Criticism of your personal brand might feel challenging, but it also presents opportunities for growth and improvement. We asked industry experts to share how they handle negative feedback or criticism directed at their personal brands — and one strategy they use to address negativity constructively. Learn how to transform negative feedback into valuable business intelligence.
- Transform Criticism into Valuable Business Insights
- Align Negative Feedback with Core Values
- Uncover Hidden Concerns in Private Conversations
- Use Criticism as Free Market Research
- Filter Feedback and Respond Strategically
- Separate Tone from Truth in Criticism
- Engage Proactively to Build Trust
- Turn Critics into Allies Through Transparency
- Own Your Narrative and Level Up
- Meet Negativity with Humor and Personality
- Address Concerns Publicly to Strengthen Trust
- Reframe Criticism Through Nervous System Regulation
- Pause Reflect and Respond Professionally
- View Feedback as Data for Improvement
- Transform Criticism into Engaging Content
- Recognize Criticism as Brand Awareness
What to do about negativity towards your brand?
Transform Criticism into Valuable Business Insights
Negative feedback used to make my shoulders tense up and my mind race with defensive responses — until I learned my nervous system was actually giving me valuable data about misalignment. Now I treat criticism as a body scan for my business.
When a client called out that I was “helping her hide” instead of helping her grow, my initial instinct was to justify our coaching relationship. But my body had been signaling the truth for weeks — the tension in my back, the cold coffee, the heavy feeling after our sessions. That criticism forced me to acknowledge what I was pretending not to know.
I ended that coaching relationship the same day, sending a direct message about how our current approach wasn’t creating the change she deserved. She later thanked me for the honesty, and I freed up energy to work with clients who were truly ready for change.
My strategy now: when criticism hits, I pause and check what my nervous system is telling me before my brain crafts excuses. Your body registers the gap between truth and pretense faster than your mind does — negative feedback often just confirms what your physiology already knows needs fixing.
Dr Barbara Eaton
Coach, Dr Barbara Eaton
Align Negative Feedback with Core Values
In our reputation company, we see negative feedback as a signal, an opportunity to align with our core values. The first action is to verify if the feedback comes from truth or is based on misconception. If it is valid, we focus on what we call “Integrity Signaling.” That is putting a face to the action, where we are not only solving the issue but doing it in our way as a brand. If we get feedback about a slow response time, we don’t just say sorry and move on — we create an externally facing update tracker process that tells everyone what’s happening. Such a move admits that there is a problem and, frankly, we embrace transparency over efficiency.
In practice, we’ve found that it’s possible to improve client satisfaction scores by as much as 25% over the course of a quarter. The technique not only neutralizes negativity, it definitely establishes trust. When feedback slips by due to wrong or false premises, we use data to claim our truth and gain control again if necessary. One must tread very lightly when it comes to an emotional response because it can water down a brand, but there are strategic ways that you can protect your brand. The only thing that protects your reputation is consistency, values, and accountability, even when it is hard to do.
Matt Bowman
Founder, Thrive Local
Uncover Hidden Concerns in Private Conversations
After 40 years in public relations and dealing with everyone from royalty to Hollywood stars, I’ve learned that negative feedback often reveals what people are really afraid to say directly. When a major art collector once called my PR strategy for their foundation “too flashy for serious philanthropy,” it taught me that high society operates on unspoken codes about dignity and discretion.
My approach is what I call “the champagne conversation” — I invite the critic for an off-the-record chat, usually over drinks. This works because people in my world value face-to-face resolution over public disputes. During my Interview magazine days, Andy Warhol taught me that the real story always comes out when cameras are off and people feel safe to speak honestly.
The key is remembering that in society circles, criticism is often about protecting someone’s reputation rather than attacking yours. A socialite who publicly questioned my event planning choices later admitted privately she was worried about being photographed next to certain controversial figures I’d invited. We adjusted the guest list strategy, and she became one of my biggest supporters.
Most negative feedback in high society comes from fear — fear of looking foolish, being judged, or damaging carefully cultivated images. Once you address those underlying concerns, the surface-level criticism usually disappears.
R. Couri Hay
Co-Founder, R. Couri Hay Columns
Use Criticism as Free Market Research
When my husband’s medical practice received harsh criticism on Google Reviews about our “aggressive marketing” during our first few months, I realized that fighting back would only make us look defensive. Instead, I used it as free market research to understand what our community actually valued.
I immediately adjusted our social media strategy to focus on patient education rather than promotional content. Within 30 days, our engagement rate jumped from 2.1% to 8.3%, and we started getting comments thanking us for the helpful health tips. The original critics never became patients, but their feedback helped us attract the right ones.
The game-changer was tracking which criticism actually correlated with business impact versus just noise. When someone complained about our website being “too flashy,” I ignored it because our conversion rate was already at 12%. But when multiple people mentioned feeling rushed during consultations, we extended appointment times and saw patient satisfaction scores improve dramatically.
