Brand You Personal Branding

If you’re a solopreneur, you already wear every hat: marketing, sales, content, client delivery. But there’s one skill that ties it all together –– persuasion. In this episode, I sit down with Ellin Sidell, Fortune 500 leader-turned-author of The Influence Advantage. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why persuasion is a skill you can master—even if you're introverted or uncomfortable with sales How Ellen got her boss to complete her overdue review using nothing but humor and a fake invoice (true story) What solopreneurs can learn from Costco’s grassroots mentorship program and how to replicate it in your brand The difference between mentorship and sponsorship—and why both matter for your growth Why self-leadership is your greatest competitive edge in today’s content-heavy world Get Ellin's book, The Influence Advantage » Connect with Ellin: ellinsidell.com LinkedIn  YouTube

Want to build a network that actually works for you — without faking extroversion or burning out? Today, Selena Soo joins me to talk about what it really takes to build a million-dollar network in today’s world. From defining your inner circle to learning how to ask for help, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and hard-won insight. Why introverts can often be great relationship builders—and how Selena leveraged this to create a thriving network The 3-phase framework of building Rich Relationships: Align, Attract, Activate How to sort your network into 6 circles—and why this protects your time, energy, and values The vulnerable story of how Selena ended a million-dollar relationship with a mentor who crossed the line Don’t just listen—put this into action. Get Selena’s free scripts, preview the book, and enter to win $1,000: richrelationshipsbook.com/mikekim Get Selena's book, Rich Relationships, on Amazon here » Connect with Selena: Website - https://www.selenasoo.com Instagram - https://www

Jay Ferrugia has spent over 25 years transforming lives through strength — but not just in the gym. In this episode, we dive into the mindset, discipline, and raw honesty it takes to create real results in any field. Jay shares why playing nice often holds your clients back, how to build trust without people-pleasing, and why authenticity isn’t a brand strategy — it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re in fitness, business, or the expert space, this conversation will challenge the way you lead and deliver value. Why "being nice" might be sabotaging your client relationships and diluting your authority How to build lasting trust through brutal honesty (delivered with care) What Jay looks for in the first five seconds of meeting a client — and how it predicts success The real difference between information and transformation (and how to create the latter) Why personality fit matters more than marketing when it comes to results and referrals Connect with Jay: Website Instagram Connect with Me: Website Instagram Ti

Heidi DeCoux is an entrepreneur, tech innovator, and financial literacy advocate. Heidi has successfully built and scaled four businesses with 50%+ profit margins and sold three of them, one of which resulted in a 7-figure exit. In this conversation, Heidi shares some of the most important principles for success. Her latest adventure is launching the tech startup, Cashflowy.ai — a bookkeeping, client invoicing, and cash-flow management smart AI software for small businesses that eliminates the need for a bookkeeper. Heidi is also the founder of Financial Titans — a nonprofit that teaches young people how to start businesses and make their first $500 while learning to think from a first principles, entrepreneurial perspective. 3:26 – You will never figure it out all in your head 4:22 – There is no end so enjoy the journey 6:18 – Everything is figureoutable 10:44 – The dark night of the soul is real 14:25 – Get good at letting go 18:52 – You will rarely make a mistake you won’t recover from 25:00 – Define you

AI isn’t coming — it’s already here, reshaping the coaching, consulting, and expert industry at a speed that’s catching many off guard. In this episode, I share an unfiltered look at how AI is changing the personal brand space and what you must do right now to stay relevant, trusted, and in demand. This isn’t a tech tutorial — it’s a wake-up call. You don’t need to fear AI… but you do need a plan. 0:57 - Connection is the differentiator 2:25 - The viral AI YouTuber who lost my trust 5:07 - The messenger is more important than the message 6:02 - Your output should be INCREASING 8:23 - U.S. presidential campaigns reveal where content is headed next 11:07 - Publish or perish If you’re a coach, expert, or creator who wants to stay ahead of the curve, this is the episode you can’t afford to skip.

Turning your expertise into real income doesn’t require a massive audience—yet so many people get stuck believing they need one. In this episode, I break down the five biggest mistakes people make when trying to monetize their skills, and I’ll share the simple shifts that can unlock your true earning potential. 0:50 - The single biggest mistake: pricing too low from the start 1:50 - The "traffic from hell" model for pricing 6:08 - Success Hack: always assume people want to work with you 10:05 - Grow your email or struggle forever 15:17 - The pitfalls of underdocumenting your business and life 19:34 - Small, high-caliber events are the best investments 21:36 - The first business I ever attended Connect with Me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Twitter YouTube Follow and Review: I’d love for you to follow me on Apple Podcasts if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podc

