In Episode 241 of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I reconnect with someone whose growth journey I’ve witnessed firsthand—Marina Byezhanova. She’s not just a remarkable entrepreneur and thought leader; she’s also someone I’ve had the privilege to coach during her early years in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Accelerator program. Today, she’s the co-founder of Brand of a Leader, a global personal branding agency that helps CEOs and founders show up powerfully and authentically in a noisy world.

Marina's journey is one of identity, courage, and clarity. Born in Ukraine, she immigrated to Canada as a teenager, carrying the weight of reinvention on her shoulders. Her story isn't just about entrepreneurship—it's about the transformation that happens when we stop hiding and start standing in our truth.

Her Paper Napkin Wisdom is handwritten and bold: "Stand out. Speak up. Be radically authentic." At the top, she’s penned “BOAL”—the acronym for her company, Brand of a Leader—a testament to how deeply this message is woven into her life and work.

Marina’s message came from years of personal experience and introspection. “It took me many years to realize that this is my north star,” she shared. “And over time, as I started a personal branding agency for founders and CEOs, it became their north star too.”

She talked openly about her early years trying to fit in—years of hoping no one would ask where she was from, years of trying to blend in rather than stand out. “All I wanted was for people not to hear my accent when I said hello,” she told me. But over time, Marina discovered the power in not just showing up—but showing up loudly, proudly, and with purpose.

Her transformation wasn’t overnight. It was iterative, painful at times, and vulnerable. But in that vulnerability, she found strength. “There is something really compelling when we are radically authentic,” she said, emphasizing that radical authenticity isn’t just a marketing strategy—it’s a way of being.

What stood out in our conversation is Marina’s clarity of purpose: her belief that personal branding isn’t about ego or vanity—it’s about alignment. It’s about letting the outside world see the leader you truly are on the inside. In a digital age where we’re all building brands—intentionally or not—her insight is both a wake-up call and a guiding light.

She reminded us that standing out doesn’t require volume—it requires resonance. That speaking up isn’t about dominating—it’s about contributing. And that authenticity isn’t a buzzword—it’s a daily practice of integrity.

5 Key Takeaways from Marina Byezhanova on Paper Napkin Wisdom

1. Authenticity Is Your Brand

“Radical authenticity is not a buzzword—it’s your superpower.”

Take Action: Audit your public presence (LinkedIn, bios, website) and ask: Is this really me? If not, refine it until it is.

2. You Can’t Lead If You’re Hiding

“I spent years blending in, afraid to stand out. But leaders aren’t made in the shadows.”

Take Action: Identify one way you’re holding back—and commit to showing up more boldly this week.

3. Your Voice Matters, Even If It Shakes

“Speaking up doesn’t mean shouting. It means sharing with purpose.”

Take Action: Publish one post or comment today that reflects your real thoughts—especially if it scares you a little.

4. Your Brand Is Built by Design or by Default

“If you’re not intentional about your brand, you still have one—just not the one you want.”

Take Action: Set three adjectives you want people to associate with your name. Now check if your online footprint reflects them.

5. Full Circle Moments Are Fuel

“Growth is beautiful when you can look back and say, ‘I’ve become who I was meant to be.’”

Take Action: Write a note or message to someone who helped you in your journey. Share your gratitude—it reinforces growth.

Marina’s message is one every entrepreneur, founder, and difference-maker needs to hear: Don’t wait to be invited to the stage. Build your own. Then own it.

Want to connect with Marina or learn more about how she helps founders become visible and impactful leaders? Visit Brand of a Leader or connect with her on LinkedIn.

And as always, I challenge you: What’s your Paper Napkin Wisdom? Share it with us using the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Post it. Share it. Live it.