Blogging Buddy: Claire Cooper
I wanted to be like Christiane Amanpour and Anderson Cooper of CNN in the early days of my broadcast career: a celebrity journalist. After seven years of journalism, I no longer desire to be like them. I have an identity of my own now, and a path that is uniquely Namgay Zam’s. Both Amanpour and Cooper wouldn’t be able to walk this path of mine as confidently as I do, just like I wouldn’t be able to do what Amanpour or Cooper do so well. A copy can never be the original. I continue to be inspired by them and others like the Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci, but I don’t aspire to be them. I aspire to be the best that Namgay Zam can be.
I would like to have a global brand, but not at the cost of my personal brand. If I had to choose between the two, I’d give up the former for the latter.
No to global branding
A global brand is popular; it has mass appeal. It is commercial. I am not comfortable with that. I feel that a personal brand is more authentic. It is more me: my ideals, my values, and who I am, not who I am supposed to be.
Fame and success came quickly to me, although I did not work towards that end consciously. Even personal branding was unintentional. I just enjoyed what I did one hundred percent. And I have always been honest. Passion and openness have brought me to where I am today. But along with the sweetness of accomplishment, I have also tasted the sourness of public ire. One becomes public property: people think they own you. They feel entitled to tell you how to think, what to wear, and what to say. My experiences have helped me develop a thick skin. It is a necessary survival mechanism.
Risks of a global brand:
The risks associated with having a personal brand would definitely be amplified for a global brand. This comparison brings to my mind the story of David and Goliath. A global brand is like Goliath- huge and intimidating as much as it is awe-inspiring. Many doors will open for you because of the global appeal you have, but when you fall, everyone will know how you failed. Just like Goliath.
I am happy being David. I am happy NOT having a global brand.
