Great consultants don’t just deliver transformation—they live it.
Consulting Matters with Betsy Jordyn is the podcast for organizational consultants and transformation-driven coaches who build businesses rooted in their expertise and passions, empower leaders, and drive meaningful change. Hosted by Betsy Jordyn—a former Organizational Development consultant at Disney and a seasoned consultant and business owner with decades of experience—this show equips you to master the art, science, and business of transformation for your clients and, most importantly, for yourself.
Through insightful solo episodes and compelling conversations with C-suite executives, seasoned consultants, and support partners, Betsy shares proven strategies for building credibility, crafting messaging that resonates, and confidently navigating the complexities of consulting.
But Consulting Matters isn’t just about growing your business—it’s about developing you. Discover how to harness your expertise, reignite your passion, and elevate your ability to create lasting impact.
Your transformation starts here. Take your consulting journey to the next level.
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Stop Calling Yourself "Consultant" or "Coach": Why You Need a Unique Title (Ep148)
2026/02/04
I accidentally started a series sharing all the “AHA” moments I've had about branding for consultants and coaches, inspired by writing my workbook.
A couple of weeks ago, I shared the big picture – 5 things I learned in general. Last week, I broke down the three types of expertise.
And today, I'm diving into your unique title and why it matters.
For instance, imagine you're at a networking event...
Someone asks what you do. You say, "’I'm a consultant’ or 'I'm a coach.’"
You know what happens next, right?
They look confused and ask, "What does that mean?"
Now you're stuck explaining yourself while they're already mentally checked out.
Now picture this instead:
You don't say "consultant." You say "Customer Experience Designer."
You don't say "leadership coach." You say "Executive Development Strategist."
Suddenly, people get it. They lean in. They ask better questions.
That, my friend, is the power of a unique title.
Want to create yours? Then pay attention to this episode, where I'll be sharing:
The emotional labor generic titles create for you
Why you make it way easier for people to understand what you do when you use a unique title
What you need to know before crafting your unique title
And as a bonus, how to infuse your consulting or coaching with personality using a fun title
Tune in now to say goodbye to your forgettable generic title and say hello to one that's clear, memorable, and uniquely you.
Where to dive in:
00:00 Introduction to Common Good Consulting02:07 The Importance of a Unique Title04:55 Defining Your Unique Title09:05 The Value of a Unique Title12:05 Creating Your Unique Title19:51 Fun Titles and Personal Branding
So here's what I want you to do next:
Brainstorm 4-6 different title combinations using your expertise and different role options. Play with the language. See what resonates.
Land the plane on your formal title. Pick the one that feels right and makes you excited to introduce yourself.
If you're stuck or realize you need help getting clear on your expertise and strengths first, now is the perfect time to get personalized support.
Common Good Consulting & Coaching Consortium:
If the opening of this episode resonated with you and you're feeling that pull to be part of something bigger and wondering how consultants and coaches can work together to create workplaces and systems that put people first, I'd love for you to join the Common Good Consulting and Coaching Consortium. This is brand new. I want to co-create it with people who share this vision. Go to betsyjordyn.com/common-good to sign up for the interest list for our first organizing call.
Other episodes you may enjoy:
3 Types of Consulting /Coaching Expertise: Which one is yours? (Ep147)
5 Truths About Branding, I Only Saw After Tearing My Process Apart (Ep146)
Inside My Brand Messaging Process (and Why It Always Works) (Ep140)
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
3 Types of Consulting /Coaching Expertise: Which one is yours? (Ep147)
2026/01/28
Did you know there are three types of expertise that consultants and coaches can use as the foundation of their businesses?
I didn’t...until I tore apart my own process for the workbook I’m writing!
Even though I’m at the part of the writing process where I HATE my book and want to throw my computer out the window 😩...
...I’m just as excited about the amazing things I discovered that I didn’t know before about my own branding process.
My latest aha is all about expertise, which is the professional field that you have mastered...and that your clients desperately need.
In this episode, I'm sharing with you my "hot off my mental presses" insights, particularly the 3 types of expertise to make it easier for you to name and claim yours, and how to use it as the foundation of a profitable, purpose-driven business you and your clients love.
Tune in now and discover:
Why your most marketable expertise won't come from your formal job description (and where it comes from instead)
How to tell what you're REALLY an expert in (without second-guessing yourself)
How to courageously name and claim the right expertise to build your business on (and how that instantly helps you stand out in the market)
If you're staying up at night asking yourself, "What do I do?"...start here - with your expertise.
Tune in to this episode to discover why owning your expertise is the ULTIMATE clarity and confidence accelerator.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Expertise in Consulting02:54 The Three Types of Expertise06:06 Formal Expertise: The Foundation of Your Business08:56 School of Hard Knocks Expertise11:48 Applied Expertise: Unique Results in Your Career15:02 Consciously Choosing Your Expertise17:53 The Importance of Labeling Your Expertise21:10 Recap and Final Thoughts
Other episodes mentioned:
Lost Your Business Mojo? How Pamela Johnson Got Hers Back (Ep141)
Navigate the Challenges of Parenting and Entrepreneurship with Sari Goodman (Ep80)
Switching Your Consulting or Coaching Niche: How To Know If It’s The Right Move with Brad Johnson (Ep142)
From Transactional Consultant to Industry Leader with Jason Fearnow (Ep11)
The ROI of Elevating Your Strategic Positioning & Messaging with Katie Anderson (Ep126)
Why Lean Consultants Need to Rethink How They Talk About Their Work with Katie Anderson (Ep127) BONUS
Overcoming Entrepreneurial Burnout with Rachelle Stone and Lori Smith (Ep57)
Turn the BEST of Your Career into Your Own Business with Lori Smith (Ep 10)
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
5 Truths About Branding, I Only Saw After Tearing My Process Apart (Ep146)
2026/01/21
I’ve got some big news! I am finally, finally, finally starting to work on a very long-term goal I’ve had: writing my first book.
