What if the fastest way to get ahead… is by giving more than you take?

In this powerful conversation, Rory Vaden sits down with Keith Ferrazzi, legendary author of Never Eat Alone, Leading Without Authority, and Never Lead Alone, to unpack the timeless principles that made him one of the world's most connected and trusted thought leaders.

Keith shares his five packets of generosity, the seven Ps of preparation, and the mindset shift that turns networking into something far deeper — a life of meaningful connection, impact, and influence.

If you've ever wondered how to authentically connect with high-profile leaders, open doors without manipulation, or build a personal brand rooted in generosity and service — this episode is a masterclass.

• The difference between transactional networking and transformational relationships

• Why leading with generosity is the ultimate competitive advantage

• The secret to getting warm introductions to the world's most influential people

• How to build trust and loyalty that compound for decades

• How AI will change relationships — and how to stay human in the age of automation

• Keith's 8-Week Course: ConnectedSuccess.com

• Rory & AJ's personal brand strategy resources → freebrandcall.com

What if marketing wasn't a mystery—but a machine? In this power-packed episode, Rory Vaden sits down with one of the greatest marketing minds he's ever met: Lee Pepper—U.S. Army veteran, marketing strategist, and author of Never Outmatched. Together, they unpack how Lee helped scale a behavioral healthcare company 60x and sell it for over $300 million—driven by a war room of data, precision strategy, and relentless testing.

Lee reveals why most businesses are measuring the wrong metrics, the truth about paid traffic vs. organic, and the secret military-inspired strategies that make marketing predictable, scalable, and wildly profitable. You'll learn how to stop chasing trends and start building an unstoppable revenue engine. This isn't theory. It's battlefield-tested insight from someone who's been in the trenches—and won.

If you're serious about building a marketing function that fuels real growth, you don't want to miss this conversation.

In this episode, we're joined by Jess Connolly—author of over a dozen books, including Breaking Free from Body Shame and Tired of Being Tired, founder of Go + Tell Gals, and lead coach for women building God-centered influence—for an inspiring conversation about calling, clarity, and living out your mission in multiple arenas. 

Jess and her husband, Nick, planted Bright City Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children. She is also the host of The Jess Connolly Podcast, where she inspires women to live missionally, love God deeply, and run their race with endurance. 

With a calling that spans speaking, writing, and coaching, Jess is living proof that you can pursue multiple streams of work while staying anchored to a single heartbeat for your audience and a deep passion for God's Word. 

If you've ever felt the tension of having more than one lane to run in—or wondered how to keep it all connected—this conversation is your roadmap. Jess shares how identifying and staying passionate about her "who" has given her the focus, freedom, and stamina to build a body of work that leaves her generation more in awe of God than she found it. 

Our entire digital marketing strategy is deceptively simple: teach everything you know in small, bite-sized chunks, in random order, for free. Now, you might be asking 'But then what will people pay me for?' Today, we reveal the answer to this question, and much more, as we take a quick, informative dive into our complete digital marketing strategy and why it works. Join Rory as he unpacks why you should share your knowledge for free, the expertise that people will pay you for, how to apply the three E's of content creation, key tips for producing and distributing content, and much more. Tune in now to unlock the secrets to effective digital marketing and transform your strategy!

Sean Cannell is, without a doubt, one of the world's leading authorities on YouTube strategy; building your influence, income, and impact with video. He believes that YouTube will work best for those users who think of it not as a tactic but as a lifestyle! Sean is one of the OGs in this space and as the CEO of Think Media, the host of the Think Media podcast, a YouTuber, an international speaker, and a coach, he helps entrepreneurs build their influence and income with online video. Sean's YouTube channels have over a million subscribers, his videos have been viewed over 100 million times, and he has been featured in the "20 Must Watch YouTube Channels That Will Change Your Business" by Forbes. Join the conversation as we dive into how he got into the YouTube game, why it's not too late to start your YouTube adventure, his thoughts on the admission price, and why you need to build your content-creating muscles! This is truly an insightful episode, filled with golden nuggets of wisdom, so be sure not to miss out. Thanks for listening!

The sooner you embrace the fact that everyone is a salesperson by nature, the sooner you will become better at sales! Today we are recapping AJ's discussion with Dr. Cindy, a bestselling author and consultant, and sharing six traits of a great salesperson. Tuning in, you'll hear about why you need to consider yourself a salesperson, the lessons we can learn about sales from children, why you need to know exactly what problem you solve, and more. We delve into the importance of being aware of any sales opportunity and having the courage to engage, why 'no' is a research opportunity and a gift, and why you need to be grateful for everyone who has trusted you enough to do business with you. Finally, AJ stresses the importance of relationships in business and sales and reminds us to be diligent with all follow-ups in order to become better salespeople. You don't want to miss this one so be sure to press play now and if you haven't already, listen to AJ's interview with Dr. Cindy!

