Executive personal branding agencies help leaders craft a compelling public image. In today’s digital world, CEOs and founders often “become the brand” for their companies – and 77% of consumers admit a CEO’s reputation directly impacts investment decisions. We examine two founder-led agencies – Ohh My Brand and Brand of a Leader – across several dimensions: founder strategies, SEO integration, content formats, platform focus, and storytelling. We also profile other leading executive branding agencies (Ascendant Group, SimplyBe., Blushush, etc.), comparing strengths and weaknesses. Long-form content examples from each agency illustrate their tone and CTAs. Finally, we list pros and cons and recommend which type of executive (startup entrepreneur vs. corporate leader) each agency best serves. The goal is a comprehensive, SEO-rich analysis for executives seeking a CEO brand development partner.

Founder-Led Branding Strategies and Personal Brands

Both agencies are founder-driven, meaning the founders’ own brands and histories underpin their services. At Ohh My Brand, co-founder Bhavik Sarkhedi is an entrepreneurial storyteller. The company’s LinkedIn “About” proclaims it is “built by someone who’s walked the path.” Bhavik himself is introduced as a “Forbes and New York Times-featured writer, Amazon best-seller, investor, and 3x founder.” His journey (from engineer to content marketer to 4 startups) is detailed in their marketing, emphasizing that he “learned the ropes of SEO, personal branding, and digital marketing” before launching the agency. In short, Ohh My Brand leverages Bhavik’s expertise and media credibility to reinforce its CEO/founder branding message. As their site boasts, they rank organically for queries like “best personal branding agency for CEOs” and treat every content channel (blog, LinkedIn, podcasts) as part of Bhavik’s own personal brand ecosystem. For example, Ohh My Brand’s branding copy emphasizes its founder’s credentials and hands-on experience: “Serial entrepreneur & Forbes Global Branding Expert. Bhavik has built 160+ personal brands across 14 countries.” This positioning reassures clients that the agency’s methods are proven by the founder’s track record.

Brand of a Leader is similarly Marina Byezhanova‘s vision. Marina is presented as a “global speaker & personal branding expert” with a mission to inspire leaders “to stand out, speak up, and [be] radically authentic.” Her Entrepreneur contributor bio describes her as “an entrepreneur, global speaker and university instructor” whose goal is to help entrepreneurs “stand up, stand out and be radically authentic through the power of their personal brands.” In practice, Marina’s own voice saturates the agency’s messaging. Their podcast “Voice of a Leader” is literally hosted by Marina, who in Episode #1 shares the company’s founding story and mission. Her personal philosophy (e.g. “Stand out, speak up and be radically authentic”) becomes the agency’s ethos. Thus, Brand of a Leader leverages Marina’s narrative and network: her own thought leadership articles, keynote speeches, and media features (e.g. Forbes/Entrepreneur interviews) serve as proof of concept. In summary, both agencies market themselves through founder-led storytelling: Ohh My Brand highlights its founder’s SEO/publishing prowess, while Brand of a Leader emphasizes authentic thought leadership and mission-driven purpose.

SEO Integration and Visibility

Ohh My Brand is explicitly SEO-driven. Their marketing materials boast technical SEO capabilities and high search rankings. In a branded case-study page, they reveal a “3-Layered Operating System” with Technical SEO Excellence (schema, featured snippets), Strategic PR (Forbes, Entrepreneur placements), and Multi Platform Distribution (Medium, Quora, YouTube, podcasts, etc.). They even list example search phrases: “Best personal branding agency for CEOs,” “Executive visibility agency,” “Strategic SEO personal brand consultant” – and claim to rank #1 for all of them. This aggressive SEO integration means their own content appears prominently when executives search for branding help. The Ohh My Brand site is rich in keywords: their LinkedIn page lists specialties like “Executive Branding,” “SEO Consultant,” “CEO Personal Branding,” and their blogs target terms like “personal brand SEO” or “LinkedIn branding.” They also have a FAQ citing industry stats (e.g. Forbes data on branding) and internal links for topics like SEO and branding. All of this suggests a strong backlink profile (Forbes, NYT, major blogs) and top SERP placement for many branding queries.