Well, technically, I’ve decided to make it a workbook. And it’s focused on the brand positioning and messaging process that I have developed, honed, and refined over 10 years of working with hundreds of consultants and coaches.
The goal with this workbook, and the reason I chose to make it a workbook, is that I want to make it easier for purpose-driven consultants and coaches to get clarity on what they do and their message, so they can get out there and land the work they deserve. Because we matter. What we do matters. And I want to make what I do available to more people.
I had big plans to knock this out over the holidays. I thought I could take everything I already had—podcast episodes, blog posts, YouTube videos, and so many action sheets I use with private clients—and piece it all together. I assumed I’d have a finished workbook by the end of the holidays.
That is not what happened.
Taking everything I’ve created and turning it into a cohesive narrative for someone who may never meet me in person was far harder than I expected. But it taught me so much, especially about the power of deconstructing what we do. When you pull your work apart like this, you start to appreciate what you actually do for your clients.
I really thought I understood the value of what I do as a brand positioning and messaging strategist. Heck, I’ve been honing this process for over 10 years. But writing this workbook forced me to see the real power of my work in a way I hadn’t before.
In this episode, I share the five deep truths I learned about both the challenge and the true payoff of refining your consulting or coaching brand positioning and messaging clarity—truths I could only see after tearing my own process apart on today’s episode of the Consulting Matters podcast.
In this episode you’ll hear:
The difference between brand position as a noun and brand positioning as a verb, and why it matters
Why deconstructing your work helps you appreciate the value you actually create for clients
How the hardest parts of your process often reveal your zone of genius
Why brand positioning is about intentional control, not letting the market define you
How clarity in brand positioning and messaging serves your future clients, not just your business
Where to dive in:
00:00 Introduction to Brand Positioning and Messaging01:05 The Journey of Writing a Workbook04:15 Understanding Brand Position vs. Brand Positioning10:35 The Flip in Brand Positioning Strategy15:41 Connecting Branding to Purpose20:27 Discovering Your Superpowers24:58 The Impact of Branding on Client Trust30:29 Recap
Next steps:
Deconstruct what you do: Take time to pull your work apart step by step. Look at how you take a client from where they are to where they want to go, and notice where the hardest parts are to explain. Those places often reveal your unique strengths and zone of genius.
Audit your brand touchpoints: Review your website, LinkedIn, and other places clients encounter you. Ask yourself what they are communicating about who you help, the value you provide, and whether they instill trust that you are the right partner for the problem your clients are facing.
Book a discovery call or explore Betsy’s services: If you want support clarifying your brand positioning and messaging, visit BetsyJordyn.com/services to learn more about her programs, or book a free discovery call using the button at the top of the site to talk through your next step.
Other episodes you may enjoy:
Everyday Storytelling with Ex-Disney Execs with Rick and Bob Allen (Ep145)
Why Community Accelerates Your Income and Impact (Ep144)
Inside My Brand Messaging Process (and Why It Always Works) (Ep140)
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
Everyday Storytelling with Ex-Disney Execs with Rick and Bob Allen (Ep145)
2026/01/14
If you think storytelling is just for the stage, think again.
In this week’s episode of Consulting Matters, I sat down with not one but two former Disney executives—brothers Bob and Rick Allen—who know the real power of story: not just to entertain, but to lead, influence, and change minds.
Their Disney roots run deep (102 years combined, starting with their dad, who worked alongside Walt himself). But what they reveal goes far beyond theme parks and parades.
Tune-in To Hear:
Why story—not data—is the consultant’s real superpower
A behind-the-scenes look at how Disney embeds story into everything (including spreadsheets)
The 6 storytelling elements every coach and consultant should master
Why does how you share your ideas matter more than how smart your ideas are
How to use story to influence even the most results-driven executives
And yes, we swap some epic Disney tales, from launching resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge to transforming a Disney division into a private company (and surviving 9/11 with a Navy contract!).
If you love Disney, storytelling - or just want to coach and consult with more meaning - this episode is a must-listen.
Chapters:
01:32 Disney Family Legacy and Its Impact
16:46 From Disney to Entrepreneurship
23:30 The Power of Storytelling
39:14 Engaging Through Anecdotes
43:54 Influencing Through Connection
56:32 Zenovation: Merging Mindfulness and Innovation
01:00:00 Tales of Mouse and Men: Insights from Disney
01:02:20 Building a Collaborative Network
Next Steps:
Notice where your message stops landing: Pay attention to the moments where you explain what you do, but people still look unsure. That is often a sign that the story is missing, not the expertise.