Now I actually budget time each month to actively seek out criticism from patients, referring physicians, and even competitors’ reviews. That feedback helped us identify the networking strategies that led to 263 referring physicians in year one — something we never would have found if we’d stayed in our echo chamber.
Ashley Gay
Owner, Digital Ash Agency
Filter Feedback and Respond Strategically
Not every comment deserves a response. This is the first rule.
In the noise of LinkedIn or any platform, some feedback is useful, while some is just toxic. Protecting your brand means knowing the difference. Sometimes the smartest move is using the block button, because not everyone earns your time, energy, or visibility. Other times, what appears negative at first glance is simply clumsy communication. Tone doesn’t always translate well online. Grammar errors occur. Comments can sound harsher than intended. Give yourself a pause before reacting to ensure you’re responding to the actual message and not an assumption of it.
And here’s the non-negotiable: responding emotionally is always a losing game. When that happens, the critic wins. The goal is to either let it go or redirect it. Every interaction should strengthen credibility, not chip away at it.
At the same time, negative feedback isn’t always a bad thing. Every podcast appearance, every conference keynote, and every LinkedIn post is a reflection of how others perceive you. Self-awareness is a growth metric, too. Sometimes criticism reveals how your message is landing in ways you hadn’t considered. The strategy is simple:
1. Filter first. Decide if this deserves attention or removal.
2. Seek clarity. Ask whether the comment might be misunderstood.
3. Respond strategically, not emotionally. The brand is bigger than a comment thread.
4. Reflect on perception. Use feedback to sharpen self-awareness and improve how you present yourself.
Visibility isn’t about pleasing everyone. It’s about protecting your presence, staying self-aware, and turning even criticism into authority.
Melanie Borden
Founder & CEO, The Borden Group
Separate Tone from Truth in Criticism
When you build in public, criticism is part of the job. You can’t avoid it, but you can decide how to meet it, and that decision says more about your brand than the feedback itself.
My go-to strategy is to separate tone from truth.
I understand that not all feedback is delivered kindly, but that doesn’t mean it’s useless. I ask myself one question: if this same comment came from someone I trust, would I act on it? If the answer is yes, I take the note and apply it, regardless of how it was packaged. If the answer is no, I let it go. What matters most is not defending my brand in the moment, but evolving it in the long run.
People remember how you respond more than what was said about you. So when I do respond, I keep it clear, calm, and forward-facing.
For me, a thoughtful reply, especially to unfair criticism, can turn a skeptic into a supporter or, at the very least, show your audience that you lead with composure, not ego.
Jeff Mains
Founder and CEO, Champion Leadership Group
Engage Proactively to Build Trust
When it comes to handling criticism of my personal brand, I believe in proactive engagement rather than avoidance. My strategy centers on consistently responding to feedback across all platforms, whether positive or negative, which builds a foundation of trust and accountability long before any crisis emerges. When faced with criticism, I deliberately separate emotion from insight by pausing before responding, which allows me to identify any valid points that could help me improve. I’ve found that responding publicly with clarity rather than defensiveness transforms potentially negative exchanges into opportunities to expand on my reasoning or provide additional context. This approach not only addresses the immediate concern but also creates a visible track record of accountability that strengthens my brand rather than diminishes it.
Bhavik Sarkhedi
Founder & CEO, Ohh My Brand
Turn Critics into Allies Through Transparency
When negative feedback affects your personal brand, the worst thing you can do is become defensive. My approach is to treat it as free research. If the feedback is valid, I publicly acknowledge it and share how I’m addressing it. People respect transparency more than perfection.
One example: I was once called out on LinkedIn for being “too agency-focused” in my content. Instead of arguing, I replied thanking them for pointing it out, then posted a follow-up thread that highlighted lessons from my failed startup days — no client work, just founder experiences. That post actually outperformed my usual content and initiated deeper conversations.
The strategy that works? Respond, don’t react. A calm acknowledgment plus a small corrective action often turns critics into unexpected allies.
Suraj Shrivastava
Founder, SERP Forge
Own Your Narrative and Level Up
When someone criticizes my personal brand, my first instinct used to be defense. Now? I treat it like a smoke alarm: annoying, loud, but probably telling me something worth checking out.
The truth is, most people either spiral or snap when they receive negative feedback. I don’t do either. I zoom out.
I ask: “Even if it’s coming sideways, is there anything useful in it?”
Sometimes the answer’s no, and I move on. But sometimes, yes, it stings because it’s true. And that’s when it becomes fuel.
One strategy that works for me is owning the narrative before someone else does. If I know a critique is legitimate, I’ll address it out loud, in public, and on my own terms.
Not as an apology, but as an evolution.
That transparency builds more trust than pretending to be perfect ever could.
At the end of the day, you either build a brand that can take a punch or you build one that crumbles the second someone doesn’t like you.
I’ll take the punch. Then I’ll punch back by leveling up.
