Social Proof

Show Notes:(0:53) Introduction to Christina(4:00) Christina's Experience as a Brand Ambassador(6:48) Christina's Transition to Podcasting(11:26) Unpacking the Great Resignation(15:15) Communicating Your Vision(18:03) A Day in the Life(22:58) Utilizing Twitter(36:01) Future of the Influencing Industry(45:03) How Influence Is Wielded Links:Beth StephensChristina RoysterYoung, Black & Opinionated Quotes:“We're always comparing ourselves to people in the media, and I had to stop and ask myself, ‘Am I doing this to glorify myself? Or am I really doing this for my audience?' I had to reevaluate my priorities.” - Christina Royster, (10:04) “I feel like people are finally waking up and putting themselves first, and that's what was most important to me, taking the time to get a little bit of clarity.” - Christina Royster, (13:31)“We're willing to be influenced by people we believe in or we relate to, and I think there's probably always going to be room for word of mouth marketing in that regard.” - Beth Stephens, (39:02) “When I stick to who I am and stay true to who I am, other people can relate and I make it cool to be kind and to not do what everybody else is doing. I think people respect that and it's refreshing.” - Christina Royster, (45:49)

That's a wrap! The first season of Social Proof brought a plethora of intriguing guests who taught us about wielding influence with integrity and protecting our personal brand. A consistent theme in every episode was one of our podcast pillars: what it means to be well at work. Whether you're in a behemoth organization or operating solo, we've got some nuggets of wisdom to help you be well, have margin and do great work. 

Michiel Perry is an intriguing gal. After a career blending tech and public affairs (including stints at Google and in D.C. at the U.S. State Department), she is embracing life in the lowcountry of South Carolina. Michiel talks about leaning into her heritage, loving small town living and using her storytelling platforms to shine a light on Gullah art and culture.

Shannon Siriano Greenwood followed all the rules for finding success, yet she found herself burning out on repeat. Today she's helping other women bend and break the rules through the Rebelle Conference and a private community called Swell. Join us for her perspective on what it takes to survive and thrive.

Angel Beasley is a powerful voice in the beauty industry as the merchandising director for specialty hair at Walmart. She shares why being a Black woman in beauty is so fun... and so essential in today's climate. Behind the scenes, she has built a personal brand and an inspiring framework for her life tied to taking care of her mind, body, marriage, career and family. And she's got boss tips for looking less tired.

Quinn Tempest is a vibrant, colorful, downtown-loving urbanista from Phoenix who helps entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life and channel their "why." She is a fount of knowledge, and one of the most popular speakers from our past Megaphone Summit. Her wit, vivaciousness and unique ability to help others channel their energy and identify their superpowers make this a can't miss episode.

0.00 Katherine spent 20 years of her life put together on the outside but broken on the inside as a people pleaser and overachiever who drew her self-esteem from external sources, and it nearly killed her. She finally got her act together by slaying her "dragon of self-doubt," and life on the other side is much better: she feels calm, she feels whole... and she is on a mission to help other women join her.6:06 The Mom Complex is Katherine's consulting company, which focuses on helping large brands understand moms and develop the right products for their lives. Their work is groundbreaking, and their ongoing research over the last ten years reveals that the vast majority of women struggle with self-doubt.  Katherine shares their focus on uncovering the truth and cutting through the tendency of moms - and women in general - to insist that they are fine, their husbands are perfect and their lives are amazing.9:25 How getting to a breaking point drove Katherine to take herself on as a project, and the two years she spent doing deep self work to understand herself, what made her happy, what made her upset, what made her exhausted and what made her energized."Now that I know myself, I know how to make myself happy and I know how to reduce my frustrations in life."13:12 Katherine has built a life and a career around studying and supporting mothers, and the Slay Like A Mother ecosystem is full of resources - many of them free and easily accessible - to tap into the keys to the kingdom that she has discovered. Katherine shares ways for listeners to take advantage of some of their learnings, as well as where to find lists of wins and lifehacks - or "slays" as she calls them - shared by others.18:30 Discussing non-negotiables, wielding influence with integrity, finding balance and setting boundaries. Katherine says: "For me, more is a four letter word: always chasing more money, more employees, more book sales... it just puts me in a hamster wheel.""I finally found balance in my life and I'm not going to screw it up now."27:10 Identifying voice, brand and language: Slay Like A Mother has an aggressive tone and stance, and it's about slaying and killing and taking down something that is trying to kill you. I wanted it to be heroic, because this stuff is life-changing. "A brand is everything: it sets the tone for how you're going to show up in the world, and it's definitive... it has edges."32:00 Managing dual desires: how Katherine eschews the word more while maintaining ambition and growth, figures out what her "currency" is and sets achievable goals. "Make sure you're going after the more that actually fulfills you.""I want to go to a plateau, and then I want to dance on the plateau. I'm tired of climbing with the pick-axe."37:20 Being intentional and deliberate with time and friendships, and how Katherine has learned how to set boundaries for herself and give time to herself rather than giving it all away. "In the previous version of myself, I was so empty on the inside that I had to go to external sources for my self-esteem by helping friends out (...) and doing all the things. So now that I can fill my own cup and my self worth comes from the inside, I don't give away as much of my time." 40:45 What Katherine, Nate & Beth are consuming and so into right now... and the concept that ultimately sold the Slay Like A Mother book concept in to the publisher: "The struggle is real, but the suffering is optional."  Show Links & Resources: Slay Like A Mother by Katherine Wintsch More about Katherine and The Mom Complex Lists of tips, tricks, life hacks and "slays" to help moms & women thrive Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson ("The most enlightening book I've ever read," says Katherine) The Cru: circles of women matched to coach one another and accelerate their personal and professional growth Slay Like A Mother on Audible