Start with the picture before the process: In your next conversation or proposal, describe what changes when the work is successful before explaining how you get there. Stories help people see themselves in the outcome.
Get support clarifying your message: If this episode made you realize you need help communicating the value of what you do, I created a free messaging guide to help. It includes four simple questions designed to help you move from confused to confident, with messaging that makes the right clients say, “Where have you been? I need you.” Download it here: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/confused-to-confident
Other episodes you may enjoy:
How to Shape What Clients Think You’re Worth with Casey Brown (Ep143)
Inside My Brand Messaging Process (and Why It Always Works) (Ep140)
The Curse of Knowledge: Why Your Expertise Might Be Hurting Your Message (Ep139)
About my guests:
Rick Allen began his Disney career sweeping the streets of Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, a role that launched a 43-year journey with Walt Disney World. Over the course of his career, Rick spent 24 years in executive leadership across theme parks and resort hotels, served on the grand opening team for Disneyland Paris, and led the operations design and opening of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. After retiring from Disney, Rick served as Chief Operating Officer for Give Kids The World and later as COO for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. He now consults with organizations in hospitality and experience design and serves on the board of Shepherd’s Hope, a nonprofit providing free healthcare to the uninsured in Central Florida. Rick is passionate about unleashing the power of inspiration to elevate customer experience.
Bob Allen is the Chief Storytelling Officer at IDEAS and brings decades of creative leadership from across Disney’s entertainment and production legacy. He began his career in the entertainment industry as a musician at 16 and went on to hold key roles in Disneyland’s Live Entertainment division, contributing to major productions including the Main Street Electrical Parade. Bob later worked as a writer and producer with Walt Disney Imagineering, helping develop attractions for EPCOT, and went on to lead film, tape, and multimedia production for Tokyo Disneyland. After relocating to Walt Disney World, Bob held senior leadership roles including Director of Film and Tape Production and Vice President of Disney Production Services, overseeing creative operations at Disney-MGM Studios. Today, Bob focuses on concept development, experience design, and branding, helping organizations harness the power of story to create meaningful, memorable experiences.
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
And together, we're gonna have a conversation about what storytelling really is, why it matters so much more than most consultant-coaches realize, and how to use it to elevate your influence and impact.
Why Community Accelerates Your Income and Impact (Ep144)
2026/01/07
So, are you one of those people who like to pick a word to reflect your intention for the year?
Well, I am! It took a bit, but I finally figured out my word for 2026, and it’s actually 2 words – meaningful connection.
I chose this as my intention for the year because I feel like I’m emerging from the sabbatical cocoon that was a big part of last year.
And also because of the joy and fun I had leading my Impact and Income Accelerator mastermind, where I guided a group of both new and seasoned consultants and coaches through my Partnership Setup approach to landing strategic, high-paying clients.
While the learning was powerful, the real magic was the connections forged within the group and the mutual support given and received.
It's for this reason that I wanted to kick off my 2026 podcast season by having the group on the show!
Tune in to hear real-world tips and insights into:
How to hone clarity and confidence in the value of what you do
How to convey that value when landing potential clients so that they are excited to invest in your strategic partnership
And why you must get better results with these things and more when you make meaningful connections with people who share your vision, values, and struggles (beyond the one-on-one work type experience they get with me)
Tired of going it and growing it alone? Good! You're not meant to.
Tune in now to learn why meaningful connection might be the very thing you need to accelerate your success and impact in 2026!
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Community in Consulting05:52 Personal Journeys and Business Challenges11:55 Strategic Positioning and Partnerships17:48 The Role of Proposals in Consulting23:59 Building a Supportive Community29:58 The Value of Accountability and Collaboration35:57 Reflections on Growth and Learning42:07 The Impact of Community on Business Success
Next Steps
If this resonated with you, here are a few ways to keep the momentum going:
1. Get Support With Your Positioning and Partnerships
If you’re ready to move from “pair of hands” to strategic partner, I offer consulting and advisory services designed to help you clarify your positioning, package your expertise, and build client relationships that are grounded in trust and value. This is for consultants and coaches who want clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth. → Learn more about my services here: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services
2. Book a Discovery Call
If you’re not sure what your next move should be, a discovery call is a good place to start. We’ll look at where you are, what’s creating friction, and what would actually help you move forward. No pressure. Just clarity. → Book a discovery call here.
Other episodes you may enjoy:
How to Shape What Clients Think You’re Worth with Casey Brown (Ep143)
Inside My Brand Messaging Process (and Why It Always Works) (Ep140)
How to Know If You Have a Messaging Problem (Ep138)
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
How to Shape What Clients Think You’re Worth with Casey Brown (Ep143)
2025/12/10
We’re at the end of the year, with my final episode of a season that has ultimately been about owning the power of what you do and positioning yourself for the clients, impact, and income you’re ready for.
So, it feels exactly right to close the year with pricing expert Casey Brown.
I initially invited Casey on the show for her to unpack what she said on her Ted Talk on knowing your worth and ask for it sums up not just my belief about pricing but about branding in general ... which is:
“No one will ever pay you what you're worth. They'll pay you what they think you're worth, and you control their thinking."
And then, as I prepped for this show, I discovered that her pricing expertise didn’t emerge from finance or even sales, but from her experience in lean and OD. She gets us, and she gets our unique challenges with seeing our value and then charging for it.