Robby Fowler is back to join me on the show and we've got some interesting insights to share. During a recent launch, we surveyed solopreneurs—coaches, consultants, and service-based experts—and 92% admitted to making a critical mistake that’s keeping them from consistent clients and revenue. The good news? Once you fix this, everything changes. In this episode, we break down: What 92% of solopreneurs are missing—and why it’s costing them clients. The biggest myth about growing your brand (and what to do instead). How one expert went from $1K to $10K months—without chasing leads. The real reason you’re not getting more sales (hint: it’s not marketing). A simple shift that makes lead generation feel effortless. If you’re hustling but still struggling to scale, this episode will show you exactly what’s missing and how to turn it around. Connect with Me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Twitter YouTube Follow and Review: I’d love for you to follow me on Apple Podcasts if you haven’t yet. Click that purp

In this episode, I’m bringing you a rare, behind-the-scenes leadership talk I gave for Ugandan Water Project, covering life transitions, unlearning old beliefs, and how asking better questions leads to better answers. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering What am I going to do with my life?, this episode will challenge you to rethink success, identity, and purpose. I share the pivotal moments that shaped my journey—from the expectations placed on me by my culture and faith, to my personal turning points in career, relationships, and self-discovery. We also explore: The four most powerful questions I’ve asked myself that changed my trajectory. A hilarious (and slightly concerning) family story that involves my first-ever experience with alcohol… at age 4. Why your mission, vision, and goals should evolve—but your identity stays the same. If you’re feeling stuck, searching for clarity, or navigating a major transition, this conversation will give you fresh insight and a new framework for moving forward. Uga

What happens when you step outside your comfort zone and immerse yourself in something bigger than yourself? Fresh from a great trip to Uganda, I’m grappling with deep questions about work, meaning, and the unexpected ways life pulls us forward. This episode is a raw, unfiltered reflection on what I experienced—and how it’s shifting my perspective.

Today I talk with James Beng Lee to rethink success. Whether it’s hitting a financial goal, publishing books, or building a business, many people reach a point where they ask: What now? James has worked with top performers across various industries and has seen firsthand how success can often feel hollow when it’s not defined correctly. We discuss the phases when people start questioning their definition of success, how the fear of not enough keeps us stuck in achievement cycles, and why true transformation requires more than just hitting the next milestone. We also break down the crucial role of support networks and why so many high achievers struggle with loneliness. James introduces his 4S Framework—a way to recalibrate the relationships in your life to better support your growth. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve "made it" but still feel a void, this conversation will give you new insights into what truly matters. CONNECT WITH JAMES BENG LEE Website: https://liveholystic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagr

In this episode, my friend Nick Cavuoto flips the script and puts me in the hot seat. We cover everything from my childhood dreams of becoming a comic book artist to the lessons I’ve learned from my parents, my entrepreneurial journey, and why books have become my personal legacy.  I also open up about my relationship with my father—how we went nearly a decade without speaking, the wild stories from his past (including an actual CIA job offer!), and how reconnecting with him shifted my perspective on life, business, and self-worth.  If you’ve ever struggled with defining success, questioned where you’re heading next, or wrestled with family dynamics and personal growth, this is one of my most candid conversations yet. Get my book, You Are the Brand: https://amzn.to/40Ntc2O Connect with Me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Twitter YouTube Follow and Review: I’d love for you to follow me on Apple Podcasts if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d l

If you’ve ever felt stuck doing everything yourself, this episode is for you. In this episode I sit down with Jen Kem to talk about her new book, Unicorn Team, and how it changed the way I think about building a team, managing ideas, and stepping into my own role as a leader. We share the hard truths about why working harder isn’t the answer and the mindset shifts that make all the difference. Why your next level requires a mindset shift from “donkey work” to “unicorn thinking” How to identify the right team members, even if you’re just starting out The key to turning endless ideas into actionable, profitable projects Why solopreneurs need to focus on culture, even with small or part-time teams Jen’s practical framework for filtering ideas and delegating effectively Resources Mentioned: Jen Kem’s book, Unicorn Team Connect with Me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Twitter YouTube Follow and Review: I’d love for you to follow me on Apple Podcasts if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top

In this episode, I open up about my decision to travel to Uganda—a trip that’s less about adventure and more about reconnecting with what truly matters. After more than a decade in an industry that glorifies success and appearances, I’ve found myself searching for deeper meaning and alignment in life and work. This journey represents a step away from “life as usual” and into the unknown.  Why a decade of success left me craving something deeper—and how I’m answering that call. The surprising lesson marketing has taught me about truth, appearances, and connection. What it means to step outside the familiar and embrace the courage to feel again. How personal growth and outgrowing work can lead to greater alignment and purpose. A powerful question for you: What’s calling you to reconnect with your life’s deeper meaning? Connect with Me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Twitter YouTube Follow and Review: I’d love for you to follow me on Apple Podcasts if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top

