Real Personal Branding Podcast | Personal Branding, Visibility, Marketing & Business Growth for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speakers, Authors, Coaches, Consultants & Small Business Owners – Build Your Audience, Become the Go-To Expert & Grow Your Business
The Real Personal Branding Podcast is a personal branding and business growth show for entrepreneurs, speakers, authors, consultants, leaders, coaches, and small business owners who want to grow their visibility, build an audience, and create a business they actually love. I'm Lauren V. Davis, personal branding coach, small business consultant, and your enthusiastic supporter in building the business of your dreams. Every episode takes you behind the scenes with thought leaders, speakers, authors, and coaches to hear exactly what it took to build their businesses, elevate their personal brands, and create lives that truly make them happy. I want the whole story. The highs and the lows, the celebrations and the messy middle. That's why you'll hear honest conversations with my guests, plus solo episodes where I share what I'm seeing work right now in personal branding, marketing, and small business. I believe transformation in your business starts with real relationships and real communication as the foundation of your personal brand. A personal brand that shows up for your people is one of the most powerful tools you have for your marketing, leadership, personal development, and the long-term success of your business. By the way, this show is practical. Alongside the stories, you'll get tactical how-tos you can use right away: how to build your visibility, position yourself as the go-to expert in your industry, get booked on podcasts and stages, grow your audience on LinkedIn and Instagram, market your book or your services, and turn your personal brand into real business opportunities. If you're an entrepreneur ready to build your audience and step into leadership, a relationship-driven personal brand is the way there. This podcast will show you how.
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Business Lesson from The Grateful Dead with Lauren V. Davis, Real Personal Branding Podcast
06/11/2026
Business Lesson from The Grateful Dead with Lauren V. Davis, Real Personal Branding Podcast
When most people think of fiercely loyal fan communities, the Grateful Dead comes to mind. Decades after forming, the band still sells out massive venues, their fans self-identify as "Deadheads," and original vinyl is nearly impossible to find secondhand because no one wants to let it go. In this episode, I share a story I love about how the Grateful Dead built that loyalty and how you can apply the same principles to your personal brand and business. Back in the 1970s, while record labels were cracking down hard on bootleg recordings, the Grateful Dead did the opposite. They allowed fans to record live shows, set up dedicated taper sections at concerts, and openly encouraged fans to share recordings, with one rule: share them but don't sell them. By 1984, this was official band policy. The result? A devoted community that grew through shared experiences, word of mouth, and a hunger to see the band live. Fans who heard tapes saved up for tickets. People who went to one show became lifelong followers. The band built an empire on abundance instead of scarcity. Here are three lessons from the Grateful Dead you can apply to your business: Find your "taper section." Identify one place where people can experience the real you before they ever pay you... maybe its a newsletter, podcast, or social post. Protect your "live experience." Get clear on what people are actually paying for when they work with you that no one can copy or download. Audit your scarcity mindset and notice where fear of "giving too much away" might be costing you trust and connection with potential clients. Loved this episode? Share it to your story and tag me. I'd love to hear your favorite "zigged when others zagged" brand story too. Ready to go deeper? I have a few spots opening in my small group business mastermind starting at the end of July. We meet Thursday afternoons/evenings—a perfect way to head into fall with fresh momentum. You can sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd328tM7r8nv7Z-QViHeWrxXXxqVZQlCFYPXEmd3oyS6_h3Gw/viewform?usp=dialog
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Sell With Authority and Confidence with Sue Heilbronner and Lauren V. Davis
03/18/2026
Sell With Authority and Confidence with Sue Heilbronner and Lauren V. Davis
In this episode of The REAL Personal Branding Podcast, Lauren welcomes Sue Heilbronner. She reveals why one of the most powerful moves an entrepreneur can make is getting deeply aligned with their core values while remaining unattached to whether a specific piece of business closes. Sue explains that selling is not an aggressive action, but rather a process of alignment and communication. In her conversation with Lauren, Sue discusses: Lead with alignment, not pressure. Sue explains that the foundation of effective selling is getting deeply aligned with your core values, strengths, and what the market actually needs—then communicating that clearly and confidently. Practice “passionate ambivalence.” Be fully invested in your work while staying unattached to whether any specific opportunity closes. This mindset reduces fear, improves relationships, and leads to stronger long-term business outcomes. Build magnetism through clarity and positioning. A concise 15–30 second bio and a clear articulation of your value help expand your “top of funnel,” making sales feel more natural and less dependent on chasing individual prospects. Sue shares her fascinating journey from the Justice Department to the early internet era, illustrating how a mindset oriented toward change and curiosity can create massive opportunities in any economy. She also breaks down the core concepts from her book, Never Ask for the Sale, explaining why traditional “outcome chasing” can compromise the quality of business relationships and how building a personal brand with purpose creates natural magnetism. More about our guest today: Sue is a sought-after speaker, startup CEO, mentor, adjunct professor of entrepreneurship, facilitator, strategic advisor, Conscious Leadership coach, co-founder of the MergeLane investment fund, creator of the Leadership Camp training program for high-potential leaders, former federal prosecutor, and a direct and fearless catalyst for change. Lauren and Sue also explore how entrepreneurs can shift away from traditional aggressive selling toward the practice of passionate ambivalence - the art of being deeply invested in your work while remaining unattached to specific outcomes. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Sue Heilbronner here:
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The Future of Being Known with Mark Schaefer
02/04/2026
The Future of Being Known with Mark Schaefer
In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren welcomes back globally recognized author, futurist, and marketing strategist Mark Schaefer to talk about his groundbreaking new book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. Lauren and Mark explore how creators, business owners, and professionals can thrive in a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping marketing and visibility. Mark shares why you can’t outsmart AI. You have to out-human it. He also explains how leaning into authenticity, creativity, and community can make your personal brand stand out. Mark outlines the three pillars that set humans apart in a tech-driven world: personal brand, community, and transcendental content that sparks emotion. You’ll also learn why audacity, the courage to break bad rules for good reasons, is now essential to visibility, and how storytelling, awe, and imperfect humanity create a connection AI can’t replicate. If you’re ready to disrupt the dull, amplify your voice, and show up more boldly online, this conversation with Mark Schaefer will help you discover how the most human company and personal brand always wins. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Mark Schaefer here:
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How to Be the Go-To Expert with Teresa Heath-Wareing
12/10/2025
How to Be the Go-To Expert with Teresa Heath-Wareing
On today’s episode of the REAL Personal Branding Podcast, international best-selling author, award-winning speaker, TEDx speaker, podcaster of a number 1 rated podcast, and online business owner Teresa Heath-Wareing shares her insights on personal branding, visibility strategy, and online business growth. A strategic marketing and business growth coach, she works with online business owners, course creators, membership owners, and coaches to grow their businesses to six- and seven-figure levels. In her conversation with Lauren, Teresa shares how she helps business owners increase their visibility and become the go-to expert in their field. She reveals strategies for defining your niche, pitching yourself confidently for podcasts and speaking engagements, and creating lead magnets that convert. Teresa also stresses why focusing on a smaller, engaged audience can produce better results than chasing large numbers. If you’re an online business owner, course creator, or coach, don’t miss this episode for actionable advice to build credibility, boost visibility, and turn your audience into loyal clients. Teresa explains how to grow your personal brand authentically, confidently share your expertise online and on stage, and avoid feeling pushy or overwhelmed. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Teresa Heath-Wareing here:
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Profitable Freelancer Tips with Kat Boogaard
11/25/2025
Profitable Freelancer Tips with Kat Boogaard
In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding Podcast, Lauren sits down with Kat Boogaard, a full-time freelance writer with over 10 years of experience. Kat specializes in long-form content for software clients in the “world of work” space and offers advice and resources for fellow freelancers through her newsletter, social media, and freelance shop. She shares her strategies for using data to book clients and secure speaking engagements, including leveraging content analytics, crafting pitches that get noticed, and attracting ideal clients via social media. Kat offers tips on personal branding, client acquisition, project-based pricing, recurring income, and scaling a freelance business without burnout. If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or a professional navigating a career transition who wants to grow your brand and land more opportunities, don’t miss this episode with Kat Boogaard. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Kat Boogaard here:
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Data That'll Book You Clients and Speaking Engagements
11/19/2025
Data That'll Book You Clients and Speaking Engagements
In this solo episode of REAL Personal Branding, Lauren shares data-backed insights to help entrepreneurs and speakers book more speaking engagements and attract more clients. She breaks down statistics about consistent branding, emotional marketing, and brand loyalty and shows you how to apply them to your personal brand strategy. You’ll learn how maintaining consistent brand elements across your website, social media, and speaking materials can increase revenue by over 20%. Lauren also uncovers why emotional connection builds deeper audience trust than discounts or promotions, and how authentic storytelling can grow your long-term visibility and impact. Through practical steps, Lauren helps you audit your brand presence, create content that resonates emotionally, and design systems that strengthen loyalty with your audience. If you’re ready to build a recognizable, trusted brand that opens doors to new opportunities, this episode will help you turn data into meaningful growth. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: I believe in sharing where my insights come from, so every statistic and takeaway in this episode is supported by credible, recent research. Sources include WebFX – Branding Statistics, Marq (Lucidpress) – The Impact of Brand Consistency, DesignRush – 35+ Branding Statistics, Blacksmith Agency – Top Branding Statistics, Funnel.io – Brand Consistency: Why It Matters, Fuel For Brands – The ROI of Branding, Exploding Topics – Branding Statistics, Cropink – Branding Statistics, Papirfly – Brand Consistency: The Ultimate Guide, Spinutech – Measuring the ROI of Branding, Bloomreach + eMarketer Study (2025) – Emotional Connections Drive Brand Loyalty in Today’s Economy, Amra & Elma – Brand Consistency ROI Statistics 2025, and Amra & Elma – DTC Brand Loyalty Statistics 2025. Each of these reports contributes to a fuller picture of how brand consistency, authenticity, and emotional connection influence visibility, trust, and long-term audience loyalty for entrepreneurial speakers.
