The Influential Personal Brand Podcast

In this milestone 600th episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, Rory sits down with his co-author, business partner, and wife—AJ Vaden—for her first-ever author interview. But this isn't just a book promo. This is the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how Brand Builders Group was born in the ashes of unexpected loss, career heartbreak, and spiritual refinement. AJ vulnerably opens up about being fired from the company she helped build, the moment she realized her identity was misplaced, and the childhood trauma that shaped her purpose. You'll hear about the divine timing of a single phone call from Lewis Howes, the quiet miracle of provision during crisis, and how a stranger's words unlocked a lifelong belief about her worth. This episode is a masterclass in personal transformation—what it means to rebuild, to be refined, and to serve others from your story's deepest wounds. Whether you're an entrepreneur, author, coach, or just someone trying to figure out who you really are… this episode will meet you there.

Why do some people give up while others rise and keep going? In this episode, Rory Vaden shares three battle-tested mindset hacks that the world's top achievers use to overcome the impossible—and keep showing up long after others quit. You'll hear: The #1 mindset shift that ultra-successful people share Why falling in love with the daily grind is the real secret to growth How to turn hard moments into long-term competitive advantage The “Law of the Moat” and how your toughest trials become your greatest protection A behind-the-scenes reflection on Rory's interview with $700M+ entrepreneurs Mike and Kass Lazerow Whether you're building a business, chasing a dream, or just trying to stay afloat, this episode is your reminder: Perseverance is the goal. No matter how hard it gets, the people who win are the ones who stay in the fight. This is how they do it.

What's the difference between influencers who look successful… and entrepreneurs who actually are? In this riveting episode, Rory sits down with Mike and Kass Lazerow, the powerhouse husband-and-wife duo behind multiple high-impact businesses—including Buddy Media, which they sold to Salesforce for $745 million. They've helped scale companies like Scopely ($5B exit) and Liquid Death, advised countless founders, and now they're opening up like never before about what it really takes to build a business that lasts. From burning out on the way to $50M in ARR in just three years, to rebuilding after failed exits and learning how to balance marriage, money, mission, and meaning—this conversation is a raw, honest, and deeply insightful masterclass in entrepreneurship. You'll learn: Why going viral isn't the same as building enterprise value The “swamp” that traps 7-figure personal brands—and how to escape it How to scale without breaking your marriage or your soul Why building systems beats hiring saviors The cheat code they wish they'd used sooner (and how you can now) Why “shoveling the crap” is the real secret to success Plus, hear their take on personal branding, reputation, and why real impact doesn't always trend on TikTok—but it changes lives. If you're serious about entrepreneurship, leadership, or building something that outlasts you, this is a must-listen.

We live in a world obsessed with more—more followers, more likes, more views, more subscribers, more clients, more money. But what if more isn't what you need? What if more is actually costing you peace, clarity, focus… and real results? In this powerful solo episode, AJ Vaden flips the script on one of the most deeply ingrained assumptions in marketing and entrepreneurship: that bigger is always better. Drawing from a recent conversation with long-time friend and marketing leader Lee Pepper, AJ dives deep into the difference between vanity metrics and real growth indicators—and why chasing the wrong metrics could be the very thing holding you back. If you've ever found yourself: Feeling pressure to "go viral" without knowing why Posting endlessly but getting no real traction Confused about what social media metrics actually matter Burnt out trying to “scale” a business you're not equipped to handle Overwhelmed by more noise, more platforms, and more expectations …this episode is your wake-up call. You'll learn: ✅ Why “more” often brings more pressure, not more peace ✅ The hidden cost of chasing likes, followers, and superficial numbers ✅ The core real metrics that actually grow your personal brand and business ✅ How to turn existing engagement into real conversions and paying clients ✅ A simple mindset shift that could transform your marketing strategy overnight ✅ Why focusing on fewer platforms can generate more impact and income ✅ How doing less with intention outperforms doing more without purpose AJ reminds us that true influence isn't measured by impressions—it's measured by impact. And in this episode, she'll help you reclaim your time, focus, and revenue by aligning your metrics with your mission.

