branding wins and missteps offers invaluable lessons.
What is one resource I find valuable? I guess recommending one of my own books would be blatant self-promotion ;-) , so instead, I'll share one of my absolute favorites from a colleague—Phil M. Jones's "Exactly What to Say."
In my work, I help executives refine their appearance, behavior, communication, digital footprint, and environment to build a strong, intentional brand. And when it comes to communication, Phil's book is hands-down one of the best resources out there. It's a masterclass (and easy read) in the psychology of words—how subtle shifts in language can make an executive more persuasive, impactful, and credible. Every leader looking to elevate their brand should have it on their shelf.
Hope these insights help you and your readers! If you'd like to dive deeper, I'd love to contribute more. Looking forward to your piece!
Best regards,Sylvie

16 Resources to Stay Updated On Executive Branding Trends

16 Resources to Stay Updated On Executive Branding Trends

Rely on Professional Networks and Pinterest

Subscribe to Substacks and Listen to Podcasts

Focus on LinkedIn and Custom Strategies

Run Tests and Build Practitioner Networks

Attend Webinars and Read Harvard Business Review

Engage with Industry Insights and Conferences

Monitor Media and Analyze Top Business Publications

Leverage AI Tools and Competitor Analysis

Follow Thought Leaders and Attend Industry Events

Use Positive Intelligence and Gather Real-Time Feedback

Dive into LinkedIn and Read Marketing Newsletters

Analyze Competitors and Use AI Tools

Offer Unique Local Experiences and Market Research

Read Exec Branding Weekly for Practical Tips

Create LinkedIn Content and Read Harvard Business Review

Study Behavioral Science and Digital Trends