Explore every episode of the podcast CRANK THE 3RD: Exploring the entrepreneurial + creative side of life post 50

The path to fulfillment after 50 isn’t about playing small or fading away. According to this week's guest, it's about reclaiming your voice, living your values, and using your wisdom to uplift others and yourself.

In this episode, host Trevor Young sits down with Jet Swain - strategic advisor, speaker, and founder of the Affection Economy.

Jet’s story is anything but linear: from growing up on a sheep farm in rural Australia, studying fine arts, and braving the boisterous world of teaching, to carving out a dynamic career in advertising, innovation, and human-centered design.

Jet opens up about her eclectic journey, filled with zigzags, moments of reinvention, and lessons found in adversity, including her battle with breast cancer and navigating single motherhood. She shares how these experiences fueled her passion for the Affection Economy: a values-led movement that challenges traditional leadership and encourages bringing kindness, courage, and authenticity back to business and daily life.

Together, Trevor and Jet explore why now is the perfect time to dust off old dreams, get back in touch with your true self, and proudly claim your voice and vision - especially if you feel invisible in today’s workforce.

Whether you’re looking to transform your career, reconnect with your personal values, or simply hear an inspiring story of resilience and reinvention, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical insights, and the kind of warmth that only comes with lived experience.

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Key Takeaways from the Episode:

🟢 Embrace the Zigzags

Jet’s unconventional path is proof that paying attention to your instincts and interests can lead you somewhere remarkable, even - especially - if you don’t have a map.

🟢 Find (& Live) Your Values

Jet challenges us to identify our top three values - not buzzwords, but what truly matters and drives you. Kindness, courage, and curiosity are her guiding lights. What are yours?

🟢 Reclaim Your Voice

After years of being told she was “too much” or “too kind,” Jet discovered those were actually her strengths. Speaking up and standing out takes courage. Sometimes, as she puts it, “I am a lot, but I’m not too much.”

🟢 Building a One-Person Movement

From speaking and mentoring to creating practical tools (think: postcards, values cards, and a book), Jet is turning her philosophy into a platform and business - proof that you can design work to fit around your life and beliefs.

🟢 Why Connection (and Community) Matters

Kindness and connection aren’t soft business skills - they’re levers for real change. And sharing your story helps others find the courage to tell theirs.

Thanks for tuning in to CRANK THE 3RD —don’t forget to check out Jet Swain’s work, connect with her online, and keep an eye out for more inspiring stories and practical insights to help you find your voice, reconnect with your values, and keep cranking in your next chapter!

Welcome to the 300th episode of the podcast, and what a terrific way to celebrate the milestone!

In this episode, host Trevor Young sits down with Andrew "Billy" Baxter - an acclaimed leader whose career is a masterclass in professional reinvention, adaptability, and building a meaningful portfolio life after the corporate grind.

Once a heavy-hitter in Australia’s advertising industry, Billy has transitioned into a diverse and purpose-driven professional world: he chairs and sits on major boards including Australian Pork, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, all while running his own thriving business consultancy, 24 Hour Business Plan.

Trevor and Billy dive deep into what it takes to successfully pivot after decades in a traditional career path, how to build a board portfolio, and why curiosity and ongoing relevance are crucial in today’s fast-changing business landscape.

Billy opens up about his personal journey -sharing the lessons learned from decades at the top of the marketing world, how he uses his network, why having a clear sense of purpose matters, and his practical tips for anyone looking to craft a more meaningful, flexible professional life.

Whether you’re contemplating your own ‘what’s next’ or simply curious about life beyond the C-suite, this episode is packed with honest insights and actionable advice.

In this episode of Crank The 3rd, we dive into what it really means to stand out in your 50s and beyond.

Host Trevor Young sits down with Judy Winslow, founder of Unforgettable Brands, to explore how experienced professionals and entrepreneurs can build a soulful, authentic, and unforgettable personal brand in the so-called “third chapter” of their careers.

Judy shares her powerful personal story - from facing depression and feeling out of place as a young woman, to discovering her purpose through creativity, business, and brand strategy.

Together, Trevor and Judy unpack the importance of embracing your unique twist, reconnecting with your values, and getting comfortable with being a “unicorn”—someone who dares to be different in a world that often rewards blending in.

You’ll get practical tips on how to bring out your individuality, what it means to infuse your brand with real soul, and why your past experiences are the raw material for your finest work.

Judy also pulls back the curtain on her process for helping clients get braver and bolder, whether you’re building a team, scaling your business, or preparing for a big-stage moment like a TEDx talk.

If you’re ready to stop playing small, own your story, and amplify your impact, this conversation is packed with wisdom, humour, and actionable steps.

Let’s get started!

QUOTABLE QUOTE FROM JUDY:

“No one speaks quite like you. No one articulates quite like you. No one sees your industry quite like you, nor do they have the experience. So… just being you—that's so fabulous.”

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Visit Judy's website - https://unforgettablebrands.com/

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevoryoung

Welcome to Season 10 of the CRANK THE 3RD podcast!

In this episode, Trevor Young is joined by brand and career strategist, Wendy Pavey, for a thought-provoking look at what comes next for experienced professionals over 50.

As Trevor puts it, this one’s for anyone contemplating their “third chapter”, whether you’re an entrepreneur considering scaling back, a business owner looking for more purpose, or a seasoned executive curious about building a flexible and meaningful portfolio career.

Wendy shares her expertise on how to harness decades of hard-earned wisdom and experience, drawing parallels between brand-building for global companies and personal branding for individuals.

Together, they break down the concept of a portfolio career - what it really means, how to tailor it for your strengths and passions, and why it’s a powerful way to blend lifestyle, legacy, and continued professional impact in later life.

From exploring advisory and board roles, consulting, and mentoring, to actionable strategies for staying visible, relevant, and resilient, this episode is packed with actionable tips for designing a work life on your terms.

If you’re ready to take control of your professional future and craft a career that matches your values, flexibility, and ambition - especially after 50 - this conversation will give you both the confidence and ideas to get started.

For more from Wendy, connect with her on LinkedIn or explore her insights through her website - www.yourexecutivebrand.com

As someone over 50, with oodles of experience and wisdom to share, should public speaking form a part of your 'portfolio' career?

In this episode of Crank The 3rd, host Trevor Young sits down with Carmen Sederino, a performance master, speaking strategist, and founder of Illuminated Story.

Carmen shares her journey from being a shy child to a trained actor to now, where she is helping individuals transform high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances.

Key Discussion Points:

• Carmen’s Background: She talks about her early career in retail leadership and her formal training in acting, which helped her excel in speaking and coaching roles.
• Professional Speaking Landscape: Carmen and Trevor explore the shifting dynamics in professional speaking post-pandemic, emphasising the blend of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
• The Role of AI: Carmen discusses how AI can generate speeches but emphasises the irreplaceable nature of human connection and quality in speaking engagements.
• Strategies for Engaging Speaking: - Moving from information-based presentations to creating immersive experiences. - Focusing on authenticity over aspiration, highlighting the importance of genuine connection and vulnerability. - Creating meaning in messages rather than simply conveying matter.
• Illuminated Story Method: Carmen shares her approach to transforming presentations by focusing on both script content and engaging delivery techniques to create a memorable impact.
• Advice for Aspiring Speakers: Reflect on personal experiences, think about the message you want to share, and understand your audience to craft a unique speaking approach.

Practical Tips:

• Utilise sound and video strategically to enhance presentations.
• Engage with audiences through storytelling and interactive elements.
• Rehearse thoroughly to ensure a seamless and impactful delivery.

Carmen's advice? Ditch the PowerPoint, tell a story: "You are so much more interesting than your PowerPoint."

Carmen’s Contact Information:

• Visit Illuminated Story for more insights and access to a masterclass on improving public speaking skills.

Conclusion:

This episode is a deep dive into mastering the art of professional speaking, blending theatrical techniques with authentic storytelling to create lasting impressions.

In this episode of the podcast, host Trevor Young is joined by Paul Sutton, an independent social and digital marketing consultant and host of the Middle Man podcast.

Paul's podcast sideline focuses on helping midlife men and their partners navigate the challenges of midlife to lead more fulfilling lives.

Throughout their conversation, Paul shares insights into his personal journey of self-discovery and how it led to the creation of his podcast.

He discusses the lack of resources available for men during the midlife transition and how the Middle Man podcast aims to fill that gap by covering topics such as mental health, physical wellness, and modern masculinity.