What if you could breathe new life into your book and connect with readers in a fresh, personal way? In this episode, I share a simple but powerful strategy I’ve started using: creating a “director’s cut” of your book. This approach not only gives your book a second life but also doubles as a standout marketing strategy on YouTube. Tune in to hear why this works, how I approached it for You Are the Brand, and how you can easily create your own director’s cut. What You’ll Learn: Why YouTube is the perfect platform for authors looking to connect with readers. What a director’s cut of your book is and how it can set you apart from other authors. How I created a personal, behind-the-scenes take on my book that resonated with my audience. Simple steps to create your own director’s cut video, even if you’re new to YouTube. How this strategy keeps your book relevant and boosts sales long after its release. Get You Are the Brand on Amazon »

In this first episode of 2025, I reflect on a decade of being in business full-time (I went full time in August of 2015). This is an honest look at what it truly takes to build a life and business that align with your values. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned entrepreneur, I hope these stories and insights will inspire you to live and work with greater intention. The 7 Lessons: Pain Pushes Until the Vision Pulls Honor Your Convictions and Make Decisions You'll be Proud of Later Sh*t Happens... And It Can Also Be a Great Fertilizer for Your Future Know Thyself, Entrepreneurship is Full of Emotional Whiplash Relationships Are Rocketships but Also Safe Havens You Can't Always Play 100% Through Pain The Way Out of Your Head is Through Your Heart Connect with Me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Twitter YouTube Follow and Review: I’d love for you to follow me on Apple Podcasts if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more

If you’re dreaming about leaving your 9-to-5 to build a business, but you’re unsure where to start, I get it. Nearly 10 years ago, I was in your shoes—working long hours as a CMO, feeling unfulfilled, and wondering how I could create a life on my terms. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I made the leap to full-time entrepreneurship, including the hard lessons I learned along the way and the strategies that worked. If you’re ready to start making moves toward freedom, this episode will give you the roadmap to get there. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Setting Financial Goals Is Essential: I’ll explain how I made my side hustle match my day job income for three months before making the leap. The Power of Resourcefulness: You’ll hear how I maximized my limited time, from recording podcasts at 5 a.m. to turning my day job into a paying client. How to Test Income Streams Before You Quit: I’ll walk you through why experimenting with coaching, consulting, and courses helped me discover what I loved—an

In this episode, we explore the drawbacks of hustle culture and the importance of integrating rest into our lives for sustainability. Through my experience with professional wrestling, I learned how relentless work without breaks can lead to burnout. The episode encourages listeners to rethink their approach to work by simulating urgent scenarios to practice delegation and task management. By prioritizing relationships and commitments that truly matter, the episode advocates for a balanced lifestyle where taking intentional breaks is essential.  Tune in to gain insights on crafting a fulfilling life that doesn't compromise well-being. In this episode, you will hear about: Challenging the relentless hustle culture and embracing the necessity of rest. Using high-stakes scenarios to practice delegation and task management. The importance of prioritizing meaningful relationships and commitments. Personal experiences about stepping back for a balanced life. The importance of rest for sustainable productivity and

In today’s episode, I get real about how my life hasn’t turned out the way I expected—and how that’s okay. I’ve spent a lot of time questioning the “standard” path of success and realizing that it’s not always the one we’re meant to walk. I f you’ve ever felt like your life isn’t going as planned, or if you’ve wondered if you’re climbing the right mountain, this episode is for you. I’ll share how I came to embrace my unique journey and why not giving up, even when it’s hard, is the key to finding fulfillment. I talk about why it’s okay to let go of the idea of success that everyone else follows and how to create your own path. I share the moment when I met a mentor who helped me realize that the career I thought I wanted wasn’t the one for me. I dive into how loneliness and self-doubt can be part of the journey—and why they’re worth facing head-on. Learn why it’s crucial to invest in your personal growth, even when the results aren’t immediate. If you’ve ever felt lost or uncertain, I hope my story will enco

In this episode, Robby and I explore essential strategies for strengthening both business and personal relationships. We emphasize the importance of preparing for the "big five" challenges — death, disability, divorce, disagreement, and retirement — by having effective contingency plans in place. Drawing from the wisdom of mentor Marissa Nielsen and real-life examples, we underscore the value of trust, perseverance, and a supportive network when facing life's unpredictable challenges.  Listeners can expect practical advice on creating a resilient business structure and nurturing meaningful partnerships, ensuring stability and continuity in times of adversity. In this episode, you will hear: Strategies for overcoming the "big five" challenges in business partnerships. Importance of having robust contingency plans for unforeseen events in both personal and business contexts. The role of shared history, trust, and genuine collaboration in building resilient relationships. Utilizing sports analogies to emphasize