Advertise on podcast: Authority Builder Podcast | Client-Winning Strategies for Coaches, Consultants, and Creatives Who Want to Lead With Authority

The ROI of Being Seen: How to Brand Yourself Without Feeling Cringey, with Jasmine Haitalani In this episode, Charlotte Ellis welcomes Jasmine Haitalani, founder and CEO of Highflier Powerhouse, to discuss the emotional and strategic journey of personal and business branding. Jasmine shares her story of pivoting from medicine to creative direction, building a seven-figure agency without formal design training, and embracing visibility as an immigrant and entrepreneur. Key topics include: The difference between branding for solo operators and teamsNavigating imposter syndrome without formal design educationBalancing personal identity and professional brand presenceThe emotional impact of rebranding, especially for women and mothersHow to use client feedback to shape brand personalityThe importance of visibility and setting boundaries for personal sharingWhen to invest in branding and how it drives ROIPractical tips for preparing your audience for a rebrandJasmine also explains how branding can unlock confidence, authority, and business growth, and why the process often leads to deeper personal transformation. Find out how to make your brand magnetic—without feeling cringey.

Healing Isn’t Neutral: Brenda Lomeli on Speaking Up and Standing Out in Wellness Master life coach Brenda Lomeli, creator of the globally recognised Last 10 method, shares why “silence” in the wellness and personal development industry is not neutral, especially during times of injustice. Brenda explains how speaking from lived experience, as a first-generation Mexican American, reshaped her brand, deepened client trust, and created a clearer sense of authority. We explore rebranding as liberation, using visual identity and symbolism to reflect values, plus how podcasting builds visibility and consistent client growth without relying on social media algorithms. Brenda also shares how her definition of success has evolved after 10 years in business, including setting tailored revenue goals and giving back in alignment with her community. Key topics covered - What “silence” looks like in wellness marketing  - Values-led leadership, risk, and audience alignment  - Rebranding, self-expression, and authority  - Podcasting for trust, consistency, and conversions  - Redefining success and sustainable ambition  - Self-care practices during injustice Links and resources - Website: https://brendalomeli.com  - Podcast: *Reclaiming Food Freedom in the Last 10*  - Instagram: @brendalomeliofficial

Build Authority Through Storytelling With Mariela De La Mora Mariela De La Mora joins the Authority Builder Podcast to share how women of colour and daughters of immigrants can turn identity, lived experience, and voice into thought leadership that converts.  We unpack what “leadership before business” looks like in practice, why premium positioning starts with seeing a specific client deeply, and how storytelling builds trust when you do not yet have endless testimonials.  Mariela also explains how she earns third-party credibility (podcasts, trainings, invite-only stages) without constant pitching, plus how she uses collaborations and audience-led topics to get a simple “yes”.  We close with practical insights on balancing algorithm-led visibility with long-term authority assets like email, and designing growth around real-life capacity. Key topics covered - Leadership before business and identity-led growth   - Storytelling as positioning, trust, and demand generation   - Finding the market gap and building a “category of one”   - Landing podcasts and stages through collaborations and service-led outreach   - High-ticket positioning and why sales cycles are longer than you think   - Email list nurturing vs social media attention   - Telegram coaching as async thought partnership   - Boundaries, burnout, and being “slow with your yeses”  

Building Sustainable Business Growth with Kamila von Retteg In this episode, we welcome Kamila von Retteg, a seasoned business coach and marketing strategist for online coaches, course creators, and service providers. With over 11 years of experience, Kamila shares her insights on building sustainable revenue through scalable group programmes, automated sales systems, and paid ads—without the burnout of constant content creation or live launches. Key topics covered include: The mindset and behavioural shifts needed to move from one-to-one to scalable offersThe “messy middle” of business growth and how to navigate itThe Roadmap Funnel: Kamila’s approach to evergreen webinar funnels and why she avoids the term “webinar"The realities of low-ticket offers, what makes them profitable, and common pitfallsUsing paid ads sustainably, especially in the face of platform changesThe power of podcast ads for visibility and nurturing trustThe importance of investing in mentorship and external coachingKamila also shares practical tips for systemising sales, leveraging offers, and building a business that supports freedom and longevity. Find her on Instagram or visit her website for more on the Roadmap Funnel and her latest training, “Peak Buyer Window.”