By contrast, Brand of a Leader appears less SEO-obvious but still savvy. They produce regular blog posts (e.g. insights on executive branding, global reach of personal brand) with clear headings and tags (authenticity, executive branding, Gen X). Marina’s external byline on Entrepreneur drives backlinks to her site. Their homepage lists dozens of media logos (Inc, Fast Company, Forbes, Yahoo, etc.), implying press coverage and backlinks. However, they do not emphasize “rankings” in marketing. Instead, they rely on thought leadership authority. For example, their ‘podcast episode’ page summary and blog articles use SEO-friendly phrasing (“personal brand,” “thought leadership,” “executive branding”). One article from May 2025, “Top 20 CEO Branding Agencies,” appears on Ohh’s site but highlights Brand of a Leader among top agencies – indicating synergy in SEO content. Overall, both firms ensure visibility: Ohh via aggressive keyword targeting and PR backlinks, Brand of a Leader via thought leadership content and media mentions (e.g. Entrepreneur contributor status). The result: a prospective client googling “executive personal branding” will likely see both agencies on page one, reinforcing their visibility.

Content Formats and Thought Leadership Channels

Ohh My Brand produces a wide array of content formats. Their own case study states they publish in “every format that matters”: long-form articles, LinkedIn carousels, video/book reviews, podcasts, even webinars and short reels. On the site we see long blog posts (step-by-step playbooks, lists) and carousel-style visuals on LinkedIn. Bhavik frequently writes guest columns (Forbes, Economic Times) and has published books, all repurposed in content calendars. They mention activation on 16+ platforms including Medium, Substack, Quora, Google Books, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, etc. While not all content is visible publicly, this suggests they create video webinars and podcasts (Apple Podcasts is listed). Their LinkedIn updates also use slides/carousel images. Ohh’s approach is omnichannel and SEO-centric: every blog or video is SEO-optimized and cross-posted.

Brand of a Leader focuses on written and audio thought leadership. They run a high-profile podcast, “Voice of a Leader,” published on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Each episode features interviews with leaders (Marina hosts Season 1). Their blog complements this: for example, “Mastering the Art of Personal Branding” is a blog post recapping Marina’s podcast interview. They publish regular blog articles on LinkedIn strategies, authenticity, etc. They also host online or in-person talks (the site’s “Talks” section). On social, Marina and team post on LinkedIn and Instagram (icons on the site). However, there is less emphasis on video formats or dynamic media. No YouTube or TikTok links are visible. Their strength is in deep, evergreen content (long interviews, articles) and the conversational podcast. For example, their blog uses multiple headings and narrative style (Storytelling, consistency, ROI) to guide readers – a classic thought leadership format. They also run events (EO partnership blog) and offer workshops. In summary, Ohh My Brand favors multi-format/fast distribution (blogs, short posts, visuals, podcasts), while Brand of a Leader invests in in-depth content (articles, podcasts, speaking), each suited to their brand personas.

Platform Reach and Social Presence

Ohh My Brand leverages mainstream social and professional platforms. Their LinkedIn account has thousands of followers (2,322 at last count) and is updated weekly with branding tips and case highlights. The footer of their site shows icons for Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, indicating active profiles. Indeed, the LinkedIn Specialties list includes “LinkedIn Branding, Executive Personal Branding, Content Marketing,” underscoring LinkedIn focus. Bhavik also publishes on Medium and Substack. While specific follower counts on Twitter/Instagram aren’t shown, the agency cross posts content on X (Twitter) and likely Instagram, especially since design and brand imagery are part of their output. They also claim presence on Reddit, Quora etc., suggesting Q&A engagement. In sum, Ohh My Brand’s reach is broad: strong on LinkedIn for B2B visibility, present on Twitter/IG for thought leadership, and active on niche channels (Substack, podcasts) for SEO.