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Show Notes:0:00 Gail shares the story of building Caulipower, a brand built from a Pinterest fail during a quest for tasty, gluten-free food options. Plus, the plot twist that brought Gail and Stuart from being PR and marketing executives in a cross-continental relationship to living, working and quarantining together in L.A.5:27 Stuart discusses the shopper insights that are rampant and available to marketers if they are simply tuned in to social media:Social media is a place where consumers every day are articulating their unarticulated needs - companies don't need to do market research, they just need to look at social media to see what people are doing and saying and how they're behaving.7:07 Gail and Stuart talk culture, leading a mission-driven company, and how the innovation-first environment and purpose of the organization - making every day comfort foods healthy and better for you - have drawn the best and brightest to work for Caulipower. "I think what makes the caulipower culture so unique and wonderful is that it is made up of so many unique and Show Links & Resources:

Show Notes:0.00: Sarah shares her story of downloading TikTok to prove a point in November 2019 and the rapid progression to tens of thousands of followers in a short window, as well as how the TikTok algorithm allows creators to share their stories and build an audience rapidly.4:30: The Corporate Mama exists to tell it like it is for me, and hopefully bring value to other working moms. Sarah delves into how she identifies her corporate and mom identities and her views around work/life balance, and wondering where is the mom who is struggling to hold it all together? If I can't find her, I'll just be her."Every working mom has a different story and a different experience than I do (... so) it's really to kind of crush the idea of work/life balance, because I don't think that it exists. For me it's about what I'm willing to prioritize, and that's going to change from day to day."8:50: After gaining followers rapidly, Sarah talks about her first sponsored deal (which went up on the day we recorded this episode), and how she is navigating the opportunity to work with partners who will enable her by standing behind her message and platform. 12:45: Marketing personas: what's it's like to leverage influencers and plan campaigns in a marketing role... while being an influencer and participating in campaigns on the side. Sarah shares her mindset around what she looks for in a "successful" brand partnership.18:55: Sarah talks about her day, being responsive and engaged with her audience, how she manages her time between kids and chaos.  "I kind of had a talk with myself around: the growth will come if you continue to put out content you believe in that people are engaging with... you don't have to engage with every single trend."25:00 Prioritizing wellness and sanity: Sarah talks about how we defend our home life, establish boundaries and keep some sanity and wellness during the pandemic and current chaotic environment."Hours of operation are different for everyone. I think that will really have great implications once the world starts to open up again - what does that mean for flexibility and in terms of allowing people time to pursue their passions that make them happier at work?"36:00: Sarah, Beth & Char talk about who influences them and what they're devouring: That not-so-secret TikTok account: @TheCorporateMama The Yahoo! article that changed Sarah's privacy settings Kat Stickler (Mike & Kat) on IG Girlboss on IG Dallas-based influencer Ashley Robertson Emily Ley & the Simplified Planner Artist & poet Morgan Harper Nichols Charban on IG. You know you want to follow. The Whole Brain Child on Audible Ouai Chill Pill Bath Bombs Our friend and recent ADHD diagnosee Kristen Crosley Turntables + Kitchen Covers with Drew & Ellie Holcomb The Record Room at Blake Street House Well+Good (wellness, skincare, food, nutrition) Daily shots of olive oil inspired by Bella Figura