From Fractional CMO to Strategic Advisor – Building Deep, Long-Term Client Partnerships in the Attention Economy With Alison Johnston In this episode, Charlotte Ellis Maldari welcomes Alison Johnston, founder of Electric Alley, to discuss her journey from in-house marketer to trusted fractional CMO and strategic advisor for startups and service-led businesses. Alison shares how her organic career path led her to specialise in helping founders navigate the messy, high-growth early stages, blending hands-on execution with high-level strategy. Key topics include the value of being a generalist in startup environments, the importance of human connection and in-person networking in a digital-first world, and how to leverage AI without losing authenticity. Alison offers advice for impatient founders, the power of personal brand, and practical ways to build trust and long-term client relationships. The conversation also covers referral strategies, the evolving marketing funnel, and how British founders can confidently promote themselves without feeling boastful. Tune in for actionable insights on sustainable growth, authentic marketing, and building a business that thrives on both expertise and genuine connection. https://linktr.ee/alisonjohnston

In this episode, Tony Rulli flips the script and interviews Charlotte about the real value of building authority as a business owner.  They dive into why starting a podcast can be a game-changer for consultants, coaches, and agency owners—especially those looking to grow without burning out.  Charlotte shares practical tips on leveraging existing relationships, batching content, and using podcasts to stay front of mind with clients and prospects.  They discuss the importance of consistency over perfection, how to repurpose podcast content across multiple platforms, and why visibility is crucial in today’s distracted world.  The conversation also covers common mistakes to avoid, the power of human connection in marketing, and actionable steps for launching your own authority platform.  Whether you’re considering a podcast, a book, or simply want to improve your marketing, this episode is packed with honest advice and inspiration to help you take the next step.

In this special episode of the Authority Builder Podcast, Tony Ruilli of Intentional Spark flips the script and interviews Charlotte, founder of Kaffeen, about her Authority Builder programme and the art of building authority as a consultant, coach, or agency owner.  The conversation dives into the challenges of moving beyond referrals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the emotional hurdles of stepping into an authority role.  Charlotte shares practical strategies for creating an “authority platform”—from hosting podcasts and writing books to leveraging existing content and sales call transcripts.  The episode also explores the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and being genuinely helpful, rather than self-promotional or salesy. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to start building authority in a way that feels ethical, approachable, and sustainable, with tips for repurposing content and developing a consistent marketing system.  Key topics include mindset shifts, content creation hacks, and the value of sharing expertise generously.

Charlotte is joined by Patti Dayleg, MPH Leadership Coach and CEO of Malaya Solutions, to explore what care led leadership looks like when DEI is politicised, funding is uncertain, and mission driven teams are stretched thin.  Patti shares how leaders can stay grounded, connected, and effective while navigating fear, secondary trauma, and constant change across the nonprofit and social impact landscape. They discuss why leadership stability matters, how burnout grows when people lose a sense of impact, and why evidence of outcomes helps leaders stay focused. Patti also breaks down her relationship led approach to business development, including why one email and one Instagram post reactivated her network, and what she would do if starting again from scratch. Key topics covered - DEI backlash and real world impact on nonprofits and communities  - Healing leadership, somatics, and staying grounded under pressure  - Leadership turnover, team protection, and organisational stability  - Defining success in mission based work versus growth driven models  - Funding shifts, coalition funding, and collaboration in philanthropy  - Relationship based business development without the online hustle  Links and resources Podcast: https://malayasolutions.com/podcast  Email list: https://malayasolutions.com/email-opt-in

Megan Dowd, certified equity-centred coach and former classical actress, shares how she went from Pilates instructor to copywriter and brand language strategist, and what it really took to build authority.  We talk about simplifying to one core offer, why “enthusiastic overthinkers” are her favourite clients, and how language that feels good in your brain and body leads to clearer marketing and better-fit leads. Megan also explains her “Burn It Down Day” process for rebuilding a business around what’s true in your current season of life, plus the practical shift that changed everything: confidently asking for referrals. Key topics covered: - From Pilates to brand language and copywriting  - Building authority by focusing on one offer and 10 clients’ worth of data  - Neurodivergence, overthinking, and finding words that feel true  - Burn It Down Day: resetting your business without guilt or sunk cost  - Ordinary stories, human-first marketing, and attracting aligned clients  - Referrals as a sustainable growth strategy Resources mentioned: - Burn It Down Day Workshop Info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ok5mqT9t-WAy266ExTzvtrssmedCM8-0bMruGF4hX8Y/edit?usp=sharing  - Diagnose the Disconnect quiz: https://withmegandowd.com/quiz   - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withmegandowd/

Guesting, Growth, and the New Rules of Authority, with Tom Schwab In this episode, Charlotte welcomes Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet and pioneer of podcast interview marketing. Tom shares his journey from engineering and e-commerce to becoming a leading voice in authority building for consultants, coaches, and advisors. The conversation explores why authority—not attention—is the real differentiator for service providers, and how podcast guesting accelerates trust and business growth. Key topics include: Tom’s origin story and the evolution of podcast interview marketingThe difference between attention and true authorityHow AI is now a major referral source, and why podcasts are favoured by AI enginesPractical strategies for leveraging podcast interviews to build authority and generate leadsThe compounding effect of consistent guesting versus hosting your own showThe importance of authenticity, niching, and the “heck yes or no” client filterActionable steps for founders to start building authority in 30 daysTom also shares tips on repurposing podcast content, nurturing prospects, and why consistency trumps chasing shiny objects.