Trevor and Paul dive into the importance of understanding one's purpose and passion, especially in midlife.

Paul reflects on overcoming depression and the feeling of being directionless, leading him to start the podcast as an experiment.

The episode also touches on how societal changes and the redefinition of masculinity impact men today.

Paul emphasises the importance of building a movement to support midlife men by creating a platform for open dialogue and sharing experiences.

Whether you're exploring a new phase of life or seeking ways to connect with your own passions, this episode provides valuable perspectives and practical advice for anyone navigating midlife transitions.

Tune in to hear more about Paul's journey, the inspiration behind Middle Man, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Likewise, if you're interested in starting a podcast as a sideline 'passion play', Paul also shares some great tips and insights on this front as well.

CHECK OUT THE MIDDLE MAN PODCAST - https://middlemanpodcast.com/

In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and automation, it's easy to feel like we're losing our edge as human professionals.

But what if I told you that the key to standing out and thriving in this AI-driven landscape isn't about competing with machines, but rather embracing our uniquely human qualities?

This is the theme of this fascinating conversation with Mark Schaefer, a marketing strategy consultant, keynote speaker, and author of the newly-released book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World.

Mark's insights shed light on how we can leverage human connection and creativity to carve out our niche in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

At the heart of Mark's philosophy is the concept of being audacious.

But what does that really mean in the context of our professional lives? It's not about grand gestures or risky stunts. Instead, it's about creating moments of awe in our everyday interactions and work.

Mark defines audacity as "something that creates a moment of awe in your life." It's about doing something that makes people sit up and take notice, something that sparks curiosity and connection.

In a world where AI can churn out competent work at lightning speed, it's these human touches that truly set us apart.

Also touched on during this conversation is Mark's own journey, how he started blogging at age 49 and how it changed his life immeasurably.

Inspiring stuff!

Here are a few quotes from Mark:

• "You can't outsmart AI. You have to out human AI."
• "What's a little thing we can do to add awe to someone's day? To just create that spark of an emotional connection between us."
• "The great mindset today is to do something so interesting, so generous, so unmissable that other people can't wait to talk about it, because those are the great storytellers and that is what is believed."

VISIT MARK'S WEBSITE - https://businessesgrow.com/

If you like what you hear on the podcast, I'd love it if you could rate and review the show via your podcast app (especially if you're on Apple Podcasts) - thank you!

Are you feeling stuck in your corporate career, yearning for a change that aligns with your passions?

Karen Muldoon's journey from tech executive to functional nutrition practitioner might just be the inspiration you need!

In this episode, I sit down with Karen to explore her transition from a successful 30-year career in the corporate world to launching her own business focused on helping professional women navigate menopause.

We discuss the challenges, triumphs, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Embracing a new path

Karen shares insights on:

• The moment she realised it was time for a career change
• How her personal health journey sparked a new passion
• The importance of continuous learning and investing in yourself

Building a business from scratch

We delve into:

• The process of choosing the right educational program
• Strategies for launching an online business, including the use of social media advertising
• The power of community and creating a safe space for clients

Overcoming challenges and self-doubt

Karen offers advice on:

• Dealing with the fear of putting yourself 'out there' online
• The importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks
• How to leverage your existing skills in a new industry

Whether you're contemplating a career change or looking to start your own business, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical tips.

Karen's story demonstrates that it's never too late to pursue your passions and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Key takeaways:

• The value of investing in coaching and education when starting a new venture
• How to build an online presence and attract clients through various platforms
• The importance of giving yourself time to grow and evolve in your new role

If you're ready to explore new possibilities and take control of your professional future, this episode is a must-listen.

Karen's journey proves that with passion, determination, and the right support, it's possible to create a fulfilling career change while in your 50s.

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn

Are you struggling to articulate your unique value proposition after decades of professional experience?

You're not alone. Many seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders find themselves grappling with the "curse of knowledge" - having so much expertise that it becomes challenging to communicate their core offering clearly.

In this episode, I sit down with global credibility expert and executive coach Mitchell Levy to explore the power of clarity and credibility for over-50 entrepreneurs and professionals.

We delve into the importance of honing your message and positioning yourself effectively in today's fast-paced business landscape.

Unlocking the Power of Clarity

Mitchell shares insights on:

• The concept of a Customer Point of Possibilities (CPOP) and how to craft one in under 10 words
• Why casting a wide net in business often backfires, and the benefits of "picking a lane"
• Strategies for aligning your business offerings with your personal brand

Building Credibility in the Digital Age

We also explore:

• The 10 core values of credibility and why integrity is the cornerstone
• How authenticity and vulnerability contribute to your professional reputation
• Practical tips for leveraging LinkedIn to showcase your expertise

Embracing Lifelong Learning

And finally, Mitchell emphasises the importance of continuous growth, sharing:

• His approach to running multiple businesses while staying professionally relevant and up to date
• The value of surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives, including younger generations
• Why attending conferences and pursuing certifications can spark new ideas and opportunities

Whether you're looking to refine your personal brand, boost your credibility, or navigate the next phase of your career, this conversation offers valuable insights for professionals at any stage.

Tune in to gain clarity on your unique value proposition and learn how to communicate it effectively in today's competitive marketplace.

CONNECT WITH MITCHELL - https://mitchelllevy.com/

Are you a seasoned professional feeling the pressure to stay relevant in today's rapidly changing business landscape?

You're not alone.

As someone with decades of experience under your belt, you've accumulated a wealth of knowledge, skills, and wisdom.

But in a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed and AI is reshaping industries, how do you leverage your expertise while staying current?

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This episode is a little different. The key message is the importance for business owners and professionals aged 50 and over to stay relevant by keeping up with technology, particularly AI.

To bring this idea to life, I've created a recap of a previous interview with Valerie Khoo, who I've dubbed the 'Queen of Reinvention'.

This recap, generated by Google NotebookLM, will really bring home to you the power of AI in action, as it pertains to content creation.

In addition, you get to listen to key take-outs from my chat with Valerie (episode 288 - What successful professional reinvention looks like in practice) - this has been Crank The 3rd's most popular episode thus far.

So, whether you're considering a career pivot, launching a new venture, or simply want to stay relevant in your field, this episode offers valuable insights for professionals at any stage.

Tune in to gain inspiration and practical tips for navigating the exciting road ahead in your business, career, and lifestyle design.

Oh, and don't forget to keep abreast of what's happening in the world of AI - use it to your advantage!

This episode is for anyone who's closing in on 50 years of age, or maybe you're older but your professional purpose still eludes you.

Perhaps you've been running a business for ages but you want to extend your entrepreneurial boundaries and pivot into doing something different, something that is more interesting and meaningful than what you're doing currently?

If so, you're going to love this conversation with Mark Masters, founder of You Are The Media, as we discuss his journey of discovering purpose through continuous effort.

Mark's story is a testament to the power of persistence, as he shares how a side project evolved into a thriving community-driven business.

Mark takes us through his transformation from running a small but traditional marketing and advertising agency to building a fully sustainable marketing learning community called You Are The Media.

He emphasises the importance of finding your voice and choosing yourself, rather than waiting for opportunities to come knocking.

Evolution of a side project

We discuss how Mark's newsletter, which began in 2013, gradually grew into a multifaceted platform including:

• A paid membership space
• Live events across the UK
• Educational initiatives

Mark highlights the challenges and rewards of nurturing a side project into a full-fledged business, stressing the value of patience and persistence.

Building a community-centric business

A key theme of our conversation is the shift from a "me-centric" to a "we-centric" approach in business.

Mark shares insights on:

• Creating opportunities for community members to step up and lead
• Fostering a culture of mutual support and learning
• The importance of trust in delegating responsibilities

Finding purpose and staying relevant

For professionals in their third decade of business, Mark offers valuable advice on:

• Aligning your values with your work
• The power of continuous learning and adaptation
• Embracing new challenges to maintain relevance

We also touch on the loneliness of entrepreneurship and how joining communities can combat isolation and fuel personal growth.

Key takeaways for aspiring community builders

Mark provides practical tips for those looking to start their own communities:

1. Choose a medium you're passionate about and can consistently produce
2. Align your project with your core values
3. Focus on participation and engagement, not just content creation
4. Be patient and prepared for the long haul
5. Join other communities to learn and grow

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to find their purpose, build a community-driven business, or stay relevant in an ever-changing professional landscape.

QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM MARK

"I realized that the strength is when you feel a part of a community with everybody, with everyone else on your side. Community is central to what I do."

"I am an example of how a community became the business and that's really empowering."

"Side projects can be risky, but they can also create the most joy and reward that we've ever stepped into."

"I'm with my heroes now and that's a liberating place to be."

CONNECT WITH MARK

• Website
• LinkedIn

Transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship can be daunting, especially when you're in your early 50s and have been handed a 'pink slip' from your employer of two decades.

But for Graham White, this leap became an opportunity to reinvent his professional life and create a thriving solo communications consulting practice..

In this episode, Graham shares his journey from being a seasoned PR executive to launching his own business at 53.

He offers valuable insights for professionals considering a similar path, emphasising the importance of self-belief, strategic planning, and leveraging decades of experience.

Key takeaways from Graham's entrepreneurial journey:

• Embrace change: Sometimes, unexpected career shifts can lead to new opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
• Leverage your network: Tap into professional relationships built over the years to find clients and collaborators.
• Start lean: Keep overheads low and focus on delivering value to clients from day one.
• Find your niche: Specialise in areas where you have deep expertise to differentiate yourself in the market.
• Maintain work-life balance: Structure your business to allow for personal time and pursuits outside of work.

Graham also discusses the emotional journey of leaving a long-term corporate role, the importance of having a supportive family, and how to navigate the initial challenges of solo entrepreneurship.

Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• Assess market opportunities before making the leap
• Secure a good accountant for financial guidance
• Build a network of fellow entrepreneurs for support and advice
• Be prepared to handle all aspects of the business yourself
• Stay open to collaboration and new opportunities

Whether you're contemplating a career change or simply curious about the realities of starting a business later in life, Graham's story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for navigating this exciting transition.

CONNECT WITH GRAHAM ON LINKEDIN

Thank you for listening to CRANK THE 3RD - in this quick solo edition, I recap the episodes published since relaunching the podcast, previously known as 'Reputation Revolution'.

Catch you in the next episode!

Look up the word 'eclectic' in the dictionary and there will be a picture there of this week's guest - her name is Valerie Khoo, and when it comes to professional evolution, Valerie is the Queen of Reinvention!

Valerie has who has successfully navigated careers in accounting, PR, journalism, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and the visual arts.

She’s a published author and the founder of the Australian Writers' Centre, which has trained over 100,000 students worldwide since opening its doors in 2005.

Valerie also hosts the popular podcast - So You Want to be a Writer - which has over three million downloads - and, if that wasn’t enough, she was for several years the curator of Sydney's Lunar Festival, which is one of the city's major arts and cultural events.

Valerie’s creative journey took an unexpected turn when she picked up a paintbrush and discovered her passion for visual art.

If you’re keen to better understand what it takes to reinvent yourself professionally - perhaps you’re keen to get out of corporate and do something new, or take on a different project outside of the business you run - if building a portfolio career is on your radar - then you will love this inspiring conversation with Valerie Khoo!

CONCLUSION:

Valerie's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and adaptability in forging a fulfilling and creative career. Her journey encourages us to explore new avenues, embrace lifelong learning, and challenge conventional career paths for personal and professional growth.

VALERIE'S QUOTABLE QUOTES:

“Always give in to your curiosity because for sure it’s leading you somewhere that you’re actually meant to go.”

“It’s never too late. It’s just never too late.”

“Embracing new things and learning new things is so important for your health.”

“I think mentors are really important, and that was something I discovered way too late in life.”

“You can leap. You don’t have to ladder climb.”

CONNECT WITH VALERIE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/valeriekhoo

Welcome to the belief and conviction episode of Crank The 3rd!

While many of us have, after three decades in the business trenches, experienced a decent amount of professional success, not everyone is fulfilled.

A lot of middle aged people remain stuck in their comfort zone, and are not playing as big a game as they could be.

Or, in the words of this week's guest, they're not living a "10 out of 10 life".

So I invited Richard Sauerman on to the show to deliver a 'kick in the pants', and he delivers!

Richard - aka 'The Brand Guy' - is a thinker and an humanist, with a massive interest in people and 'the human condition'. He has written two books and appears in the media on brand-related issues.

Richard has done the strategic thinking, brand planning and communications for over 200 brands in his career, but he's probably best known these days as a high-voltage motivational speaker (and reality TV contestant!).

Wow! We covered some ground in this episode, with lots of laughs, F-bombs, motivational nuggets and food for thought, all delivered at pace!

Across the course of the conversation, Richard:

• Discusses overcoming fears of mediocrity and societal pressures, urging listeners to challenge limiting beliefs and embrace risks for growth. 
• Emphasises authenticity, particularly for those over 50.
• Explores the link between happiness and service to others, drawing on research in positive psychology.
• Shares insights from Ralph Kelly’s Stay Kind organisation, and James Clear’s “Atomic Habits,” emphasising daily acts of kindness and continuous improvement.
• Addresses the challenge of forming connections, particularly in workplace settings, and how small gestures can improve relationships.

As the oldest contestant on the TV's Married at First Sight (Australia), Richard reflects on his experience of being on the show and the personal growth it prompted, especially after being diagnosed with ADHD at 63.

This revelation, he says, reshaped his understanding of his life, marriage, and career, leading him to advocate for increased awareness of adult ADHD.

Richard plans to write a book to educate others about ADHD and its misconceptions, using writing as a therapeutic outlet.

Strap yourselves in folks, this conversation is high energy!

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QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM RICHARD:

“So if you like waiting for some day or one day to be a 10, you might not get the chance.”

“A lot of people are not fulfilled and happy and satisfied in the way they want to be, despite and in the face of their successes.”

“Don’t delay. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Don’t wait for the next day or next week.”

“Stop trying to be right ... just choose to be happy.”

“You can change the world in your way through those little small acts.”

“Tiny steps, small actions.”

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In this episode, I chat with Jackie Goddard, founder of Power to Speak, a coaching business focused on helping individuals, particularly authors and entrepreneurs, communicate confidently and effectively.

Jackie emphasises the importance of owning one’s story and voice, overcoming fears of public speaking, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Through her experiences, she illustrates how vulnerability and authenticity can enhance connection and engagement in both personal and professional realms.

Jackie highlights the value of experimentation, risk-taking, and continuous learning in building a successful business and personal brand.

She also embraces change, and discusses the significance of stepping out of comfort zones, trying new things, and adapting to changing circumstances.

QUOTABLE QUOTES:

“If you don’t believe it, the audience won’t believe it either.”- JACKIE

“There is no failure, only feedback.”- JACKIE 

“Done is better than perfect.”- JACKIE

“If you don’t believe what you’re doing, then the audience won’t believe it either.”- JACKIE 

“We are all our own unique selling point, and it’s those stories that make us unique because we all have had a different journey.”- JACKIE

Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn.

Creative director and self-confessed corporate troublemaker, Stanley Johnson, joins us on the podcast to chat all things curiosity, networking, and the impact of pop culture and social media on maintaining relevance. 

Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings, Stanley highlights the role of creativity and diverse experiences in tackling business challenges.

The conversation explores the evolution of advertising due to the emergence of digital media, with Stanley sharing his changed perception of Twitter and the enduring value of blogging.

He discusses the importance of writing and social media for honing communication skills, the need for creativity and risk-taking in corporate settings, and critiques society’s tendency for snap judgments.

Stanley also touches on his transition from agency work to freelancing, his passion for music, and the challenges of staying relevant later in life, underscoring the significance of cultural engagement and maintaining curiosity.

KEY TIME-STAMPED MOMENTS:

02:06 The role of a creative director

07:11 From weights and measures to creativity

10:11 Curiosity as a key to creativity

14:07 Navigating social media and digital trends

19:00 The impact of blogging

22:14 Staying tech savvy

26:31 Taking risks in creativity

29:30 Judgment without context

31:00 The creative journey: embracing change

32:40 Finding home in the hills

35:01 A day in the life of a creative consultant

44:09 Staying relevant in your third chapter

49:02 The value of experience and risk

ABOUT STANLEY:

Stanley Johnson is a seasoned creative director and co-founder of the creative consultancy stan/lee, based in Melbourne, Australia.

With several decades' experience in the industry, he has led innovative campaigns for major brands, including a transformative role at major tech company, MYOB.

Known for his strategic insight and storytelling prowess, Stanley is also an advocate for nurturing young talent in the creative field.