In this powerhouse episode, AJ welcomes longtime friend and marketing strategist Lee Pepper to unpack what most brands miss—real strategy. From leading marketing for a private equity-backed company that scaled 60X to writing a leadership playbook rooted in military mental models, Lee brings the kind of clarity most execs never get. The conversation dives deep into: Why most marketing fails (spoiler: it's not the tactics) How military frameworks like “Commander's Intent” translate to corporate innovation The overlooked role of marketing in HR, finance, and company-wide leadership Real vs. vanity metrics (and how to stop being "Twitter rich and dollar poor") Whether you're scaling a startup or revamping a marketing team, this episode delivers the insight and strategy you've been missing.

In this episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, Rory sits down with the unstoppable JJ Virgin, a four-time New York Times bestselling author, podcast host with over 20 million downloads, and one of the most recognized names in the health and nutrition world. JJ pulls back the curtain on her incredible journey of resilience, from reclaiming her personal brand after a turbulent business exit to rebuilding her company and even saving her son's life after a tragic accident. She shares the raw truth about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the pivotal mindset shifts that propelled her forward, and the power of stretching outside your comfort zone. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a personal brand enthusiast, or simply someone looking for inspiration, JJ's story will leave you empowered to face your biggest challenges head-on.

What if the systems that make your business thrive could also save your marriage?

If You Don't Know Your Numbers, You Don't Own a Business Too many entrepreneurs are flying blind when it comes to their finances—and it's costing them big time. In this powerful recap episode, AJ Vaden breaks down the most important lessons from her interview with CPA and bestselling author Greg Crabtree (Simple Numbers) to help you take control of your business with clarity and confidence. You'll learn: The 3 numbers every business owner must track monthly Why you must separate business and personal finances (no matter your revenue) The difference between tax filing and tax planning—and why it matters How to create a simple but powerful system for managing your money Why profit doesn't happen by accident (and how to actually budget for it) Whether you're just starting or scaling into seven figures, this episode gives you a crash course in real-world financial intelligence—without the jargon. This isn't about spreadsheets. It's about survival and success.

Most entrepreneurs think they understand their numbers — until reality hits. In this eye-opening episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, AJ Vaden sits down with Greg Crabtree, CPA, author of Simple Numbers and Simple Numbers 2.0, and one of the most trusted financial voices in the Entrepreneur's Organization (EO). Greg breaks down the two most important—and misunderstood—metrics for business owners: Labor Efficiency Ratio (LER) and Contribution Margin. You'll learn how to: Use data, not gut feelings, to decide when to hire Optimize profitability without scaling expenses Identify toxic productivity killers inside your team Use just a handful of key numbers to guide your business decisions Build a capital-efficient business that's ready to sell—or ready to scale This conversation turns traditional financial “best practices” upside down and gives you a clear, actionable roadmap to measure what actually matters in your business. Whether you're a solo operator or a 7-figure founder, this episode will forever change how you think about your numbers.

How Nick Built a Million Followers by Leading with Heart (Not Hype) In a world obsessed with algorithms, trends, and viral hacks, Nick (aka Nicholas John) proves that authenticity still wins. In this raw and inspiring episode, Rory sits down with the content creator, former model, and self-proclaimed bookworm who went from filming solo in front of a window to building a loyal audience of over a million people—without a single brand deal and without selling out. Nick shares: How he overcame imposter syndrome by starting a new anonymous account The surprising reason he never told his friends what he was doing His simple but powerful video setup that helped him go viral Why enthusiasm is the most underrated content strategy How Jesus radically changed his purpose—and how that purpose fuels everything he creates This is more than a story of social growth—it's a masterclass in serving first, building trust, and showing up with integrity. Whether you're a creator, a dreamer, or someone just trying to figure out your next step, Nick's journey will move you.

In this episode, AJ Vaden recaps the podcast with Vincent Phamvan that flips the script on typical marketing strategy. While the world obsesses over what to post and where to show up online, Vincent makes a bold case for a “Who First” strategy—focusing on the person you're trying to serve before anything else. If you're a personal brand, content creator, or mission-driven entrepreneur, this episode will reframe how you think about your audience, your message, and your impact. Learn why platforms, formats, and funnels are secondary—and how knowing your who brings total clarity to your what and where. Whether you're just getting started or looking to reconnect with your purpose, this episode is your reminder: your message isn't for everyone—it's for someone. Get clear on who that someone is, and everything else becomes obvious.