Everyone is in sales, even if you don't know it! Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and CEO of Orange Leaf Consulting, Dr. Cindy joins us to discuss all things sales. Dr. Cindy finally embraced her identity as a saleswoman when she realized that every single verbal and non-verbal exchange we have in life is a sale! In this conversation, you'll hear all about Dr. Cindy's life and career, why the negative perception of sales is incorrect, how she freed herself from that stigma, and so much more! We delve into how to reframe how we see sales before Dr. Cindy shares some examples of sales we make unconsciously every day. She also walks us through universal sales skills that she believes everyone needs to develop to improve their communication skills. We even learn that getting a 'no' is a gift and learn how to embrace rejection. Finally, our guest describes 'the unofficial sale' and tells us where we can find her incredibly educational sales books. Thanks for listening in!

How can you turn anxiety into confidence when stepping onto the stage? In this recap of our inspiring conversation with Terri Sjodin, we unpack our main takeaways and explore how to transform presentation nerves into star power! Rory sheds light on the preparation process behind his public speaking events and practical tips and resources to help you look like an expert every time you step on stage. Tuning in, you'll discover how to customize a presentation for your target audience and learn the steps for planning content effectively with your client. For valuable insights into the secret to aligning your presentation with your client's values, how to grab an audience's attention, and much more, don't miss this episode!

Have you ever wondered about the secret sauce behind those presentations that close deals and grow businesses? In today's episode, we sit down with Terri Sjodin to uncover the science behind creating content that captivates audiences as a personal brand. Terri serves as the Principal and Founder of Sjodin Communications, a company specializing in public speaking, sales training, and consulting services. And is one of the country's most sought-after sales, communications, and speaking consultants. Terri is also the author of the hit book Small Message, Big Impact; a guide to crafting concise and compelling messages, particularly for business professionals. In our conversation, we delve into the art of communication through the lens of her new book, Presentation Ready. Discover the top presentation pitfalls, insightful results from the research conducted for her book, and the power of speaking to people directly. Gain insights into the difference between concluding and closing a deal, why the hardest product to sell is the one you don't believe in, the role of a persuasive mindset, technology and demonstration failures, and much more. Tune in as we learn to unlock the hidden potential of persuasive presentations with Terri Sjodin!

Worrying is part of the human condition. It is based on the universal experience of fear and cannot be escaped by anyone. But what if you could challenge that worry and find a way to get to the other side of it? Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are recapping AJ's conversation with the incredible Victoria Jackson and discussing the beauty that lies on the other side of fear. Tuning in, you'll hear some highlights from AJ's conversation with Victoria, how you can get past fear, the relief and joy that lies at the end of that journey, how taking action in your fears will not only bring you joy but will inspire others to do the same too, and so much more! AJ even shares one of her fears, how she overcame it, and why she is better for embracing that part of herself. Finally, listeners are challenged to identify something that plagues them with worry, figure out what fear lies behind it, and take the first steps to overcome it. Thanks for listening in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief overview of Victoria Jackson and her life filled with high highs and low lows.
• The relief and joy on the other side of fear and how to get past fear.
• AJ shares some of her traumatic experiences and how her faith got her through them.
• Why she worried about sharing her faith throughout her youth and how that changed.
• How taking action in your fears and worries will empower others to do the same.
• What embracing the beauty on the other side of fear has done for AJ.
• A challenge to figure out the worry consuming you and how to get to the other side.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Victoria Jackson

No Makeup Makeup

We All Worry, Now What?

AJ Vaden on LinkedIn

AJ Vaden on X

Rory Vaden
Rory Vaden on LinkedIn
Rory Vaden on X

Take the Stairs

Brand Builders Group

Brand Builders Group Free Video Short Course

Brand Builders Group Free Call

The Influential Personal Brand Podcast on Apple

Email Your Review to Brand Builders Group

What truly sets successful entrepreneurs apart is their ability to persevere and make use of what they have to make a true impact in the world! Today we are joined by the incredibly influential National Women's Hall of Fame nominee, Victoria Jackson. Victoria is the owner of the original 'no makeup, makeup' brand now called, No Makeup Makeup. Victoria pioneered this incredible concept that has taken the beauty industry by storm all while healing from her sexual assault survival, raising three children, battling her daughter's rare autoimmune disease, funding a massive charity, and so much more! Tune in to this episode to hear about Victoria's career from doing makeovers to becoming a professional makeup artist, to making over a billion dollars in sales from TV commercials. We discuss how her perseverance led her through 13 years of perfecting her business model before she shares how she turned her income into impact in the form of The Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation. Hear about how you can find ways to give back to your community and make an impact, how Victoria became passionate about writing, why she wanted to write an entire book about worrying, and the most important takeaway from it. To end off, we hear about what inspired the relaunch of Victoria's cosmetic brand, No Makeup Makeup. You don't want to miss this one, so be sure to tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today's illustrious guest, Victoria Jackson.
• How Victoria got into the world of makeup and the importance of perseverance.
• Creating the concept of 'no makeup makeup' and how her vast experience perfected it.
• Victoria walks us through her path of turning income into impact.
• How to find a way to give back to your community and find ways to support each other.
• Where her passion for writing comes from, writing five books, and what her new book is about.
• Victoria shares her writing process and tells us why she prefers to handwrite her books.
• Why she decided to write an entire book about the impact of worry and who it's for.
• The one thing she wants people to take away from her new book, We All Worry, Now What?
• What inspired Victoria to relaunch her incredible product, No Makeup Makeup.
• Victoria tells us what's next for her and stresses the importance of fighting to overcome fear.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Victoria Jackson