If you want actionable inspiration on how to take charge of how clients see your worth, starting with how you see yourself, so you can go into 2026 strong, this episode is for you.
Where to dive in:
00:00 The Core Truth About Pricing 00:26 Why This Conversation Matters 02:45 Casey’s Nonlinear Path to Pricing 07:44 Why Pricing Captivates Casey 11:36 Leaving Corporate to Start Her Business 15:25 The TED Talk Insight 21:22 Understanding What Clients Truly Want 29:23 The Power of Questions 37:31 Guiding With Expertise Authentically 43:02 Fear vs. Confidence in Pricing 46:53 Charge for Mastery, Not Minutes 52:48 How Boost Pricing Helps 59:19 Being Bold While Staying Flexible 01:03:00 Betsy’s Closing Reflections
Next Steps
Assess your current pricing mindset. Take a few minutes to identify the beliefs, assumptions, and fears that shape how you price your services. Notice where you may be undervaluing your expertise.
Practice value-focused discovery questions. Select two or three questions from Casey’s approach that help uncover a client’s deeper goals and emotional drivers. Use them in your next sales conversation to strengthen clarity and confidence.
Reach out to me if you want support. If you’re ready to explore these ideas more deeply, you can schedule a call with me. We’ll get to the bottom of what you really need and determine the best first step for strategic support. Book a call. Explore how to work with me.
Other episodes you may enjoy:
Inside My Brand Messaging Process (and Why It Always Works) (Ep140)
How to Know If You Have a Messaging Problem (Ep138)
The Curse of Knowledge: Why Your Expertise Might Be Hurting Your Message (Ep139)
About the guest: Casey helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and sellers discover their true pricing power—and watch their profits rise as a result. Casey’s expertise has helped thousands of companies generate over $1 billion in incremental profits by demystifying customer tactics and arming sellers with practical, ready-to-implement steps to negotiate with courage, price with confidence, and make more money. Her TED talk has been viewed nearly 4 million times.
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
Switching Your Consulting or Coaching Niche: How To Know If It’s The Right Move with Brad Johnson (Ep142)
2025/12/03
Unsure about your niche... what it is or if you should switch it?
That's exactly what we're getting into today.
Your niche is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot, and it's the most misunderstood.
Your niche isn't about looking through your strengths and areas of expertise and having to choose one with a Sophie's-Choice-like decision. That is NOT going to work, because a niche is actually one that leverages all of you.
A niche is just an easier-to-digest word for brand positioning. It's the unique space you own in the market and in your ideal clients' minds. It defines who you help and the problem, and then connects those dots to you and the unique value of your consulting or coaching.
And it's incredibly important, as it is the foundation for standing out in our crowded marketplace, which seems to get even more crowded with every layoff in these challenging times!
The question becomes whether you should keep doing what you have been doing, stay on the path you have been on for a bit, or move on to something different.
That's why I invited Brad Johnson onto the show. He is an executive performance coach and was in that very spot where he wanted to shift his focus. For the past few months, we have been trying to figure out where and how to focus his very unique combination of strengths, education, and personal story.
If you're where Brad was, knowing you have something powerful to offer but struggle with your niche and want to get out of the back and forth that's happening in your mind, this is the episode for you.
In This Episode, We Discuss
What a niche really is and why most people define it wrong
How to know when it's time to pivot or refine your niche
The fears that come up around narrowing your focus (and why they’re normal)
The breakthrough moment that helped Brad land absolute clarity
How niche clarity instantly improves networking, messaging, and sales conversations
Where To Dive In
(00:01) Discovering Your Niche(03:40) Career Evolution and Coaching Transition(11:28) Defining Your Coaching Niche(24:16) Identifying Ideal Client Breakthrough(28:13) Maximizing Business Performance Through Science(37:21) Client Discovery and Ideal Connections(43:45) Strategic Coaching Differentiation and Framing(55:12) Navigating Customized Coaching Solutions
Next Steps
Reflect on Your Own Niche Clarity Take 5 minutes to notice where your positioning feels foggy, confusing, or too broad. Awareness is the first step toward real clarity.
Identify the Patterns in Your Best Clients Think about the clients you love working with — the ones who energize you and get the best results. Write down the common traits they share.
Assess Where You Might Be the Bottleneck If your brand, message, or niche feels all over the place, ask yourself: “Am I avoiding narrowing down because it feels risky?”
Get Support Instead of Spinning Your Wheels You don’t need to figure this out alone. Book a Clarity Conversation so we can help you land your niche, refine your ideal client, and strengthen your message with confidence. Book a call
Other episodes you may enjoy:
Lost Your Business Mojo? How Pamela Johnson Got Hers Back (Ep141)
Inside My Brand Messaging Process (and Why It Always Works) (Ep140)
The Million-Dollar Milestone I Almost Hid (Ep135)
About the guest: Brad Johnson is a high-performance coach who works with driven leaders who want to excel in business, health, family, and impact without burning out. Drawing on performance psychology and years of coaching high-achievers, he helps clients break through mental and physical obstacles so they can lead, live, and perform at their best. Brad partners with executives and founders who feel stuck or unfocused and need clear systems, structure, and support to match their ambition. Through customized strategies and tools, he helps them become the kind of leader who can grow a thriving company and still be fully present at home.