QUOTABLE QUOTES:

“If I worry about what people are going to think, then I’ll never do anything interesting.”

“You’re as old as you think you are and it’s as simple as that.”

Welcome back to the podcast formerly known as 'Reputation Revolution', now called CRANK THE 3RD!

In this episode, I explain what the rebranded show is all about: Who's it for, and what can you expect from future episodes from now on.

About the 'new' podcast:

CRANK THE 3RD is the show for motivated individuals aged around the 50 mark and over - those who have been in the business and professional trenches for some three-plus decades and have the metaphorical ‘scars on the knuckles’ and the ‘scuffs on the knees’ to prove it!

You've seen and done a lot over the journey, and now have reached an age and stage of life where you might be thinking:

“What next?” ...

• Do I continue with, sell, or downsize my business?
• Do I pivot my career so I can focus on doing something more meaningful?
• Do I adopt a portfolio approach to my work and build out numerous streams of income?
• Do I wind back my workload and develop a side-hustle around one of my passions?
• Do I take the plunge and move to another country altogether and work from there?
• Do I write that book I’ve always wanted to do, or start a YouTube channel and become a full-time ‘content creator’?

Bottom line: Those of us in this stage of professional life have oodles of experience under our belts, having racked up years’ worth of practical knowledge and vocational expertise, not to mention we’re a lot more sure of ourselves and confident in our own abilities.

But, we also live in a fast-paced volatile world. Technology is ever-changing, and the AI wave has only just begun. A sense of uncertainty is never far away. We know that if we stand still, we run the risk of losing relevance.

No matter how savvy, experienced and connected we are, certain challenges remain.

But on the upside, the number of opportunities staring us in the face is enormous, and unprecedented!

The goal of CRANK THE 3RD is to inspire energised, forward-thinking 50-somethings to continue to think expansively and creatively about their current situation, and to ponder, plot and plan the exciting road they have ahead of them.

In this week's episode, we expand on the idea of taking your personal brand global.

And to help me do that is ANNE SCOTTLIN, who helps thought leaders and experts launch and monetise world class video podcasts and live streaming shows.

Anne has a bulging CV. Apart from being an active podcaster and live streaming host herself, she's also an author, coach and speaker, executive consultant with a number of companies ... and spent 10 years as a working actress in Hollywood!

As we recorded this conversation, Anne had just launched her new show - 'Launch It! The Podcast Maestro!' (CHECK IT OUT ON YOUTUBE HERE)

Apart from covering Anne's wide and varied professional journey - a 'must listen' for anyone who is multi-passionate and not a fan of niching down! - we unpack what's involved in going global with a video podcast or live-streamed show.

Video broadcasting technology today is amazing, which in turn provides experts and thought leaders with the opportunity to scale their brand and their business beyond domestic borders.

Be inspired and learn more from Anne in this episode of the Reputation Revolution show!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANNE:

• Website
• Twitter
• Youtube show

Building a sustainable business off the back of one’s personal brand is the holy grail for many of us: Doing our own thing, being true to ourselves and our values, living by our wits and making a good living doing so — it ain’t easy! 

What is easy to get stuck in the same rut professionally and personally … to become scared to stand out, to change things up - to muck around with a formula that has perhaps worked for you and your business over time, but maybe you feel you’re becoming less and less relevant in a world that’s moving at warp speed.

Today’s topic is large and unwieldy and messy and oh so relevant and important for many of us.

Purpose, passion, principles and profit - we cover the lot in this episode, with a good dollop of health and wellness tips, insights and wisdom from someone who’s been in the trenches for absolutely decades - and is still out there, at age 78, fighting the good fight.!

His name is DR JOHN TICKELL. - he's a medical doctor, an international speaker, bestselling author and television personality, who has spent several decades travelling and studying the health, well-being and longevity patterns of people around the world.

  Dr. John shares his journey from opening Australia's first health resort 40 years ago to researching healthy longevity across 103 countries worldwide.

His diverse experiences range from surviving brain cancer to owning a Melbourne Cup-winning horse.

This fast-paced interview is packed full of wisdom not just about building a strong reputation but also living life fully equipped with purposeful direction guided by sound principles – all while making profitable decisions aligned with one's passion.

I hope you enjoy it!

Most business owners post content online with no idea where their next lead is coming from.

So says Chris James, this week's featured expert guest.

Chris, from Manchester, is an online business mentor, content strategist and keynote speaker. 

He helps solopreneurs and small business owners generate and convert leads organically on social media.

In this episode, we cover Chris's journey from telemarketing to running his own content consulting business - with heaps of insights, tips and ideas along the way.

Chris's story is not only inspiring but also packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to make strides in content creation, social media strategy, and entrepreneurship.

Key takeaways :

**Resilience & Adaptation**: Embrace life’s challenges as they shape your professional journey towards success.

**Content Strategy**: Combine short-form (Instagram/TikTok) with long-form content (blogs/podcasts), based on your strengths.

**Personal Branding**: Your unique brand narrative sets you apart—invest time into developing it.

**Strategic Planning Before Execution**: Define clear objectives before diving into tactical content creation.

**Balance Promotional Efforts**: Use campaign cycles for promotional intensity variation while providing consistent value-based content.

Chris also advocates experimenting within different platforms while focusing predominantly on one until mastery is achieved before moving onto others—an approach that ensures quality engagement without spreading oneself too thin.

#ActionOverEverything

CONNECT WITH CHRIS ON LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjamesonline/

Chris's business website - https://www.chris-james.co/

As you grow your profile and reputation as a thought leader in your space - a professional domain expert of note … over time opportunities will pop up to speak at industry events, community meetups, webinars, online summits and the like.

These are great opportunities to share your ideas and your message with a captivated audience, in turn helping to build your professional bona fides and enhance your personal brand in the marketplace.

But what happens if you start getting good at this speaking caper, and the stages become bigger and more prestigious? You’ve honed your speaking chops for free - but you’re now starting to think: I could - and should - get paid for all this work!

Well, if becoming a professional keynote presenter is something that’s been on your radar, stay tuned because my guest today is a true insider of the speaking business.

👇

His name is CARSON WHITE - he’s the founder of Leading Voice, a speaker management company that represents some of Australia’s most respected and experienced presenters, MC’s and facilitators - he’s been in the speaker management trenches for some 25 years and has seen it all when it comes to presenting from the stage. 

HERE IS WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

1. **Introduction:** Welcome to Reputation Revolution, a podcast focused on leveraging your professional reputation for greater influence and impact.

2. **Guest Introduction:** Meet Carson White, founder of Leading Voice - a speaker management company that represents Australia's top presenters.

3. **Speaker Management Business Model:** Learn about how Leading Voice - a speaker management company - differs from speaker bureaus by serving the needs of a small group of professional presenters (versus simply sourcing any speaker for any occasion, which is the domain of many bureaus).

4. **Impact of Covid-19 on Speaking Industry**: Explore how the pandemic has led to pro speakers diversifying their service offering due to the increased use of online training and events.

5. **Transitioning into Professional Speaking:** Gain insights from Carson's 25 years in the speaking business trenches about what makes an impactful speaker, and key factors needed for success in this competitive industry.

6. **Types of Speakers**: Understand two main types of speakers: thought leaders who provoke insights and ideas, and entertainers who share captivating personal experiences or achievements often involving overcoming adversity.

7. **Shift in Speaker Trends**: Discuss evolving trends over time within the speaking industry – moving from adventure-centered narratives towards more content-rich presentations.

8. **The Art of Stagecraft**: Delve into why stagecraft is crucial for effective presentation skills, focusing less on slides and more on engaging delivery.

9 .**Inspiring Speaker Story**: Hear about Tom O'Toole, a baker with an unconventional but highly successful approach to public speaking.

10 .**Effective Speaking vs Building Business as Speaker**: Uncover why being good at public speaking doesn't necessarily equate to building a profitable business as a paid speaker – it requires strategic thinking around positioning oneself in the market along with strong marketing efforts.

If you're thinking about embarking on a speaking career that pays, this episode is a great place to start!

• Connect with Carson on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carsonpwhite/

Being good at what you do is one thing … designing a product or service offering around your knowledge and expertise so that it sells itself … is another matter entirely.

This is the theme of today’s episode, and to help us unpack this important but often confusing task, we have in the virtual studio Cristina Castro and Angela Tsai, founders of Grow Your Brand With Impact, a UK-based consultancy that “helps marketing-fatigued consultants, coaches and business owners implement marketing that gets results”.

