The Price of Free Speech: Why What You Say and Don’t Say, Defines Your Brand
In today’s hyper‑connected, outrage‑fueled digital world, the real question isn’t “Can you say it?” It’s “Should you?” We are facing a cultural reckoning around free speech, personal brands, and the price of public opinion.
Last month was wild. On September 17, 2025, ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air “indefinitely” following backlash over Kimmel’s remarks about the conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Newsweek, ABC News, and other major station groups Nexstar and Sinclair joined in by preempting broadcasts on their ABC affiliates, refusing to resume airing his show even after ABC announced it would return. Then, 6 days later, ABC said that the show would go on, and he had the highest ratings in years. With the disruption (and outcry) big questions about power, censorship, and accountability in the media have come up.
When you work for someone else ESPECIALLY in big media corporations you are bound by social media policies, code of conduct, legal guidelines, and reputational risk. The freedom to speak doesn’t mean freedom to say anything you want and or freedom from consequences. That’s why your personal brand and how you show up online matters now more than ever. Regardless of whether you’re a renown late night tv host and comedian or mid-level manager, what you say matters in the digital world and free speech is not one to take for granted.
Accountability Is Not Silence
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This amendment protects five fundamental freedoms: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government.
The First Amendment protects our right to free speech; it gives every American the legal right to express opinions without government interference. But in today’s digital world, where every post lives forever and every comment can spark controversy, free speech is no longer just a right, it’s a responsibility.
Your personal brand isn’t just what you say once. It’s what you say consistently, and how others perceive you when you say it. That was the heart of my message I shared on a webinar during Free Speech Week at the McCombs School of Business, where I spoke about the responsibility we carry in the digital age. I reminded listeners/viewers that free speech is not just a right, it’s a choice. And every post, comment, or conversation is shaping your brand, whether you intend it or not.
Silence can be just as damaging as speaking out. Oversharing can dilute your message and your authority. The most powerful business and personal brands today are not screaming different messages and hoping something sticks. They are the most intentional and consistent in what they say and the actions they take. Actions speak louder than words couldn’t be more meaningful in the world we live in.
“Free speech in the digital age doesn’t mean you can say anything you want. Everything you say creates your brand and makes or breaks the digital community around you.” – McCombs School of Business Presentation
The First Amendment protects our right to free speech; it gives every American the legal right to express opinions without government interference. Free speech is more than a legal concept; it’s a personal and public responsibility.
Even Bill Maher talks about this ‘New Rule: The Price of Free Speech’. The world is waking up and we the people are finally understanding the weight voice (and silence) carries. Maher defended the right to say things that may offend, challenge, or provoke, because that’s what freedom actually is. He called out the absurdity of people being arrested for jokes, tweets, and unpopular opinions across the globe. But he also acknowledged the uncomfortable truth: “Ugly is the price of a freedom so great as speech.”
So here’s the question I asked during Free Speech Week at the McCombs School of Business and the one I want to ask you now: Where is the line?
Where does free speech end and hate speech begin? When does “telling it like it is” become dangerous? In a world where content can go viral before context is understood, these aren’t easy questions. And cancel culture hasn’t helped, it’s made the line blurrier. It’s made people afraid to speak. Or worse, speak just to provoke.
I don’t disagree with Maher. I believe in the power of speech, but I also believe in responsibility. We’ve reached a point where talking to make people angry, to stoke violence or fear, isn’t just irresponsible, it’s deadly. This isn’t about political correctness. It’s about human decency. Free speech isn’t just a right. It’s a choice, one that builds or breaks our personal brands every single day. In today’s digital age, silence can be just as loud. Oversharing can be just as harmful. And intention is everything.
Speak Your Truth And Build Your Personal Brand With Intention
Between being provocative and being harmful, where everything you say is automatically shared all over the internet and archived, your ability to navigate that difference is what defines the strength of your personal brand.
In a recent podcast recording with Joshua B. Lee, I shared something core to my philosophy: your upbringing, your career journey, your lived experiences, they are NOT baggage. They are brand equity. You don’t have to share everything, but you also can’t afford to hide. When you shape your story with intention and purpose, it becomes a signal of leadership. Find a balance that feels right to you. That’s what builds trust and long-term influence.
It’s okay to say less when it’s not your time to speak, and to speak up when others do not have a voice. Always remind yourself that your voice MATTERS. But HOW you use it and when matters more. That’s the responsibility of leadership. And in today’s climate, that means being more than just visible, it means being intentional. It means knowing that when you speak, people are listening. Watching. Reacting. Your message doesn’t just float, it lands. And you have to own the ripple effect.
Accountability is standing by your words, not only when they earn applause, but when they invite critique. That’s the work. That’s the price of building a real personal brand. You don’t get to disappear when things get uncomfortable. You don’t get to post and ghost, you lead through consistency, clarity, and courage. Your story is not a sales pitch. It’s a standard. And your voice? It’s not just how people find you, it’s how they decide whether to follow you.