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
Lost Your Business Mojo? How Pamela Johnson Got Hers Back (Ep141)
2025/11/26
Have you lost your business mojo?
I’ve been there too.
This episode dives into that moment many consultants and coaches experience after they have been at it for a while.
You have invested so much time, money, and heart into building a business you once loved, and then, almost without warning, you stopped loving it. It is just not working for you anymore.
You might still have clients, but they are not the right ones, or the work you are landing no longer lights you up. When that happens, marketing starts to feel heavy, draining, and like something you want to avoid.
So what do you do when you reach that point, when your business still needs to survive and thrive, but you feel out of alignment?
You make a change. That is exactly what happened to today's guest, Pamela Johnson.
She is a client I have been working with for several months, and she was in that exact place. Her business was successful, but she had fallen out of love with it and knew she wanted something different. Instead of doubling down on what was no longer working or trying to force a new marketing tactic, she focused on rebuilding the foundation of her business.
That clarity helped her discover who she truly wanted to work with now, not who she had served in the past.
And once she got that clarity, everything changed.
I could tell you the whole story because I walked with her through every step inside my VIP brand messaging and positioning program. But you are going to enjoy hearing it directly from her. I am so excited to introduce you to Pamela and share how she got her business mojo back.
Where to dive in:
(00:00) Business Mojo Revival With Pamela Johnson(03:41) Transitioning to Real Estate Coaching(07:31) Uncovering Lost Business Mojo(20:12) Unlocking Clarity for Business Success(28:56) Personalized Business Development Strategies(42:01) Empowering Women in Business Retreats(45:52) Embracing Your Personal Story(53:34) Personalized Branding and Positioning Services
Next Steps
Reflect on Your Own Mojo: Take 5 minutes to notice where your business feels out of alignment. What’s draining you? What feels like Groundhog Day? Awareness is the first shift toward renewal.
Revisit Who You’re Really Called to Serve: Ask yourself the same clarifying question Pamela answered: Who comes to you for advice? Who do you naturally help? Write down the people you feel most energized supporting.
Book a Clarity Conversation: Want messaging that finally matches the consultant you’ve become? Grab a spot on my calendar and let’s build it together.
Other episodes you may enjoy:
Inside My Brand Messaging Process (and Why It Always Works) (Ep140)
The Curse of Knowledge: Why Your Expertise Might Be Hurting Your Message
How to Know If You Have a Messaging Problem (Ep138)
The Million-Dollar Milestone I Almost Hid (Ep135)
About the guest: Pamela Johnson is a veteran real-estate agent turned trainer and coach who helps agents and small business owners escape the burnout loop and build something that finally sticks. After launching her career with just two sales in her first year and moving into corporate training and team leadership, she learned just how fast time, energy and profit can slip through a business if you don’t have the right systems and habits in place. Now, as the founder of Pamela Johnson Coaching, she supports professionals in identifying the “money burners, time-wasters and de-motivators” that quietly drain success and joy so they can replace them with purpose-driven work and a business they genuinely love.
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
Inside My Brand Messaging Process (and Why It Always Works) (Ep140)
2025/11/19
Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve talked about how to tell if you have a brand messaging problem, why it’s worth fixing, and how the sneaky culprit behind fuzzy messaging is the curse of knowledge—a trap that’s so easy for consultants and coaches to fall into.
This week, we’re getting into the fix. Or more accurately, my fix.
I’m taking you behind the scenes of my brand positioning and messaging process, which all my clients begin with before we frame their offers, build their websites, or strategize how they will attract and land strategic client engagements.
It’s my signature process, one I’ve been honing for nearly 10 years, ever since I first got serious about pivoting my business to work exclusively with consultants and coaches.
What makes this process unique is that it’s designed by a consultant and coach with 30 years in the industry, and customized for consultants and coaches who are intentional about both their business and their life.
It’s built to help you attract the right clients, yes, but just as importantly, to build the business that’s meant for you, the one that reflects your strengths, passions, and purpose, and supports your life priorities.
So if you’re at an inflection point in your consulting or coaching business, whether you’re starting your first business, building something of your own after relying on referrals or subcontracting, or pivoting focus and finding yourself in that confusing in-between space where you’re ready for more but your messaging hasn’t caught up... this episode is for you.
Where to Dive In:
(00:00) Brand Messaging for Consultants and Coaches(10:50) Discovering Your Consulting Identity(17:43) Refining Brand Positioning and Messaging(24:44) Crafting Your Ideal Client Archetype(32:16) Crafting Your Brand Value Proposition(43:22) Building Your Brand Foundation(52:10) Mastering Brand Messaging for Consultants
Next Steps:
Download the free Messaging Guide so you can follow along and start shaping your brand positioning with clarity and confidence: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/confused-to-confident
Start noticing the real data around you by paying attention to who reaches out for help and what problems they’re trying to solve.
Review your past feedback and thank-you notes to spot the themes in the value you consistently create for others.
Other episodes you may enjoy:
The Curse of Knowledge: Why Your Expertise Might Be Hurting Your Message
How to Know If You Have a Messaging Problem (Ep138)
The Million-Dollar Milestone I Almost Hid (Ep135)
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
The Curse of Knowledge: Why Your Expertise Might Be Hurting Your Message (Ep139)
2025/11/12
Is it possible that knowing too much is actually standing between you and the clients you want?