Victoria Jackson on Instagram

No Makeup Makeup

We All Worry, Now What?

The Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation

AJ Vaden on LinkedIn

AJ Vaden on X

Rory Vaden
Rory Vaden on LinkedIn
Rory Vaden on X

Take the Stairs

Brand Builders Group

Brand Builders Group Free Video Short Course

Brand Builders Group Free Call

The Influential Personal Brand Podcast on Apple

Email Your Review to Brand Builders Group

We are back with another special recap episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast! Today's recap is based off of our interview with Clate Mask, CEO and Co-Founder of Keap. Join Rory as he shares four painful lessons he wished he'd known before becoming an entrepreneur! Thanks for tuning in, enjoy!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Perseverance matters more than pedigree.
• Why you need to up your game with making sales, building systems, and recruiting superstars!
• Loyalty is just a paycheck away (the scariest thing to learn).
• All that matters is what's in your contract.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Clate Mask on LinkedIn

Clate Mask on X

Clate Mask

Keap

Conquer the Chaos: How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy

AJ Vaden on LinkedIn

AJ Vaden on X

Rory Vaden
Rory Vaden on LinkedIn
Rory Vaden on X

Take the Stairs

Email Your Review Screenshot Here

Brand Builders Group

Brand Builders Group Free Video Short Course

Brand Builders Group Free Call

The Influential Personal Brand Podcast on Apple

Email Your Review to Brand Builders Group

Are you looking to conquer the chaos of growing your small business, without going crazy? Then look no further because this episode is for you! Joining Rory on the Influential Personal Brand podcast is his dear friend, Clate Mask. His product, company, and life mission have radically changed both Rory and AJ's lives and their business. Clate is the CEO and Co-Founder of Keap, the world's leading business automation software. In this conversation, Rory shares the key role Keap has played in the success of their businesses and dives into the concepts behind Clate's new book, Conquer the Chaos: How to Grow a Successful Small Business Without Going Crazy. Clate unpacks the personal and professional aspects included in the six keys and delves into the dark side of entrepreneurship with a story about how he almost left Keap. To hear more about finding your rhythm, and what the three transformative habits for future success are according to Clate, don't miss out. Press play now!

We hear it everywhere: "Be authentic." But what does that actually mean? In this raw and heartfelt episode, AJ Vaden strips away the buzzwords and delivers a truth-bomb definition that will change how you see leadership, trust, and connection forever. Through a deeply personal story—including the lowest point of her life and how she chose her life coach—you'll learn why your most powerful asset isn't your highlight reel, but the valleys you've walked through. If you've ever wondered how to share your story without oversharing, or how to connect with people in a way that makes them lean in and trust you, this conversation will give you the courage—and the clarity—to do it.

What are the top ten books that you should read if you are an entrepreneur, or consider yourself an entrepreneur at heart? Whether you're a solopreneur, small business owner, or a real estate agent, if you have that entrepreneurial spirit, this episode has you covered! Join AJ as she shares her top ten book recommendations from her entrepreneur bookshelf, covering central themes like time, money, and leadership. Find out why these books are pivotal for personal and professional growth and discover which book could transform your entrepreneurial journey!

If you had to make a list of the books that have had the biggest influence on your life, which ones would you recommend? Today, AJ does just that, as she shares her top ten picks that have shaped her entrepreneurial journey. These books are not just for entrepreneurs; they're for anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset looking to grow in business and as a leader. Each book offers universally applicable lessons on life, leadership, and business, regardless of your field. Tune in as AJ shares the contents of her entrepreneurial bookshelf, why each book holds such a special place in her heart, and the standout lessons she wants to share with listeners. Discover timeless wisdom on topics ranging from the emotional side of financial decisions to mastering time management and leadership. You won't want to miss this eye-opening episode – your next great read could be just a listen away!

