HOW THE RIGHT VISION SHAPES YOUR IDENTITY

Today is the time to explore HOW, and it is not less complex than the WHY.

A brief recap: I am examining the WHY-HOW-WHAT framework behind my project, Brand & Beyond Masterclasses, a new learning approach to Personal Branding.

After defining the WHY (as explained in my previous article), it is now time to investigate the HOW.

THE ROLE OF “HOW”: A VISION THAT GUIDES, NOT A STRATEGY THAT EXECUTES

If defining the WHY was about finding a unique perspective on a broad concept, the HOW is the vision that brings it to life.

• It is not the strategy;

• It is not the action plan;

• It is the guiding vision that shapes everything that follows.

Think of it as the lens through which everything is filtered. It provides clarity and direction, but it is not yet about execution.

A REAL-LIFE ANALOGY: A NIGHT IN THE DESERT

Living in Dubai, an experience I always recommend, whether you are a resident or a tourist, is spending a night in the desert.

Now, there are many different ways to do it.

You can:

• Sleep in a traditional tent, embracing the essence of a nomadic lifestyle;

• Stay in a luxurious glamping setup, where comfort meets nature;

• Choose a concrete structure in the desert, combining a stable foundation with the immersive experience of the surroundings.

Each choice shapes the experience differently. The destination is the same, but the way you envision that experience changes everything.

That vision, your idea of how you want to experience the desert, is the HOW.

It is about setting the expectations, defining the essence, and shaping the experience in a way that aligns with your WHY.

THE MOOD-BOARD OF PERSONAL BRANDING

If WHY is the big-picture vision, like an eagle-eye view from a hot air balloon, then HOW is the first zoom-in.

You start to see details, you begin to recognize patterns, and the image starts to form.

In personal branding, this is the mood board phase.

• Based on your WHY, you start seeing real expressions of your image.

• You connect abstract ideas to practical realizations.

• You begin assembling references that resonate with you.

At this stage, you are not yet selecting the final outfits: you are curating a mix of inspirations. They are already tangible, even if not yet fully wearable.

This phase is crucial in the creative process. It serves as a guiding concept, offering a clearer direction than the WHY while leaving room for evolution.

THE “HOW” OF BRAND & BEYOND MASTERCLASSES

For Brand & Beyond Masterclasses, the HOW is clear.

Learn new perspectives on personal branding through global, open-minded individuals.

This is not the strategy. It is the vision that guides the experience.

I see the HOW of this project as a cross-contamination of ideas. It is about bringing together people from different industries, backgrounds, and cultures, all connected by three fundamental principles:

• A shared belief in the value of personal branding;

• A mindset that embraces openness and curiosity;

• A desire to continuously learn and evolve.

These principles are not only shared by the audience but also by the speakers, creating an environment where learning is a mutual exchange of perspectives rather than a one-directional process.

This is the practical and detailed translation of the WHY:

Be the best version of yourself for yourself

translates into:

Connect with individuals who, like you, value personal branding, openness, and lifelong learning