In this episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, AJ Vaden sits down with entrepreneur and tech innovator Vincent Phamvan, founder and CEO of Viton Apps. Together, they dive deep into the biggest shifts happening right now in marketing, technology, and personal branding — and what you must know to stay ahead. You'll learn: Why technology is evolving faster than ever—and how to keep up How personal brands are being built differently in the digital economy The major impact of AI on marketing, communication, and content creation Why traditional email and social media strategies are no longer enough How personal brand apps are giving entrepreneurs the same tools large companies have used for years Practical steps to embrace AI without losing your authenticity Why now is the time to own your audience—not rent it Vincent also shares insights from building Vyten, how personal brand apps are changing the way we reach our audiences, and why the future belongs to creators who act now.

How to BOOST Your Brain Power, Prevent Dementia & Beat Brain Fog (For Good) | Dr. Helena Popovic What if the key to your long-term success, energy, and clarity isn't more productivity hacks—but better brain health? In this episode of the Influential Personal Brand podcast, AJ Vaden sits down with Dr. Helena Popovic, a leading authority on brain health, dementia prevention, and positive aging. This isn't just a conversation about the science of the brain—it's a practical guide to reclaiming your mental sharpness, reducing brain fog, and taking proactive steps toward long-term wellness. Dr. Popovic shares the deeply personal story that led her to this work and unpacks why brain health should matter to everyone—no matter your age or profession. In this episode, you'll learn: What brain health actually means (and why your doctor isn't talking about it) Early warning signs of cognitive decline and what you can do about them Why movement, muscle strength, and balance are essential for brain function The shocking truth about sugar, sitting, and sleep—and how they impact your brain Simple, daily habits that can radically improve your mental performance and protect your future Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or simply someone who wants to stay sharp and healthy for the long haul, this episode is packed with powerful takeaways you can start applying today. Want to build a personal brand that aligns with your purpose and expertise? At Brand Builders Group, we help mission-driven individuals grow their influence, impact, and income. Visit https://brandbuildersgroup.com/call to schedule your free Brand Strategy Call. Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Dr. Helena Popovic: https://drhelenapopovic.com Explore her books and research on brain health, dementia prevention, and positive aging Subscribe to the Influential Personal Brand podcast and never miss an episode. New conversations weekly with thought leaders, authors, and experts who are building brands that matter. #BrainHealth #DementiaPrevention #PersonalDevelopment #AJVaden #InfluentialPersonalBrand #DrHelenaPopovic #MentalClarity #BrainFog #BrandBuildersGroup #HighPerformanceHabits

What if the life you're living right now is being shaped by the words you speak every day—especially the ones you say to yourself? In this video, I break down what I call the Creation Principle of Integrity from my book Take the Stairs:

What if you could transform your toughest experiences into a powerful way to connect with potential clients and build a thriving business? Today, we welcome one of our first Brand Builders Group clients; speaker, coach, sales expert, and Founder and CEO of Untap Your Sales Potential, Ian Koniak. Four years into his business, Ian hit an impressive $3 million in revenue! In this episode, he shares his incredible journey, from his career and personal struggles to how he met AJ and Rory. He opens up about the near-death experience that sparked his business and the challenges he's faced along the way. We explore his battle with addiction, the power of authentic storytelling in business, and the importance of confronting your deepest struggles. Tune in today to discover how embracing vulnerability and authenticity can help you grow your business and connect with your audience on a deeper level! Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of drug and sex addiction, which may be sensitive for some listeners and children. Please listen with care.   Key Points From This Episode: The story behind Untap Your Sales Potential and its rapid growth. Insight into Ian's journey to creating his business and newsletter. TW: Ian's struggle with addiction and how he overcame it from [15:47] to [21:07]. How sharing the hard parts of your story can help your business in the long term. Where you can learn more about Ian and his work online.

Choose Your Hard — A Life-Changing Mindset Shift with Rory Vaden  In this episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, AJ Vaden delivers a powerful message that will transform how you approach life's challenges. Whether it's in your health, relationships, finances, or personal growth, everything in life is hard — but you get to choose your hard. AJ dives deep into: Why hard choices lead to greater satisfaction and growth Real-life examples that highlight the power of intentional decision-making How discomfort in the short term often leads to peace, progress, and purpose in the long term The connection between hard conversations and strong relationships The true cost of convenience in our health and habits This isn't just motivational — it's transformational. Key Takeaways: Hard isn't bad — it's often the beginning of breakthrough. Avoiding difficulty today often leads to deeper pain tomorrow. You can't escape life's hard choices, but you can decide which ones are worth it. Growth, healing, and success are almost always found on the harder path.   Ready to turn your mess into your message and build a brand that actually makes a difference? Start by booking your Free Brand Call with Brand Builders Group today!