In this episode of Consulting Matters, I’m unpacking one of the sneakiest barriers to clear communication—the curse of knowledge.
After years of mastering our craft, it’s easy for consultants and coaches like us to forget what it’s like to not know what we know. That’s when jargon, industry terms, and virtue-driven statements start creeping into our messaging. And while they make us feel credible, they often leave potential clients feeling lost, disconnected, or even a little dumb.
I’ll walk you through:
Why it’s so easy for experts to fall into the curse of knowledge trap
The most common ways it shows up in your messaging—through jargon, vague statements, and virtue signaling
The story of how a dinner conversation with a Google executive completely changed the way I talk about what I do
A simple but powerful way to shift your focus from you to your ideal clients so your message finally clicks
By the end of this episode, you’ll see how to take the spotlight off of yourself, get out of your head, and start using your clients’ own language to describe the value you create.
Where to Dive In:
(00:00) The Curse of Knowledge Trap(04:12) The Curse of Knowledge Trap Explained(09:03) Mastering Brand Messaging for Client Success
Three Next Steps:
Audit your messaging: Read your website or LinkedIn “About” section out loud. Notice where you might be using words your clients wouldn’t naturally say.
Listen for client language: Record your discovery calls or review client surveys. Highlight the exact words they use to describe their challenges and goals—and use those in your copy.
Clarify your “who” before your “what”: Get clear on who your ideal client is, what problem they’re trying to solve, and what’s standing in their way before you talk about your services.
You can download my free Confused to Confident messaging guide at betsyjordyn.com/confused-to-confident to start putting these insights into action.
Other episodes you may enjoy:
How to Know If You Have a Messaging Problem (Ep138)
The Million-Dollar Milestone I Almost Hid (Ep135)
How to Be Confident in Your Pricing and Get Paid What You’re Worth with Karen Laos (Ep133)
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
How to Know If You Have a Messaging Problem (Ep138)
2025/11/05
What's holding you back from the success and impact you're ready for as a consultant, a coach, a business owner?
Is it marketing? Is it fear? Or is it simply unclear and fuzzy brand messaging?
Let's dig deeper.
How do you feel when someone asks you what you do?
Do you feel excitement or dread?
Or how easy is it for you to write copy for your website or for your marketing, your LinkedIn bio?
Does it flow, or do you sit for hours, analyzing, paralyzed, and suffering from writer's block?
Tune in to hear if brand messaging might be contributing to your struggle and, if so, why you need to address it.
If you feel stuck when you're writing and talking about what you do, chances are, my friend, you might have a brand messaging problem.
It may feel like a confidence problem, it may feel like a marketing problem, but more often than not, it's a brand messaging problem.
I totally get it. I've been having a messaging problem. You are going to be one relieved listener, because today I'm starting a brand new series on the power of clear messaging for consultants and coaches.
We're going to kick off this series with today's episode, which is all about identifying the signs, indicators, and why you MUST fix them.
Where to dive in:
(00:00) Clear Messaging for Consultants and Coaches(04:23) Improve Brand Messaging Signs(16:18) Client Fit Impacts Profitability and Efficiency(20:32) Client Fit and Messaging Clarity(29:48) Unique Brand Messaging Is Essential(35:36) Crafting Effective Brand Messaging
Next steps:
Brand Messaging & Positioning If your message isn’t clearly communicating the value you bring, even the best expertise can be overlooked. We help you articulate a compelling, differentiated brand message so the right clients instantly understand who you are, what you do, and why you’re the strategic partner they need. Learn more about our brand positioning services here.
Schedule a Discovery Call Not sure what you need yet? Let’s talk it through. On a quick call, we’ll identify your goals, uncover what’s holding your brand back, and recommend the best next step for accelerating your impact and revenue. Book your call here.
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
What It Takes to Shift From Service Based Consulting to a Product Based Business Model with Calvin Williams (Ep137)
2025/10/29
Turning your consulting or coaching expertise into a product, program, or technology that customers will pay for sounds exciting, but making that shift is not just a minor tweak.
It is a complete business transformation that affects everything:
• Your offers • Your messaging • Your marketing • Your value proposition • Your entire path to scale
If you are feeling the grind of constantly chasing clients or working one on one with no room to grow, you might be craving more scale, more impact, and maybe even some passive revenue. That is when the idea of a product based business starts calling.
Here is the truth that many consultants overlook. Switching from services to products can be incredibly rewarding if it is the right move for you and if it is done in the right way.
That is why in this episode we are talking with Calvin Williams, an industrial engineer turned operations and continuous improvement leader who built a successful consulting business and then transformed it into Improver, a subscription based software platform that helps companies strengthen continuous improvement cultures at scale.
