Authentic or Artificial? Personal Branding and LinkedIn Optimization in the AI Era
Personal brand is more than a listing of experiences and accomplishments; it is the
narrative that communicates the unique value one offers to others and that also
shapes how others perceive them. In an era where AI can generate professional content
in seconds, the need and value of authenticity has never been greater. If everyone
can produce a polished headline or generic professional narrative, how do they
stand out without sounding artificial?
This interactive workshop will guide participants in developing and expressing
an authentic personal brand by clearly articulating their unique value proposition
and professional story. The session will also include a demonstration to translate
that narrative into an authentic LinkedIn presence. Rather than letting AI dilute
individuality, participants will learn how to leverage AI as a tool to elevate
and enhance their personal brand, story, and search visibility.
Participants will engage in short exercises, profile audits, and live feedback
opportunities designed to help them refine their professional online presence in
real time. Attendees will leave with an actionable framework for building a personal
brand through intentional profile design, authentic engagement, and ethical use
of AI tools to enhance visibility, credibility, and professional impact.
Bio:
Dr. Amy Alyson Teller is an online adjunct instructor at West Virginia University
in the data marketing and communications and digital marketing graduate programs.
She also serves as a Faculty and Section Lead in William & Mary’s Raymond A.
Mason School of Business's Online MBA and Online MSM program, where she teaches
digital content management, marketing strategy, and integrated marketing communications.
She recently received her doctorate in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership
from William & Mary, where her research examined the predictors of student
success in online MBA programs and explored how principled achievement shapes professional
and academic success. Dr. Teller has presented on AI-enhanced pedagogy, including
“Prompting Pedagogy: AI Tools Every Business Educator Should Know,” at the Mid-Atlantic
Association of College of Business Administration 2025. Her teaching and scholarship
emphasize the ethical and strategic use of technology to help professionals cultivate
authentic, values-driven online identities that align with institutional and personal
goals.