From Dream to Reality: Giving My First Keynote at Google on Personal Branding

For me, one of those dreams was giving a keynote at Google

This week, that dream became reality.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, I had the privilege of speaking at Google about Personal Branding and career visibility: a topic that has become increasingly important in today’s professional landscape.

It was an unforgettable experience filled with inspiration, connection, and a powerful reminder:
the way we communicate our value can shape our careers just as much as our qualifications.

Why Personal Branding Matters More Than Ever

One truth becomes increasingly obvious as careers evolve:

The most successful careers rarely belong to the most qualified people.
They belong to the people who are clear about what they stand for (and brave enough to communicate it).

In a world where expertise alone is no longer enough, visibility has become a critical career skill.

Personal Branding is not about self-promotion or being the loudest voice in the room. Instead, it’s about:

• Clearly understanding what you stand for

• Consistently communicating your expertise and perspective

• Helping others recognize the value you bring

When done well, Personal Branding creates alignment between your work, your values, and how others perceive you.

And that alignment opens doors.

You Don’t Need to Be Loud to Be Visible

One of the biggest misconceptions about Personal Branding is that you have to become a constant self-promoter.

That simply isn’t true.

Visibility doesn’t require being loud, it requires being intentional.

Small actions can dramatically increase your professional visibility:

• Sharing insights from your work or industry

• Contributing to discussions in your field

• Supporting and amplifying others

• Being clear about the problems you solve

Often, one thoughtful post, conversation, or presentation can shift how people perceive your expertise.

Visibility grows step by step.

A Powerful International Women’s Day Conversation

Speaking at Google for International Women’s Day made the experience even more meaningful.

What stood out most was the diversity of the audience, including many male colleagues who joined the conversation.

That’s an important signal.

Advancing careers, visibility, and leadership opportunities is not a conversation for women alone. Real progress happens through collaboration.

When people from different backgrounds engage in these discussions, they help build workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to be seen and heard.

The Power of a Supportive Network

No career milestone happens in isolation.

Behind every opportunity is a network of people who encourage, support, and open doors.

I’m incredibly grateful for the strong women in my network who continuously inspire me, especially:

• Sarah Abail, Account Strategist @ Google

• Elaine Fitzsimons, CEO and Founder of The Matcha Bar

• Siofra McGuinness, Director of McGuiness Forwarding

• Hannah Joyce, CEO and Founder of flexera

I have rarely met more inspiring and confident women who built their own businesses while lifting others along the way.

Their example is a constant reminder that success grows stronger when it is shared.

A Final Thought: Be Intentional With Your Visibility

Your career is not only shaped by the work you do.

It’s shaped by how clearly others understand the value you bring.

You don’t need to change who you are.
You don’t need to be the loudest voice.

But being slightly more intentional about your visibility can transform the opportunities that come your way.

And sometimes, it might even lead you to a moment you once only dreamed about (like giving a keynote at Google).