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AI Searches for People, Not Logos: Building a Personal Brand That AI Can Find with Nicole Hatherly

Written by International Towers | Aug 27, 2026, 2:00:42 AM

The way people discover expertise has fundamentally changed. Today, leaders, recruiters and decision-makers are no longer just searching Google, they're asking AI who they should hire, promote, partner with or invite to speak. The question is: when AI is asked about your field, does it know who you are?

In this eye-opening conversation, brand strategist Nicole Hatherly explores one of the biggest shifts in professional visibility that almost nobody is talking about. Moving beyond "how to use AI," Nicole reveals how AI forms an understanding of your reputation, why traditional SEO has evolved into Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO), and what professionals can do to ensure their expertise is recognised in the age of AI.

When:  Wednesday 2 September 2026, 12:00PM - 1:00PM AEST

Drawing on 30 years of experience in brand strategy and her internationally delivered masterclass, Nicole shares practical strategies to help professionals close the gap between the reputation they've earned and the reputation AI can actually find. This isn't about becoming a social media influencer, it's about making the expertise you already have visible, credible and discoverable.

This conversation is ideal for professionals, executives, academics, consultants, entrepreneurs and anyone looking to advance their career, strengthen their reputation or position themselves as a recognised expert in their field.

Key takeaways include:

  • Why AI now recommends people, not websites, and what the shift from SEO to AEO means for your career.

  • How to conduct your own AI reputation audit using a simple prompt to discover exactly what AI says about you today.

  • A practical five-step framework to move from invisible to recommended by helping AI accurately understand and represent your expertise.

About Nicole Hatherly
She is an award-winning brand and leadership strategist who helps professionals, executives and teams strengthen their visibility, influence and impact. With more than 30 years of experience working with organisations including CommBank, Foxtel, Woolworths, Grant Thornton and TikTok, she specialises in thought leadership, personal branding and leadership development. Through her True North Activation frameworks, she helps high performers articulate their value, amplify their voice and build authentic professional profiles, while also designing female talent leadership programs that elevate the voice and visibility of women within organisations.