Struggling with clarity in your business? Feeling stuck in transition or unsure how to pivot your brand or purpose? In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Influential Personal Brand podcast, AJ Vaden sits down with Jamal Miller—founder of Miller Media Group and a purpose-driven entrepreneur who went from food stamps to leading a $3M launch in just 30 days. Together, they unpack the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of what it really looks like to chase purpose over profit, build a thriving brand with your spouse, and navigate the highs and lows of success—all while staying aligned with your calling. Jamal shares his personal transformation from youth pastor to 7-figure business owner, the spiritual breakthroughs that changed his life, and the mindset shifts that helped him scale without losing his soul. If you're in a season of transition, feeling overwhelmed, or searching for a breakthrough, this episode is for you. You'll also learn the secret behind his "Circle of Purpose" framework and the business philosophy that led him to build brands that make both impact and income. Don't miss: How Jamal and his wife built a personal brand from a viral love story The danger of chasing money over meaning Why every entrepreneur needs to constantly redefine success The power of sowing into purpose—even when you have nothing Jamal's top advice for getting unstuck and growing faster This episode is packed with purpose, strategy, and truth—and will leave you inspired to take bold, aligned action. Ready to turn your mess into your message and build a brand that actually makes a difference? Start by booking your Free Brand Call with Brand Builders Group today!

The great irony of personal branding is this: it's not actually about you. We are back with another special recap episode of the podcast, and today we are diving into why the strongest personal brands are built on service, not self. True personal branding begins when you focus on who you can help, what you can teach, and how you can add value to others. Tune in to learn what makes a great personal brand, why a focus on service leads to real wins, the key question you need to answer, and how having a clear mission to serve can destroy fear. Thanks for listening!

How do you build a thriving business around a niche audience? In this episode, we sit down with Remington Ramsey to unpack how he built a business around curating top real estate professionals. Remington is an influential author, speaker, and entrepreneur renowned for his significant contributions to the real estate industry. He is the creator of Real Producers, a popular media platform that includes a magazine connecting top real estate agents and industry leaders across markets nationwide. In our conversation, Remington shares the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey and how he created a business model that benefits agents, vendors, and local real estate communities. We discuss the steps for building a community around a brand and maintaining momentum as your brand and community grow. Explore why print is making a comeback, the "build a Cathedral" marketing concept, how merit and exclusivity drive engagement, and why staying top of mind is more valuable than being the best at your job. Gain insights into how Real Producers monetized and scaled without charging agents for exposure, why likeability is vital for sales, alternative sources of revenue Real Producers leverages, and the role of awards, events, and community-building in strengthening the brand. Join us and uncover the secret to turning niche audiences into revenue-generating communities with Remington Ramsey. Tune in now!

Failure is a prerequisite for success! Do you want to know what the number one thing is that's holding you back from what you want most? In this special recap of our conversation with Jason Stacy, we discuss the one thing that holds us all back from success, fear! Most of us live in a fictional fear-filled world inside our own brains. It's not rooted in reality and yet it is the thing preventing us all from achieving our dreams. In this conversation, you'll hear all about the power and importance of walking through fear, how you can overcome it, and redefining failure. To close off, AJ asks us to consider what they are most afraid of doing right now and implores us to commit to doing that thing. You can only become fearless when you walk through fear-filled situations so what do you have to do to become fearless today?

We can all build resilience by learning about how to manage our emotions, energy, and environment, which is imperative to sustain true, long-term success. This episode is all about how to succeed in life – it's one of those universal conversations that will help you no matter who you are, where you are in life, and what you do! Joining us today is Jason Stacy, owner of The Coaching Sweet Spot, to discuss how to manage your emotions, energy, and environment to achieve success. Tune in to hear all about Jason's journey from homelessness to high performance! We delve into why you need to give 100% to everything you do, asking yourself if you're doing something because you have to or because you want to, how to face what's holding you back, and so much more! We go on to discuss why managing your emotions, energy, and environment is imperative to success before Jason shares the best ways to manage those things. Learn about self-awareness, how to manage overwhelming moments, why what you are doing in that moment should be the most important thing you need to do, and more! Jason even explains why the most important part of your environment is the people in it and the power of reciprocity. Finally, Jason tells us what you can do to sustain success. Thanks for listening in!

