Wearing Two Hats on LinkedIn? Here’s How to Make It Work

February 27, 2025
LinkedIn, Personal Branding

LinkedIn has evolved. It’s no longer just a digital resume—it’s a platform for thought leadership, networking, and personal branding. But if you work for a company, you might be wondering:

“What if I’m wearing two different hats?”

“How do I post personal stuff when I work for a company?”

“Should I only post about my company’s content?”

“What if I have to use my company’s LinkedIn background photo?”

These are some of the most common LinkedIn questions I get, and if you’re struggling with the same concerns, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down and find a strategy that works for you.

You Own Your Profile, Not Your Company

First things first: your LinkedIn profile belongs to YOU. Even if you work for a company, your profile is your professional asset. Think of it as your digital storefront. Yes, you might be an employee today, but your career journey is yours to shape.

So, does that mean you should ignore your company altogether? Nope. But it does mean you get to decide how much of your personal brand you want to showcase while balancing your company’s presence.

Balancing Two Hats: My Story

I get it—because I live it. I wear two different hats on LinkedIn: one as a LinkedIn and branding trainer, and the other as a professional in the meeting brokerage industry.

Here’s how I navigate it:
✔️ My posts and content focus solely on my branding and training expertise.
✔️ My Experience section still highlights my role in the meeting brokerage space.
✔️ My employer values personal branding and recognizes that my thought leadership benefits the meetings industry and my clients.

This approach allows me to be visible in both spaces without confusing my audience or diluting my message.

How to Post Personal Content When You Work for a Company

Your personal brand doesn’t have to conflict with your company’s brand. Instead, look for aligned values between the hats you wear. Maybe your company emphasizes innovation, leadership, or community—how do those values show up in your own content?

You can post about:

Lessons learned from your industry experience (without giving away company secrets)
Trends and insights that position you as a thought leader
Personal reflections that relate to your career journey

You don’t have to “ask for permission” to share your insights. As long as you’re being professional and respectful, your LinkedIn profile should showcase who you are—beyond your job title.

Should You Only Post Company Content?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: Your LinkedIn should not be a duplicate of your company’s page. If you only repost company updates, you’re not building a personal brand—you’re just amplifying corporate messaging.

Instead, engage with company content in a way that adds value. Share your perspective, highlight key takeaways, and connect it to your personal experience. That way, you’re not just an employee—you’re a voice in your industry.

Plus (some boring algorithm observations….)

Your personal posts will reach a bigger audience (6-10%) versus your Company Page’s post (~3%)
Reposts (even ones with thoughts) won’t do as well as your own original content

A fun workaround? Create your own original content, eluding to your Company’s content, and then “tag” them in your LinkedIn post copy.

What If You Have to Use Your Company’s Background Photo?

Some companies require employees to use a branded LinkedIn banner. While that’s not ideal for personal branding, you can still customize other areas of your profile:

Your Headline – Use this space to highlight both roles or focus on your expertise.
Your About Section – Tell your story in a way that speaks to different audiences.
Your Featured Section – Showcase articles, videos, or projects that reflect your unique expertise.

You still have control over your voice, content, and engagement—even if your banner is company-branded.

Ready to Optimize Your LinkedIn Strategy?

Your LinkedIn profile is yours to own and shape. Whether you’re balancing multiple hats, trying to post personal content, or navigating company expectations, the key is to find a strategy that works for you. With a little intentionality, you can build a presence that serves both your personal brand and your professional role.

Navigating LinkedIn when you work for a company can feel tricky, but you don’t have to choose between personal branding and being a team player. You can do both.

If you’re part of a small team and need help optimizing your personal and company presence on LinkedIn, DM me or send me a note via my blog’s Contact Me page! Let’s create a LinkedIn strategy that works for both you and your employer.

Follow Leanne on LinkedIn