What I learned about personal brands from billionaires

I like to read business biographies and articles about leaders outside of my immediate industry. It helps me widen my perspective: sometimes what you learn from a tech CEO's hobbies can tell you as much about leadership as their quarterly reports.

I recently stumbled upon an article called "More Than CEOs: How Personal Passions Build Billion-Dollar Brands". It wasn't just another list of net worths or business moves - it made me stop and think about how much a leader's life outside work shapes their impact.

What struck me most was how personal interests can become extensions of strategy. Richard Branson's appetite for adventure, from hot-air ballooning across oceans to kite surfing in the English Channel, isn't just adrenaline - it mirrors the risk - taking that fuels Virgin's ventures. Jack Dorsey's disciplined, almost monastic lifestyle - long meditation sessions, minimal meals, daily walks - reflects a mind trained to focus on big bets like Bitcoin and crypto innovation.

Even Bill Gates reminded me that curiosity and intellectual hobbies are investments too. His collection of rare manuscripts and love for reading isn't vanity; it's a lens to understand the world differently, and to spot opportunities others might miss.

Volodymyr Nosov also caught my attention. His passion for fast cars and drag racing isn't just a hobby - it's part of his personal brand, combined with social responsibility. Buying a Eurovision trophy to donate its value to charity shows how lifestyle and values can intertwine to make a leader’s story both exciting and meaningful.

Reading about these leaders made me reflect on my own routine: the books I choose, the hobbies I pursue, even the small rituals in my day. They're not just pastimes - they're shaping my perspective, my energy, and, in subtle ways, my own professional story.

It's a reminder that personal branding isn't about Instagram posts or public image. It's about living in a way that aligns with your values, curiosities and passions - and letting that life inform the work you do.