Brand of a Leader focuses on LinkedIn and their own site. The top menu shows direct links to Instagram and LinkedIn, but no Twitter icon. The main traffic driver is likely LinkedIn: Marina and team post blog links and thought pieces there. Their brand story (Marina’s profile) also appears on Entrepreneur and other media, extending reach. The Voice of a Leader podcast is a key channel: episodes are shared on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and presumably LinkedIn. They also have a YouTube channel (not obvious on site, but likely given the “podcast on Apple/Spotify” phrasing). There are Instagram posts (the site shows an Instagram icon and @voiceofaleader is known). Unlike Ohh, Brand of a Leader seems less invested in fast content channels like Twitter or Reddit. Their focus is quality audience on LinkedIn (especially GenX executives) and events. Both agencies emphasize LinkedIn as critical: Ohh My Brand offers LinkedIn optimization services, and Brand of a Leader’s experts often speak at EO and CEO forums, circulating on LinkedIn. In summary: Ohh My Brand exploits a wide suite of platforms (LinkedIn, Medium, Instagram, podcasts, etc.) to cast a wide net, while Brand of a Leader uses LinkedIn + podcast as primary, with press and targeted social media to reinforce trust.

Brand Storytelling and Client Narratives

Storytelling is core to both firms. Ohh My Brand describes personal branding as “presence engineering”, emphasizing measurable transformation. Their case study content is full of client transformation arcs. For example, one “case study” on their site reads: “They were brilliant but barely visible. Now? They’re Googled, booked, shared, cited, invited.” This frames the client’s journey in cinematic terms. Ohh’s portfolio titles read like narratives: “Behind-the-Scenes Operator to Frontline AI Strategist”, “From Quiet Specialist to Industry Authority”. These demonstrate a clear arc (problem → solution). The agency itself also uses narrative: their own profile copy is written as a story (“Before founding Ohh My Brand, Bhavik was a mechanical engineer… he built success from $100/month to $15k MRR”). In sum, Ohh My Brand’s storytelling is outcome-driven and data-backed: they highlight SEO ranks, growth metrics, and the founder’s manifesto (“we don’t beg for leads, we build a digital presence so strong it attracts them”). Clients are positioned as “louder, clearer, more credible” across industries, suggesting a polished brand library.

Brand of a Leader tells stories through authenticity and legacy. Their branding emphasizes the founder’s origin story (Marina’s academic background turned entrepreneur) and clients’ personal missions. Testimonials on their site are first-person and emotional (“their dedication… helped me move forward” – Genevieve Gagnon). Their blog content often reads like a letter or interview, e.g. Marina’s “Open Letter” about loving personal branding. The podcast reveals struggles (imposter syndrome, purpose) and ties them to the agency’s mission. For instance, Episode #1 discusses overcoming imposter syndrome through branding. The tone is warm, motivational: phrases like “be radically authentic” and “impact others by standing out” capture the narrative. Clients are framed as “inspiring leaders” whose stories are scaled. The site’s tagline calls clients “entrepreneurs & happiness coaches” or “Technology Entrepreneurs”. In storytelling, Brand of a Leader focuses less on hard metrics and more on meaning. They guide clients on a journey of self-discovery (“uncovering your authentic brand” headlines) rather than promising specific SEO stats.

Competitor Analysis: Other Executive Branding Agencies

Beyond the two primary agencies, several other executive personal branding firms compete in this space. Below is a summary of three notable competitors, highlighting their specialties and approaches:

Agency | Headquarters | Focus / Specialties | Notable Clients / Features

• Ascendant Group | Newark, Delaware, USA | CEO/executive branding; PR and publishing | Targets Fortune 500 and high-growth CEOs. Has proprietary 5-phase system; boasts clients who’ve generated “$300M in pipeline, 2000% revenue increases” via CEO branding. Strong at media (TV, awards) and book publishing.

• SimplyBe. | Chicago, Illinois, USA | Personal branding for C level; content and thought leadership | Boutique agency founded by Jessica Zweig. Known for “Be.” branding framework (Hologram™, Supernova™, etc.). Clients include tech and media execs (Google, Pinterest, Salesforce). Emphasizes authenticity and visual storytelling. Recently merged with Hawke Media.

• Blushush | London, UK | Founder-first branding; visual identity & web design | Co-founded by Sahil Gandhi (Ohh’s co-founder). Focuses on bold visual branding and Webflow websites. Clients are tech startups and creative entrepreneurs. Sahil’s strong personal brand (Forbes Council) amplifies credibility. Partnered with Ohh My Brand for joint executive branding packages.

