Welcome to the Identity Revolution, I’m so happy you’re here, and I welcome you to our cause.

I want to make sure that everyone has a full understanding and appreciation of personal branding, and why it is so important, and how it affects and involves every single aspect of your life.

Before we can really get into the meat of it, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. 

There are many with strong opinions about what people think and call image, when in reality they are simply talking about fashion. Not even style, but just the clothing itself. And yes, there is a difference. They think it’s only about surface appearance. Just about what people wear. And how they shouldn’t be judged on something so shallow, materialistic, and I couldn’t really agree more.

We shouldn’t be judged – but we are. We can’t help it. Humans are natural visual creatures, and judgements are made within 3-7 seconds on average, based solely on visual stimuli and personal expectations and social constructs. And unless you’re of the small crowd that has gone through emotional intelligence training, and done extensive inner work on self-awareness, and is able to keep themselves in check constantly – not only do you and will you judge, but you get judged. There is not much you can do to get around it. 

There are scientific studies that have proven that how someone is dressed sets an expectation for the viewer on how to accept that person, what to expect from that person, if that person is trustworthy and how that person makes you feel. The term that came out of one of these studies is enclothing cognition – which in summary is how you perceive someone based on how they dress. We’ll dig into that more in another episode, and I really geek out when I talk about it. And there are other research studies, and articles, and discoveries, and so much scientific reporting on the subject.

Oh, and when you combine all that scientific support, and years of experience and training, you get me.

Hello😊.

Another common example we can all relate to – when you’re going to a party or some sort of event, one of the first questions you ask or information you look for is…the dress code. Why? Because you want to belong. Because you want to look like you’re a part of the group, and you won’t stand out for the wrong reason. 

So what is that huge elephant I referred to earlier?

That people say they don’t have or need a personal brand.

I get really upset when people don’t realize, accept, or acknowledge the importance of a personal brand.

Or of how important what you wear truly is, at least in some situations.

And that because what you wear is a reflection of you and what you think about yourself, at least for that particular situation. I get that wearing your comfy pjs at home (which I willingly admit that I change into the minute I get home or step away from my home office) is very different than what you wear to work, or to a party or even to go shopping. 

It’s also that most don’t understand that what you wear is the least important part of your branding, and they get so darned defensive about it.

And I call it the least important because it’s the last thing you need to think about when working on your brand.

....keep listening for more!....

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Email me: karen@karenkbannister.com

What is an Identity Revolution?

"Identity Revolution" is a movement, a mindset – and where I invite you to confirm your acceptance and love of self. It reflects recent changes and developments in the ways individuals view, understand, and express their personal identity. 

This can involve changes in attitudes and beliefs about gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, culture, and other aspects of personal identity. The rise of social media, globalization, and greater exposure to different cultures and lifestyles have all contributed to the shift towards more fluid and diverse definitions of personal identity.

And I’m so in. All in. For everyone.

We are all free to claim our innate identity. We are all meant be free to express it as we see fit.

And it’s just that – personal. It’s you. It’s about your view, opinion, and beliefs about yourself. 

It’s about designing and creating your personal brand and image from a place of authenticity with a goal to please and satisfy you and create internal validation, while also learning to deflect and reject judgement, denial, and opinions of others. It’s about ensuring that your message – on all levels and in all forms – is sent out into the universe with your exact intent on how you want to communicate it. 

When designing and creating a personal brand, all the while embracing your true self and finding ways to express it freely, we also need to acknowledge and accept the flip side. The part over which we have NO control: how others receive your message. Zilch. Nada. That’s on them. And you’re up against human nature. We are visual creatures, and those who have not done the immense work to become self-aware and emotionally intelligent form biased opinions about you within seconds. SECONDS. 

Consider this: why are marketing companies paid millions to create awareness and generate interest in products and services? Because they help communicate the value of offerings to customers and persuade them to choose a brand over competitors, which ultimately drives sales of a product or service by identifying and fulfilling the needs and wants of target customers.

They do this by building and maintaining relationships with customers and increasing brand loyalty.

And by speaking directly to their target customers who are known to understand their messaging.

Your response to all this may be: “I don’t care. I am who I am, and you should accept me for that. What I wear shouldn’t matter.” 

I do agree. I want you to embrace everything about you, learn more about you, and live your fullest and freest life. And, I also want to clarify that what you wear is only one facet of your brand. But like I said above, it’s not that simple. Communication isn’t one-sided. In fact, unless there is a giver and a receiver, communication doesn’t exist. And, again, we’re dealing with human nature and societal norms and expectations (think about how doctors and lawyers are expected to look and dress. We’ll start talking about the science of this very soon.)

That's why you need to be a part of the Revolution. 

Be brave. Push back. Love yourself. Remain resolute and consistent in your messaging and who you are. Truly understand and embrace your own identity, attitude, and belief on every level.  

And if they don’t get you – they’re not your people. Go find your tribe.

Thank you again for listening and joining me on this journey. Help me spread the word to get this revolution to take hold. 

Connect with and follow me!
Email me: karen@karenkbannister.com

Hi everyone, I have some exciting news – I’m launching a new podcast!

Identity Revolution – and you’re probably asking…what is that? It’s about breaking the rules of image and branding and creating authentic confidence and credibility, being your message, and communicating on your OWN terms.

We’ll dig into the Personal Branding and what exactly that means…and the secret is – whether you want one or not, you already have one. But you do you know what it is, and is, and is it accurate? 

So I’ll introduce the 7 Pillars of Personal Branding

We’ll talk about the science – yes the SCIENCE – behind image and branding. 

And there are so many other things I want to share with you…

I have some guests in mind, both local to me in Nashville and across the country, covering different industries and topics and ideas and…well, you get the picture.

So if you’re ready to talk about all that, you’re in the right place. Welcome to the identity revolution podcast.

And by the way – my name is Karen Bannister, and I’m a certified life coach and image consultant, who has spent the last 30 years learning skills and having experiences that will benefit you on your journey. I’m constantly reading and learning, have my own coaches and mentors, and can’t wait to get into everything with you! 

So…are you ready? I know I am! 

I’ll have new episodes for you at least every other Wednesday on your favorite platform. Some episodes, including all interviews, will include video…you can head to my website to sign up for my newsletter and find all sorts of other good things…

But mostly, I want you to enjoy this ride. I do expect to upset some people, but I’m not here to make everyone happy. I’m here to make YOU better, make myself better, and have some fun!

For now, go to my website, karenkbannister.com, ready for a fun ride, and I’ll see you soon!

Connect with and follow me!
Email me: karen@karenkbannister.com