If I were to randomly meet you on the street and ask, ‘Who are you?’—no context, no explanation, just a simple yet loaded question—how would you respond?
For many, the answer is instinctively tied to their job title or the organisation they work for. Society conditions us to define ourselves through our professional roles, often equating career status with self-worth.
But what if those titles no longer existed? If you lost your job today, how would you introduce yourself? Would you still feel valuable? Would you still know your worth outside your profession?
In Kenya, where job insecurity is a growing concern due to layoffs and high unemployment rates, many professionals face an identity crisis when their roles change. The tendency to introduce oneself by title and organisation is deeply ingrained, but is it time to rethink this habit?
Faith Ken, a sexual and reproductive health advocate, acknowledges that her introduction varies based on context.
“Unless the setting requires it, I don’t always introduce myself with my job title,” she says. However, she admits that titles often shape first impressions.
Faith recalls an instance when introducing herself with her organisation’s name elicited visible disappointment from an audience.
“I was there to present an agenda, so I focused on my purpose rather than their reaction,” she says.
Yet, she acknowledges that if she were unemployed, her introduction would change: “I would introduce myself simply as Faith Ken, then list my qualifications to position myself for job opportunities.”
She also notes that titles can influence social dynamics. “Sometimes, I walk into a room and feel inferior because I’m speaking to high-profile individuals, but at other times, the audience is excited about what our organisation does.”
A broader sense of self
For Pauline Wanjiru, an employee at Kapa Oil Refineries, a businesswoman, and the founder of multiple initiatives, identity is multifaceted. “I introduce myself depending on the audience,” she explains.
However, she admits that people often react with skepticism when she lists her various roles.
“Some assume I am showing off or exaggerating, but I explain that in this economy, being a jack of all trades is necessary,” she says.
Even if she were to leave her employer, Pauline asserts that she would still reference it: “I would introduce myself as an ex-employee because it remains part of my professional journey.”
If stripped of her job titles, Pauline would say: “I am a hardworking woman, a go-getter, a social and creative person, a youth leader, and someone with a heart for helping.” She strives to ensure that her identity is not solely defined by her job.
“I know that when titles disappear, some people may forget you. That’s why I balance my personal and professional roles.” Professional identity as a career strategy
For Celine Abuga, a media analyst, introducing herself professionally has become second nature. “I started doing it when I was a station manager, and it helped me secure business opportunities,” she shares.
Celine Abuga, a media analyst, says she never used to mention her job title, but over time she got into the habit of introducing herself professionally.
Photo credit: Pool
She acknowledges that job titles can shape perceptions. “When I was a station manager, people were often surprised, saying, ‘This small girl is a station manager?’ But some took it positively.”
Celine tailors her introduction based on context. “I believe in professional introductions when networking or advancing my career, but in casual settings, I keep it simple.”
She remains aware that while job titles can open doors, they are not permanent. “Even if my title changes, my profession as a journalist will always be part of my identity.”
The ‘Peacock Syndrome’
Anthony Wachira, a transitions coach and CEO of The Influential, believes that people introduce themselves with job titles because they struggle to detach from them.
“We feel our roles are important, so we use them to impress others. It’s similar to the ‘peacock syndrome’—we put out our feathers for all to see,” he explains.
This is especially evident in professions where titles hold prestige, such as engineers, professors, and doctors.
However, Anthony warns that over-identifying with a job title can be dangerous. “Many people experience an identity crisis when they transition out of a role. Their phone stops ringing because their perceived value was tied to their position.”
Rethinking how we introduce ourselves
Have we eroded our self-worth by tying our identity to job titles? Anthony believes so. “Interviews today often include questions like ‘Tell us about yourself’ because recruiters want to see beyond professional achievements. They seek insights into personality, values, and everyday life.”
CEO of The Influential, Anthony Wachira.
Photo credit: Pool
For those in career transition, he advises a broader introduction.
“Talk about all your roles—spouse, parent, mentor—not just your professional ones. Embracing all the roles ensures you set goals that will make you grow holistically beyond the workplace.”
Who are you without your title? The way we introduce ourselves shapes how we are perceived, but it should not define our intrinsic worth.
While job titles can provide prestige, access, and opportunities, they are fleeting. True identity transcends profession—it encompasses personal values, relationships, and lifelong aspirations.
So the next time someone asks, “Who are you?” consider responding in a way that reflects not just what you do, but who you truly are.