It's not just talent, knowledge, or luck that separates the truly successful from the rest. It's a set of habits and mindsets that are often overlooked. In this special recap episode of The Influential Personal Brand Podcast, Rory breaks down three essential traits that drive lasting success. Drawing from the journeys of top entrepreneurs and personal brands, as well as our own experiences here at Brand Builders Group, you'll discover the mindset shifts you need to make to reach the next level. Find out why crushing it where you are now is the foundation for future success, how trust-building is the key to sales and influence, and why perseverance through setbacks is the number one predictor of long-term success. If you want to grow your personal brand, boost your revenue, or build a thriving business, this episode will reveal the mindset and strategy to make it happen. Tune in to start applying these success principles today!

Do you feel frustrated and overwhelmed by digital clutter, lost files, or chaotic inboxes? In this episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we sit down with Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer, to explore expert strategies for decluttering your digital life. Join us as Shawn offers practical tips for managing emails, passwords, files, and tasks efficiently, all while reducing stress and boosting creativity and productivity. From taming your inbox to mastering project management tools, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you reclaim your time and focus on what matters most. To learn how digital organization can transform your workflow and free up your energy for what truly counts, tune in today!

Why do people buy, and why should they buy from you? If you're selling high-ticket offers, you need to understand what makes an offer truly compelling. In this special recap episode, we revisit our conversation with Zach Hesterberg, founder of Paid Events, to break down the key ingredients of a great offer. We explore how every purchase decision ties back to four core desires — better health, better relationships, more time, or more money — and why the best offers speak directly to these motivations. You'll also learn why people don't buy processes or features; they buy results. Tune in to discover how to position your offer for maximum impact and make it irresistible to your audience!

What if you could convert high-ticket clients without relying on exhausting one-on-one sales calls? Zach Hesterberg, founder of Paid Events, has helped business owners do just that. By leveraging paid virtual events, he's helped generate six and seven-figure paydays while eliminating the unpredictability of traditional sales funnels. In this episode, he shares why events are one of the most efficient ways to build trust and increase conversions without burnout. He breaks down pricing strategies, event structures, and the biggest mistakes people make when hosting live events. You'll also learn why shorter, multi-day sessions outperform all-day events, strategies for driving traffic using organic and paid methods, and how to create an irresistible offer for your audience. If you want to scale your business without relying on endless sales calls, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in now!

Scaling your business starts with hiring the right people at the right time. In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face—when and who to hire first. We break down the essential hires that will help you free up time, scale your business, and build a thriving personal brand. Hear why you should hire for your personal life initially and a first-hire suggestion that may surprise you. Learn about the value of outsourcing household chores, the role of an assistant, when you should consider hiring marketing support, and what makes marketing a "tactical" skill set. Find out about the pros and cons of contractors, hear advice for hiring an accountant, discover the importance of delegating client work, uncover the secret to scaling your business successfully, and delve into the fundamental departments every business needs. Join us to unpack the skills you need to build a high-performing team and take the next step in growing your business. Tune in now!

Our previous episode featuring Jen Kem blew our minds, as she shared significant and monumental advice on monetizing live events! So of course, we just had to have her back, and today, we are thrilled for her return as she dives into the inner workings of her new book, Unicorn Team: The Nine Leadership Types You Need to Launch Your Big Ideas with Speed and Success. Jen is a Forbes-recognized top brand strategist specializing in launching innovative ideas with high-performing teams, and we begin today's conversation with a high-level overview of her latest written work. Jen then explains the basic requirements for modern leaders, what a unicorn team is and how to build one, the nine motivational or leadership energies necessary for success, and the undeniable significance of energy. To end, our guest shares valuable advice on protecting your energy as we learn how to connect with the remarkable Jen Kem.

