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"If Everybody Is Super, Then No One Will Be": The AI Dilemma in Personal Branding

EchoStream Talent Management

March 1, 2023

 As we navigate the digital age, this concept resonates profoundly, particularly in the context of AI-powered personal branding.

In the animated movie The Incredibles, the villain Syndrome delivers a chilling line: "If everybody is super, then no one will be." This phrase is meant to highlight a paradox—when everyone is elevated to the same extraordinary level, the value of being extraordinary itself diminishes.


Tools like ChatGPT, LinkedIn AI, and other text generators have democratized access to professional-sounding language. Anyone, regardless of their background or expertise, can now create a polished LinkedIn post, an articulate blog, or an impressive résumé. The result? The digital marketplace of ideas is brimming with profiles that appear extraordinary—each individual a “visionary,” “expert,” or “trailblazer.” But as more people adopt these tools to amplify their personal brands, the distinction between authentic expertise and AI-enhanced presentation becomes increasingly blurred. The more ubiquitous "super" profiles become, the harder it is to identify true thought leaders.


This phenomenon raises important questions: How do we recognize genuine talent? How can individuals differentiate themselves in a world where everyone sounds incredible? And perhaps most importantly, how can authenticity regain its rightful place as the cornerstone of influence?


The Authenticity Crisis


When AI handles the heavy lifting of wordsmithing, the temptation to overinflate credentials or present oneself as a ready-made thought leader is strong. While this can help individuals make a strong first impression, it risks devaluing the concept of expertise itself. If everyone is using the same tools to craft a superlative image, what happens to the truly remarkable individuals who have earned their place as thought leaders?


The risk is twofold:

  1. Dilution of Excellence: When every profile or article follows the same formulaic brilliance, it becomes harder for audiences to discern who truly stands out.

  2. Loss of Trust: Audiences may grow skeptical, assuming that every polished post is just another AI-assisted creation, regardless of whether it reflects real accomplishments.


A Path Forward: The Human Touch


The solution lies in bridging AI’s capabilities with human authenticity. AI is a tool—not a replacement—for genuine thought leadership. Individuals who succeed in this environment will use these tools to enhance their voice, not fabricate it. True distinction will come from tangible achievements, original insights, and the courage to present one’s authentic self, imperfections and all.


By focusing on substance over style, EchoStream Talent Management helps our clients rise above the AI noise. Our mission is to guide aspiring leaders in building genuine expertise, sharing impactful ideas, and achieving recognition that isn’t just algorithm-deep. From thought leadership coaching to authentic content creation, we ensure our clients are super—but in a way that’s real and enduring.


Conclusion: Redefining “Super” in the AI Age


As AI-generated brilliance becomes the norm, the true value lies in authenticity, originality, and trust. The future belongs to those who combine the efficiency of AI with the power of their unique human experience. In a world where "everybody is super," it is the genuinely extraordinary who will redefine what being “super” truly means.

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