Have you ever wondered how to generate a steady stream of warm referrals for your business? Discover the secrets from performance coach Jordan Montgomery in this recap episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast. In this episode, we provide listeners with the steps to creating a steady stream of referrals and unpack the benefits that go beyond increasing revenue. We discuss the role of giving out referrals, the common mistakes to avoid, and the value of shared relationships. Discover the law of reciprocity, how it relates to personal brands, and why a systematic approach to referrals is vital. Explore the positive by-products of a successful referral system, what it means to be in service of others, and the reasons why you need to become a master giver. Tune in now!

In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Montgomery, Speaker, Performance Coach, and Founder and CEO of Montgomery Companies, to delve into the intricacies of building and scaling a coaching business. Jordan is known for his performance coaching, keynote speaking, and motivational presentations, which have gained national recognition. He is also the author of The Art of Encouragement, a comprehensive guide on the transformative power of encouragement. In our conversation, Jordan shares his professional journey and how he transitioned to becoming a highly-respected performance coach. Hear how he went from the 'penthouse' to the 'outhouse' almost overnight and how this defining moment led to his success story. We discuss the lessons from his career transition, why letting go of control of his company was vital to its growth, and how Jordan developed his client base. Discover why a brand is all about reputation, the benefits of overdelivering, and how he incorporated public speaking into his business model. We talk about the value of working for free, why engagement in public speaking is vital, public speaking pitfalls, and the coaching opportunities public speaking offers. Gain insights into his new book, his motivation for writing it, the power of encouragement, why it is a vital leadership skill, and more. Tune in now!

Our recent conversation with marketing, public relations, and branding strategist, David Avrin highlighted many crucial lessons for growing your personal brand, namely the importance of finding your competitive advantage. In today's episode, we expand on that conversation with an exploration of everything that isn't your competitive advantage. This list may surprise you as it includes the quality of your product, the quality of your staff, and your use of technology as things that do not contribute toward your competitive advantage. We also reveal how to find your competitive advantage by working out everything about you and your business that makes you easy to work with! Be sure to tune in today, and don't forget to get your copy of David's latest book, Ridiculously Easy To Do Business With, which asks the difficult questions that will help you uncover your unique (and valuable) position in the marketplace.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Understanding all the things that don't contribute toward your competitive advantage.
• How to find your competitive advantage: what makes you easy to work with?

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

David Avrin

Ridiculously Easy To Do Business With

Entrepreneurs' Organization

Pete Wilson

AJ Vaden on LinkedIn

AJ Vaden on X

Rory Vaden
Rory Vaden on LinkedIn
Rory Vaden on X

Take the Stairs

Brand Builders Group

Brand Builders Group Free Video Short Course

Brand Builders Group Free Call

The Influential Personal Brand Podcast on Apple

Email Your Review to Brand Builders Group

Building a business is not nearly as valuable as building a reputation, and one of the best ways to build that reputation is by becoming ridiculously easy to do business with. Today, we are joined by David Arvin, a close friend of ours and one of the most internationally in-demand customer experience speakers, who has just penned his seventh title, Ridiculously Easy To Do Business With. David is here to reveal how business success and longevity start with ease, accessibility, and simplicity. We discuss his journey into speaking and becoming an author and the advice he'd share with anyone eager to follow a similar career path to his. We also unpack David's latest book by exploring the business side of speaking, the role of authoring in being a successful speaker, the biggest customer pain points that David is always trying to solve, and why building a strong personal brand should always be top-of-mind. To end, our guest reiterates his book's theme of gaining a competitive advantage and we are reminded of the REAL reasons people would want to do business with you! Tune in for all this and much more.

Are you ready to leverage your personal brand to generate unprecedented earnings? In this episode, we explore three powerful strategies to achieve a million-dollar income through your personal brand. Discover how to excel as a high-paid speaker, leverage membership sites for recurring revenue, and create compelling online courses. You'll also gain insights into crafting a clear message and how to use effective marketing to amplify your brand's impact and profitability. Tune in for actionable steps to achieve financial success with your personal brand!

Entrepreneurship is often glorified as a path to success, freedom, and fulfillment. While it can certainly lead to those outcomes, the reality is far more nuanced and messy. In today's episode, we sit down with Alli Webb, entrepreneur and best-selling author, as she shares hard lessons from her entrepreneurial pursuits. Alli is a dynamic entrepreneurial force known for her transformative impact on the beauty industry and beyond. She is also passionate about sharing her insights and experiences with others. Her upcoming book, The Messy Truth, will offer valuable wisdom and inspiration from her entrepreneurial journey. In our conversation, we delve into her new book and learn the truth behind her entrepreneurial success. From the breakdown of her marriage to her son's struggles with addiction, we uncover her true entrepreneurial journey. We also hear why she recommends trying different career paths, the value she saw in PR for brands, and how she shifted from founder to media personality. Discover her approach to choosing which companies to work with, how she decides what role she wants to take on in the company, and how she balances the demands of each. Gain insights into the benefits and responsibilities that come with a company, how the startup landscape has changed, what she has planned for the future, and more. Tune in now! 

