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In this episode of The REAL Personal Branding Podcast, Lauren welcomes Philip VanDusen. He shares why building a successful personal brand on YouTube is about consistently showing up, answering the questions your audience is already asking, and having the courage to start before you're ready. In his conversation with Lauren, Philip discusses: Treat YouTube like a search engine, not social media. Philip explains that the most effective YouTube content answers the exact questions people are searching for, helping establish long-term authority and making your expertise discoverable for years to come. Embrace the "dare to suck" mindset. Waiting until you're perfect only delays progress. Philip encourages creators to commit to consistency, accept that their early content won't be perfect, and improve through repetition rather than hesitation. Build trust through authenticity and consistency. From creating recognizable thumbnails to responding thoughtfully to comments, Philip shares how showing up as a real person—not a polished brand—creates stronger relationships and a more engaged community. Philip shares his journey from leading design teams at Old Navy, PepsiCo, and Landor Associates to building a thriving personal brand through YouTube after leaving corporate life. He reflects on overcoming burnout, reinventing himself as an entrepreneur at age 56, and why creating evergreen content, sharing expertise generously, and prioritizing genuine human connection have fueled a decade of business growth. More about our guest today: Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant serving SMBs and entrepreneurs. Philip previously served as VP of Design at PepsiCo and Old Navy and Executive Creative Director at Landor Associates. As a thought leader, Philip shares his expertise in brand building on YouTube to his 300k+ subscribers, in the Brand•Muse newsletter and Bonfire mastermind community and on the Brand Design Masters podcast. Lauren and Philip also explore thoughtful insights on creativity, retirement, and what it means to build a body of work that continues creating opportunities long after it's published. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Book a 1:1 Coaching Call with Lauren Connect with Philip VanDusen here: https://philipvandusen.com/pbw

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

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Sue Heilbronner here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueheilbronner/ https://www.heysue.com/

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Mark Schaefer here: https://businessesgrow.com

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Teresa Heath-Wareing here: https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fteresaheathwareing.com%2Fvisible https://www.instagram.com/teresa_heathwareing

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Kat Boogaard here: https://katboogaard.com/subscribe

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative 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.

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 T*****s," 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 T*****s." 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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Laura Belgray here: Laura's Website: talkingshrimp.com Buy her book: www.talkingshrimp.com/book The Copy Cure: thecopycure.com

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Angus Nelson here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angusnelson https://www.instagram.com/angusnelson

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Samantha Hearne here: https://www.samanthahearnecoaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_samanthahearne_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-hearne-b060b815a/ https://www.facebook.com/samanthahearnecoach/ https://www.pinterest.com/samanthahearnecoaching https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/be-bold-in-business/id1352570980

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative https://forms.gle/nqi66YCKyXF1wBGH8

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Jodi Wellman here: https://www.4000mondays.com https://www.instagram.com/4000mondays

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Travis Chappell here: https://travischappell.com/ https://linktr.ee/travischappell

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Quynh Nguyen here: https://www.pinkandposey.com https://www.instagram.com/pinkandposey/?hl=en https://www.papertalkpodcast.com/ https://www.theposeybox.com/offers/FtMoZq2k/checkout

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: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Phil Mershon here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmershon https://www.facebook.com/phil.mershon http://philmershon.com/bonus https://www.amazon.com/Unforgettable-Science-Creating-Memorable-Experiences/dp/1636981011