Many of Cristina and Angela's clients come from corporate backgrounds with 10-15 years of experience under their belts.

These established professional operators have deep domain expertise but often struggle to recognise the value they bring to the marketplace.

This, in turn, becomes challenging when said experts try to effectively present and market their unique offerings.

This is where Cristina and Angela come in - they help professional solopreneurs turn their products or service into "money magnets" that sell effortlessly.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we touch on:

**Back story**  - Christina and Angela share their journey from corporate backgrounds to running a successful consultancy business.

**Common pain-points**  - Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by experts in recognising their own value. Plus the identity shift involved when moving away from predefined roles in corporations to standing alone as an entrepreneur.

**Overcoming challenges** - Strategies for effectively presenting unique offerings and selling oneself in today's market.

**The changing work landscape** - Exploration of factors contributing to more people leaving traditional corporate jobs including Covid-19, remote working opportunities, changing career aspirations among millennials, and midlife self-evaluation trends.

**Understanding 'offer'** - Discussion around misconceptions surrounding 'offer' in business context; how it goes beyond just sales pitches or discounts.

**Articulating unique value proposition:** - Real-life examples illustrating difficulties businesses face while differentiating themselves from competitors; importance of clarity about one’s unique factors that set them apart.

**Defining offer essence** - How understanding the essence of your offer can make selling easier and attract clients who resonate with your story; includes analogy using a favorite restaurant experience!

If you want to design a product or service offer that hits the mark with your ideal client, this episode is a great place to start!

FOR A DEEPER DIVE INTO THIS INTERVIEW WITH CRISTINA AND ANGELA, MAKE SURE YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE REPUTATION REVOLUTION NEWSLETTER ON SUBSTACK - https://reputationrevolution.substack.com

• Follow Angela on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelatsai1/
• Follow Cristina on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-castro-reyes/

In this episode of Reputation Revolution, I sit down with profit strategist and business growth expert, Alicia Edgar.

We delve into the the role automation plays in scaling businesses while freeing up entrepreneurs' time and reducing their workload.

The following topics are covered in this interview:

**Introduction to Guest**: Learn about Alicia’s journey from being an accountant to a profit strategist who helps help six figure entrepreneurs leverage their business to fuel growth without requiring more of their time

**The Power of Automation**: Discover how automation reduces human oversight, streamlines processes, saves time, and increases profitability across various business aspects like marketing efforts or knowledge sharing.

**Profit Generation through Automation**: Understand the concept of creating automatic income streams that ensure consistent revenue inflow (when implemented gradually).

**Examples & Key Areas for Automation**: Get insights on automating administrative tasks and marketing activities to save time and reduce costs without hiring more staff.

**Marketing Focus Points**: Explore key areas -- awareness through amplified content; visibility beyond algorithm restrictions; lead generation (which generates new prospects daily without attending networking events); and growth strategies requiring our constant attention (automated to function every day on a consistent basis).

**Effective Lead Generation Strategies**: Learn about selling low-priced items initially to attract new customers and convert them into loyal ones by demonstrating value over time.

**Content Strategy & Marketing Automation Tips:** Stay active across multiple platforms like blogs, podcasts etc., use paid advertising especially promoting content via Facebook Ads at minimal costs per day to ensure visibility among existing followers while attracting new ones as well.

This episode is packed full of actionable insights and tips for anyone wanting to scale their business without relying on more of their time and attention.

FOR A DEEPER DIVE INTO THIS INTERVIEW WITH ALYCIA, MAKE SURE YOU SUBSCRIBE TO THE REPUTATION REVOLUTION NEWSLETTER ON SUBSTACK - https://reputationrevolution.substack.com

CONNECT WITH ALYCIA:

• Website - https://www.alyciaedgar.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyciaedgar/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alycia_edgar/

You've built a strong profile and reputation in the marketplace - you're a recognised domain expert and/or bona fide thought leader in your field.

Now, how are you going to capitalise on all your hard work? You don't want to work for anyone else, but nor do you want to run a large business and employ stacks of people.

What's the answer?

Establish and grow your own one-person service-based business!

The brilliant thing today is it's never been easier to start a business.

And here's the kicker: one-person enterprises need not remain tiny revenue-wise, with the owner/operator eking out a small income. Thanks to technology, support services ecosystems and removal of geographic barriers, many one-person service-based businesses can become wildly profitable despite not having an office and staff.

The key is to design such a business around yourself.

Or, as my guest for this episode likes to say:

"I believe that designing a one-person business around yourself is the answer to finding work that lights you up, lets you reach your earning potential and can be done entirely on your own terms."

London-based Ellen Donnelly runs a coaching business called The Ask, which specialises in helping entrepreneurial professionals turn their expertise into a profitable one person business in five months.

Ellen recently published a 5-step guide on this very topic (access your copy here) - it's designed to help you package up what you know into a marketable service that clients will pay you for, again and again.

In this episode, Ellen walks us through (and elaborates on) the five steps of her guide.

Some key talking points covered in this conversation include:

• Ellen shares her journey from headhunting tech talent in corporate London to running a thriving business coaching practice called 'The Ask.'
• Ellen unpacks what she calls 'Your Unique Contribution: this is the truest expression of the work you were put on this earth to do and is an underrated business- building strategy.
• Defining Uniqueness: Tips on how to define what sets you apart in terms of abilities, personality traits or life experiences which shapes how you conduct business differently than anyone else even within similar industries.
• Articulating uniqueness effectively: Challenges faced while articulating our inherent uniqueness into marketable packages due to overlooking obvious aspects about ourselves thinking they're too simple.
• Personal authenticity and audience resonance: Importance of identifying what resonates with your audience while staying true to yourself is emphasised upon.
• Overcoming comparison trap and indecision: Strategies shared on overcoming comparison with others and focusing on what suits them best when deciding the type of work they want to do based on their insights.
• Promotion platforms and niche selection : Discussion around numerous options available for marketing efforts such as podcasting or other platforms and challenges in niche selection.

This is a deep-dive chat about designing a one-person service-based business around yourself. If this sounds like you, I'm confident you'll find the conversation relevant and illuminating!

CONNECT WITH ELLEN:

• Newsletter
• Website
• LinkedIn

Welcome to the first interview for Season 8 of Reputation Revolution, the personal brand monetisation show!

In this episode I have the pleasure of hosting Jackie Goddard, the founder of Power to Speak, based on the south coast of England.

In this insightful discussion, Jackie shares her journey from being an art development officer and drama teacher to becoming a public speaking coach who helps business owners and professionals to get performance ready and excited about stepping in front of an audience to share their message.

Key points covered:

• Jackie's background in fashion design, acting, and working behind the scenes at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
• How teaching drama led her towards coaching adults which inspired her business, Power to Speak.
• The impact of Covid lockdown on Jackie's career path and how it prompted her transition into online platforms.
• The inception story behind Power To Speak, and how Jackie helps individuals confidently express themselves before their audience.
• Importance and challenges around articulating what you do when building a business around your expertise.
• The concept of impostor syndrome – why we undervalue our abilities and how understanding and valuing personal stories can be empowering.

We also delve deeper into Jackie's journey in establishing her business including positioning strategies used along the way, and why she opted to create the Power to Speak brand versus trading solely under her own name.

Jackie also unpacks her sources of revenue, and how she integrates her various programs and offerings under the Power to Speak banner.

If you're in the early stages of building a business around your knowledge and expertise - or you're thinking about doing so in the future, you'll love this interview with Jackie Goddard!

CONNECT WITH JACKIE:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook

In this solo episode to kick off season 8 of the podcast, I set the scene for what's to come on the Reputation Revolution.

There's been a shift in focus on what topics we cover on the show.

You may have noticed we've changed the subtitle of the podcast, from 'The professional personal branding show' to 'The personal brand monetisation show'.

In the past - across 270+ episodes in fact - this podcast has zeroed in on topics associated with professional personal branding, with a view to helping credible individuals build visibility, influence and trust in the marketplace.

The business side of personal branding

However, from Season 8, we're going to be more purposeful about covering topics that focus solely on playing a bigger game and leveraging one’s personal brand assets for commercial gain.

In other words, the business side of personal branding - capitalising on the profile and reputation we've built in the marketplace.

It’s a meaty topic, and we'll be looking at both sides of the ‘creator coin’, with a skew towards the 'reputation creator' and how they can build a high revenue business off the back of their professional personal brand.