Do you want to be stronger mentally? Do you want the mindset that allows you to take adversity head-on? In this recap episode, we discuss the main takeaways from our inspiring conversation with former British Special Forces Soldier Dean Stott. We provide listeners with the three fundamental aspects needed to pursue success and build mental resilience. Hear why excellence is never an accident, the steps for building mental endurance, and why anticipation is always worse than participation. Discover how our brain's self-protection measures cause fear, why fear is normal, and how to overcome your 'fear' programming. Explore why formulating a plan is fundamental, the role of confidence in executing it, the importance of focusing on your work ethic, and why you should not be ashamed of failure. Gain insights into why persistence is essential for mental toughness, the difference between healthy and unhealthy deadlines, and why it is okay to extend your timeline. Join us as we uncover the steps to overcome the psychological hurdles to build mental toughness and resilience. Tune in now! 

What does it take to become a soldier in the British Special Forces, to break world records in cycling and fitness, or to write a book that drastically improves the lives of many who read it?  Most of us would be happy with achieving just one of these things, but today's guest has done them all! Dean Stott is a speaker, author, and world-renowned expert in risk and security consulting, and he joins us today to share what it takes to build a mindset that relentlessly pursues excellence. Dean's core philosophy is all about taking action, and he explains how this mindset helps in overcoming challenges both foreseen and unexpected.  Our guest walks us through his process of building mental toughness, how to rise above fear, the importance of research and careful planning, and how to build a mindset of resilience. Dean's final words of wisdom and hope explain why it's better to participate rather than anticipate.  

Get ready for a masterclass in confidence, storytelling, and presence. Lou Parker—six‑time Emmy‑winning journalist, former Miss USA, and relentless advocate—joins us to reveal how she lifted the crown before she ever held it, pivoted into an unexpected journalism career, and learned the art of thriving under pressure—especially when the mic is live and all eyes are on you.

In this episode, Lou takes us behind the scenes of live television, sharing:

• What "walking into a room with a crown already on your head" really means—and how it built her audacious confidence

• Why forgetting your lines is a gift in disguise—and the subtle power of knowing your story over memorizing every word

• Her funniest on‑air "stretch" moment—and how even catastrophes can become your greatest teaching tools

• Secrets to hitting your point fast in a world glued to short attention spans, from hooks to heartbeats

• The healing power of embracing your imperfect self—beginning with a heartfelt word of "I love you" in the mirror

This conversation isn't just for media professionals—it's for anyone chasing their voice and their purpose. Whether you crave better on-camera presence, frictionless self-expression, or the courage to walk into the spotlight, Lou's journey will embolden your next chapter.

So, grab your mic—whether it's for Zoom or personal podcast—and step confidently into your light.🌟

There have been a lot of changes in the law and as a business owner, you need to stay up to date with them so that you can make the necessary changes to your business and stay compliant! Today we are discussing the new non-compete rule and what the changes will mean for your business. From non-solicitations to protection of business owners' confidential information, to updating your agreements, this episode tells you everything you need to know about non-competes becoming a thing of the past. Be sure to tune in now and remember to contact your attorney for advice! 

As a business owner, you have to wear a million different hats and focus on so many moving parts to keep your company running. But it is impossible to also keep up with constantly changing and evolving laws, and if you don't remain compliant, things get risky. Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, renowned attorney Matthew Miller joins us to discuss how business owners can stay up-to-date with business laws. Tuning in, you'll hear all about the laws businesses need to be aware of, what a non-compete is, the pros and cons of the agreement, how to protect your confidential information as a business owner, and what the Corporate Transparency Act is. We delve into the importance of having a lawyer to help advise you about the complexities of the legal system as a business owner before Matthew explains how you can make your business work buying. Finally, we discuss valuation metrics and what we need to know about how businesses are being valuated today. You don't want to miss out on this invaluable information so be sure to tune in now! 

Join Rory in another special recap edition of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, where we debrief our latest epsiode with guest Mel Abraham, to learn more about what you need to know to make more money. Today, Rory delves into four principles for making more money, including the payoffs of being debt-free, spending your money to save time, figuring out how to be paid for your results and not your time, and lastly de-risking your own business but investing in the 3 P's. Be sure not to miss out on this valuable episode, and be sure to check out Rory's Higher Earner Habits Training, 7 Ways That Wealthy People Think and Live. Thanks for listening!

