The Brand Up Life
Books


What started as a book has evolved into a movement! Inspired by her daughter's college journey and the intense competition resulting from the dramatic shifts in the admissions process, Stacey recognized the urgent need to answer the million-dollar question: Why Choose You?

Whether pursuing admission into your dream college, scoring a scholarship, securing a job, getting a promotion, or starting a business, standing out has never been more critical. In today's cluttered and connected environment, you must be impressively unique and have a five-star online and offline presence.

Brand Up is here to help you unleash your inner champion and achieve success — however you choose to define it!


Learn more. Start building your future!

About
Stacey Ross Cohen


Stacey's mission is to empower youth and adults with the tools to make a bold impression and capture the attention of decision-makers (college admissions, internships, jobs, investors, and clients. Integral to the conversation is providing individuals with real-world skills like Networking, Interviewing, Goal Setting, Communications, and Business Etiquette.

Take it from someone who is a twin: The best compliment Stacey ever received is, "You are unique!" As a twin, Stacey's struggle to cultivate her own identity made her more sensitive to the need to develop one's uniqueness. And if she can do it, so can you!


Learn more. Book Stacey for a speaking engagement today

Brand Up Academy prepares tomorrow's leaders with future-ready skills to achieve academic and career success.
online Curriculum


The first e-course of the online learning platform is designed for high school students to help them bring out their inner champion, make a bold impression, and rise to the top of the admission pile. The program was developed in collaboration with Spaceship Academy, a global leader in innovative programming for individuals, schools, businesses, and organizations. The program consists of modules which are building blocks, meant to be done in succession.


Learn more about Brand Academy
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Available at the following retailers

As Featured in

  • Mel Robbins

    Brand Up 2.0 brings a fresh, timely perspective to career development. Stacey Ross Cohen translates her marketing wisdom into incredibly useful and actionable advice for young professionals. If you want to accelerate your career with clarity and confidence and stand head and shoulders above the competition, you can't miss this book.

    Mel Robbins
    Host of The Mel Robbins Podcast’ New York Times Best Selling Author
  • Barbara Corcoran

    “If you want to succeed in today’s competitive world, then a strong personal brand is an absolute must. That’s where Brand Up comes in. Stacey Cohen distills her decades of experience into a step-by-step guide for achieving college and career success. If you want to excel at networking and entrepreneurship in the classroom and in the boardroom, don’t miss Brand Up!”

    Barbara Corcoran
    Author, ABC’s Shark Tank Investor & Speaker
  • David Meltzer

    “Whether you’re working on college admissions, getting a job, moving into the world of trade or entrepreneurship, or chasing your greatest aspirations, Brand Up is a great guide to help build your personal brand and get an edge over your competition.”

    David Meltzer
    Co-Founder of Sports 1 Marketing, Bestselling Author and Top Business Coach
  • Dorie Clark

    Brand Up 2.0 is not just another job search manual—it's a transformative guide to stepping up your career game and being the boss of your future. Author Stacey Ross Cohen skillfully lays out a clear path to help early career professionals confidently land their dream job, shift careers, or start a business. Packed with skill-building tools and strategies to discover, develop, and deliver your professional value, this book paves the way for a lifetime of career success.

    Dorie Clark
    Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Columbia Business School
  • Harry Moseley

    “The pandemic has changed the way we work forever. With the rise of technology and the gig economy, it’s more important than ever to prepare kids for the future. That’s where Brand Up comes in. The book provides students with skills to achieve academic and career success, including goal-setting, building a strong online presence, interviewing, networking, entrepreneurship, and so much more.”

    Harry Moseley
    Former Global Chief Information Officer, Zoom Video Communications
  • Allison Kluger

    “As a fellow branding expert, as well as an educator and parent of two teenagers, this book could not have come at a more opportune moment. I teach clients and graduate students how crucial it is to define your brand, highlight your superpowers, and differentiate yourself, so you can authentically be YOU. Brand Up champions these very notions! Brand Up instructs and guides our teens and young adults in the importance of thinking strategically while proudly leveraging their skills and unique qualities that make them marketable and successful.”

    Allison Kluger
    Lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business/Communications and Media Coach
  • Stephanie Cartin

    “Brand Up is aligned with our mission to inspire current and future generations of women leaders to start and grow their businesses. Empowering youth with entrepreneurial skills will help more women launch their own businesses, creating a more diverse and innovative workforce. We need more women leaders in the world, and this playbook is a significant step toward making that happen.”

