On September 18th, LebNet hosted an exclusive roundtable discussion with Charbel Atala, Managing Partner and Founder of Talent Gurus. Charbel led an engaging conversation focused on self-branding and professional development, encouraging participants to prioritize authenticity over traditional thought leadership. He emphasized the importance of being original and purposeful when shaping personal brands, while also stressing the need for continuous learning and adaptability throughout one's career.
The session sparked insightful discussions on how personal branding can help navigate the North American job market. Charbel offered practical advice on optimizing LinkedIn profiles, writing personalized cover letters, and using narrative-driven approaches in job applications.
The conversation also touched on talent acquisition, with Charbel highlighting the value of cultural fit and growth potential, particularly for small and mid-sized companies. He advocated for transparency in salary discussions and pledged to share self-discovery questionnaires to help participants further their personal growth. Charbel concluded the session by offering one-on-one guidance and introducing Talent Gurus' career development programs—Step, Climb, and Rise—designed to help professionals advance their careers.
Additionally, Charbel recommended books aligned with the event's themes:
- “So Good They Can’t Ignore You” by Cal Newport: Emphasizes mastering valuable skills over simply following passion, perfect for those looking to refine their craft and stand out.
- “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson: Focuses on prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of societal expectations, resonating with our conversation on being authentic in personal branding.
- “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon: Encourages borrowing inspiration and remixing ideas in a unique way, which ties into our discussion on creative self-expression and narrative-building in applications.
These books offer additional insights and inspiration for participants as they continue developing their personal brands and careers.
You can catch the full recording of the session here. A special thank you to Charbel for generously sharing his time and expertise with the community!