In this episode of the Authority Builder podcast, Charlotte is joined by her coach, Steph Crowder, a sales and strategy coach (and former Director of Sales Training at Groupon) who helps entrepreneurs sell with courage, clarity, and confidence.  Steph shares why business growth is rarely about doing more, and almost always about doing the right money-making activities consistently, even when it feels repetitive. They unpack how to get out of your head and into action, including practical ways to reduce overwhelm, build sales momentum, and stop chasing novelty. Steph explains her BuzzBlitz framework for repeatable sales campaigns, plus why trust and frequency matter more than perfection in today’s noisy market.  You will also hear why podcasts and other voice-led content are powerful authority builders in 2025 to 2026, especially for high-ticket offers. Key topics covered: - Prioritisation and the myth of being “done” - Repetition, habits, and daily money-making activities - Warm invitations and reactivating your network - BuzzBlitz, webinars, and sustainable launches - Authority building through podcasts, audio, and video

From Start-Up to Scale-Up: Mark Scrivener’s Guide to Sustainable Growth In this episode of the Authority Builder Podcast, Charlotte Ellis Maldari welcomes Mark Scrivener—board advisor, fractional COO/CXO, and strategic leader with over 15 years’ experience in scaling tech-driven businesses. Mark shares his journey from small digital agencies to leading large-scale teams, offering practical insights on adaptability, user empathy, and building cultures that thrive. Key topics include: - The evolution from start-up to scale-up, and the systems that matter most at each stage - How to avoid bottlenecks by empowering teams and sharing responsibility - The myth of the “superstar” employee and the importance of delegation - Embracing failure as a learning and marketing opportunity - When to stabilise versus when to pursue growth - The role of automation and AI in scaling efficiently - The enduring value of human connection and transparent communication Mark also discusses “transitional design” and how purposeful leadership can drive real-world impact. Whether you’re a founder, agency leader, or scaling enterprise, this episode is packed with actionable advice for sustainable growth.

In this episode, we welcome physical therapist and strength coach Ramez Antoun, founder of Spine PT University. Ramez shares his journey from private concierge PT to building a thriving B2B education business, teaching sports physical therapists how to solve sciatica and progress patients back to the gym. He discusses the challenges of shifting from insurance-based to private pay models, the importance of refining messaging, and how listening to clients transformed his marketing. Key topics include: - The evolution of Spine PT University and responding to market demand - Balancing clinical work, business growth, and family life - The power of customer listening and using client language in marketing - Lessons learned from a failed launch and the value of embracing mistakes - The founder’s role in marketing and messaging - Overcoming self-doubt, rejection sensitivity, and the impact of therapy - Practical tips for content creation, handling trolls, and building authority Connect with Ramez on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/spine_pt_university/) or visit spineptuniversity.com. This episode is a must-listen for clinicians and entrepreneurs navigating business growth and personal development.

In this episode, Charlotte interviews Holly Rustick, world-renowned grant writer, bestselling author, and business coach. Holly shares her journey from international nonprofit work to building a thriving, location-independent grant writing business from Guam. She reveals how her students have secured over $250 million in grants and $7.4 million in business revenue, all while championing a mission to reach $1 billion in funding by 2030. Key topics include: Holly’s unconventional start in grant writing and her global, remote work lifestyleThe evolution from agency work to launching the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional MentorshipThe power of tracking results with Airtable and celebrating student winsBuilding authority through podcasting and publishing a bestselling bookThe importance of literal branding and clear messagingStrategies for scaling, including productising services and running live trainingsEmpowering women in the nonprofit sector and creating a movement for change Tune in for actionable insights on niching down, building authority, and creating impact-driven business growth. Links Holly has shared Free Grant Writing Class: How to Write a Winning Grant in 7 Steps - https://grantwritingandfunding.com/free-grant-writing-classFreelance Grant Writer Checklist: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/5-steps-to-become-a-freelance-grant-writerWrite Grants, Get Paid Newsletter: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/write-grants-get-paid-newsletterPrivate Podcast - Master Grant Template Downloadable and 5 part Private Podcast Series: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast

In this episode, Charlotte welcomes Tony Rulli, CEO and Lead Growth Strategist at Intentional Spark, for a candid conversation about scaling online businesses, the realities of running ads, and building authority as a creator. Tony shares his journey from corporate banking to digital marketing, the lessons learned from launching a subscription spice box, and how those experiences shaped his approach to growth strategy. Key topics include: - The importance of testing offers organically before investing in ads - Why a “growth partner” mindset goes beyond traditional ad management - The value of group programmes for creators not yet ready for full agency support - How to design funnels that attract leads who actually buy - The difference between ad creative and organic content—and why “messy” video often wins - Practical tips for tracking the right metrics and avoiding low-quality leads - Why every business owner should understand the basics of ads, even if they plan to outsource Tony’s advice is honest, actionable, and rooted in real-world experience—perfect for creators and business owners ready to scale with integrity. [email protected] www.intentionalspark.com/kaffeen