Show Notes:0.00 Seven(ish) years ago, Jordan Jones was a homesick and rather lonely 23 year old working at an agency in San Francisco and feeling sorry for herself with her friends and family thousands of miles away in Texas. A Friday night call to her mom gave her a kick in the pants and a business idea that has taken her ideas to the shelves of Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Walmart and Whole Foods. Jordan discusses how she used PR, partnerships and retailers to establish her brand's validity in the early days."It was so exciting to me to go back to my original mission of creating this approachable brand at a price point that was for everybody. Everybody deserves to make their life a party. The idea that Walmart wanted to work with Packed Party to get our products to the masses was so exciting."11:30 Boots on the ground: suddenly Jordan was flying to China, creating 30 new products and bringing Packed Party to shoppers across the U.S. Today, the brand has lines of products throughout Walmart stores, from the party and celebrations aisle to baking, hair accessories and even the pet department. Jordan talks about the early signs of entrepreneurship and her various business ventures through the years."I really didn't know, so I just had to throw myself in the middle. When I first started Packed Party, I hired a TaskRabbit to teach me how to use Photoshop and InDesign. I was just so scrappy." 16:00 No small amount of hurdles along the way: lawsuits, copycats, hiring, firing: transitioning from founder to CEO. Jordan discusses putting her personal life on hold throughout her twenties because of what she'd created, and realizing that she was going to take a backseat to the company.  "It wasn't a matter of if we were going to win, it was when we were going to win. I've been told no a million times, and I've had people get in my face (...) and tell me I don't know what I'm doing."19:09 Building a brand and being relentless: Jordan unpacks her hustle, discipline and work ethic... from how she allocates her time to learning to lean on other people. "I decide what I'm going to do - it's bulleted very strategically - and I go do it. I'm not doing anything else until I'm done, I'm really disciplined. I'm still the one conceptualizing all the ideas, so you have to train your mind to get a lot faster."21:49 Focusing on your skillset, bringing in people who fill your gaps and paying attention to the data: how paying attention to the right things has helped Packed Party thrive. "I think that mentality of imperfectness and having (...) a lot of grace has built this team that's really confident speaking up, they see I'm willing to do whatever it takes... so people treat (the business) like it's theirs. They turn the lights off. They help each other."27:30 Wielding influence and not being an influencer, being present and Jordan's non-negotiables... plus what Beth, Nate and Jordan are currently so into: Jordan: Boxing Jordan: Cleere Cherry Reaves and her book Focus: How One Word A Week Will Transform Your Life Jordan: It's Not Supposed To Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered by Lysa Terkeurst Beth: The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman Nate: You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero

Show Notes:0.00 Tiffany Dufu is the Founder and CEO of The Cru, which matches circles of women to collaborate and meet their life goals together. As the cumulative investment of many people, she's built a methodology and a sophisticated platform to help women set personal and professional intentions and goals... and then accomplish their wildest ambitions. "It's as though we're all climbing a mountain and we are tethered together."6:03 Tiffany discusses the structure of The Cru, and how the organization channels the energy of high-performing women to achieve lofty goals through a framework that prioritizes confidentiality, coaching and honing the mindset, skills and behaviors needed for success. "We need more spaces and experiences with diversity, where we transcend tribalism and come together to collaborate and see one another across boundaries."13:20 Do I have influence? Using social platforms to create change in the world, being intentional about leveraging platforms to get your message out and being consistent about the topics and issues people can count on you to advance and advocate. "Persuasion is in my blood."17:00 Exploring the mentors, role models, advocates and sources of inspiration along Tiffany's path. "If you want something you've never had before you're going to have to do something you've never done before in order to get it."21:45 Wielding influence: Tiffany's non-negotiables and thoughts on really understanding and tapping into your superpower. Each one of us has something very unique that we bring to the world, that must unleash and allow the world to experience. Your influence has to be rooted in something that will not fade away if Facebook folds, Twitter folds... when it all goes away, what is your influence rooted in?"What you do is far less important than the difference you make. Influence has nothing to do with followership, it has to do with the impact you make in the world.28:30 Drop the ball: why Tiffany wrote a book about abandoning sense of obligation and pressure to keep all the balls in the air flawlessly her entire life, and how women and men can let go of unreasonable expectations and achieve more by doing less.Show Links & Resources: The Cru Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu MasterClass Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Show Notes:0.00: Astonishingly, the 9-5 grind doesn't leave much wiggle room for fueling wanderlust... so Jessica Serna found herself concocting a plan to make travel work around her day job. Weekend jaunts and quick getaways soon became a way of life and a full-time career for Jessica and her now husband.4:20: "Suddenly all these free things were coming in, but that's when I was starting to learn about my voice." Jessica adjusts to having an impact and steering away from allowing brands to dictate her content.07:35: Jessica shares tips and advice for building a brand or even having influence in your day job, and talks about why it's essential to stay authentic and true to your voice: balancing your true passions with sponsored content and battling the misconception that influence is disingenuous. "The biggest value I can provide is making sure (my posts are) true to why the people who follow me follow me. I also try to be very intentional about not spreading misinformation (by checking) with experts in that field before I endorse certain products."12:35:  Making decisions about which brands to support, and the importance of brands being open to the content concepts Jessica and Ismail propose. "If they'll let me take that product on a hike or provide me that creative flexibility, I can still provide value to my community while providing even more value to the brand. It's only hurting everyone if I post something they are not going to engage with."16:01 Loops, giveaways and other questionable follower growth tactics... plus how Jessica has embraced a multitude of platforms to become more relevant (and ultimately drive growth in an ethical manner). How a dream trip -  complete with a private plane and film crew - and partnership with a state tourism board came to life thanks to integrity in personal brand building (and a few good relationships).27:55: Jessica discusses road blocks to building her business, self development, areas where she had a learning curve and the aftermath of the early days when she thought loop giveaways were perfectly legitimate tools. "I make sure that I'm constantly doing something new but staying focused on my passion for traveling locally... and creating a mindset change about Texas being boring."32:50: Everyone has influence. How do you build a personal brand that you can be proud of and stand behind?35:00: Currently consuming: what we're all reading or devouring.41:00: Jessica's word of the year: how she's constantly reaching out for kindness.Show Links & Resources: My Curly Adventures on Instagram My Culinary Adventures on Instagram My Curly Adventures on TikTok A Taste of Koko Smart Passive Income Podcast with Pat Flynn Gary Vaynerchuk Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (1937) The Power of Ritual by Casper Ter Kuile