Could the most important purchase we ever make ultimately be freedom? If you're curious to explore this idea further, then this episode is tailored for you! Today, Rory is joined by a true authority on all things money. In addition to his background as a CPA, he's also a globally recognized thought leader, having shared the stage with Fortune 500 companies and spoken at some of the world's largest public events. Mel Abraham brings a profound understanding of both online and offline business, coupled with extensive knowledge of financial matters. We're delighted to have him on the show! Tune in to discover Mel's journey into the world of finance, his strategies for gaining financial control, and why he advocates for harmony over balance. We also delve into essential questions for those building a personal brand, the importance of focusing on the solutions you create, and Mel's insights on retirement planning for entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore why every dollar should have a job description. Thanks for tuning in!  

Do you want to know how to protect your personal brand? Whether you're a content creator or you have a unique methodology or framework for your business, this episode is for you! We recently spoke with Autumn Witt Boyd, an IP attorney and the Founder of The AWB Firm, who specializes in helping business owners safeguard their creations. Tune in to hear Autumn's insights on what you need to do even before you get started, practical tips for protecting your personal brand as you grow, when to consider a trademark or copyright (and the differences between them), and much more! 

In an industry that seems to shift and change daily, it might feel impossible for business owners to keep up with their legal requirements. You need a legal team who will guide you, help you create a big-picture strategy, and take the time to understand your long-term goals before jumping into your legal projects. Enter Autumn Witt Boyd, an IP attorney who helps online CEOs build sustainable, profitable companies. As the founder of Autumn Witt Boyd (AWB) Firm, Autumn specializes in helping business owners protect what they've built, and she joins us today to walk you through the steps you need to take to protect your personal brand. From the what, why, and how of intellectual property to trademarks, copyrights, contract templates, and more, this episode covers it all! No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, you will find immeasurable value in this conversation, which outlines everything you need to know to safeguard your personal brand today. 

Imagine a life free from limitations, where all your dreams and goals become reality. Believe it or not, that life is not beyond your reach! The only thing standing in your way is your brain. To help you harness the limitless power of your brain and create a limitless life, we share five key takeaways from our recent conversation with Jim Kwik, a New York Times bestselling author, an internationally acclaimed authority on brain optimization, and a world-leading expert in speed-reading, memory improvement, and accelerated learning. Tune in to find out how to overcome your limitations, get unstuck by finding new perspectives, change your destination by taking just one step in a new direction, and much more! 

If you change your brain, you can change your life and, ultimately, change the world. This is the belief of today's guest, Jim Kwik, a New York Times bestselling author and internationally acclaimed authority on brain optimization. With more than 30 years of experience, Jim has dedicated his life to helping people unlock the full potential of their brains. Along the way, he has amassed millions of followers, trained CEOs and celebrities, and spoken for numerous world-renowned organizations. His book, Limitless, sold hundreds of thousands of copies and offers readers practical tools and strategies to level up their mental performance, learn anything faster, achieve their goals, and transform their lives. In this episode, Jim shares his inspirational message for mission-driven entrepreneurs and offers some profound insight into the competitive advantage that brain optimization can offer us. Join us as we discuss how your struggles can lead to strengths, the correlation between reason and result, how just one step in a different direction can completely change your destination, and much more!  

If you've ever thought about writing a children's book but don't know where to begin, you'd better stick around! In today's episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we unpack the main takeaways from our conversation with bestselling children's author and mentor, Eevi Jones. Tuning in, you'll learn how to start inspiring the next generation of leaders through storytelling and why translating life lessons into children-friendly stories is critical. Join us as we unlock the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation, ensuring a brighter, more resilient future for us all!

Have you ever wondered how to bridge the gap between your business wisdom and captivating storytelling? In today's episode, we are joined by Eevi Jones, an accomplished children's book author and mentor, to explore the exciting journey of turning your brand's story into a children's masterpiece. Recognizing a need in the children's book industry, Eevi founded the Children's Book University and established herself as a trusted resource for aspiring authors. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of writing, self-publishing, marketing, and building a thriving author platform. You'll discover the secrets behind crafting compelling narratives tailored for young minds, Eevi's approach to working with authors, and how she turns complex ideas into child-friendly stories. She also shares valuable advice for aligning your brand's identity with a children's story, sharing your brand's message through children's books, how long the writing and publishing process takes, and more! Tune in today as we uncover the fundamentals of crafting and publishing children's literature and explore its profound impact on personal branding with Eevi Jones! 

What if building a powerful personal brand wasn't about being seen—but about being true?

In this soul-shifting episode, AJ Vaden sits down with bestselling author and branding powerhouse Jessica Zweig for an unfiltered conversation on what it really takes to build a lasting, meaningful platform. From scaling and failing, to radical reinvention through spiritual alignment, Jessica shares the raw truth behind authentic personal branding—and why your inner work is the key to your outer success.

You'll learn:

• Why being of service kills ego and attracts your ideal audience

• How to show up online without oversharing or dimming your truth

• The spiritual wake-up call that transformed Jessica's leadership and lifestyle

• Daily rhythms and mindset shifts to avoid burnout and build sustainable influence

• Why your personal brand is actually your greatest act of empowerment

Whether you're building a brand or rebuilding your life, this episode is a masterclass in turning your story into service—and your authenticity into impact.

