Brand for Good
Today would have been my dad’s 91st birthday, and as I reflect on his life and leadership, I am reminded of the state of compassion in our world today. My dad spent his career as a city manager and chief administrative officer. He negotiated with unions, worked with city councils, and built trust by listening, respecting, and connecting with people—even when they disagreed. In this episode, I share personal insights from my dad’s legacy and explore why compassion is not a weakness but a radical strength in leadership. From online hate to real-world divisions, we’ve lost some of our...
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You’ve heard it a thousand times: people do business with brands they know, like, and trust. But here’s the challenge: we’re living through a trust recession. Just like in an economic downturn, where money is scarce and harder to earn, trust is now scarce and harder to build. In this episode, I share: Why the trust recession is happening (and the two root causes I see most clearly) What it means to strengthen the pillars of know, like, and trust in today’s marketplace Why being a Category of One requires not just words, but proof How to create consistent opportunities for...
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Most entrepreneurs try to stand out by doing more — more offers, more hustle, more marketing. But here’s the truth: doing more doesn’t make you different. Thinking differently does. In this episode of Brand for Good, I share the shift that changes everything: Category of One Thinking. This isn’t just a marketing tactic — it’s a mindset. It’s the process of moving beyond comparison and competition, and instead claiming the space that only you can fill. You’ll learn: Why every business is unique, but most don’t sound unique What a Category of One Statement really is — and...
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We’ve all been told to “educate our audience.” But what if all that explaining is actually hurting your ability to sell? In this episode, I break down why more information doesn’t lead to more conversions—and what actually does. I talk about my concept of belief-based branding and how it accelerates trust, shortens the sales cycle, and positions you as the obvious choice in your space. I cover: Why explaining your offer in detail often repels the right clients The difference between clarity and connection Three powerful messaging shifts to create emotional resonance How to...
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Today’s conversation with Heather Hetchler, MA, is one that will stick with me for a long time. Heather is an author, speaker, and communication consultant who equips women in midlife to face unexpected challenges with clarity, confidence, and courage. A seasoned relationship coach and breast cancer survivor, Heather is a master at reframing our most difficult life transitions into opportunities for growth. We dive into why work-life balance is a myth, the power of perspective when navigating personal and professional challenges, and how grief is often the hidden thread running through so...
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What happens when your perfectly planned vacation gets turned upside down? In this episode, I share the story of my three‑week trip to Lakeside, Ohio — a place that usually brings me peace, clarity, and joy — and how this time, everything went differently than expected. From juggling three generations under one roof to two unexpected hospitalizations, the trip became a real‑time lesson in flexibility, leadership, and the power of letting go. I explore why expectations can set us up for disappointment, in life and business, and what it means to focus instead on the essence of what...
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When you think about hiring, you might focus on résumés, skill sets, and experience. But here’s the truth I’ve learned over years of building teams: the people you hire are your brand. In this episode of Brand for Good, I’m sharing my best tips for hiring people who will not only do the job but also strengthen your reputation, culture, and long-term growth. We’ll talk about why skills aren’t enough, the one question I always ask before making a hire, and how the wrong person can cost you far more than their salary. Whether you’re bringing on your first contractor or expanding a...
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In this special episode of Brand for Good, I’m turning the mic over to two very bright voices—our summer interns, Arielle Teppert and Alyssa Kilpatrick. Over the past two months, they’ve immersed themselves in the world of purpose-driven marketing at Prosper for Purpose, learning everything from social media strategy to brand messaging to how AI fits into the future of creative work. In their own words, they share what it’s like to intern at a purpose-driven agency, what surprised them most about working in a real-world setting, and how hands-on experience has shaped their views on...
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Most people think visibility is the key to growing their brand. But here’s the truth I’ve learned—and what I unpack in this episode: Visibility gets you seen. Credibility gets you sales. And they are not the same thing. In this solo episode of Brand for Good, I’m diving deep into what I call the currency of credibility—the invisible authority that makes your audience lean in, trust you, and choose you (even before you pitch them). Whether you’re a coach, consultant, creative, or nonprofit leader, this episode will help you understand: The difference between visibility and...
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If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner, here’s the truth: you will never grow without taking risks. And I’m not talking about reckless gambles—I’m talking about calculated, courageous leaps. In this episode, I’m sharing the four types of risk that show up at every level of business and how some of the most successful entrepreneurs, from Sara Blakely to Rihanna, made bold moves in the face of uncertainty. You’ll also learn about some of the risks I took in my journey—and why I believe the best bet you’ll ever make is on yourself. Whether you’re debating a pivot,...
info_outlineInternships can be a game-changer for both students and small businesses. They provide eager talent with real-world experience while helping business owners tackle important tasks. But here’s the catch—internships should always be paid.
In this episode of Brand for Good, I’m sharing why I have never, and will never, hire an unpaid intern. I talk about my own experience as a paid PR intern at a comedy club—how that summer gave me confidence, hands-on experience, and an incredible learning opportunity. That experience shaped the way I see internships today and set the standard for how I hire interns in my own business.
I also dive into the data—why paid interns receive more job offers, how unpaid internships create barriers for students from lower-income backgrounds, and why a Brand for Good should never expect young professionals to work for free. If you're a business owner, I challenge you to rethink your approach to internships—and do better.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why internships are a win-win for students and businesses
✅ The eye-opening statistics on paid vs. unpaid internships
✅ How unpaid internships create barriers for students from lower-income backgrounds
✅ Why ethical brands should always pay their interns
✅ Practical alternatives if your business is on a tight budget
🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with your network and leave a review! Let’s create a world where businesses do good—including for their interns.
Resources & Links
📌 Follow me on LinkedIn
📌 Learn more about Brand for Good at Prosper for Purpose
📌 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) internship research: www.naceweb.org
Brand for Good Links
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Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineschuchart/
Follow Lorraine on Instagram: @lorraineschuchart
Follow Prosper for Purpose on Instagram: @prosper4purpose
Additional resources from Prosper for Purpose: https://www.prosperforpurpose.com