In July 2025, I shared this photo with Chat GPT (free version) with the simple prompt:
Please tell me 10 things about my photo related to my identity
Considering I teach personal branding and often do a Who Am I activity with students who have just met me, I was curious to see what response I’d get from AI.
My responses are below:
Professional Confidence: You’re making direct eye contact with the camera and smiling gently, which suggests confidence and approachability—qualities often associated with professional identity and experience.
I’d like to think I’m both confident (but not always) and approachable.
Workplace Environment: The setting appears to be a modern, open-plan office or educational building, possibly a university or tech hub, which suggests you’re involved in a knowledge-based, creative, or academic profession.
Yes, it was taken at The Hague Tech! I of course work in academia but that could be known by previous chats
Leadership Presence: Your posture and composed facial expression convey leadership qualities—someone who is used to taking initiative or guiding others.
I have been working on this for years. It’s interesting this says based on a “composed facial expression” – as I am usually smiling in selfies but didn’t this time.
Attention to Presentation: You’re wearing a tailored black jacket and a patterned top, indicating you take care in how you present yourself, which may reflect a role involving public interaction, such as teaching, mentoring, or consulting.
I do all of those 3 things – and it’s a dress actually.
Creative and Practical: Your earring choice and the hint of a patterned green top suggest a creative flair paired with professionalism—blending personal style with a practical wardrobe.
Back to my top (dress) and though I wouldn’t describe myself as very into fashion, I do indeed like to combine creativity and professionalism. I also like to be practical and comfortable.
Possibly Multicultural or International: The setting, combined with your style and self-presentation, may suggest you work in or engage with international communities (which fits with what I know about you as well).
Yes – of course!
Indoor Professional Event or Workday: The lanyard around your neck hints that you may be attending or hosting a professional event, possibly within a university or corporate setting.
Ha, funny this was spotted as part of my identify – I wear a lanyard a lot with my work pass.
Curious and Engaged: The selfie nature of the photo suggests that you’re intentionally documenting a moment—possibly for professional social media, which reflects a proactive and engaged personality.
True
Age and Wisdom: Your features suggest a mature professional, likely bringing a depth of life and work experience that contributes to your identity.
Haha, yes, just before my 50th birthday.
Interest in Modern Workspaces: The background includes a ping pong table, a hanging chair, and open collaborative areas, which indicates you’re in or drawn to environments that promote flexibility, creativity, and innovation.
Also true.
So, was this a valuable exercise? I did find it interesting that it described many aspects of my identity in great depth in seconds, pointing out things I rarely notice anymore (like my lanyard) and bringing the importance of context/location into play.
Your thoughts? Let’s continue the conversations over on LInkedIn if you’d like to!
Renee
Zestee 