🧠 How to Build a Personal Brand That Converts Without Feeling Cringe (with Howie Chan)

The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Featuring Howie Chan on The Optimization Toolbox

If you’ve ever felt like building your “personal brand” makes you sound fake, braggy, or—let’s be honest—a little cringe… you’re not alone.

This week, I sat down in person with Howie Chan at the Podcast Crew Online studio in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. (Seriously — shout-out to them. Their team makes the in-studio experience so easy and the quality so good. If you’re local and want to level up your podcast or video setup, check them out at podcastcrew.online.)

💼 Meet Howie Chan

Howie Chan is a founder and brand strategist helping individuals and companies go from unknown to unignorable.

With over 20 years in healthcare, he’s helped launch multiple companies and products, including a multi-billion-dollar spinout from Merck. He continues to consult, speak, and serve as a change agent for organizations navigating transformation.

Today, he also helps experts and leaders build personal and business brands through his coaching programs. As host of Influence Anyone podcast, he’s interviewed thought leaders like Henna Pryor (workplace performance), David Robson(science journalist), and Nir Eyal (habits expert), sharing actionable lessons on influence, attraction, and growth.

With 100 K+ LinkedIn followers, Howie was named Top LinkedIn Creator in Branding & Positioning by Favikon in 2024.

His mission?

“To help 1 million people live their version of legendary by sharing their unique gifts with the world through the power of influence and brand.”

💼 1. Stop Building a “Personal Brand.” Build a