But, we'll also be looking at independent content creators, and highlighting what we can learn from them, as they are at the cutting edge of content creation today.

Plus we'll dig deeper into the commercialisation aspect of personal branding, and how we can build a sustainable enterprise off the back of our profile and reputation.

My goal is to ‘build a bridge’ between the Reputation Economy and the Creator Economy - to explore where they meet and intersect, and unpack the commercial opportunities that come with that.

When it comes to topics we've previously covered on the show i.e.

• owned media (content creation in all its various forms),
• social media (including all the platforms),
• media and influencer relations (earned media),
• reputation management,
• community building,
• book publishing,
• networking and public speaking, etc

... I've established a new podcast - BECOME YOUR OWN PR MACHINE - to cover these.

(Become Your Own PR Machine is available now from your podcast app of choice)

So, my two podcasts are essentially bookends:

Become Your Own PR Machine - learn how to harness the power of PR, content and digital communications to build recognition, influence and credibility for your business, organisation or personal brand.

Reputation Revolution - learn how to leverage your reputation to take advantage of commercial opportunities so you can profit from your personal brand in a way that's strategic, sustainable ... and respectful.

I hope you enjoy either - or both shows!

Hit me up on Twitter (@trevoryoung) or Instagram (@theprwarrior) or LinkedIn (/trevoryoung) and let me know what you think of the changes! Thanks :) TY

In this special encore edition of the podcast, we're replaying a popular episode in which we focus on commercialising your personal brand, or what I like to say: extracting value from the profile and reputation you build in the marketplace.

I’m talking about course creation specifically - this will be of particular interest to listeners who are consultants, coaches, advisors - who currently trade time for money and are looking at ways to maximise their revenue without killing themselves in the process.

Featured expert guest is GREG BURGOYNE from New Zealand.

Greg is the founder of the Course Creators Academy; he helps thought leaders and experts (coaches/consultants) unpack their valuable IP and create an offering in order to scale their impact.

In the conversation, we touch on a number of topics associated with the process of productising one's knowledge for commercial gain, including:

* Cohort-based courses, and the stages involved in launching and delivering them

* Self-paced evergreen courses, with or without a community component, plus the hybrid variations (key message: there are lot of different ways to productise and sell your knowledge today!)

* Delivering online training into enterprise-level organisations

* The different types of delivery platforms e.g. Kajabi, Podia (all-in-one platforms) vs course hosting platforms such as Teachable, and Thinkific; marketplaces like Udemy (the “YouTube of paid courses”); WordPress plugin options, plus online community platforms such as Mighty Networks that house courses and training as well as community forums

Greg says it's important when starting out to begin small, validate your idea, then do it live: "don’t necessarily productise it straight away".

We cover self-sabotage, and people's aversion to the marketing and sales function involved in building a business around course creation.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Who is going to thank you on the other side of stepping out of your comfort zone?”

Check out Greg's website, or connect with him on LinkedIn.

In this special encore edition of the podcast, we're replaying a popular interview I recorded with Sydney-based Oscar Trimboli.

Oscar helps leaders and professionals discover the hidden key to better communication. He is passionate about using the gift of listening to bring positive change in homes, workplaces and cultures around the world.

Of note, Oscar is an author, host of the Apple award-winning podcast Deep Listening, and a sought-after keynote speaker.

In this conversation, Oscar tells his personal brand story, including how he left the corporate world and later evolved into the global listening expert he is today.

He shares in detail his content strategy across owned, earned and social media channels.

Oscar touches on a range of topics. He explains:

• how he came to the realisation he was an expert at listening.
• how when he started, there was one clear expert in the space globally, and that he had to educate the market on the importance of listening.
• that the content he produced in the first two years was “absolute rubbish” - he has been focusing on the positive aspects of listening ("It wasn’t getting any traction because I wasn’t talking to their problem, I was talking to my hypothetical solution”
• how podcast guest interviews result in real business benefits

Oscar also unpacks how he generates his income.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Create content where they (the audience) are at, and break it down as simply as possible, and express that in multiple ways”

Oscar's story is a good one. If you're wanting to build a sustainable business off the back of your personal brand, then this interview is highly recommended!

CONNECT WITH OSCAR:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

(Details re Oscar's new book here)

Welcome to the second (and final) part of the finale episode of season 7 of the Reputation Revolution show.

In this special bumper episode, we recap our wonderful guests and play sound-bites of their interviews.

Expect stories, lessons, tips and advice from people who are in the trenches and are out there building, or helping others build, their professional personal brand.

If this is the first episode of the podcast you're listening to, then you're in for a treat as you will get a really good flavour for what we cover here on the show.

If you're a regular listener, get ready to be reminded of some of the highlights of season 7. Maybe you missed some guests and this might prompt you to go back and listen to those episodes for the first time, or perhaps you caught them initially and will be motivated to check back and listen to a particular episode again.

Either/or, this is an all-encompassing episode featuring a lot of insights and ideas in one self-contained package:

I hope you enjoy it. 

*** We'll be taking a short break, and then be back for Season 8 ***

Welcome to Part 1 of the finale episode of season 7 of the Reputation Revolution show.

In this special bumper episode, we recap our wonderful guests and play sound-bites of their interviews.

Expect stories, lessons, tips and advice from people who are in the trenches and are out there building, or helping others build, their professional personal brand.

If this is the first episode of the podcast you're listening to, then you're in for a treat as you will get a really good flavour for what we cover here on the show.

If you're a regular listener, get ready to be reminded of some of the highlights of season 7. Maybe you missed some guests and this might prompt you to go back and listen to those episodes for the first time, or perhaps you caught them initially and will be motivated to check back and listen to a particular episode again.

Either/or, this is an all-encompassing episode featuring a lot of insights and ideas in one self-contained package:

I hope you enjoy it. 

P.S. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this special finale episode next week!

In this special episode, the tables are turned on the host, Trevor Young aka 'The PR Warrior'.

Rather than asking the questions as he does week in, week out on the show, Trevor gets grilled by Brendan Keogh about all things public relations.

While Trevor often refers to PR on the show and relates conversations back to the various elements of public relations, this is the first time he has devoted the whole episode to breaking down the PR discipline.

Why is this important?

For starters, PR is incredibly misunderstood, not just in business generally, but also within the marketing and communications industry specifically.

Secondly, Trevor strongly believes that once you understand PR and how the discipline works, then (a) you're going to be able to put it to work for your brand and your business in a strategic way, and (b) you'll put yourself in the position to gain an edge over your competitors and others in the marketplace.

Critically, while certain skills are required to successfully develop and implement PR and communications programs at a high level, it's certainly not something that's beyond any savvy entrepreneur or business professional.

It all comes down to mindset, and the willingness to learn and experiment.

Trevor says he knows of many entrepreneurs who are better at PR than those who specialise in the space! It's because they've listened, learned ... and most importantly, have taken action!

A key part of this conversation is Trevor's marketing communications pyramid, a framework he uses to break down all the elements that make up marcomms generally, so he can then isolate the PR elements and where they sit in the broader picture.

If you're a business owner, or a marketer or PR pro, you'll want to dig deep into this episode as it will provide you with heaps of food for thought!

QUOTABLE QUOTE: "PR does not stand for Press Release!" - Trevor Young

👇

CHECK OUT TREVOR'S 'MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS PYRAMID' DIAGRAM (as discussed on the show) - go to trevoryoung.me/prmachine

Lots going on in the world of podcasting! Podcasts, as we know, can be a great owned media platform for entrepreneurs and thought leaders, but they take a bit of work.

How much work, and what are the challenges people in the podcasting trenches are facing currently?

I decided to find out!

In this episode, we get the lowdown from Bea Abalti, founder of Bear Forward Podcast Solutions, which helps small and medium business owners who want to start a podcast, or they already have one and want to grow their audience.

Specifically, I got Bea on the show because she has just finalised a survey of business owners who produce a podcast, and I wanted to chat through the findings with her to get a good picture as to what's happening out there in podcasting land!

So, we chat about the survey and the insights it revealed, plus we get into a broader discussion about podcasting generally, and some of the things to look out for if you're thinking of embarking on a podcast project now or in the future.

Connect with Bea:

• LinkedIn
• Website

In this episode I dig into the topic of strategic relationships with Nina Thomas, founder of Harmonic Advisory.

While activities such as creating content, being on social media, speaking on stage or in the media can do wonders for our profile and our reputation, sometimes it's the relationships side of what we do that can have the most impact.