Taking the leap from your current job to pursuing entrepreneurship can be quite terrifying! But don't worry, today we are giving you four principles to orchestrate this change. Welcome to this episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast! Today you will hear all about the importance of doing your absolute best in your current gig, how to avoid getting diluted results, lowering personal debt, and why starting with what you know best will pay off. We even share the fasted path to cash with listeners! You don't want to miss this one so be sure to tune in now! 

With the right methods and motivation, anyone can reach financial freedom and achieve their personal brand dreams! Climbing the ladder from NFL cheerleader to successful entrepreneur coach is no easy feat, and today's guest, Kelly Roach is here to share her success secrets with us! Listening in, you'll hear all about Kelly's background and how her family's financial issues inspired her to become financially free, her journey from NFL cheerleader to entrepreneur, building her business as a side hustle while working full time, and so much more! We delve into the three unconventional decisions Kelly made when starting her business, including why it's so important to have support even prior to having clients before discussing the power of one-to-one coaching models. Kelly then shares how she suggests you start hiring people and in what order, how to attach operational roles to profit, and the importance of keeping in touch with past customers. Lastly, Kelly reminds us to focus on the lifetime value of customers instead of just on the acquisition of customers. This episode is filled with incredible pearls of wisdom that you don't want to miss out on so tune in now!  

Are you grappling with how to transform your passion into a thriving business but feel unsure about where to start? Perhaps you've had to overcome overwhelming odds in your life and feel compelled to help others going through the same thing, but lacking a proper roadmap is holding you back. In today's special recap episode, AJ reflects on her conversation with Sara and Ben Jensen, the founders of Hugh and Grace – a company inspired by their journey with infertility, that takes its name from their two miracle children – as she explores how to transition between what you're currently doing, and what you feel called to do. Discover how to turn your passion into a full-time business, why business success is about being willing to make plenty of mistakes (in the most inexpensive way possible), and what you can do to grow quickly and reach more people, plus a whole lot more. To hear all of AJ's top takeaways from her conversation with Sara and Ben, be sure to tune in! 

When Sara and Ben got married in their early twenties, the last thing they expected to struggle with was infertility. For 14 years, their inability to conceive remained unexplained. Then, during their quest to find answers, they discovered the pivotal role of hormonal health. Join us today as we sit down with Sara and Ben to discuss what inspired them to create clean, safe, and trusted products supporting hormone health and the phenomenal story behind their brand, Hugh & Grace, named after their two miracle children — both of whom were borne by Sara and Ben's wonderful sisters who volunteered to be surrogates! In our conversation, we get into the disruptive impact that ingredients in everyday products can have on our hormones, the many conditions beyond infertility associated with exposure to these chemicals, and why they felt compelled to start this company and help others, despite the challenges. Sara and Ben also share their insights on navigating entrepreneurship, identifying customer pain points, how they developed their products, and much more. If you've been trying to figure out how to turn your passion into a business, while also making logical, business-minded decisions, then this informative and inspirational conversation is a must-listen! 

Building on the resilience explored in part one of this special Mother's Day episode, we continue our journey with Tessie Gale, Rory's mom and someone who has had a profound impact on the world around her. From the depths of hardship as a young single mother to the triumphs of finding love and stability, Tessie's story is one of unwavering determination and unyielding hope. In this second installment, we delve deeper into Tessie's remarkable life story, exploring her ability to navigate financial struggles, build a supportive community, confront and overcome post-abortive shame, and ultimately discover the love that would transform her world. Join us as we witness the poignant arc of Tessie's narrative, which illustrates the enduring power of the human spirit. Please be advised that this episode contains references to sensitive themes, including abortion, suicide, domestic violence, and alcoholism. Listener discretion is advised. 

Apart from being Rory's mom, today's guest, Tessie Gale has overcome incredible odds to create a profound impact on not only those around her but the world we live in too. In this special two-part episode in celebration of Mother's Day, you'll learn how Tessie triumphed over adversity to grow her family and the resilience and tenacity that allowed her to create opportunities for herself, make special memories for her children, and build a promising life for them all. From navigating harrowing circumstances to crafting a brighter future against all odds, Tessie's resilience and determination will inspire and uplift you. But please note that this episode delves into raw and emotional territory, touching on themes of abortion, suicide, domestic violence, and alcoholism. Listen with care, and prepare to be profoundly moved by Tessie's unwavering spirit. 

Want to gain thousands of followers in just a few weeks? Well, this is the episode for you! From elevating your production value to telling great stories, you'll learn how to not only capture a viewer's attention but how to keep it too. Tune in as we share five surprisingly simple techniques to help you grow your audience, increase engagement, and create better content! 

