The most memorable people do this differently

How to stand out naturally, without being performative

Read time: 7 minutes

A couple of months ago, I attended a leadership workshop. At the beginning we did the usual thing where you go around the room, and everyone introduced themselves.

Name, title, company, quick summary of what they do.

By the time we reached the halfway point, I realised that I could barely remember most of them. Not because they weren’t impressive, they definitely were.

But because their introductions were pretty much all interchangeable.

And yet there were two people I still remember now. Not because they were the loudest or most charismatic. But because they said something the others didn’t.

They made it so easy to understand who they were, what they stood for, and what made them different.

And it reminded me of something I’ve learned across medicine, consulting, and tech: being memorable is a skill — and a huge accelerator in life and career.

Here’s how to build it (without becoming performative):

1. Stop leading with your title

Most people introduce themselves like their LinkedIn headline.

“I’m a strategy consultant at X.”

“I’m a founder working on Y.”

“I’m a manager at Z.”

The problem is that titles create zero connection. They put you in a category. And categories are easy to forget. What people remember is meaning, and a sense of what you care about.

Instead of leading with what you are, lead with what you do, believe, or solve.

Try this: The next time you introduce yourself, replace your title with the problem you help solve. For example: “I help teams make better decisions under pressure.”

2. Have a point of view people can repeat

The most memorable people usually have something clear about them: a philosophy, perspective, or way of thinking.

In consulting, I worked with people who weren’t necessarily the most talkative. But when they spoke, people listened because they always brought a sharp and consistent point of view. Then, over time, others started referencing their thinking.

That’s when you know someone has presence.

Reflection: If someone had to describe how you think in one sentence, what would you want them to say?

3. Make yourself easy to place

This is something I’ve learned from building a personal brand. If someone can’t quickly understand what you do or what you’re about, they won’t remember you, even if you’re brilliant.

This is why people who are “multi-talented” sometimes struggle to stand out. They’re doing a lot, but it’s not clear how it all connects.

Memorable people usually have a narrative that ties everything together.

Do this: Write one sentence that links your work to an outcome. Not what you do day-to-day, but what it leads to.

4. Tell one specific story, not your whole background

One thing those two people did in that workshop was share something specific. Not their full CV, or every role they’ve had. Just a story that gave a window into who they are.

Humans don’t remember facts, we remember moments.

A specific detail makes you real, and it also signals confidence, because you’re not trying to impress. You’re just sharing something true.

Try this: When asked what you do, share one sentence about your work and one sentence about a moment that has shaped how you work.

5. Become known for something consistent

The most memorable people are rarely the most complex. They’re usually the most consistent. Consistent in how they show up, what they care about, and the way they communicate.

Over time, that becomes a reputation. And that reputation becomes your brand.

I’ve seen this repeatedly. The people who get referred, promoted, and invited are often the ones people can describe clearly:

“She’s great at stakeholder management.”

“He always delivers under pressure.”

“They’re brilliant at building relationships.”

That is being memorable.

Reflection: What do you want to become known for over the next 12 months?

The takeaway

Being memorable isn’t about being louder, more polished, or more impressive. It’s about being clear.

Clear about what you stand for, what you’re known for, and the value you bring.

People don’t remember everything you say. But they do remember how you made them think, how you made them feel, and what you consistently represent.

And being that memorable creates opportunity without you having to chase it.

Speak soon,

Dupé