Adnan Sakib
Creative Director, Nitro Media Group
Meet Negativity with Humor and Personality
Ryanair is my spirit animal for handling criticism.
Every time they post online, they receive a tidal wave of complaints — and instead of retreating, they respond with wit, humor, and unapologetic personality. This approach turns detractors into entertainment and fans into loyalists.
I employ the same strategy.
If criticism is fair, I address it head-on and thank the person.
However, if it’s snark or trolling? I meet it with equal parts humor and self-awareness.
For example, someone once told me my presentation skills were “crap.” My reply? “Perfect — then you’ll love my workshop on turning crap into closing deals.” The entire audience burst into laughter, and the heckler left.
The real strategy is to make your brand voice so clear that even your responses to negativity reinforce it.
Done right, a “negative” comment becomes free marketing — because people remember how you handled it more than what sparked it.
Viktor Ilijev
Pitch Deck and Fundraising Consultant, Viktori
Address Concerns Publicly to Strengthen Trust
I view negative feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. When criticism is directed at my personal brand, my first step is to listen objectively and separate emotion from insight. Often, there’s a valuable perspective hidden within the negativity that can help refine messaging, strategy, or communication. One strategy I rely on is addressing concerns transparently and publicly when appropriate.
Instead of ignoring or dismissing criticism, I acknowledge it, share my perspective, and outline any steps being taken to improve. This approach not only diffuses tension but also demonstrates accountability, which strengthens trust with the audience. For example, if feedback highlights a gap in communication, I turn it into a chance to clarify and provide more context. Ultimately, the key is to approach criticism with humility and use it as a lever to reinforce credibility and authenticity in leadership.
Vaibhav Namburi
Founder, Smartlead.ai
Reframe Criticism Through Nervous System Regulation
When negative feedback arises concerning my personal brand, I treat it as an opportunity to pause and regulate before responding. Instead of reacting defensively, I ask myself: Is there truth here that I can learn from, or is this more about the other person’s state? One strategy I employ is reframing criticism through the lens of nervous system regulation, reminding myself that someone else’s reaction doesn’t define my worth, but it can highlight areas where communication may need more clarity. By maintaining my composure, I can either take the useful piece of feedback to grow or let go of what isn’t mine to carry, without losing alignment with my mission and values.
Karen Canham
Entrepreneur/Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Karen Ann Wellness
Pause Reflect and Respond Professionally
I handle negative feedback by first taking a pause — not reacting emotionally but reviewing the comment with a clear head. One strategy I use is to look for the truth or insight within the criticism, even if it’s poorly delivered. If it’s valid, I respond with gratitude and share what I’m doing to improve. If it’s not, I stay respectful and avoid fueling negativity. It’s about protecting your brand while showing humility and professionalism.
Nick Vitucci
Head of Marketing, Leto Graphics
View Feedback as Data for Improvement
I do not see negative comments as an attack; I see them as a chance to find out how other people perceive me. Feedback can help people identify gaps in communication or misalignments in goals and results. It might be challenging at first, but seeing the feedback as purely data is the best approach. Whenever I get feedback, I ask myself: Is this something I’ve heard before? When did this happen last? Then I follow up with: Should I discuss it in public, address it privately, or simply let it go?
I’m grateful to anyone who informs me about a problem they think I can fix. I’ll also tell them what I’m already doing to make things better, when applicable. This method helps people relax and shows them that feedback is important. It’s crucial to remain calm and professional since not saying anything might undermine your confidence just as much as talking too much. Being honest about both my successes and my disappointments has enhanced my personal brand over time. This is because people care more about honesty than perfection.
Gianluca Ferruggia
General Manager, DesignRush
Transform Criticism into Engaging Content
There’s no one who gets more bad press than influencers. Especially women who dare to have a strong voice. I don’t pretend it doesn’t sting sometimes, but I also don’t let it define me. One strategy I use? I turn criticism into content. If people are going to talk, I might as well hand them the microphone and own the narrative. At the end of the day, my job isn’t to be universally liked; it’s to be real, relatable, and unshakably me.
And brands should be doing the same. Negativity is energy, and energy can be transmuted. A hate comment becomes a hook. A bad article becomes a moment of virality. The secret isn’t avoiding criticism; it’s alchemizing it. Use the fuel. Own the narrative. Shape the myth. The algorithms don’t reward silence. They reward audacity.
Nicki Baber
Influencer
Recognize Criticism as Brand Awareness
By remembering that even negative feedback is recognition
It’s normal that not everyone will have the same opinion or “like” what you offer, but when you receive negative feedback or criticism, it is still a sign that your personal brand is being recognized. Many people, especially those who hide behind screens, feel they have a right to object, criticize, or simply hate on anything that does not fall to their liking. So, instead of getting all worked up or taking negative feedback personally, it is a reminder that my personal brand is being recognized.
Neha Rathi
Founder, Nifty