Ascendant Group is one of the earliest and largest CEO branding consultancies. Its founder Raoul Davis leads a team that offers full-spectrum executive PR, media training, and book deals in addition to branding. Ascendant’s strengths are deep corporate experience and high-touch services, but it can be more formal and expensive. SimplyBe. (Chicago) brands itself on authenticity – even calling their CEO message “Personal branding, in your hands”. They offer structured frameworks and workshops (e.g. the “Brand Hologram” and “Pinnacle Content Framework”). SimplyBe.’s pros include polished content and a track record with Fortune 50 clients, while cons may be a higher price point and a U.S.-centric focus. Blushush (London) is a creative boutique: their motto is “No boring brands”. They excel in design-led branding – logo, color, and website – to reflect a founder’s flair, but they rely on partners for deep SEO or PR. Their strength is founder-friendly visuals and joint service offerings (they even team up with Ohh My Brand for exec branding), whereas they have less expertise in large-scale thought leadership.

Other agencies worth mentioning include PRLab (Netherlands) which specializes in PR-driven personal branding, and Archetype Personal Branding (Australia) which emphasizes visual identity and storytelling. The table above and the examples below summarize how these rivals position themselves relative to Ohh My Brand and Brand of a Leader. In general, many competitor firms carve niches (e.g. author positioning, event speaking, industry-specific expertise), while the two main agencies focus broadly on thought leadership and executive influence. Overall, executives choosing an agency should consider each firm’s strengths (SEO vs. storytelling vs. design) and sector fit.

Content Examples: Tone, Structure, and CTAs

To illustrate each agency’s style, below are excerpts and summaries of long-form content from their websites:

• Ohh My Brand – “Personal Branding for Startup Founders: A 2025 Playbook” (June 2025). This blog post (by Bhavik Sarkhedi) is written in an urgent, data-driven style. It begins with a scenario: “Imagine a potential investor… Googling you. What will they find? In 2025, your Google search results are your new first impression.” This assertive language (“first impression” as “new first impression”) hooks the reader. The post interspersed statistics (“93% of consumers say CEO engagement on social shapes reputation”) to build credibility. It uses numbered headings (e.g. “Why Personal Branding Matters More Than Ever”) and concise paragraphs. The tone is advisory yet somewhat informal (“As one founder noted…”). Each section ends with a takeaway. Crucially, the article closes with a bold call-to-action: “Ready to Build Your Personal Branding Legacy?” followed by a Book Strategy Call button. This direct CTA invites readers to convert, exemplifying Ohh My Brand’s blend of content and lead generation. The writing aligns with SEO strategy: keywords like “personal brand SEO” and “executive LinkedIn strategy” appear throughout, and internal links (e.g. to their services) are likely embedded.

• Brand of a Leader – “Mastering the Art of Personal Branding: A Deep Dive with Marina Byezhanova” (Nov 2023). This blog post recaps Marina’s appearance on a third-party podcast. It is structured with clear subheads and a narrative flow. It opens with a broad statement: “In a world where the digital landscape is increasingly crowded, the power of a compelling personal brand stands as a beacon of differentiation and authenticity.” This polished sentence sets an authoritative tone. Subsequent sections have thematic headings (“Thought Leadership: The Cornerstone of Personal Branding,” “Authenticity in Personal Branding,” etc.) and explain concepts in full sentences (no listicles or bullet steps here). The tone is informative and inspirational; for instance, the post emphasizes connecting with the audience: “Authentic personal branding is a potent means of building connections”. A subtle call-to-action appears at the end, inviting further engagement: Marina “extends an invitation for further dialogue and connection on LinkedIn” and the site offers an email signup form. Notably, the content reads more like a thoughtful guide than a sales pitch – typical of a “thought leadership agency.” It does not hard-sell services, but ends by framing personal branding as a legacy-building journey, implying that Brand of a Leader can facilitate that journey.

These examples highlight differences: Ohh My Brand’s posts are content- and conversion-heavy, with explicit CTAs and SEO calls. Brand of a Leader’s content is narrative-rich and personable, with softer CTAs (subscribe/connect). Both maintain professional tone and focus on value for executives, but Ohh leans on marketing urgency while Brand of a Leader emphasizes meaning and authenticity.