Nina knows this all too well, having founded Harmonic Advisory in 2012 with a goal of helping businesses grow and successfully implement key projects by ensuring their leaders foster the right relationships.

Nina has worked with thousands of executives at the highest levels of some of Australia's and the world's leading companies, including PwC, GE, ANZ, Deloitte, and the Victorian Government.

With 25 years experience, she has seen first hand the impact strategic relationships and high value networks have in helping businesses grow, implement major projects and achieve successful business outcomes.

In this episode, Nina discusses the who, what and how of building relationships in a way that's strategic and sustainable. More specifically, she unpacks the cornerstones of her strategic relationships framework, which includes:

1. Define your strategy
2. Create a Strategic Relationship Map
3. Develop Your Visibility Plan
4. Getting Started & Getting Out There

This conversation contains lots of great insights and tips as to how we can all get more from the relationships we build. It might not be as sexy as recording a video for YouTube, but it can play a key role in the personal branding mix!

Connect with Nina on LinkedIn.

In the previous episode (#266), entrepreneur Adam Robinson, founder of Retention.com, built a case for why business owners should get serious about building their personal brand.

In this episode, Trevor Young and Brendan Keogh pick up on the conversation with Adam, reinforcing key points made, including:

• How Adam went from no social media (LinkedIn) presence late last year to 22,000 followers seven months later
• The strategy Adam employed to fast-track his activity on social media (LinkedIn and Twitter)
• Why Adam has doubled down on video, and why he is upping his video game by launching a 'behind-the-scenes' docuseries.

If you run a business and are keen to create more in the way of personal brand influence and impact, you'll find this episode (and the previous one featuring Adam Robinson) motivating!

LEARN MORE ABOUT TREVOR HERE

In today's episode we get into the big meaty topic of why business owners and leaders should be building their personal brand, why they should be creating content, and why they should be on social media.

And to discuss it with me is someone who's actually doing it, and who at this point is currently at the start of their personal branding journey (but making up ground quickly).

His name is Adam Robinson. He's the CEO and founder of a startup business called Retention.com.

Adam believes that building your personal brand as a founder is a simpler and smarter strategy than trying to grow your company’s profile right out of the gate. 

In this interview, Adam reveals why he's doubling down on video content, and how he manages his social media activity day-to-day.

In this episode, I get together with marketing strategist Brendan Keogh to recap not one, but two, interviews I recorded with author and entrepreneur, Kris Ward.

The interviews are featured in the two previous episodes:

• Ep 263: How to leverage your time & resources while building your personal brand - interview with Kris Ward
• Ep 264: [BEHIND-THE-SCENES] How Kris Ward found her voice, scored 400 podcast guest interviews, grew a podcast with 1000 5-star reviews, plus TikTok, YouTube & more!

Brendan and I pick out the gold from each of these interviews - tips, insights and stories from Kris; we unpack the nuggets, delving deeper with our own perspectives.

I hope you enjoy this conversation!

"We're not here to blend in!" (Kris Ward)

In the last episode, I spoke with Kris Ward, the author of the book, Win The Hour Win The Day, and host of the podcast of the same name.

That conversation centred on how subject matter leaders can leverage their time and resources while building their professional personal brand in the marketplace.

In doing my research for that interview, I was impressed with how well Kris was building her own professional online presence (her face was everywhere!), so I decided to 'keep the tape running' and then delved with Kris into her story.

That's what this episode is all about: Kris's story, from returning to her business after the passing of her husband, through to finding her voice on social media (becoming "bold faced"), growing her podcast (which has over 1000 5-star reviews), writing as book, as well as a behind-the-scenes peek behind her wildly-successful podcast guesting strategy.

Kris walks us through her struggle to sharpen her point of view through her content, and how she became featured on some 400 award-winning podcasts, radio and TV shows throughout the world. Of note, she has been interviewed by one of the original sharks from Shark Tank, Kevin Harrington, and ABC’s The Secret Millionaire – James Malinchak.

The theme of this discussion really is a 'perfect collision' of owned media, earned media and social media - something we talk about often here on the Reputation Revolution. You can see now why I got Kris back on the show for a follow-up episode!

Kris has a blog, plus she has a growing presence on YouTube, TikTok Instagram and LinkedIn! Phewww! She's a dynamo, you're going to love this interview!

Connect with Kris:

• website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Building a credible thought leader brand in the marketplace takes time and effort.

So how can we make time work for us?

How can we manage our energy to give us the headspace required to come up with original thoughts, to dig deeper into our ideas so we can share them with the world?

How can we become more effective in our work so we can spend more time creating content, do public speaking and interact with our audience, on and offline?

Kris Ward has the answers!

Kris is the author of the book - Win The Hour Win The Day. She also has a podcast of the same name.

Kris has been interviewed by one of the original sharks from Shark Tank, Kevin Harrington, and ABC’s The Secret Millionaire – James Malinchak. She has been featured on award-winning podcasts, radio and TV shows throughout the world.

It's a high energy chat ... let's get into it!

Connect with Kris:

• website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Last week's episode (#261) featured Joanna Penn, New York Times and USA Today best-selling fiction author (as JF Penn), nonfiction author, longtime podcaster, and someone who I think embodies everything we talk about on this podcast!

For 14 years, Joanna has blazed a trail, not just in the world of independent publishing, but also in the way she's built her personal brand on a global basis.

IN THIS EPISODE, I get together with marketing strategist and podcast producer - Brendan Keogh - to recap my interview with Joanna.

Lots of insights and key takeaways discussed!

I'm really excited to bring you today's episode featuring Joanna Penn aka 'The Creative Penn'.

Joanna is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling fiction author (as JF Penn), nonfiction author, longtime podcaster, and someone who I think embodies everything we talk about on this show! And when I say everything, I mean everything!

For 14 years, Joanna has blazed a trail, not just in the world of independent publishing, but also in the way she's built her personal brand on a global basis.

That she's managed to continually evolve both professionally and creatively is testament to her mindset and attitude, her commitment to lifelong learning, and her willingness to experiment in public and share the lessons along the way.

Joanna is a genuine credible authority in her field.

She's both a domain expert and bona fide thought leader.

She has built a loyal global audience via her podcast and YouTube channel; she's active on social media, as well as in-demand as a public speaker.

Joanna's story is an inspirational one. Let's hear it now!

I've invited content strategist and podcast producer Brendan Keogh back on the show to help me recap a previous interview I recorded with PR expert Rusty Shelton (ep #259) on how to build thought leadership focused on impact, not ego.

I must admit, I get a bit fired up during this conversation:

"It's happening whether you like it or not. Your brand is out there, your reputation is being built. Why wouldn't you want to influence that in a positive way? I don't understand why you wouldn't want to do that if you are running a business, if you're a leader. And even if you're an employee who's on the rise, you know, and you've got aspirations and ambition ... that's when you want to be getting into these things, and, understanding how you can develop that reputation and build strategic visibility. It's not about being everywhere. It's being in the right channels, in front of the right audience, with the right message and story."

**********

Let's connect on Twitter (@trevoryoung) or LinkedIn and continue the conversation!

As a leader and a business owner, reputation is your lifeblood.

Trust is the social currency of today's digital-first world, and it's in short supply!

Which is good news if you're a credible mission-driven entrepreneur or professional, someone who has the runs on the board and who is seen, not as someone with something to sell, but as someone with something to teach.

But you need to be intentional about it!

As we talk about here often on the podcast, there are many variables involved in building a genuine thought leader brand in the marketplace.

Let's be clear: People don’t want to be sold something—they want to buy something.

And the best way to get someone to seek out the opportunity to buy from you is to position yourself as the unquestionable authority in your space—someone they would be lucky to have a chance to do business with.

This is what PR agency owner RUSTY SHELTON calls the authority advantage!

Rusty is a Senior Marketing Strategist at Forbes Books, bestselling author and successful entrepreneur. He’s the founder and chairman of Zilker Media, an award-winning agency based in Austin, Texas that builds people-driven brands. 

As a speaker, Rusty uses humour and targeted examples to challenge assumptions about thought leadership, showing leaders how to build authentic personal brands focused on impact, not ego.

He has written three books and spoken around the world to a variety of audiences, from YPO to Harvard Medical to SXSW Interactive.

