Brendan B. Michael

We rarely talk about it, but many professionals wrestle silently with this tension — the difference between who they are and what their company stands for. This is more than discomfort. It’s moral friction. 1. Self Brand vs. Corporate Brand Self Brand: Your values, ethics, beliefs, and personal standards — the invisible compass guiding how you show up in the world. Corporate Brand: The company’s culture, tone, ethics, and unspoken rules — what it rewards, tolerates, and expects. When these align, work feels meaningful. When they clash, the result is inner conflict. 2. Why Conflicts Arise Conflicts between self brand and corporate brand typically come from: Industry choice (e.g., tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, weapons manufacturing). Company practices (favoritism, falsification of reports, manipulative marketing). Work culture (toxic politics, pressure-driven targets, lack of transparency). Leadership values (leaders who reward unethical shortcuts or punish honesty). 3. Signs o...

The last scene in this video fascinated me—the performer and, by extension, the inn, truly caught my attention. The singer is a music producer and live band performer from Tanzania named Seif Kisauji Salim. I'm not sure whether he was invited to perform at the hotel or if he owns it. Either way, the hotel has positioned itself favourably in the minds of its guests and potential customers watching the video. What you just saw is a perfect example of co-creation of value.   When you involve your customer or client in the process leading to the service they want to receive or enjoy, you’re giving them the impression that you care about their satisfaction just as much as your profitability. Never allow potential customers to become suspicious of your intentions. Let them see your genuine involvement in meeting their expectations by co-creating a service that is customized or nearly customized for them. Just like many of the guests in the video would likely want to make a repeat vi...

Last night, I stumbled upon a 125-page hand-over report while searching for a document in my library. This was the second time in eight years I was seeing the report - the first being the day I was doing the actual handing over prior to my exit. At this point, you'd probably be wondering if the company was multinational to warrant such a voluminous report. No, it wasn't. In fact, it wasn't even close to the status of a regional company much less a national. Notwithstanding, it was simply in a class of its own, amazing team spirit and an excellent workplace culture that supports personal growth and healthy rivalry.among staff members. In simple terms, you cannot afford to be complacent. Sometimes we get so carried away with big names, big positions and large company size that sound great but feel empty. I have been a team player in a national company and I understand how it feels when your best contribution seems like a drop in the ocean. Recognition for productivity is almo...

I have, recently, been grappling with stiff-necked challenges of high processing fees and very-often slow settlements for my royalty payments. While all these were going on, I had hoped things would get better as loads of reassuring messages from the Fintech company in which my USD account was domiciled kept turning my heart away from competing alternatives. The primary reason I never had to consider the thought of switching to an alternative Fintech company was because the existing one was my first Fintech and the excitement of receiving my first successful international settlement through them alone blinded my sense of judgment. So, changing them was, for me, an inconceivable idea. As a provider, there are many customers of yours who are presently caught up like me and are about to be presented with an opportunity to leave or the very last reason to stay put. Any strategic direction or position, at this point;  if ill-calculated, could cost your business, and if well streamline...

I recently stumbled into a video in my archives. It was an interview I granted to FaithSpark TV on investment.  I would like you to see it and gain some insights.