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Emails that Make Money and Actually Sound Like You with Best Selling Author Laura Belgray
11/05/2025
Emails that Make Money and Actually Sound Like You with Best Selling Author Laura Belgray
Want to write emails people actually open and stories that sell without feeling salesy or sounding like paragraphs of ai? In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding Podcast, Lauren interviews award-winning copywriter, course creator, and author Laura Belgray about how conversational copywriting helps you connect, convert, and stand out online. Laura, founder of Talking Shrimp, co-creator of “The Copy Cure,” and author of “Tough Titties,” shares her best tips for finding your authentic voice, telling better stories, and writing words that make people say, “Oh my gosh, me too.” If you’ve ever wondered how to write email subject lines that increase open rates, storytelling techniques for entrepreneurs, or how to build a brand voice that sells without sounding fake, this episode is packed with practical insights. Laura Belgray is the founder of Talking Shrimp, co-creator of “The Copy Cure,” and author of “Tough Titties.” She’s an award-winning copywriter who’s written for NBC, Bravo, HBO, and top online entrepreneurs, including Marie Forleo and Amy Porterfield. Laura teaches business owners how to write in their own voice so they can attract dream clients, grow their personal brands, and increase their revenue without sounding like anyone else. In this episode: How conversational copywriting connects more deeply and converts better than corporate jargon Boosting email performance with subject lines that increase open rates and build curiosity Transforming ordinary experiences into powerful stories using entrepreneurial storytelling techniques Selling through email with confidence and authenticity, and no pushy tactics required Avoiding common copywriting mistakes that weaken your message and lose your reader’s attention Building trust and loyalty through authentic marketing that celebrates imperfection Strengthening your brand voice so every word sounds unmistakably like you Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Laura Belgray here: Laura’s Website: Buy her book: The Copy Cure:
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Confidence Through Identity Shifts with Angus Nelson
10/29/2025
Confidence Through Identity Shifts with Angus Nelson
On today’s episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Angus Nelson, executive coach, speaker, and author of the upcoming book “Confidence Comes Later.” Angus helps high-performing leaders reclaim their clarity and purpose by reconnecting with who they truly are, not just what they’ve built. Angus shares his deeply personal journey through burnout, addiction, and divorce, and how those experiences helped him rebuild a more honest, grounded life. He and Lauren talk about how confidence often follows action, how to rewrite the internal stories that hold us back, and why slowing down can be your boldest move. Angus opens up about detaching identity from achievement, navigating impostor syndrome, and telling your story without oversharing. They explore how personal branding becomes more powerful when aligned with your inner truth. This episode is full of honest perspective, useful mindset shifts, and practical encouragement, especially for leaders in a season of change. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Angus Nelson here:
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Sales Strategy That Works with Samantha Hearne
07/30/2025
Sales Strategy That Works with Samantha Hearne
On today’s REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren welcomes Samantha Hearne, a business coach, mentor, and former teacher who has built a thriving business centered around authentic sales and organic growth. In this conversation, Samantha reveals how she transitioned from the classroom to coaching, using her teaching background to create accessible, engaging sales strategies that work, without paid ads or complex funnels. Lauren and Samantha explore the mindset shifts that are essential for selling confidently and authentically. Samantha shares how embodying your role as the solution to your client’s problem changes everything. They also discuss the importance of community building and how entrepreneurs can use content, collaboration, and consistent visibility to attract the right clients. This episode offers strategies for service-based business owners, coaches, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their personal brands. You’ll learn how to better understand your audience, create lead magnets that actually convert, and build a sustainable business rooted in clarity, confidence, and connection. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Samantha Hearne here:
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Optimize Your Speaking Opportunities (Paid or Free, Big or Small)
06/24/2025
Optimize Your Speaking Opportunities (Paid or Free, Big or Small)
If you’ve ever wondered whether speaking at an unpaid event is worth it—or how to make the most of every speaking opportunity—this solo episode is for you. Lauren breaks down a framework she’s developed after speaking at (and attending) more than 100 events and hosting conferences herself. She explains why viewing gigs through a simple “paid vs. unpaid” lens can hold you back, and shares how to evaluate any opportunity for maximum impact. Lauren outlines three powerful categories to assess any speaking invitation: People and Platform, Perks and Promotion, and Proximity and Positioning. From evaluating audience alignment and email list growth to networking strategy and event values, she provides actionable questions that will help you determine if a speaking opportunity is right for you and how to turn it into long-term value for your brand and business. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just getting started, this episode will help you say “yes” to the right opportunities and confidently pass on the ones that don’t serve your goals. Plus, get a sneak peek at Lauren’s Memorable Personal Brand Mastermind, opening again in August for entrepreneurs who want to grow in community. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here:
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You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End With No Regrets With Best-Selling Author Jodi Wellman
06/11/2025
You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End With No Regrets With Best-Selling Author Jodi Wellman
On today’s REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Jodi Wellman, founder of 4000 Mondays, speaker, author, and assistant instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Jodi’s TEDx talk, “How Death Can Bring You Back to Life,” has more than 1.3 million views, and her new book, You Only Die Once, was featured on Adam Grant’s summer reading list and named a Next Big Idea Club must-read. In this thought-provoking and deeply human episode, Lauren and Jodi explore what it really means to make the most of our time. Jodi shares how losing her mother at 58 shaped her mission, why she believes the Grim Reaper is one of our greatest teachers, and how counting our remaining Mondays can jolt us out of autopilot. They talk about the difference between living and truly being alive, the importance of small moments, and how to create meaning without waiting for a major life event. Whether you're navigating a transition or simply wondering if you're using your time well, this episode will inspire you to live with intention—and fewer regrets. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Jodi Wellman here:
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Lauren V. Davis is Interviewed by Travis Chappell for the Travis Makes Money Podcast
05/19/2025
Lauren V. Davis is Interviewed by Travis Chappell for the Travis Makes Money Podcast
On today’s REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren shares a special replay of her guest appearance on the Travis Makes Money podcast with her longtime friend, Travis Chappell. During their candid conversation, Lauren opens up about her journey from selling rocks as a kid to running a brick-and-mortar record store and ultimately growing a thriving personal brand business that allows her to work remotely while traveling full time. She and Travis talk about the evolution of her business, how impostor syndrome showed up at key moments, and why deep, genuine relationships are at the heart of everything she’s built. Lauren shares how she transitioned from helping local businesses to coaching entrepreneurs and thought leaders around the world, and how consistency, trust, and staying true to her values have played a big role in that growth. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Travis Chappell here:
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Turn a Niche Creative Passion into a Thriving Business and Community with Quynh Nguyen - Author of the New Art of Paper Flowers
04/09/2025
Turn a Niche Creative Passion into a Thriving Business and Community with Quynh Nguyen - Author of the New Art of Paper Flowers
In today’s episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren welcomes Quynh Nguyen, the paper artist behind the brand Pink and Posey, who transformed her creative passion into a thriving business and personal brand. Lauren and Quynh explore Quynh’s background, learn how she turned paper flower making into a full-fledged business, and share insights on building a brand within a creative niche. Quynh reveals her strategies for understanding your audience, effectively marketing your creative offerings, and adapting your business model to capitalize on new opportunities. Her story is inspirational for any creative entrepreneur looking to turn their passion into a sustainable career. With nearly a decade of experience, Quynh creates fine art installations that bring the beauty of nature to life through paper. Her journey with paper flowers led her to establish The Posey Box, an educational platform dedicated to teaching this delicate craft, and to co-found the Paper Talk Podcast. Quynh showcases how a niche creative hobby can become a successful community. She is also the author of “The New Art of Paper Flowers,” a comprehensive guide to inspire paper artists at all levels. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Quynh Nguyen here:
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Hosting Unforgettable Events with Phil Mershon, Co-creator of Social Media Marketing World
03/26/2025
Hosting Unforgettable Events with Phil Mershon, Co-creator of Social Media Marketing World
On today’s REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Phil Mershon, the CEO of Unforgettable Experiences and the Director of Experience at Social Media Examiner, on this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast. Phil is an expert in creating memorable events and experiences, having accumulated over 30,000 hours of experience in event planning. He shares his journey from leading a service with his siblings and stuffed animals as a child to becoming a renowned event planner, consultant, and author. Phil discusses his book “Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences” and the analogy of baking bread to explain the core elements of event planning, such as content, communication, and venue. He provides strategies for attracting the right audience, creating opportunities for connection, and delivering exceptional customer service. Phil also shares examples of innovative and memorable event elements, including incorporating unexpected performances and providing essential items for attendees. Throughout the conversation, Phil emphasizes understanding the audience's needs and creating a personalized, unforgettable experience, regardless of the event's size. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Phil Mershon here:
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Want to speak more? Experts weigh in at National Speaker Association Conference
03/05/2025
Want to speak more? Experts weigh in at National Speaker Association Conference
