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Hello from Cairo!
We are having the time of our lives.
Although we are here to support Matthew at the Africa Aquatics Junior Championships, we are making sure we see all the sights!
Yesterday started at the pyramids…on a camel! It was cool, but my legs still hurt (think I was holding on too tight!). We visited the markets, museums and ate like kings.
We have also learnt a ton about Egyptian history, and all the people who played the starring roles.
Of all the stories, I have found my favorite! It is closely linked to what I wrote to you about a few weeks ago about identity. (If you missed it CLICK HERE)
Her name was Hatshepsut.
She didn’t want to be a man.
She wanted to be a king.
And she got it right. Hatshepsut’s story is a striking example of how reality can be shaped-and even transformed-through deliberate shifts in presentation and public image.
(Ancient world Personal Branding?!)
Her rise to King of Egypt is also a masterclass in how identity and authority are constructed.
Here is a brief summary of what really is a fascinating story….
- Hatshepsut was the elder daughter of Pharaoh Thutmose I and his consort Ahmose (so she was a princess)
- She married her half-brother Thutmose II, (so became Queen)
- She had one daughter, Neferure, but no son
- When her husband died around 1479 BCE, his son Thutmose III (born to a lesser wife) inherited the throne as a child
- Hatshepsut initially served as regent for her young step son, Thutmose III
- Over time, she began to merge her image with that of a king, initially combining a female body with kingly (male) regalia-such as the kilt, crown, and false beard.
- By the seventh year of Thutmose III’s reign, Hatshepsut had herself crowned as king and adopted the full titulary and iconography of a pharaoh. She did not erase her female identity, but combined it with the symbols of pharaonic power to create a new royal persona.
This gradual change, carefully managed and spread over several years, allowed the largely illiterate population to accept her as king, as they became accustomed to seeing her depicted in the role and regalia of a male ruler.
King Hatshepsut ruled Egypt for 22 years.
Incredible right?
So… What can we learn from this icon of history?…
- Want to be fit? – start acting like a fit person
- Want to be healthy? – start making the same choices healthy people make
- Want to be confident? – walk and talk the same way confident people do
- Want to build a personal brand? – Call me! ;)
Before I sign off… here are some more travel pics!
Will be back at my desk next week!
Who is Kira Goller?
I am a wife, mother, marketer and writer.
This isn’t what I have always done. Each chapter built on the next and took everything I could out of every opportunity. I have been taught by some of the best in the world and will never stop learning – it’s an obsession of sorts.
Today I help people bring their brands to life, build a presence in the world thats authentic, consistent and draws their ideal audience.
I am passionate about young people and run workshops to educate, guide and inspire them to create a digital footprint their future selves will be grateful for!
When you are Ready, here’s how I can Help
Build your Brand – Do you have a business or an idea but not sure what to do next?
I will help you figure it out and create whatever you need including – Brand Guide, Logo, Website, Soial Profiles etc
Establish your Brand Narrative – Are you unsure of what you want to say or how to say it?
I will help you establish you key messaging and brand voice
Write – Do you need help writing the copy for your website, emails or other content?
I will write your message, in your voice, in a way that immediately connects with your audience.
Teach Teenagers how to Build an Authentic, Intentional Digital Presence.
I run workshops that empower young people to create a digital presence their future selves are depending on them for!