Show Notes:0.00: Curiosity around human nature and what makes us tick led Sarajane Case to the Enneagram as a tool to understand our shadows, our light and who we think we have to be in life. "My hope was that it was written in such a kind and compassionate way that it would al written in a kind way that it could alter your experience with your own inner voice, so that you would be hearing my language as you thought about the things you wanted to grow through."7:00: Sarajane defines the Enneagram: a map of the human psyche broken down into 9 distinct personality types. "The way I like to describe it is that it's telling you what you thought you had to be. Every type has this message in their life of what they felt like they had to be  in order to be ok, loved, accepted, survive... and the Enneagram is about breaking that open and realizing that we put this thing on  and we don't have to wear it. We don't have to be that to be ok.14:50: Sharing the Enneagram on Instagram as a side hobby, and how Enneagram and Coffee blew up (in 3 days!) and turned into a brand. How brand builders, content creators and marketers can resist the temptation to chase the trend at all costs and cut through the clutter to the real.23:55: How content creators can best produce and create using the wisdom of the Enneagram. "When we know the things that hold us back - if I've learned this little puzzle piece of what I've always thought I had to be, then I can start to notice how that's keeping me limited."30:00: Sarajane's typical day: silent mornings, having the world to herself, journaling, reading and inspiration trackers.36:15: What Beth, Char and Sarajane are so into and what they're currently consuming.Show Links & Resources: Sarajane Case on Instagram Enneagram and Coffee on Instagram The Brave Collective The Honest Enneagram by Sarajane Case Enneagram & Coffee Podcast Elizabeth Gilbert Glennon Doyle Michael Jordan: The Last Dance Julie Andrews Nespresso and Bianco Leggero The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living (and the concept of amor fati) The Searcher by Tana French The Enneagram in Relationships & Work by Helen Palmer MasterClass

0.00: We're in the business of social media and influencer marketing, so we talk with people every day who have built brands, fans and followers. We're intrigued by the idea of influence: how you wield influence, how you gain influence, and what responsibility comes with it?1:35: Meet the podcast gang: Beth Stephens (chief enthusiast at Soapbox and a source of boundless energy and ideas), the infamous Charban (senior marketing manager, Enneagram 9, keeper of all the ideas) and Nate Patterson (director of operations, Enneagram 7, passionate lunch eater and behind-the-scenes guy... you won't catch him on podcasts).4:55: Gathering around the community table, future guests and why listeners should tune in. Nate shares his first exposure to the world of influencer marketing, and how intrigued he was to hear the stories of real people who built influence organically and became entrepreneurs.7:40: Char's thoughts on how we have influence at work by leading and collaborating with integrity. The gang shares a few thoughts on workplace culture as well as our passion/protectiveness for the work environment, wellness at work and welcoming the whole person into the office.13:10: Exploring influence: having influence, guarding your influence, using integrity with the influence you wield in your own community, in your workplace or the platforms you've built. Plus, who's in the audience? Aspiring and veteran influencers, shopper marketers, parents trying to navigate social media, someone seeking a side hustle as a content creator.17:20: Nano influencers, micro-influencers, the power middle and how influencers are making a living from their living rooms: everyday people with something to say. The stigma associated with influencers, and busting some of the myths around authenticity and effectiveness.19:12: Remember your why. Nate and Char respond to the questions we'll ask future guests: what motivates them, when and where they do their best work, what they thought they would be when they grew up.31:30: What does it mean to have influence and wield it wisely? Tips on how to have more influence, become a thought leader or have an impact on the people around you. Hint: it boils down to keeping it real, not to having a bunch of tricks up your sleeve.