On this episode of the Real Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews several experienced speakers who attended the National Speakers Association (NSA) conference. The speakers include Mimi Brown, a motivational speaker and transformational leadership coach; Robbie Samuels, a book launch strategist, business growth coach, executive Zoom producer, event design consultant, speaker, emcee, and podcaster; Jodi Wellman, a keynote speaker and founder of 4000 Mondays; Gwen Navarrete Klapperich, a talent development leader in inclusion and accessible training; Dr. Genie Snyder, a speaker, emcee, executive advisor, certified speaking professional coach, and genius connector; Traci Ruiz, a high stakes leadership and international keynote speaker; Amber Swenor, a keynote speaker, business coach, team and leadership consultant, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author; Jamie Crosbie, a global keynote speaker helping people live fully with purpose; and Johanna Walker, a keynote speaker and storytelling coach. The speakers share their journeys into professional speaking, the topics they are passionate about, and practical advice for new speakers looking to build a successful speaking business. You’ll hear the importance of authenticity, building connections, overcoming imposter syndrome, and focusing on solving problems for your audience. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Mimi Brown here: Connect with Robbie Samuels here: Connect with Jodi Wellman here: Connect with Gwen Navarrete Klapperich here: Connect with Dr. Genie Snyder here: Connect with Traci Ruiz here: Connect with Amber Swenor here: Connect with Jamie Crosbie here: Connect with Johanna Walker here:
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Email Marketing Secrets That Make Money with Liz Wilcox
02/19/2025
Email Marketing Secrets That Make Money with Liz Wilcox
In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren sits down with Liz Wilcox, known as the Fresh Princess of Email Marketing. Liz has a remarkable track record, having grown and sold a successful blog, been bought out of her second company, and built her third into a multiple six-figure business. She's the creator of the 20-minute newsletter technique and the email staircase framework, which she has taught to tens of thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide. Liz shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from living in an RV and starting a blog to building multiple successful businesses. She provides practical, actionable advice on consistently writing engaging emails in under 20 minutes per week, effectively monetizing email lists, and creating a profitable business model using micro products or memberships. Liz also offers a glimpse into her experience as a cast member of the popular TV show “Survivor” and how it shaped her perspective on resilience and risk-taking. Lauren and Liz’s conversation is packed with Liz's signature blend of expertise, personality, and real-world experience to help listeners master email marketing and build their personal brands. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Liz Wilcox here:
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Get Booked Consistently on Podcasts with Victoria Bennion
01/29/2025
Get Booked Consistently on Podcasts with Victoria Bennion
Victoria Bennion is the founder of the Best Podcast Guest booking agency and co-host of the Best Guest podcast. She's on a mission to help entrepreneurs and authors leverage podcast interviews to amplify their message and grow their businesses. Victoria has a wealth of experience in this area and is here to share her insider tips and strategies. In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, you'll learn how to craft the perfect pitch that gets you booked on the right podcasts, the surprising benefits of podcast guesting beyond just download numbers, and best practices for being a guest that hosts and listeners love. Victoria also busts some common myths about podcast guesting and shares a long-term strategy for using it to build your personal brand. Whether you're a podcast pro or just starting, this conversation is packed with useful tips. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Victoria Bennion here:
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Turn Instagram Followers Into Loyal Customers with Dr. Shante Cofield, the Movement Maestro
01/15/2025
Turn Instagram Followers Into Loyal Customers with Dr. Shante Cofield, the Movement Maestro
Dr. C. Shanté Cofield, known as the Movement Maestro, is Lauren’s guest on this episode of the REAL Personal Branding Podcast. Shanté's journey from physical therapist to sought-after entrepreneur is a masterclass in personal branding. She's the force behind a top-rated podcast and a social media-based company that's changing the game for health and fitness professionals. In this no-nonsense discussion, Shanté shares practical insights on creating content that truly connects with your target audience, navigating the ever-changing social media algorithms, and developing a sustainable content strategy that fits your life and business. If you're ready to take your business's messaging to the next level, this is the conversation you need to hear. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Dr. Shanté Cofield here:
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Reflect and Reset
12/20/2024
Reflect and Reset
This episode of the Real Personal Branding Podcast features insights from one of Lauren’s mastermind groups and some of her closest friends. They share how they approach the transition from one year to the next. Lauren leads a discussion on closing out the year with intention, letting go of what no longer serves you, and setting meaningful goals for the new year. The guests include Valerie Morris, Alex Curtis, Joseph Bojang, Andy Storch, Pete Everitt, and Philip VanDusen. These guests share their personal and professional year-end rituals, from building something tangible during the holiday break to revisiting quarterly goals every month. They also reflect on the best and worst business advice they've received, underscoring the importance of aligning strategies with your unique strengths and client needs. Throughout the conversation, themes of permission, flexibility, and the power of giving freely emerge. Learn how to approach the new year with clarity, shedding the crud that's been holding you back to make space for what you most want to invite in. Don’t miss this refreshing perspective on goal-setting and a roadmap for closing out the year with intention from veteran entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here:
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Your Social Circle is More Important than You Think
05/15/2024
Your Social Circle is More Important than You Think
On today’s REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren explores the Super-Agers phenomenon: people aged 80 and above who have the memory capabilities of those 20 to 30 years younger. Using a recent New York Times article by Dana G. Smith, Lauren shares the research that reveals some of the secrets of cognitive longevity. With many Super Agers in her family, Lauren shares her quest to maintain mental sharpness despite life's challenges and transitions. The one familiar chord Super Agers have isn’t their diet, exercise, or even whether or not they smoked. It’s their social relationships. Hear the impact of community on Lauren’s life and business and the five ways you can build stronger relationships in your life. If you’re ready to grow your network and relationships, you won’t want to miss this episode. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here:
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“Rebranding” Midlife with Chip Conley
05/02/2024
“Rebranding” Midlife with Chip Conley
On today’s Real Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Chip Conley about rebranding midlife and his new book, Learning to Love Midlife. After disrupting the hospitality industry twice, Chip co-founded MEA (Modern Elder Academy) in January 2018 in Baja California, Mexico. MEA is the world's first “midlife wisdom school,” with a campus opening on a 2,600-acre regenerative horse ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico in April 2024. Dedicated to reframing aging, MEA supports students to navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. A New York Times bestselling author, Chip’s seventh book, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age, is about rebranding midlife to help people understand the upside of this often-misunderstood life stage. Chip also gave a 2023 TED talk on the “midlife chrysalis.” Lauren and Chip begin their conversation by discussing the shift from seeing midlife as a crisis to a chrysalis of personal growth. He reflects on selling his business and joining Airbnb, gaining a new perspective on life's later stages. Chip found research showing happiness increases with age due to the growth of emotional skills like self-awareness and resilience. Chip points out that cultivating curiosity is vital to staying engaged through life. He notes nurturing relationships and community are critical for health and well-being as people age. Chip shares tips, including practicing friendship like a muscle and finding shared interests. Chip and Lauren stress how intergenerational collaboration benefits people of all generations. Finally, Chip busts myths about older workers being unwilling to learn. He shares how he became an AI expert in his mid-60s. Aging can be inspiring, and Chip Conley is passionate about embracing curiosity and nurturing relationships to make the later stages of life fulfilling through personal growth and creating a positive legacy. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Chip Conley here:
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Build a Professional Speaking Career in Corporate with Andy Storch
04/03/2024
Build a Professional Speaking Career in Corporate with Andy Storch
On today’s episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews her friend Andy Storch. Andy is an author, keynote speaker, community builder, and podcast host. His book, Own Your Career, Own Your Life, helps corporate professionals stop drifting and take control of their futures. Andy regularly speaks inside organizations to teach and inspire employees to create their own careers. He is also the founder and host of the Talent Development Think Tank Conference and membership community. Andy is a husband, father, and friend on a mission to get the most out of life and inspire others to do the same. During their conversation, Lauren and Andy explore the creation of his successful corporate-speaking business, overcoming testicular cancer, and maintaining positivity while overcoming big personal challenges. Andy shares what prompted him and his wife to move to Barcelona and start a new life, his background in the corporate world, and how he discovered a natural gift for speaking in front of a crowd. You’ll hear Andy’s advice for building a speaking career and becoming an authority figure on your topic, the personal growth he’s had since starting his business, and taking advantage of your network to build connections that can help your career progress. Andy also offers virtual speaking engagements and shares how he engages those audiences, just like in person. Additionally, you’ll learn how to build a personal brand in the corporate world, why giving without expectation creates good karma, and why goal-setting is essential for success in any venture—personal or professional. Andy Storch’s positivity is contagious, and his positive attitude surrounding learning from your failures and mistakes is something we can all learn from. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Connect with Andy Storch here:
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My Airport Tradition
03/20/2024
My Airport Tradition