Are you working just to retire? Are we saving all of our money just so that we can no longer be useful one day? In this special recap episode of our discussion with Caleb Guilliams, we are discussing what it means to redefine work in the long term. Tuning in, you'll hear what the definition of retirement is, why you can decide to be excellent at any job you do, where the concept of retirement came from, and more! We even discuss the importance of finding a way to be in service to others for the rest of your life, even after you retire from your ‘job'. So to hear all this and be inspired to be of service until you are no longer physically able to be, press play now!

In this episode, we sit down with Caleb Guilliams, founder of BetterWealth and author of The AND Asset. Caleb launched BetterWealth at just 21 years old, bringing a fresh and innovative approach to financial independence, wealth building, and intentional living. He now runs a thriving national firm that helps individuals and entrepreneurs optimize their money through tax strategies, investments, and financial coaching. In our conversation, Caleb redefines what it means to be wealthy and challenges traditional financial advice. We explore actionable frameworks for removing financial friction, maximizing your greatest asset—you—and aligning money with your goals. We also discuss the two fundamental uses of money, wealth-increasing strategies, why tracking your money is a superpower, common misconceptions around debt, and more. Caleb's insights will change how you think about saving, spending, and investing, empowering you to live with purpose and intention. Join us to uncover the secret to using money as a tool to create the life you truly want. Tune in now!

After our recent conversation with the author of the wonderful nine-book series The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, Mike Thomas, and in line with our own Bestseller Lunch Plan at Brand Builders Group, we have laid out a four-step process that serves as a great longtail sales strategy. We begin with the importance of adequate market testing before exploring word of mouth, having a complete product, relying on a tunnel-vision marketing strategy, and the power of giving your product away to those in your target market. To end, we discuss the universal human condition of being willing to do more when our actions are incentivized.

Today, we discover how to become a bestselling author by going all-in on one marketing strategy. We are joined by Mike Thomas, legendary author of The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls nine-book series – a time-traveling epic that helps kids explore the Bible and their faith. After explaining where the idea for his widely popular series came from, Mike describes how his novels began as a simple Word document printout and evolved into the complete work of art you see today and why he chose to go all-in on influencer marketing after his first book launch. We unpack strategies for getting your book into the hands of many readers as quickly as possible, the various book marketing options and their budget considerations, the power of word of mouth, and the importance of choosing your words very carefully when approaching potential marketing partners. To end, we get an overview of the expected timeline from publishing to marketing to your book becoming a bestseller, and Mike details the pros and cons of other marketing avenues like Facebook and Amazon Ads.

If you're looking for excellent books to add to your list for 2025, then you have come to the right place! In today's special recap episode, AJ shares her favorite reads from the past year, her top quotes from each book, and why you should put these titles on your reading list for 2025. Learn timeless lessons about growth and success in What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith and Take the Stairs by Rory Vaden. Uncover deep personal teachings on marriage and faith in Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. And dive deep on leadership and relationships in The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. Tune in now to find out why each of these books should be on your reading list for 2025!

In 2024, AJ committed to reading two books every month of the year, a tradition she's been building on for three consecutive years! Today, she shares her most influential books for 2024, how they have shaped her outlook, and why you might want to check them out yourself. Discover why Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara is required reading for the entire Brand Builders Group team; how Gary Thomas's Sacred Marriage has deepened AJ's understanding of what it means to be married; what The Go-Giver by Bob Burg teaches readers about learning through relationships; why AJ decided to revisit Take the Stairs, written by her husband, Rory Vaden; and why What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith is essential reading for anyone ready to level up. Regardless of whether you decide to read these books in the coming year, ask yourself, ‘Am I implementing what I've learned, and how can I use it to create real change in my life?' Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation with AJ Vaden on her top books and lessons from 2024!

Most people don't realize that there are three key components to delivering a world-class presentation. If you're in that group, don't miss today's recap episode of The Influential Personal Brand podcast, where Rory breaks down these three essentials for speaking success! By following Rory's advice and maximizing your content, charisma, and the circumstances of your setup, you'll create a powerful connection with your audience and leave them with a memorable experience. To dive into these three keys, start listening now. Enjoy!

