EP 194 - How to Be Real Online: The Brand-Building Power of Strategic Vulnerability
Release Date: 11/27/2025
Brand Your Way to A Million
I've been deep in analysis mode lately, studying not just my own industry but content creators across platforms, trying to understand what audiences truly want in 2026. The biggest shift I'm seeing? People aren't consuming content just for information anymore. They want information plus perspective. They want to be told what matters, what to ignore, and what deserves their energy. In this episode, I break down the 5 things your audience actually wants to see from you in 2026. 1st is identity-confirming content. This goes beyond "five signs you're ready for X,"and actually mirrors your...
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I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how I'm planning to 3X my audience, demand, and sales in 2026. I'm also getting real about what I'm stopping, what I'm changing, and what I'm doubling down on. I'll be honest, 2025 was a year of reflection for me. We officially crossed multiple 7 figures in the agency (which is wild to celebrate), but I also realized my growth has been slow and sustainable. And while that's not a bad thing, I'm ready to challenge myself to grow faster without burning out or 3xing my workload. I'm sharing the exact metrics I'm tracking: Audience quality over follower...
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It's the New Year and a lot of us are looking for a clean slate. So if you've been thinking about starting a fresh social media account, this episode is for you! Here's the thing: a new account is not magically going to fix problems that live in your brand identity, in your messaging, in your positioning. You don't need a new account, you need a new approach. When you think a new account will save you, that's just avoidance disguised as strategy. You may be feeling like your account doesn't represent who you are now or you've got a case of algorithm resentment. People often suspect...
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If your audience can't really describe what you do from memory, your message is getting lost somewhere along the way. In 2026, it's time to find 'your thing,' and become unforgettable to your audience. 'Your thing' can be based in an identity, an idea, a format, or an experience. Whatever you choose should feel like a natural extension of your leadership style, not a box you get stuck in. Identity based "things" may look like the "feminine CEO," or the "celebrity of your niche." These are archetypes that your audience can automatically associate with you. An idea based approach may look more...
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Your audience is the MOST receptive to changes right now. The tolerance for change is higher because people are reflecting on how they want to evolve too. Everyone's looking for something fresh to engage with in the new year, and now is your chance to deliver on that. Let's make sure you know how to communicate your ability to help them transform! People don't just buy new strategies in January, they want new identities. So how are we going to refine and elevate your message to reflect the 5 figure clients you want? I feel like the real risk of not taking the time to reinvent yourself...
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Everyone is following the same content advice and it's creating a bottleneck in most people's marketing funnels. So how can you actually find what works best for you and your brand? We're seeing templated styles, over-education and under-positioning, and viral coaching loops. Let's break out of that cycle! Your marketing strategy doesn't need to be held at the whim of the algorithm. Like, sure, you need to get seen. But what is happening AFTER you get seen? Are you just going viral and going back into oblivion? We need to nail down your positional marketing to get you chosen over and...
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If you’ve been feeling like the marketing world is moving at lightning speed, you’re not alone. So much has changed since I first launched my rebrand experience. Back then, it was all about helping people get their branding and visuals up to speed. But now? The game has totally shifted, and I’m excited to share what’s actually working in today’s market PLUS: a new offer! Just having a pretty website or some new photos isn’t enough anymore. Trust me, I’ve seen so many clients come in thinking a visual refresh would solve everything, but the real magic happens when you pair...
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Heading into the New Year, it's time to approach your marketing with a fresh set of eyes. And that doesn't have to mean falling for trends that are all hype with no real returns! Today, I'm walking through the marketing trends that are actually worth your time to take into 2026. Marketing strategies are practically plagued with hype. So what actually works and what should you spend less energy on in the coming year. Here are some trends that I think are more hyped than they're worth: #1: Posting more often Quantity can only get you so far. If you're spending more...
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Content creation is now a non-negotiable marketing skill that every CEO needs to adapt to. So how do you actually grow your audience without feeling like you're cosplaying an influencer instead of being a business owner? We have to start seeing marketing and content creation as 50% of the business. It's literally the main way that most CEOs are growing their businesses these days. So there are 3 main types of posts that I want to expand on today: Big viral moments (brand awareness and brand reach) Mini viral moments (reaching adjacent communities) Micro-viral moments...
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Content vulnerability hangover is real, and it’s holding back countless entrepenuers from building authentic brands that truly connect. If you’ve ever felt exposed after sharing something personal, or found yourself stuck in a cycle of overthinking and perfectionism, you’re not alone. This episode dives deep into the emotional side of content creation, offering a roadmap for sharing your story in a way that feels both safe and strategic. We’ll explore the difference between connection stories and credibility stories, and why both are essential for a brand that resonates. You’ll learn...
info_outlineContent vulnerability hangover is real, and it’s holding back countless entrepenuers from building authentic brands that truly connect.
If you’ve ever felt exposed after sharing something personal, or found yourself stuck in a cycle of overthinking and perfectionism, you’re not alone. This episode dives deep into the emotional side of content creation, offering a roadmap for sharing your story in a way that feels both safe and strategic.
We’ll explore the difference between connection stories and credibility stories, and why both are essential for a brand that resonates. You’ll learn how to open up without oversharing, and how to avoid the pitfalls of turning your content into a diary or trauma dump. Instead, discover how to make your experiences relevant to your audience and your business, so every story you share serves a purpose.
Setting boundaries around vulnerability is key, and we’ll talk about practical ways to protect your energy while still showing up authentically. From journaling prompts to reflection exercises, you’ll get actionable tools to help you decide what to share, when to share it, and how to keep your content aligned with your values.
In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:
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The difference between connection and credibility stories
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Sharing personal experiences without oversharing
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Making your story relevant to your audience and business
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Setting boundaries for safe, sustainable vulnerability
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Exercises to uncover and shape your brand-defining stories
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