Rusty's newest book, The Authority Advantage: Building Thought Leadership Focused on Impact, Not Ego (ForbesBooks, 2023), which is co-authored with Adam Witty and features a foreword from David Meerman Scott, demonstrates how leaders can make an impact with their personal brand and build trust in an increasingly skeptical world.

When we think of creativity, what springs to mind?

An artist painting their masterpiece in an attic? The writer beavering away on a novel, or a Hollywood film director in charge on the set?

Maybe someone who works as a 'Creative' in an ad agency? A copywriter ... a graphic designer ... or anyone else who works in a so-called creative industry.

Well, that would be a simplistic, one-dimensional view of creativity, but it's a common one, reinforced time and time again by the media.

I've worked alongside countless people over the journey who would consider themselves creative, but I didn't find them that inspiring, or indeed, that creative!

Conversely, some of the most creative people I've met have been entrepreneurs and business professionals who are naturally curious and who always seem to have a wellspring of interesting thoughts and ideas at the ready.

So in other words, you don't have to be working in a creative industry, to be a creative person!

Indeed, to be effective in business today, especially when it comes to PR and marketing, and building our profile and growing sphere of influence in the marketplace -- having a creative edge might just be the advantage you need to cut through with your content, your story and your message ... your brand!

Okay, so what is creativity then?

Creativity is defined as "the use of imagination or original ideas to create something"

What does it mean to be creative, and how can we increase our levels of creativity?

Is being creative something we're born with, or can it be learned, if not developed over time?

To help us come to grips with how we can be more creative in our lives, I'm joined by Dr Marion Piper - founder of Marion Piper Creative and host of the WHAT DOESN'T KILL us podcast.

Marion wears many hats, but they all involve creativity.

Most often she's a copywriter, helping people communicate with confidence and clarity. At other times she's a creativity coach, helping creative entrepreneurs ignite, maintain and execute on their ideas.

Let's hear from her now ...

CONNECT WITH MARION:

• Marion's website
• Marion on Instagram

Wow, what a fun interview with so much gold from holistic voice and public speaking coach, Sally Prosser.

Sally helps leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals to unleash the magic of their voice.

Initial focus of our chat is all around TikTok, and how the channel is really working for Sally's personal brand.

Sally has been on TikTok for a few years now and has amassed nearly 350,000 followers and 4.4M 'likes' of her videos.

But we broaden the conversation into using voice as an expression of oneself, and how to use it strategically across social media, and the 'virtual stage' generally.

As Sally says: "Nobody ever changed the world by staying quiet!"

So, if you want to know more about TikTok and how it can work for your brand and your business - along with short-form video and voice more broadly - you'll get a lot of value from this episode!

It's a very free-flowing and energetic chat. I hope you enjoy it.

Let's hear from Sally now!

I've invited content strategist and podcast producer Brendan Keogh back on to the show to help me recap a previous interview I recorded with LinkedIn expert, Richard van der Blom.

My interview with Richard was all around 'unlocking the LinkedIn algorithm', as we delved into his recently-released, well-researched LINKEDIN ALGORITHM REPORT.

Richard shared so many insights and tips (in episode 254), so it was terrific to sit down with Brendan to dig deeper into topics raised in that interview.

We also riff on another previous episode (#255) all around building your brand on LinkedIn with Michelle B Griffin & Michelle J Raymond.

Lots and lots of LinkedIn gold folks - I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I chat with Michelle B Griffin and Michelle J Raymond (AKA #MichelleSquared) about their new book - The LinkedIn Branding Book: The Power of Two: How to Double Your Personal and Business Brand for Exponential Growth.

Michelle and Michelle met on LinkedIn through the power of commenting in December 2020.

Together they have supported each other with complimentary yet different strengths to rise up and stand out on LinkedIn with their personal branding and business branding businesses.

Both quickly realized that the “Power of Two” as #MichelleSquared was a force for good that would propel success more than what was possible on their own.

This is a fun and informative chat!

We get the nitty-gritty on why and how Michelle and Michelle wrote the book - plus they dig into topics such as:

• the importance of mindset when building your presence on LinkedIn
• how to start strong by getting your branding foundations right
• what both Michelles learned while writing the book
• the multiplier effect that comes with collaborating with others, and how to find 'power partners' for mutual benefit

... plus we hear Michelle and Michelle's respective stories, and the lessons learned along the way while building their profiles on LinkedIn, and growing their business generally.

If you're interested in expanding your presence on LinkedIn in a way that's going to contribute to your business in a positive way, this episode is definitely worth a listen!

Read more about #MichelleSquared and their new book here

If you're wanting to elevate your professional profile and grow your reputation as a leading, credible voice in your industry, there's every chance LinkedIn should be a key part of your communications armoury.

No doubt you are already on the platform ... but are you using it well?

Are you putting in the requisite effort to gain the benefits in terms of building your brand, positioning yourself as a thought leader, developing relationships ... and even generating new business leads?

Whether the answer is "yes" or "no", I think you'll get heaps out of this podcast interview.

LinkedIn has undergone - and continues to undergo - significant change.

It may have been a latecomer to the social media ball in terms of user experience, uptake and usage - the ugly duckling, as it were - but LinkedIn has certainly transformed into something of a social swan!

My guest today comes to us from Valencia in Spain: his name is Richard van der Blom, and he's a world-renowned expert on LinkedIn, and in particular, its algorithm.

Richard runs a LinkedIn and social selling agency called JUST CONNECTING, and he's an absolute gun when it comes to LinkedIn; his content is top notch, and I recommend you follow him to learn more about how to use the platform more effectively.

I got Richard on the show specifically to chat about his recently-released LINKEDIN ALGORITHM REPORT, which has gone viral on the platform, and rightly so. The report is comprehensive and took over 1200 hours of work, with some 10,000 posts analysed in the process.

Plus we cover heaps more! Let's get into it!

In this episode, I'm joined by a semi-regular guest of the show - Mark Masters, fromYou Are The Media - to recap last weeks episode in which I spoke to leading marketing blogger, Mark Schaefer, about his new book, 'Belonging to the Brand'.

[ Check out episode 252: The power of community with best-selling author, Mark Schaefer ]

Mark (Masters) happens to feature in Mark Schaefer's book with his "supportive marketing learning community" You Are The Media (YATM), based on the south coast of England (but operating virtually, globally).

Under the YATM banner, Mark produces a long-running email newsletter, and runs social events, conferences and training days; he recently extended the community on to the Circle platform, giving it an interactive online hub of its own.

Mark also operates a consulting business - called We Are The Media - in tandem with YATM.

This is a fun and informative chat. While Mark and I refer often to Mark Schaefer's book (and the interview I did with him), we also take the topic of 'community' and run wild with it!

I hope you enjoy the convo!

Let's face it ...

It's pretty damn tough running a business today, getting your name out there and connecting with clients and customers, and the people who influence them - especially if you lack a sizeable budget to do so.

Traditional advertising is rarely effective these days and is out of reach for most small business owners anyway, while many default digital marketing tactics no longer seem to work as well as they used to.

But there is a way through for those entrepreneurs who are willing to explore some new ideas while at the same time be respectful as to how they show up in the marketplace.

At the Reputation Revolution, we're all about building a sustainable base of communications for our professional personal brand which, for many of us, also adds considerable weight to the overall marketing of our businesses. In many cases, we ARE the business.

We look at strategic PR and communications and all that entails, including content creation for our owned media channels, we cover social media of course, as well as earned media such as publicity, media relations, influencer relations and public speaking.

Growing an audience of followers and subscribers is all part of the program: an audience of fans and allies, champions of our personal brand, of what it is we do and stand for - an audience made up of potential advocates, influencers, clients and customers.

But can we go deeper, and build a genuine community around our ideas, or a specific topic or issue?

Community as a concept has been kicking around for a while now, but it's taken on new significance in recent times, for many of the aforementioned reasons.

At best, it's grossly misunderstood, at worst, it's been consigned to the bin of marketing buzzwords!.

But we're about to change that in this episode!

Today's expert guest gives us the rundown on communities from a strategic marketing standpoint.

Indeed, he's just released a book on the topic!

His name is Mark Schaefer, and the book is called BELONGING TO THE BRAND: Why Community is the Last Great Marketing Strategy.

Mark is one of the world's leading marketing futurists and keynote speakers; he's also a best-selling author, a veteran blogger and podcaster, a business consultant and educator of note.

He's a true thought leader, in a world where there are plenty of wannabe's - and he embodies all the things we talk about here on the Reputation Revolution.

Let's meet him, shall we?