    Stephanie Cartin
    CEO, Entreprenista Media
  • KAYKO

    “To succeed in the modern entrepreneurial age, you NEED to know who you are, showcase your strengths, and authentically tell your story. Brand Up provides valuable insider secrets and tools to help you stand out in a world filled with noise and everyone vying for attention. The personal branding and life skill lessons I gained were essential to my development as a digital entrepreneur.”

    KAYKO
    Nashville Artist & Songwriter
  • Aliza Licht

    Brand Up 2.0 is the ultimate playbook for Gen Z future trailblazers ready to fast-track their careers. Packed with cutting-edge strategies, essential tools, and insider tips, this guide helps you unleash your hidden talents, master critical skills, and crush your career goals with confidence

    Aliza Licht
    Founder, Leave Your Mark and author of On Brand
  • Dave Kerpen

    Brand Up 2.0 is a masterclass in career acceleration! Bursting with practical tips and Stacey Ross Cohen's contagious enthusiasm, it's a must read for anyone looking to make their mark in the professional world. Read this book! Then watch your career soar to new heights.

    Dave Kerpen
    CEO, Apprentice, and NY Times Bestselling Author, Get Over Yourself
  •  Tanya Avrith

    “Essential life skills often not taught in schools. It’s only a matter of time before you will be Googled. High school students, college students, adults. It’s inevitable. This easy-to-read workbook provides actionable strategies to help students learn how to effectively tell their personal story and control their own narrative. These essential skills will help give them an edge in all stages of life. An absolute must read. ”

    Tanya Avrith
    M.A. EdTech, Education Strategist, Co- Author, The Google Infused Classroom
  • Courtney Spritzer

    “We all need to be aware of how we are presenting ourselves to the world, and teens must be intentional about building a positive digital footprint. Whether seeking to go to college, become an influencer, score a dream internship, or start a business, this playbook will get you started on your journey to success. Packed with tips, tricks, and strategies, Brand Up is a must-read for any teen who wants to get ahead in today’s competitive world.”

    Courtney Spritzer
    CEO, Socialfly
  •  Craig Vezina

    “This is the book I wish I had growing up and the one I want for my children! Drawing on her unparalleled experiences and insights, Stacey Ross Cohen provides so much more than great advice... she offers a practical, accessible, and empowering ‘how to’ for teens to both imagine and shape their own futures. Brand Up is the ultimate roadmap to flourish in a world of ever-growing complexity and uncertainty.”

    Craig Vezina
    Co-Founder, CEO, The Spaceship Academy
  • Dr. Anthony M. Criniti IV (aka “Dr. Finance®”),

    “Stacey Ross Cohen is an authority on branding! Learning about personal branding is crucial for entrepreneurs of all ages. The sooner you learn it, the better. Brand Up capitalizes on this concept by focusing on teaching teens the value of branding. A perfect subject to learn for the right age group.”

    Dr. Anthony M. Criniti IV (aka “Dr. Finance®”),
    The World’s Leading Financial Scientist and Author of three #1 International Bestselling Finance Books
  • Samantha Hreschak

    “Take it from me – don’t judge personal branding until you’ve learned about it and have read this book! Although skeptical when I was required to take a personal brand-ing class in high school (taught by contributor Jason Shaffer), this class was life-changing: it helped me become more self-aware, build a solid online reputation, get accepted into my top choice school, and recently nabbed my dream job. As an artistic person and visual learner, I loved being able to create my ‘digital footprint’ the way I wanted others to see it. Whether applying for a job or college, this book will help you tell your story, find your strengths, and showcase your skills.”

    Samantha Hreschak
    University of Central Florida, 2022; Costuming Cast Member, Walt Disney World
  • Orane Barrett

    “One of the key factors in workforce preparation is personal branding – being memorable, unique, and standing out. Brand Up does just that. The book’s focus on the high school years will help our potential diverse future workers make a mark in our increasingly connected world. We highly recommend this book to students for their preparation for the workforce.”

    Orane Barrett
    CEO, Kool Nerd Connect
  • David Meerman Scott

    “When you apply for a seat at a competitive university or that first job at a hot company, never forget that you are the product and you’re in charge! Stacey shows you how to create a personal brand that stands out from hundreds of other people who simply send in an application.”