In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren shares how valuable personal traditions and celebrations can be to our well-being. Growing up, Lauren saw the joy created by honoring traditions like making summer solstice cheese and enjoying her grandpa's homemade “red drink.” After becoming an adult and starting businesses, she became consumed by pursuing success at the expense of her well-being. It wasn't until Lauren experienced burnout, health issues, and personal struggles that she realized the importance of slowing down, acknowledging her achievements, and self-celebration. You’ll hear why Lauren created an airport tradition for herself every time she travels, what it means to her to create that moment every time she flies, and why you should create special traditions for yourself. Lauren also shares a new opportunity for personal and professional growth – her personal brand mastermind. Designed to provide guidance, support, and community for entrepreneurs, authors, and business owners, it offers a space for collaboration, learning, and transformation. Let's honor our achievements, cultivate joy, and create meaningful connections that enrich our lives and businesses. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here:
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How to Self-Publish A Best-Selling Book with Valerie Morris
03/06/2024
How to Self-Publish A Best-Selling Book with Valerie Morris
Today’s episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast features Valerie Morris. Valerie is a digital marketing strategist, speaker, podcaster, and author. Her special focus is on book marketing and launches, and when she’s not plugged in, you’ll find her running her hobby goat farm, working on artistic projects, and hanging out with her family. Lauren and Valerie dive headfirst into marketing and launching a self-published book. Valerie explains that book marketing is, essentially, an extension of digital marketing, which is how she created a niche in book marketing and launches. You’ll hear why Valerie wrote and published a book, why it helped establish her as a subject matter expert, and who she believes should write books. You’ll also hear Lauren and Valerie explore the strategy behind launching a book and choosing a topic for your book, which can be difficult for some authors. Valerie outlines the key differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, tips for marketing to create buzz around your book, building a book launch team, and timing each aspect of the book’s marketing. If you’ve ever thought about publishing a book, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Links Lauren Mentioned here: Connect with Valerie Morris here:
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Realistic Timeline of Profiting from my Business
02/22/2024
Realistic Timeline of Profiting from my Business
When you hear someone on a podcast or a speaking event say, “I 10x-ed my business nearly overnight,” do your lie detector alarms go off? If they don’t, they probably should. On this episode of the Real Personal Branding podcast, Lauren gets real about how long it takes most business owners to build a successful operation. She’s been an entrepreneur since 2006, where she started building slow consistent growth, and in 2016, her business soared. And in 2018, when she began investing in herself more consistently, Lauren started to experience greater success. She points out that most business owners who have successful businesses do not experience overnight success. Instead, they plugged away one step at a time, forming a sustainable business model to withstand the test of time. Despite some personal and professional challenges, the determination to keep her business going led to Lauren's success today. In a quest to remain authentic—even in our loud and proud world—she’s lifting the veil on what it takes to set the stage for continued sustainable success. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Join Lauren’s upcoming mastermind waitlist:
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Balance, Boundaries, Grief and Business with Laura Girard | Real Personal Branding Podcast with Lauren V. Davis, for entrepreneurs, public speakers, business owners
01/17/2024
Balance, Boundaries, Grief and Business with Laura Girard | Real Personal Branding Podcast with Lauren V. Davis, for entrepreneurs, public speakers, business owners
On today’s episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren sits down with New York City-based online fitness coach Laura Girard. Laura is a multi-certified personal trainer, co-host of the Fit Literate podcast, and founder of The Energy Academy - a global virtual fitness studio where she's helped over 200 people keep their bodies moving since March 2020. She is passionate about harnessing the connective power of social media to create community and start conversations about growth, self-compassion, and the messy business of babysitting yourself. During their conversation, Lauren and Laura unpack how she found a passion for building a personal training business during the pandemic. That discovery began from a place of fear and a need to support herself and transitioned into a business Laura wanted to sustain and found purpose in. They also discuss the struggle to have confidence in your accomplishments, such as the global brand Laura is establishing. As they continue exploring Laura’s personal brand and what it took to build the business, Laura explains how connecting with others experiencing loss online helped her cope with grief when she lost her mom in 2020. Creating balance in her life is crucial, and putting daily “non-negotiables” into her routine are just some of the things Lauren and Laura chat about. Laura Girard’s path to success as a brand began out of necessity, but today, she’s proof of what you can accomplish through authenticity, hard work, and maintaining boundaries. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Retreat: Book a call with me: Borrow my brain: Connect with Laura Girard here:
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Do You Want to Look Successful, or Be Successful? How to love social media again with Stephanie Llewellyn and Lauren V. Davis
01/03/2024
Do You Want to Look Successful, or Be Successful? How to love social media again with Stephanie Llewellyn and Lauren V. Davis