In this conversation Calvin shares both sides of his journey:
Corporate leader to independent consultant
Consultant to tech and product founder
You will walk away with real world insight on what it takes to productize your expertise, build with your strengths, and choose the business model that truly fits you.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
The strengths you need to succeed as a product creator
Ways to reduce risk and ramp into entrepreneurship wisely
How to apply Lean thinking to evolving your business
When technology + coaching is the winning combo
The mindset shift required to scale beyond client hours
Where To Dive In:
(00:00) Turning Consulting Expertise Into Product-Based Business(11:46) Entrepreneurship and Consulting Transition(18:02) Launching a Consulting Business Successfully(23:45) Embracing Entrepreneurial Mindset and Growth(31:57) Evolution of Lean Manufacturing Software(39:55) Continuous Improvement and Business Success(44:05) Building a Product-Based Business Model(51:47) Product vs. Service Mindset in Business(56:21) Maximizing Business Potential Through Continuous Improvement(01:02:41) Exploring Potential Business Opportunities
Other episodes you may enjoy:
Episode 120: Positioning Your Consulting Business for the Right Clients
Episode 122: What No One Tells You About Sustaining Success as a Solopreneur
About the guest: Calvin Williams is the founder and CEO of Impruver Inc., a company dedicated to helping organizations build continuous improvement cultures that unlock real freedom for people, businesses, and communities. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, he became the first in his family to earn a college degree, receiving his Industrial Engineering degree on a Division I athletic scholarship before later completing his MBA and working in top tier management consulting. Calvin believes continuous improvement is not a program but a daily battle between those who push for better and those who settle for the status quo, and he partners with operational excellence leaders to ensure the improvers win.
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
Influencing Change in Today’s Complex World with Seth Kahan (Ep136)
2025/10/22
What does it really take to influence transformational change?
Today we’re getting into the challenge of consulting and coaching in a very unstable world and how to influence leaders to buy-in and lead transformational change when the world is experiencing a historic wave of disruption – economic, political and institutional – unfolding all at once.
To help us catalyze real leadership and organizational transformation, I’m bringing onto the show Seth Kahan. Seth is a recognized thought leader, strategist and expert in tackling complex global challenges. His work focuses on creating social movements and mobilizing collective action to solve intractable problems.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Seth Kahan went from street theater to the World Bank and what that taught him about leading large-scale change.
The difference between incremental and transformational change, and why real transformation must be systemic.
What consultants and leaders each bring to the table when driving meaningful change.
Why influence starts with compassion, listening, and creating allies instead of trying to convince.
How self-compassion and discernment help you lead change without losing your heart.
Where to dive in:
(00:00) Navigating Complex Change in Consulting(04:48) Making the Leap to Entrepreneurship(10:12) Leadership and Transformation in Change(17:03) Developing Influence Skills for Change Initiatives(28:15) Embracing Compassion in Change Leadership(35:55) Navigating Organizational Change Dynamics(42:22) Navigating Uncertain Times in Leadership(48:21) Navigating Transformational Change in Leadership(55:25) Strategic Leadership and Influence Skills
Next steps:
Learn more from Seth Kahan: Visit visionaryleadership.com and check out his book Getting Change Right for practical frameworks on leading transformation.
Reflect on your own influence style: Ask yourself, am I trying to convince people, or am I inviting them to join me as allies in change?
Practice self-compassion: Notice where you’re hard on yourself during times of uncertainty and give yourself the same grace you’d offer a client.
Revisit your client readiness checklist: Before taking on a big project, make sure the organization and leaders truly want change, not just quick fixes.
About the guest: Seth Kahan is a recognized thought leader, strategist, and expert in tackling complex global challenges. With a background at the World Bank and extensive experience collaborating with organizations that take on some of the world’s toughest problems, he has pioneered frameworks for addressing “Grand Challenges”—the world’s most pressing issues. Known for his ability to unite diverse organizations and drive systemic change, Seth’s work focuses on creating social movements and mobilizing collective action to solve intractable problems. https://visionaryleadership.com/
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services
The Million-Dollar Milestone I Almost Hid (Ep135)
2025/10/15
Do you really stop and celebrate your growth in your big milestones in your consulting or coaching business journey?
I know I sure don't.
A few weeks ago, I received an award from Kajabi, the platform on which my website is built. They recognized me for earning a million dollars. I'm a "$1 million Superhero," and when I got this award, I felt really weird about it.
I wasn't sure what to make of it, because it's like, wow, I made a million dollars from this B2C business that I've been working on for the last few years, and at first, I didn't want to celebrate it. Why? Because I'm embarrassed.
It took me so much longer to achieve this milestone than it did when I started my consulting business.
I got this award right before I went on vacation. It coincided with my 15th anniversary in business, and then I did a podcast with Karen Laus on confidence in pricing and confidence in general.
So, I went on vacation and had lots of time to think about why I want to hide something so meaningful.
In this episode, you'll hear:
The real story behind my $1 million milestone.
How I found the courage to leave Disney, rebuild after divorce, and pivot my business completely.
The mindset shifts that helped me move from embarrassment to celebration.
Why sharing your success isn't bragging, it's essential.
A simple reframe to help you own your wins with integrity and inspire others to do the same.
Next Steps
Celebrate with me: Take a moment to recognize how far you’ve come. Share your own milestone or small win publicly, or with a trusted peer, and let others witness your success. Drop it in the comments of the post for this episode! I want to hear about it.
Practice “sober celebration”: Reflect on your achievements with integrity... not exaggerating, not minimizing, simply acknowledging what’s true.
Inspire courage: Use your transparency to encourage others. When you share what’s possible, you expand what others believe is possible for them.
Reframe success: Remember, sharing your wins isn’t bragging. It’s important. It gives evidence of what’s possible when you lead with courage, purpose, and persistence.