    David Meerman Scott
    Bestselling Author of 13 books including The New Rules of Marketing and PR, now available in 29 languages
  • Lainie Rowell

    “As an educator and a parent, I’m truly grateful for the actionable tools and strategies provided in this engaging book! It isn’t easy making something complex and nuanced this accessible, but Stacey Ross Cohen does this masterfully. An essential read for teens, parents, educators, those who influence our future leaders, and really anyone who wants to untap their limitless potential!”

    Lainie Rowell
    Bestselling Author, Award-Winning Educator, and TEDx Speaker
  • Anthony R. Davidson

    Colleges should produce well-rounded professionals who, not only receive an education, but have also been taught how to understand life. Consequently, being college-ready is also about having life skills. And that is precisely what sets this book apart! More than ever, kids need to develop skills such as personal branding, networking, and interviewing. It’s not just about having perfect GPAs and test scores. Plus, it’s essential for teens to get a jump start building a positive online presence.”

    Anthony R. Davidson
    PhD, MBA; Dean, Fordham University, School of Professional and Continuing Studies
  • Julie Cottineau

    “Brand Up is a game changer. It shows teens how to create a brand that will make them stand out from the crowd and get noticed by colleges, employers, coaches, and more. It also provides tools they need to level up essential life skills such as networking and interviewing.”

    Julie Cottineau
    Founder & CEO, BrandTwist
  • Jessica D. Winder

    As an HR executive committed to changing the status quo, I know the impact of a strong digital presence. Brand Up 2.0 is a must-read for young professionals. It's packed with practical advice and real-world strategies to help you elevate your career, build a personal brand, and confidently navigate the evolving landscape. Trust me, this is a must-read for anyone looking to make their mark!

    Jessica D. Winder
    Founder of Hidden Gem Career Coaching
  • Philip Berry

    Those who are prepared have a much better chance of getting the job that matters and furthering their career. Stacey Ross Cohen’s book “Brand Up 2.0: Propel Your Early Career Success” is an indispensable resource that prepares early career professionals for complete and thorough success. The book provides very specific techniques, nuggets of data, and a plethora of practical, experiential, and unforgettable exercises. Even if you are currently employed, you can use this guide to reassess your current situation and chart your next steps.

    Philip Berry
    President, Philip Berry Associates LLC and Bestselling Author, Being Better Than You Believe: 8 Steps to Ultimate Success
  • Sean Gaillard

    Stacey Ross Cohen returns with a follow-up to her highly engaging and successful book. Brand Up 2.0 is an essential resource and pivotal entry point for early career professionals and anyone looking to highlight their strengths and gifts. In a world where a robust digital presence is paramount, she delivers practical tools and insights. Brand Up 2.0 empowers readers to elevate their personal brand, ensuring they shine brightly in the eyes of current and potential employers. A must-read for anyone looking to make a lasting impression in their career journey!

    Sean Gaillard
    Author of The Pepper Effect: Tap into the Magic of Creativity, Collaboration, and Innovation, School Leader, Podcaster, Leadership Coach
  • Cassandra Thompson

    Brand Up 2.0 is an absolute game-changer in today’s competitive job market. Stacey Ross Cohen emphasizes the significance of personal branding and outlines a comprehensive yet achievable 360 strategy to help you stand out and secure the right opportunities. If you're looking to pave the way for long-term career success, Brand Up 2.0 is a must-read. Highly recommended!

    Cassandra Thompson
    , Founder, One Hello and Workplace Connection Speaker, Trainer & Coach
  • Marc Steren

    “For our under-resourced students, uncertainty for their college and career readiness impedes their future potential. Brand Up provides a step-by-step methodology to tell their stories in a positive, uplifting manner and to empower them to a better future. This book should be in every high school.”

    Marc Steren
    Co-Founder and Co-CEO, University Startups
  • Natasha Graziano

    “Brand Up is an essential guide for any teen who wants to be successful in life. It is clear, relatable, and most importantly, it prepares teens to thrive in the real world. The self-awareness exercises included throughout the book provide an excellent opportunity for readers to reflect on their beliefs and start making positive changes in their thinking. As a mindset coach, I can attest to the power of having a growth mindset in achieving all kinds of goals — not just those that involve college.”

    Natasha Graziano
    Mindset coach, Bestselling Author, Be It Until You Become It, and Top Motivational Speaker