Power of Personal Branding in Becoming a Global Blockchain Leader

Feb 11th, 2025

The Power of Personal Branding in Becoming a Global Blockchain Leader

Harman Puri’s journey to becoming a globally recognized blockchain expert underscores the transformative power of personal branding in the tech industry. His story illustrates how strategic personal development can lead to professional success and industry influence.

Early Challenges and Self-Education

Embarking on his blockchain journey in 2018, Harman faced a landscape with limited mentorship opportunities. Undeterred, he turned to online resources—blogs, videos, and tutorials—to build his knowledge base. This self-directed learning approach laid the groundwork for his expertise. Despite skepticism from peers who doubted blockchain’s longevity, Harman remained resolute. He recalls, “Many people warned me against dedicating my career to blockchain because they feared it would die.” This skepticism only strengthened his determination to prove the technology’s potential.

Strategic Career Decisions

In a pivotal move, Harman chose to leave a well-paying job to pursue an internship at a blockchain company, accepting a significant pay cut. His motivation was clear: “I wanted to learn.” This decision highlighted his commitment to personal growth over immediate financial gain. During this internship, he delved into platforms like Hyperledger and Corda, particularly focusing on permissioned blockchains that emphasize institutional governance. This experience broadened his understanding of blockchain’s applications beyond decentralization and transparency, revealing its potential to address challenges related to scalability and throughput.

Building a Personal Brand

Recognizing the importance of establishing a strong personal brand, Harman took deliberate steps to position himself as an authority in the blockchain space. He launched a personal website, authored the book ‘Why Blockchain,’ led faculty development training, conducted free lectures nationwide, organized events, and participated in panels—all centered on blockchain. Reflecting on this approach, Harman shared, “Building a personal brand gave me the authority and authenticity to establish my presence, bringing me closer to my goal of becoming an international name in Blockchain.”

Community Engagement and Collaboration

Understanding that blockchain thrives on shared knowledge, Harman actively engaged with developers, students, and industry leaders. He organized hackathons, educational programs, and events across India, empowering the next generation of blockchain professionals. This collaborative approach not only contributed to the broader community but also reinforced his position in the industry. He notes, “In the Blockchain world, your network truly is your net worth.”

Learning from Failures and Leadership Development

Harman’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Finding the right business partners proved difficult, teaching him the importance of careful selection and diversification in partnerships. He emphasizes, “It’s harder than finding a life partner.” These experiences shaped his leadership style, leading him to value transparency, open communication, and a collaborative environment. He believes that a hierarchy-free flow of ideas fosters true innovation and builds a sense of belonging and purpose within teams.

Redefining Success

Initially, Harman equated success with financial gain. However, his perspective evolved over time. Today, he defines success by his reputation and network. He states, “If I walk into a conference and everyone knows me, that’s success for me.” This shift underscores the importance of relationships and industry impact over monetary achievements.

Legacy and Future Vision

Looking ahead, Harman aims for his company to be a transformative force in India’s blockchain ecosystem, particularly in promoting blockchain adoption among Fortune 500 companies. He is committed to helping businesses unlock blockchain’s potential for transparency, efficiency, and security. To achieve this, Harman plans to expand the company’s educational initiatives, establish more centers of excellence, and work alongside government bodies to build a blockchain-ready workforce. He envisions making a significant impact on India’s journey toward becoming a blockchain powerhouse.

Harman Puri’s story exemplifies how building a personal brand, coupled with continuous learning and community engagement, can lead to global recognition and influence in the tech industry. His journey offers valuable insights for aspiring professionals aiming to make their mark in emerging technologies.