The Jimmy Kimmel Flip-Flop
The Jimmy Kimmel situation reminds us that public perception doesn’t move in a straight line. One moment you’re facing cancellation and the next you’re trending. I question if it’s purely for entertainment? This is a real-time lesson in personal branding and crisis response. The brands that survive these ‘omg what just happened’ moments are ones that create advocacy, credibility and longevity.
Here’s what we can take away from the situation:
- Public backlash is fast and often based on fragments of truth. Not facts. Look for solid numbers and data when making these big decisions but also do a gut check.
- Silence can feel like avoidance. But shouting doesn’t equal leadership either. Balance is key.
- When controversy strikes, your personal brand will either collapse or carry you. Prepare in advance, like business insurance so you can ebb and flow to adapt to whatever challenges confront your brand.
What does that mean for you? If you’re a business professional, executive, entrepreneur or business owner, and you post a polarizing opinion online, EVEN with good intent you might get clipped out of context, misquoted, or reported. If your voice isn’t backed by a clear, consistent brand, the platform or public will define it for you. So you need to be clear on what you stand for, and against, and be ready to take the positive and negative that comes with it.
How to Take a Stand Without Losing Your Voice (or Job)
Not every opinion belongs on the internet. You need to understand the box you want to play in online and press the edge of it, so that you strike a chord with your audience but also don’t get yourself into too much trouble. This looks different to everyone. True leadership in this digital era means knowing when to speak, what to say, and how to say it without setting fire to your credibility or career.
Use this checklist before you post, comment, or hit share:
Checklist: How to Speak Up with Responsibility
☑️ Review your company’s social media policy: Know what’s expected. Big corporations and even small businesses often have clear red lines. If you’re looking for a good easy way to make some for your company check this out.
☑️ Check your contract: NDAs, conflict of interest clauses, and public behavior expectations may already define limits.
☑️ Make a disclaimer: If you work for someone, I suggest you put this on your LinkedIn profile and make it clear if you’re speaking on their behalf: “All opinions expressed are my own”
☑️ Get clear on your values: If your post doesn’t align with your core personal brand values, it will confuse your audience and might land you in hot water.
☑️Take a pause: Is this opinion based on fact or emotion? Always gather context first. If you’re not sure, take 24 hours to collect your thoughts and then post.
☑️ Listen more than you speak: Engaging thoughtfully and being open to opinions that are different from your own builds more trust than being the loudest voice.
☑️ Balance transparency with tact: Sharing your truth doesn’t mean spilling your trauma or opinions without filter. Some things should remain at band camp.
For example, I often talk about the mental load I carry as a working mom, wife, and business owner. It’s real, it’s heavy, and it connects with others who feel it too. But I share it with intention, not to unload, but to open a conversation about boundaries and leadership. And as a proud Jewish woman, I’ve also learned that being open about my identity means walking a fine line between education and protection. I can share my experiences and stand in my truth without turning every moment into a debate or a defense. That’s what transparency with tact looks like. It’s choosing to reveal the parts of your story that serve others, not just the parts that seek validation.
☑️ Add context or purpose: Ask yourself, “Why am I sharing this? What do I want people to take away?”
When you apply these principles, you can lead with your voice and protect your personal brand equity.
Brand Responsibility in the Human Revolution
Free speech is a right, but brand trust is earned. We are no longer living in the algorithm era. We are in the YOUmanize™ era where integrity, what you say, and what you don’t say becomes your digital legacy. Every post, every comment, and every story shapes how people experience you. I’m so over staying quiet or playing it safe… RESPONSIBLY, with poise, love and accountability. Let’s not forget the power we have to inspire, not incite. To connect, not cancel. To influence, not inflame.
If you’re ready to bring your real voice online with strategy and heart, not just performative content, now is the time to build your personal brand with intention.
💜ICYMI: Episode 3: Marriage, Money, and Marketing is LIVE!
What really happens when marriage, money, and marketing collide? Josh and I got real about the messy, magnetic, and sometimes maddening dynamics of building a business and a relationship at the same time.
We unpack boundaries, breakdowns, breakthroughs and why choosing love over ego might be the most underrated leadership skill. 🎧 Catch up here: Marriage, Money, and Marketing (Episode 003) or wherever you subscribe to your podcasts.
👉 Join us for the LinkedIn Brand Launchpad LIVE Open House on October 9th to learn how we help professionals like you build standout personal brands on LinkedIn. Register here (FREE Starbucks for first 20 signups)
👉 Subscribe to our YouTube series “Youmanize™ Your Brand” for raw, real insights on how to show up authentically and lead with your voice.
Trust Is the New Power Move for B2B Brands
Our clients are real people, and we’re all experiencing a trust recession. There’s a ton of noise online, with AI, politics…you name it, so the best move you can do is focus on trust building marketing activities with some of these recommendations.
If you’re thinking about implementing a thought leadership strategy with your company, I’d love to connect with you more. And if you’re ready to focus on your own personal brand strategy that reflects your truth and builds real impact, I’m soooooo excited to open up space in our new LinkedIn Brand LaunchPad.
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