In this episode, Mel calls out “survival branding”...that bland, play-it-safe, corporate-flavored personal branding so many Black women entrepreneurs drag with them from their 9-to-5 days.

She breaks down how code-switching, underpricing, and hiding your true self only keep you stuck and forgettable. With her signature mix of encouragement and sass, Mel urges listeners to ditch the corporate mask, own their stories, and let their authentic selves shine.

Links:

Book a Digital Brand Audit: mellynated.com/digitalbrandaudit

Subscribe to the Substack: substack.com/@mellynated

Subscribe to the YouTube channel: youtube.com/@melanieldenny

Statistic on emotional buying: https://www.inc.com/logan-chierotti/harvard-professor-says-95-of-purchasing-decisions-are-subconscious.html

Timestamps:

Introduction: Survival Branding and Corporate Conditioning (00:00:00)

Defining Survival Branding (00:01:13)

How Survival Branding Shows Up: Messaging (00:02:20)

Consequences of Bland Messaging (00:03:24)

Brand Audit Call-to-Action (00:03:46)

Impact on Client Experience & Sales (00:04:24)

Importance of Emotional Connection (00:06:40)

Attracting the Wrong Clients (00:07:55)

Authenticity and Industry Positioning (00:08:52)

Survival Branding in Pricing (00:09:53)

Personal Story: Underpricing and Boundaries (00:11:13)

Self-Worth and Pricing (00:13:23)

Personal Story: Raising Prices (00:14:25)

Boundaries and Client Respect (00:15:22)

Owning Expertise and Authority (00:16:27)

Identity as Strategy (00:18:14)

Survival Branding in Visuals & Aesthetics (00:19:27)

Authenticity in Visual Branding (00:20:34)

Credibility vs. Authenticity (00:21:39)

Memorability and Marketing Impact (00:22:43)

Consistency Between Online and Offline Presence (00:23:47)

Internal Policing and Self-Editing (00:25:09)

Managing Perceptions and Stalling Growth (00:26:31)

Lack of Storytelling (00:27:40)

Awareness and Taking Action (00:28:51)

Embracing Identity for Power (00:29:59)

Next Episode Teaser & Brand Audit Offer (00:31:06)

Episode Wrap-Up (00:31:17)

In this episode, Melanie calls out the exhausting charade of “performing professionalism” for Black women entrepreneurs. She unpacks how so-called professionalism is just code for “fit into white middle-class norms”.

Mel urges listeners to ditch the self-policing, embrace their authentic selves, and redefine professionalism on their own terms. If you’re tired of shrinking to fit someone else’s mold, this episode is your permission slip to show up, stand out, and own your brilliance, big hair, bold voice, and all.

Links:

Read Leah's Essay: Professionalism as a Racist Construct

Book a Digital Brand Audit: mellynated.com/digitalbrandaudit

Subscribe to the Substack: substack.com/@mellynated

Subscribe to the YouTube channel: youtube.com/@melanieldenny

Timestamps:

Introduction to Codeswitch Rebellion (00:00:00)

The Cultural Conditioning of Professionalism (00:01:29)

Leah Goodridge’s Essay and Its Impact (00:02:49)

Defining Professionalism (00:04:19)

Professionalism as White Middle-Class Norms (00:05:50)

The Impact on Black Women’s Identity (00:07:24)

Internalizing Professionalism and Its Effects (00:08:29)

Corporate Conditioning and Entrepreneurship (00:09:43)

Brand Audit Promotion (00:10:48)

Leah Goodridge’s Experience with Double Standards (00:11:20)

Letting Go of Outdated Standards (00:12:04)

Redefining Professionalism for Yourself (00:13:37)

Embracing Authenticity in Business (00:14:52)

Preview of Next Episode & Closing (00:15:45)

Personal branding requires a strong sense of self. In this episode of Code Switch Rebellion, Mel gets real about the identity crises Black women face when leaving corporate life for entrepreneurship. Sharing her own journey from “resume writer robot” to showing up as her unapologetic self, and she’s not holding back.

She calls out the nonsense of shrinking to fit in and urges you to ditch those conditioned personas, especially when it comes to personal branding for Black women in business for themselves. With a dash of sarcasm and plenty of encouragement, Mel lays out practical steps for building a personal brand rooted in who you actually are, not who the world says you should be.

This episode dives deep into personal branding for Black women, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities that come with redefining yourself outside of corporate spaces.

Links:

Book a digital brand audit: mellynated.com/digitalbrandaudit

Follow the rebellion on Substack: https://substack.com/@mellynated

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melanieldenny

Timestamps:

Introduction & Podcast Purpose (00:00:15)

The Cost of Not Knowing Yourself (00:00:55)

Mel’s Personal Identity Crisis Story (00:02:19)

Postpartum Depression & Loss of Self (00:03:23)

Turning Point & Self-Discovery (00:04:34)

Corporate Conformity & Black Women’s Experiences (00:05:41)

Consequences of Disconnection (00:07:47)

Defining a Strong Sense of Self (00:08:52)

Personal Example: Honoring Preferences (00:09:56)

Benefits of Self-Awareness (00:10:51)

Realization of Transferable Skills (00:11:53)

Challenges of Authentic Personal Branding (00:12:50)

Resilience Against Criticism (00:13:59)

Confidence & Alignment in Decision-Making (00:15:00)

Brand Audit Promotion (00:15:22)

How to Build a Strong Sense of Self (00:16:00)

Step 1: Naming What’s Yours (00:16:14)

Step 2: Let Identity Lead Decisions (00:17:30)

Step 3: Practice Self-Honor (00:18:38)

Personal Branding & Authenticity (00:20:50)

Community & Acceptance (00:21:47)

Preview of Next Episode (00:21:47)

Closing & Call to Action (00:22:52)