There's nothing more powerful than an in-person event in terms of building trust with people. Lesley Logan is one of the world's leading experts, if not the world's leading expert, on Pilates and how Pilates changes your life. She's the Chief Pilates Officer at OnlinePilatesClasses.com, has taught thousands of students, and trained hundreds of Pilates teachers. She's led dozens of workshops at global conferences, been featured in magazines, and been on Fox, CBS, and KTLA. Lesley has certifications in trauma-informed breathwork, mindset, habits coaching, and several other things related to physical health and mental health. She's on the show today, however, to share a piece of her business model that involves doing live event tours and it just so happens to be something we haven't talked a lot about on the podcast. Join the conversation as Lesley shares insights into the big strategy behind live event tours, how to find a location, their business goal with live event tours, and so much more! Our goal is to inspire listeners with ideas on how to put themselves out there, without waiting for an invitation to step onto someone else's stage. Enjoy!

Life is filled with the opportunity to make powerful choices – all of which will inevitably have hard parts to them. Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are recapping AJ's interview with Chris Janssen and discussing how you can start to choose your hard in 2025. Press play now to get a sneak peek into our conversation with the author of Grace Yourself and hear two questions you should be asking yourself about your decisions for 2025. The secret to choosing your hard is weighing up the rewards of choosing it and the consequences of not choosing it. To hear all this and more, be sure to tune in now!

When making a difficult decision, it's easy to focus on how hard it's going to be, but what if we focused on what we will gain by making that change? During this conversation, author and coach Chris Janssen joins us to discuss her new book, what it takes to become a bestseller, and sobriety. Tuning in, you'll hear all about Chris' journey as an author, how her latest book experience differed from her first, what you need to know if you want to write a bestselling book, all things PR, and so much more! We delve into the different ways to publish a book before discussing the importance of finding a publishing team that you truly trust. Chris goes on to share what her new book, Grace Herself, is about and discusses her complicated sobriety journey. Finally, hear all about how to become sober curious, the concept of ‘choosing your hard', and the importance of approaching addiction one day at a time. If you are an author or aspiring author, then this episode is tailor-made for you, so be sure to listen now!

If you want to become a bestselling author, you need to make sure you don't fall for common misconceptions about how to achieve this goal. Today on the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, we are discussing what it means to be a bestselling author. In this conversation, we break down some of the most common misconceptions about how to become a bestselling author, discuss what does actually work, and so much more! Hear all about the importance of having a team to support the sale of your book and what it actually means to be a bestselling author. You'll even be reminded about what really matters as an author; making a difference in the world. Thanks for tuning in!

It took Rory years to figure out how to get signed by a literary agent. Years were spent learning who they were, what they did, how they operated, and finally, how to connect with one and build a relationship. Today, we're going to fast-track that process for you. In this episode, we sit down with one of the most successful literary agents of our time, Lucinda Halpern. With a career spanning bestselling authors and major book deals, Lucinda has now crossed over to the other side as an author with her new book Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author. Join us as we explore three key strategies for catching the attention of an A-list literary agent, gain insight into how to spot timely ideas, and Lucinda breaks down the four types of writers who land book deals. She also shares how literary agents assess platforms and set realistic expectations around advances. Don't miss this insightful conversation, tune in now!

Join AJ in this special recap episode of The Influential Personal Brand podcast! In this episode, AJ delves into the importance of remembering that you always have a choice, in what you do and the environment you find yourself in, and why everything you do has a gift in it somewhere. AJ also sheds light on some important things to remember about developing courses, the fundamentals to grow your podcast, and tips and tricks for stepping into the world of physical products. Don't miss another insightful episode, start listening now!

At Brand Builders Group, we firmly believe that the best form of marketing is through a changed life. Today, AJ stands testament to this truth as her life's transformation through the Fast40 weight loss training program for women prompted the presence of today's guest, the program's creator, Dr. Cody Golman—who holds the unique position of empowering women aged 35 to 55 who struggle with stubborn weight loss. He begins our conversation by walking us through his professional history and how he ended up where he is today before explaining why he's confident enough to give his hormone-reset weight loss program a 100% guarantee. We unpack the design and working mechanics of Fast40, how to start making healthier food choices, the hidden threats that lurk in our foods, and the importance of discipline and consistency in living healthier lives. We also lift back the veil that the medical community has put over our eyes to expose how big medicine deliberately misleads us, how Dr. Cody honed in on his niche audience, the relationship between health and spirituality, and the undeniable importance of accountability. We end with the reasons for Dr. Cody's short-session treatment protocol and an invitation to visit Dr. Cody's website and sign up for free for The 3 Secrets To Permanent Weight Loss live Masterclass!    

