KAMPALA, Uganda — Professional reputation and the ability to earn trust are more critical to building influence than job titles, speakers told a gathering of professionals at the second Personal Branding Masterclass on Friday.
The event, hosted by the Kampala-based agency Brand Help, brought together institutional leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives to discuss how personal identity and visibility translate into professional opportunities. Held Jan. 30 at Protea Skyz Hotel, the session focused on the long-term discipline required to maintain a credible public and professional image.
Lyn Tukei, founder of Brand Help and a personal branding expert, told attendees that influence is not something that can be manufactured quickly when a person enters the public eye.
“Influence today is built long before the spotlight,” Tukei said. “It is shaped by clarity, consistency and the discipline to show up with intention. A strong personal brand does not chase attention; it earns trust.”
The masterclass featured a panel of prominent speakers who shared insights from their respective industries. The group included Simba Group Chairman Patrick Bitature, Bank of Uganda lead economist Pumla Nabachwa, news anchor Sandra Kahumuza and Swift Minds CEO Wasswa Moses. The diverse perspectives highlighted how strategic positioning and authenticity function across different sectors of the economy.
During the discussions, Tukei emphasized that while a high-ranking position may grant an individual access to certain spaces, it is their personal brand that determines their effectiveness and longevity.
“Your title may open the door, but your reputation determines how long you stay in the room,” Tukei said.
The workshop addressed practical themes such as clarifying professional narratives, building purposeful thought leadership and using digital and offline platforms to convert visibility into career growth. Tukei added that in an increasingly crowded professional landscape, “relevance belongs to those who are remembered for value, not volume.”
Brand Help provides public relations consultancy and tailored brand strategies. Through this second edition of the masterclass, the firm aimed to equip individuals with tools to command trust and influence decision-making within their organizations and industries.