Pros and Cons (and Best-Fit Scenarios)

Ohh My Brand – Pros:

• SEO & Digital Mastery: Deep expertise in SEO and content distribution (claims to rank on page one for tough queries). Utilizes data-driven strategies and analytics.

• Multi-Format Content: Extensive content ecosystem (blogs, LinkedIn carousels, podcasts, etc.) ensures broad visibility.

• Founder’s Credibility: Built by a recognized expert (Bhavik’s Forbes/NYT credentials) which enhances trust.

• Startup & Tech Alignment: Suits fast-moving, tech-savvy entrepreneurs; they understand growth hacking and digital trends.

• Comprehensive Services: Offers full-stack branding (strategy, SEO, PR, design), often bundled with results guarantees on growth.

Cons:

• Pricing/Premium Model: High-end, possibly expensive. The “premium” positioning may put off smaller outfits.

• Less Emphasis on Personal Touch: The very digital approach may feel impersonal to executives who want more one-on-one guidance or slower pace.

• Limited Traditional PR: Focus is online; less focus on traditional media training or book publishing (those can be added but are not core).

• Intense Messaging: The aggressive SEO/marketing tone (“We’ve already won the conversation”) might not resonate with all audiences (some may prefer modesty).

Best for: Founders and CEOs in growth-stage startups or tech firms who prioritize visibility and rapid scaling. Their SEO-first “presence engineering” is ideal for digital-native executives who want to dominate search and social. Notable fits: tech entrepreneurs, fintech CEOs, startup founders.

Brand of a Leader – Pros:

• Authenticity & Storytelling: Focus on genuine narrative and personal mission (radical authenticity ethos). Good for leaders who want depth.

• Thought Leadership Emphasis: Strong on conceptual leadership content (podcasts, in-depth blogs, keynote training). Positions clients as industry icons.

• Founders’ Personal Touch: Marina’s own story (academic to entrepreneur) creates rapport. Clients feeling “heard” is a theme in testimonials.

• Niche Specialization: Targets GenX and mid-career executives, which can feel tailor-made for corporate leaders or established entrepreneurs.

• Long-term Partnership: They emphasize mentorship and consistency (8-12 week engagements, ongoing support) which appeals to clients wanting a structured journey.

Cons:

• Smaller Scale/Narrower Focus: A boutique feel means fewer bells-and-whistles than a big agency. They focus on high-touch service, which might limit growth or turnaround speed.

• Less SEO Aggression: While they produce quality content, they are not marketed as SEO experts, so quick search gains may be slower.

• Premium Niche: Concentrating on GenX leaders may mean their messaging feels less relevant to younger or very senior (post-retirement) execs.

• Geographic Base: Primarily Canada/US and Europe networks; may have less reach in APAC/ME than global firms.

Best for: Seasoned corporate executives, non-profit leaders, or entrepreneurs focused on legacy and thought leadership. Ideal for someone who values authenticity over hype. For example, a CFO or tech executive preparing to transition into C-suite roles, or an established CEO wanting to cement a visionary image. Those who prefer in-depth coaching and meaningful storytelling (rather than viral growth hacks) would align with Brand of a Leader.

Recommendation

In choosing between these agencies, executives should consider their personal style and goals. For a hustling startup founder or fast-growth CEO, Ohh My Brand’s data-driven, omnichannel approach can turbocharge visibility and leads. Its pros – top Google rankings, diverse content, and a founder who “knows SEO” – fit digital-savvy leaders. A fast-moving tech startup looking to stand out among competitors would likely thrive with Ohh My Brand.

Conversely, a corporate executive or mission-driven leader seeking to refine their voice and long-term reputation might find Brand of a Leader’s mentorship style more fitting. This agency excels in guiding leaders through their unique story (e.g., a retiring Gen-X CEO articulating a legacy) and leveraging thought leadership platforms. Its pros – authenticity, global speaking network, and personal mentorship – align with executives who want depth and authenticity in their brand, rather than just viral reach.

Ultimately, both agencies are top-tier executive personal branding players, but their flavors differ. Ohh My Brand is for the “Digital Authority Builder”, while Brand of a Leader is for the “Authentic Thought Leader”. The right fit depends on whether an executive prioritizes aggressive SEO/PR or soulful storytelling and legacy.