In today’s digital landscape, CIOs need more than technical expertise; they need influence. With executive roles evolving, CIOs are expected to lead enterprise-wide change, often without direct authority. A key to navigating this shift is developing a strong, intentional personal brand that reflects your executive presence.

Key Takeaways on Building Influence as a CIO

1.Your Presence Shapes Your Influence

Presence is how others experience you, and your personal brand is how you’ll be remembered. Together, they shape your influence. People form long-lasting impressions based on quick judgments, so presenting yourself intentionally can create a cycle that strengthens your brand and influence.

2.The Power of an Intentional Brand

Without a deliberate personal brand, you risk being labeled in ways that don’t align with your goals—such as “generic technologist” or “safe pair of hands.” Knowing how others perceive you and intentionally shaping that perception is essential for building the influence you need to succeed.

3.Recalibrate, Don’t Reinvent

Building an effective brand doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Often, it’s about making small adjustments to align your presence with your goals. Use your distinct qualities to redefine your role, showing how technology is integral to the organization’s success—and so are you.

4.Identify Your Aspirational and Anti-Brand

Develop two lists: words that define how you want to be known (aspirational brand) and words you want to avoid (anti-brand). These lists provide clear guidance on how to show up every day, reinforcing the brand you want to build.

5.Discover How Others See You

Your audience defines your brand. Gather feedback through self-observation and conversations to identify recurring themes in how others perceive you. This insight reveals areas where you can amplify your strengths and address blind spots.

6.Refine Your Brand for Distinction

Focus on what makes you uniquely valuable. This “zone of distinction” combines market needs, your values, and your market value, shaping a brand that’s both authentic and compelling.

7.Distill Your Brand to a Promise

Boil down your brand’s essence into a few words or a brand promise. This statement of value communicates what others can expect from you, guiding how you present yourself across platforms and in professional interactions.

Why This Matters

In the complex, fast-evolving role of CIO, influence can make all the difference. An intentional personal brand amplifies your ability to lead, build partnerships, and secure the resources you need to drive meaningful change.

Embrace this process, and start building the cycle of influence today.