Join the conversation: Post your milestone on LinkedIn or your platform of choice and tag me. Let’s start normalizing the celebration of integrity-driven success.
Other episodes you may enjoy:
How to Be Confident in Your Pricing and Get Paid What You’re Worth with Karen Laos (Ep133)
How to Land Strategic Client Engagements without Pushy Sales (EP129)
The ROI of Elevating Your Strategic Positioning & Messaging with Katie Anderson (Ep126)
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services
Staying Human in the AI Workspace with Edwin Mouriño-Ruiz (Ep134)
2025/10/08
Today, we're exploring what it means to stay human in the age of AI and what it truly entails to create a human-centered organization in these challenging times.
To help us explore this topic, my guest today is Edwin Mouriño-Ruiz. He's the president and founder of Human Intelligent Workplace, and he is dedicated to prioritizing human intelligence at work in the area of artificial intelligence. We dive into the impact of AI, among other things that are creating challenges for creating these human-centered workforces. We're going to provide some ideas for consultants and coaches who work on culture and people practices. How can they succeed in an environment where, let's face it, current legislation is definitely creating barriers to creating those welcoming workplaces?
In this episode, you'll hear:
How Dr. Edwin Mouriño’s journey from the Air Force to academia inspired his focus on Human Intelligent Workplaces.
What it really means to build human-centered organizations that prioritize leadership, culture, engagement, and psychological safety.
Why AI should be seen as a tool to enhance, not replace, human intelligence—and how to keep our creativity and critical thinking alive in an AI world.
How consultants and leaders can balance technology with empathy, authenticity, and compassion at work.
The truth about DEI backlash and why many companies are simply rebranding their inclusion work and what demographic trends make this work essential.
Practical advice for consultants helping clients create people-first cultures despite shifting legislation and cultural headwinds.
What it takes for leaders to truly “stay human”: investing in personal growth, modeling healthy behaviors, and creating workplaces where people thrive.
Where to dive in:
(00:11) Human Intelligence in the Workplace(08:03) Navigating AI in People-Centered Workplace(12:48) Balancing AI and Human Creativity(23:31) Leadership Development and Diversity Strategies(28:27) Navigating Diversity Challenges in Organizations(40:13) Building Human Intelligence in the Workplace
Next Steps:
Revisit your leadership approach: Reflect on how you’re modeling empathy, authenticity, and care within your organization or with your clients.
Audit your use of AI: Identify where technology enhances your work and where it might be replacing critical thinking or genuine connection.
Reframe inclusion efforts: Keep building welcoming, human-centered workplaces by embedding DEI principles into everyday leadership and culture practices, even if the terminology changes.
About the guest: Dr. Edwin Mouriño Ruiz, is an Air Force veteran, author, and leadership expert who helps organizations and leaders grow through emotional intelligence, DEI, and human-centered strategy. As founder of Human Intelligent (HI) Workplace, he combines decades of experience—from Fortune 100 consulting to academia—to empower teams to lead with purpose. His work bridges research and real-world impact, focusing on leadership development, organizational change, and building more human workplaces.
About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling.
Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services
Podcast reviews
Read Consulting Matters podcast reviews
4.9 out of 5
15 reviews
★★★★★
Karen Laos 2025/10/14
Practical and useful tips
Betsy is excellent at bringing the best guests to the party! She’s knowledgeable and has expertise that’s useful and practical for the consulting worl...
★★★★★
Judy P_99 2024/03/07
Always learning something!
Podcast host Betsy Jordyn invites listeners to join her on the journey of self-knowledge and growing confidence. The focus is on developing one’s own...
★★★★★
Katie Anderson - KBJAnderson 2024/01/26
Fantastic business and branding podcast
Betsy Jordyn’s “Enough Already” podcast is on my regular lineup. She is engaging and insightful and provides actionable advice that has helped me grow...
★★★★★
Srothmeyer 2023/06/30
So much value!
With all the podcasts out there, Betsy brings so much value for entrepreneurs - totally binge worthy!
★★★★☆
Orlandosjmx1 2023/10/13
Finally
Betsy is so right about consultants and coaches focusing on what we offer instead of what potential clients need. Instead of coming from a provider pe...
★★★★★
denisemusselwhite.com 2022/04/07
Direct, honest and relateable
Betsy, is the real deal! She’s an expert and shares her wisdom directly and honestly in a relateable practical ways that I truly appreciate. I also ap...
★★★★★
Team Hamilton 2021/10/06
Inspirational Kick in the Butt to Make a Positive Impact
Betsy isn’t afraid to tell you the truth about what it really takes to have a consulting or coaching business that is both purposeful and profitable. ...
★★★★★
Mary Beth Simon 2021/10/01
Valuable & Genuine
Betsy’s expertise and authentic enthusiasm for the work her guests do comes through in every episode. Betsy hears what’s unsaid and digs deeper to rev...
★★★★★
ConsciousListener 2021/09/22
Authentic and engaging
Betsy's delivery is very authentic with valuable and empowering content. Professional through and through with the right length to keep you interested...
★★★★★
Heather Havey 2021/09/22
Betsy gives you the benefit of her learnings
Betsy shares how she has evolved from Corporate America to a consultant to the consultant’s consultant. The folks that she interviews provide a power...