How you open your cold call makes a big difference. That's why this episode is dedicated to making the most of those first moments on the line: mistakes to avoid and a three-step process you can follow every time. We kick off the conversation with a key mindset shift that will transform your approach to selling. Next, we discuss two common pitfalls that limit results and how you can avoid them. Finally, we dive into the steps you can follow to capture the attention of anyone you call and give them a reason to listen to your point. Rory shares the ‘who' not ‘what' strategy he uses and why it's so effective on so many different scales and we dive into what to change to frame each conversation this way. Tune in for a host of practical tips to transform the way you do cold calls. Thanks for listening!

Ever wonder why some people effortlessly convert free calls into paying clients while others struggle to seal the deal? In this episode, we're joined by Ryan Lang, Fractional VP of Sales at Brand Builders Group, to uncover the secrets of mastering the art of the free call. Ryan is a high-performance coach, co-founder of Empire Partners, and a sales expert with a proven track record of helping thousands of business owners and entrepreneurs boost their revenue through effective sales and marketing strategies. In this episode, he reveals the techniques he used to increase our conversion rate by up to 15%. You'll discover how to attract potential clients to book a free call, structure your conversation for maximum impact, build trust, confidently demonstrate how you can bridge the gap between their challenges and their goals, and so much more. If you're ready to elevate your sales game and learn how to close more free calls with ease, be sure to tune in today!

Something our guest Toni Collier shared in a recent interview has really stuck with AJ. Toni said that if you want to build a speaking career, you need to be so passionate about it, so called to it, that you'd be willing to speak for free! In this episode, AJ unpacks three key reasons why you should speak for free until you've developed your skills and strengthened your speaking muscles to truly serve your audience. The art of speaking takes time, dedication, and practice. Thanks for tuning in!

If you would do your work for free but are paid to do it because you're so brilliant at it, then you're on the right track! Today, we are joined by the incredible speaker and author Toni Collier to discuss how to figure out what makes you unique. Tuning in, you'll hear all about how Toni built her personal brand and became excellent at what she does by speaking for free at first, the power of relational capital, her thoughts on passive income, why you need to diversify your work, how you can find your target audience, and so much more! We then delve into the value of sharing difficult experiences before discussing Toni's faith and how she has found salvation after falling off track. Finally, our guest tells us why she decided to write a book about her story. This is an incredibly inspirational conversation that you do not want to miss. Press play now!

Looking for ways to grow your followers in just weeks? Then don't miss out on this special recap episode! Join Rory Vaden in this recap episode from their recent interview with Sarah Maslowski. He dives into five simple ideas, including tips on your “hook,” the importance of screen quality, and adding stimuli, stories, and stages! These are easy strategies you can apply to grow your followership in just a few weeks. Thanks for tuning in, enjoy!

Anyone can use social media as a way to drive traffic to their business, it's just about learning how to! Today on the International Personal Brand Podcast, we are joined by the incredible realtor and YouTube sensation, Sarah Maslowski to dive deep into this topic. Tuning in, you'll hear all about our guest's career, what drew her to YouTube, how she curates her content, her recording and post-production process, and so much more! We delve into the importance of consistency when it comes to starting a YouTube channel before Sarah reminds us that views and followers mean nothing until they convert into sales. She even shares some title and thumbnail tips for new YouTubers. Finally, our guest talks us through how to create calls to action in YouTube videos. To hear all this and find out how you can make evergreen content on YouTube, press play now!

Do you have a dream that feels just slightly out of reach; just a little too impossible? Well, today is for you because it's all about setting big goals and finding the right pathways to achieving them. We begin with the definition of “big goals” before exploring why it's vital for human growth and development to always shoot for the stars. Then, we unpack Caroline Adams Miller's summation of Dr. Edwin A. Locke's Goal Setting Theory as found in her latest book, Big Goals, why you need to be surrounded by people who support you while also holding yourself accountable, how to build the necessary grit and resilience to help you persevere, and the undeniable power of consistency. We end by examining the motivations behind your goals and the importance of understanding your “why”, and it's always helpful to remember the people in your life who may be affected by your actions and decisions.