Say what you will about Boris Johnson—he’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But when it comes to personal branding, the British Prime Minister knows what he’s doing. He is a master in turning mess-ups into free media exposure. And whether you’re well established in your field or just getting started, there’s actually a lot you can learn from that.
Own Who You Are
Let’s start with this: people connect with realness. Not polished, PR-perfect realness—just honest, imperfect, unfiltered you. Boris doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not. His hair’s a mess, his jokes are weird, his style’s all over the place—and people remember him because of it. He doesn’t hide where he came from, either.
Boris is authentic and that helps him to build trust (even if people still roll their eyes).
It’s not about being outrageous. It’s about being yourself, consistently. If you want people to remember you when it matters—during a pitch, in a job interview, at the decision table—being genuine is your best shot to be remembered.
Think Long-Term, Wing it Short-Term
Success usually doesn’t “just happen.” There’s usually a plan behind it—even if it looks chaotic on the outside. Boris didn’t stumble into power. Whether you like his politics or not, the man played the long game. He has been doing that since his days at Eton college.
Journalism, politics, big media appearances—it was all part of the climb.
If you’ve got big goals, write them down. Work backwards. You don’t need a 10-year roadmap, but you do need to know what mountain you’re trying to climb.
Stay in the Room
Boris is always in the mix. Social media, interviews, walkabouts—he stays visible and engaged, even when he probably shouldn’t be. And that’s the point. Staying in the conversation keeps your brand alive.
Most people wait to speak up until it’s “the right moment.” That moment rarely comes. Be present. Comment on what’s happening. Share your thoughts. Interact. Whether you’re online or in person, being active keeps you relevant. Being quiet gets you forgotten.
Change isn’t Selling Out—It’s Survival
Here’s a wild thought: you’re allowed to change your mind, and Boris does it all the time (some say way too often). But the point stands—being flexible doesn’t make you fake. It is a smart way to turn challenges into opportunities.
The world shifts. What worked last year might be useless tomorrow. People who adapt stay in the game. People who dig their heels in because “that’s just who I am” get left behind.
Be open to change your mind, to try something new. This is not weakness—it’s strategy.
Take the Lesson, but Be Yourself
You don’t have to like Boris to learn from him. He’s built a brand that cuts through noise, sticks in people’s minds, and keeps him relevant—even when everything else is falling apart.
So if you want to grow your career or stand out in your field, remember this: be real, plan ahead, stay active, and don’t be afraid to change. This is simple stuff. but it works.