Brand Do!

“Plan to be surprised.” It’s one of Graham Perkins’ favourite lines from Dan in Real Life, and it’s the perfect way to sum up how he’s built a personal brand that’s equal parts calm, curious, and quietly confident. From 21 years in Singapore to his return to London’s creative scene, Graham’s journey shows that personal branding isn’t about chasing a persona—it’s about living your values while leaving space for life’s unexpected turns.

A Singapore Perspective That Never Leaves

“Living in Singapore taught me how to embrace the concept of others,” Graham shares. “It gave me cultural sensibilities you simply can’t learn from a book.”

While he found it challenging to translate that experience directly when he returned to London, Graham still believes Asia’s vibrancy shaped his way of seeing the world—and himself. “I realised the best personal brands are built by staying curious about others, no matter where you are.”

Calm, But Never Indifferent

“I am indeed my father’s son,” Graham says, crediting his calm presence to his dad’s quiet confidence and sense of justice (and perhaps a bit of Millwall football obsession).

That calmness became Graham’s signature, but he’s quick to clarify it’s not about passivity. “I’ve never been one to shy away from taking risks, and I’ve never let my calmness appear as indifference. Quite the opposite. I might rant about the world—find me on BlueSky—but I won’t let anger get in the way.”

Speak Up, Even If It Feels Awkward

“You can’t build a personal brand if you’re too scared to speak your mind,” Graham insists. “Have a vision, and don’t fear sharing it.”

He notes many people overlook the importance of time in the personal branding journey. “Be patient. Opportunities will arrive, and you will often fail. But the best moments in life? They’re when you’re picking yourself up from a low point. Learn, learn, learn—and then move on.”

Planning, With a Wink

Yes, Graham is a planner. “I love building a spreadsheet, crafting a keynote, writing a plan,” he laughs, “but I always leave space for surprises.”

His next chapter includes a book, blog posts, visual storytelling, and music albums. “In 18 months, I’ll semi-retire, and these stories are just waiting to come out.”

Let Them Remember You for You

Ask Graham how people see him, and he’ll shrug (calmly). “I think I’m remembered for my calmness, sarcasm, and clear thinking. But honestly, I don’t think about it much anymore.”

There was a time he worried about not having a degree, especially “when I was trying to make it as a pop star.” Now, Graham’s focus is on showing up, taking part, and letting curiosity lead the way. “I am what I am. I just want people to know I’m here.”

Advice to a Younger Graham

“I remember sitting on a bench at Clarke Quay at 34, looking at the river, and telling my fiancée, ‘I want to live here.’ A year later, I moved to Singapore.”

If he could tell his 35-year-old self one thing? “Follow your dreams. Be majestic in your soul. Only dwell on the past if you want it to impact the present. And never, ever stop wanting to be a pop star.”

Final Thoughts

Fun fact: The surname Perkins comes from “Peter’s kin”—fitting for someone who’s spent a lifetime building kinship across continents, industries, and generations.