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.