You may think you know me.
But it turns out I’m an American ordained minister in the Religion of Jesus Church, which regards marijuana as a “sacramental herb”.
In 2000, I founded the ‘THC Ministry’, which offered cannabis as a part of its services. But I was one of 14 people charged with possession and trafficking and sentenced to five years in a federal prison.
It really is one hell of a story. But despite what the internet says, it is not MY story.
It’s Roger Christie’s story. Not the 35-year-old from Sydney but the 72-year-old born in Steamboat, Colorado.
If you google my name today, you may well see an image and Wikipedia entry like the below. Without closer inspection, it presents a real risk. And while it may seem absurd or even trivial, what it highlights is a crucial risk facing every leader operating in the digital world today.
Whether you’re active online or not, you’re visible.
This is the scenario facing leadership today.
Before people even meet you, when they hear about you through their network or mainstream media, they’re hopping onto Google and searching your name. What comes up – the perceptions and judgements that information leads people to make – is 100% out of your control.
Unless you participate purposefully online.
Don’t risk facing trial by social media for crimes you never committed.
Take back control.
Protect your digital reputation. Build a purposeful digital brand.