What social media metrics should I measure? How can I make people watch my videos longer? What risks are worth taking in my business? Am I afraid of failure or success? If you've ever asked yourself this question, this episode is for you! Today, on the Real Personal Branding podcast, Lauren welcomes guest and content marketing strategist, Stephanie Llewellyn. Stephanie is the founder of The Social Vine and in this episode, Stephanie shares her accidental journey of building a personal brand during the pandemic and how it now provides personal branding consulting for top beauty industry businesses. Lauren and Stephanie explore the importance of distinguishing between looking successful and being successful, understanding that success may not always appear lavish on the surface. You’ll also hear Lauren and Stephanie delve into their own experiences of building personal brands and highlight the significance of cultivating genuine connections with followers, shifting the focus away from follower count and analytics. They explore the power of reframing failure and embracing risks as catalysts for business growth. You’ll hear Stephanie Llewellyn’s recommendations for personal brand creation, starting by identifying what is important to share and setting clear content expectations, emphasizing the value of setting boundaries and curating social media feeds to ensure an authentic and engaging online presence. They share tips for creating impactful social media content, such as utilizing visual hooks, mastering video editing, and infusing personality and authenticity. Lauren and Stephanie challenge the common belief that a team can be 100% neccessary for business success and briefly touch on neurodivergence and its impact on personal and professional lives. Stephanie finds liberation in realizing that ADHD can be a trauma response rather than a permanent diagnosis. Finally, you’ll hear the evolving challenges of managing burnout and shutting down despite an ability to multitask. You won’t want to miss Stephanie’s insights into what makes a personal brand unique and how to set yourself apart. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Join me at my retreat for women: Book a call with me: Borrow my brain: Connect with Stephanie Llewellyn here: LinkedIn: Instagram: TikTok:
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Be a Fully Booked Speaker with Andrew and Pete, Founders of Atomicon, the UK's Largest Marketing Conference
12/20/2023
Be a Fully Booked Speaker with Andrew and Pete, Founders of Atomicon, the UK's Largest Marketing Conference
In today’s REAL PERSONAL BRANDING podcast, Lauren teams up with the founders of ATOMICON, Andrew and Pete, to discuss how to craft a magnetic and memorable speaking business. ATOMICON is the UK’s largest marketing conference. What you may find interesting is that this interview was live-streamed to Andrew and Pete’s Facebook group--meaning anything could happen. Lauren, Andrew, and Pete want you to know what it takes to become a speaker with major impact and influence--and that you are not alone. Andrew and Pete share how they started speaking locally at networking events to gain experience before they were finally invited to speak at Social Media Marketing World, a 5,000+ person event. You’ll hear how to leverage speaking at a big event for bigger pay, find speaking opportunities, accept feedback, and pitch the right audiences for your topics. You’ll also hear the steps Andrew and Pete took to build their conference, why workshops offer more opportunities for interactivity, and what makes Lauren’s workshop a great opportunity for hands-on practice and feedback. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Book a call with me: Borrow my brain: Connect with Andrew and Pete here: Website: ATOMICON:
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Exactly How I Made a Huge Splash Relaunching My Podcast
10/02/2023
Exactly How I Made a Huge Splash Relaunching My Podcast
If you were wondering how Lauren made a splash when she relaunched her podcast earlier this year, this is the episode for you. On today’s REAL PERSONAL BRANDING podcast, Lauren offers a behind-the-scenes look at the relaunch of the Real Personal Branding podcast. She managed this feat without fancy equipment or the perfect setting. She emphasizes that anyone can create content regardless of circumstances if armed with a few key strategies. First, Lauren explains the importance of getting others involved. She shares how she sought input from her audience, involving them in decisions about the podcast's artwork and other crucial aspects. She also delegated tasks to her team, creating excitement behind the scenes. Next, Lauren shares how she built anticipation for the podcast's relaunch. Instead of keeping it under wraps until launch day, she openly talked about it with friends, colleagues, clients, and mentors. She garnered support from her network by sharing her excitement and explaining why the podcast's return was personally meaningful. She also carefully curated the guests she invited to her show. Lastly, Lauren encourages listeners to embrace their excitement and passion when promoting their projects. She shares how her enthusiasm for the relaunch resonated with her audience, which resulted in an outpouring of support. Having genuine enthusiasm and support from your community can make all the difference, and Lauren wants you to know how you can do the same. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Accelerator: Book a call with me: Borrow my brain:
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Three Things Speakers Should Do 24 Hours Before Their Next Gig
09/21/2023
Three Things Speakers Should Do 24 Hours Before Their Next Gig
In today’s REAL PERSONAL BRANDING podcast, Lauren reveals the three things speakers should do before they set foot on stage. With a tremendous amount of time working with speakers under her belt, Lauren knows what it takes to give a successful presentation. From running two conferences per year for local businesses to speaking at organizations and conferences on personal branding, she knows what it takes from both angles. Lauren reveals some holy grail tips for speakers--the three things every speaker needs to do in the 24 hours before they get on stage. Doing these three things is a surefire way to prepare and have a successful speaking engagement. If you’re ready to level up your speaking game, you don’t want to miss this episode. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: Accelerator: Book a call with me: Borrow my brain:
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