From pro baseball player to successful real estate investor to serial entrepreneur, Ryan Pineda knows a thing or two about building wealth! In 2015, he leveraged a small amount of capital to launch a house-flipping business that grew to include hundreds of flips, even more rentals, and six multimillion-dollar companies, amassing over a million social media followers in the process. Ryan joins us today to share his story and some surprisingly simple strategies to help you live what he calls the Wealthy Way. Tuning in, you'll learn why social media is such a powerful tool, practical tips for running successful in-person live events, and how you can benefit from being a mission-driven businessperson. We also discuss the role that his Christian faith has played in his success, why watch time is a more important metric than followers or views, how to build trust with your audience, and much more! Ryan's story is an inspiration for anyone pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, emphasizing the importance of persistence, resilience, and a willingness to adapt and pivot when circumstances change. Trust us, you won't want to miss this conversation! 

Almost everyone has a story inside them that is bursting to be told, but timing is indeed everything. So, how do you know when it's the right time to sit down and begin writing? Today, AJ recaps our recent conversation with the best-selling author, Bill Blankschaen, to highlight everything you need to know about writing your first words. First, it's important to understand that writing a book is a time-consuming process and one that you should never rush. Then, we learn about the importance of knowing your book's purpose and intent before writing your first word, and why you'll know you're ready to write a book when you're willing to talk about it, on repeat, for at least two years. 

Writing is a unique medium in that it requires one-way communication to feel like a two-way conversation, and without any context pertaining to the reader who is, essentially, a stranger. So, for your written words to resonate with someone you've never met, you need to have a certain something that separates you from the rest, and that is why today, with the help of Bill Blankschaen, we will be exploring everything that it takes to become a great writer. Bill is an accomplished best-selling author and is also the Founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders – a creative group of story architects and story artisans who empower individuals and organizations to tell stories that make the world a better place. After explaining his entry into writing, how he started working with Jon Maxwell's team, and how being mission-driven allowed him to grow, Bill walks us through the timing of writing a book, when to publish it, and how to choose the best publishing route. Our guest then shares his thoughts on what it takes to be a great writer, how to write your first words, the role of technology and AI in modern writing, and why "collaborative writing" is a more accurate term to use than ghostwriting. To end, we learn about how StoryBuilders brings dreams to fruition, and how you can connect with Bill to elevate your storytelling to the next level.  

What do you do when your entire business disappears overnight?

In this powerful episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, AJ Vaden sits down with Sarah Robbins—former kindergarten teacher turned billion-dollar network marketing legend—for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of personal branding in direct sales.

Sarah shares her remarkable journey: from passing out skincare samples for $20/hour to building the most successful sales team in the history of her industry. But just one year ago, everything changed. Her company dissolved their sales model, erasing 18 years of work in 60 days.

Now, Sarah is starting over—rebuilding her business from scratch and launching her first book, The Multiply Method, which distills her wisdom into simple, duplicatable systems for social sellers.

You'll hear her biggest lessons on leadership, overcoming setbacks, building momentum, and turning conversations into conversions. Whether you're in direct sales, leadership, or any form of client acquisition—this is the interview you need to hear.

Key takeaways:

• Why "conversations are the new presentations" for modern sales

• How to simplify your systems to scale your team

• What makes a leader worth following (especially when times get tough)

• The mindset shift that helped Sarah go from stuck to unstoppable

If you're navigating a season of uncertainty, loss, or transition, this episode will remind you: your greatest setback can become your greatest setup.

It's not just you. Networking is uncomfortable! Standing self-consciously in the corner with a drink in your hand and a name badge on your chest is a more common experience than you might realize. Join us today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast as we dive into three top tips to help you break the ice, take the pressure off new relationships, feel less awkward at networking events, and meet more people to grow your business! 

How can small businesses apply big business principles to help them scale faster? To help us answer this question, we're joined by an early Brand Builders Group member who has climbed the ladder in the financial and telecoms industries, built several businesses, and advised both US and international corporations from startups to billion-dollar enterprises. As an expert in sales, operations, and growing revenue, April Garcia knows what it takes to scale a business! A few years ago, she decided to pivot and work with small businesses to help them succeed. In this episode, she shares some of those success secrets and offers practical advice to help small business owners think big, stop iterating, and start selling. Tuning in, you'll learn about the importance of processes, why product development should be messy, how to focus on who you should serve, not who you can serve, what is missing from the SMART goals format, and so much more. You won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with international business advisor, performance coach, and strategy and mindset speaker, April Garcia! 

Even if you aren't an entrepreneur, this episode is for you, because it's all about cultivating an ownership mindset in every aspect of your life. Join us as we walk you through the five things you need for a rock-solid entrepreneurial mindset. You'll also learn how to build as you grow, how to put sales first, why serving your community should be prioritized over growth, and why you should never settle for anything less than hiring the very best!