Unforgettable: Messaging | Leadership | Personal Brand | Visibility

We have a tendency to underestimate quiet leaders. Or we assume anyone successful ISN'T a quiet leader. This hit home for me when my friend Ashley Looker said she wanted to come to my Gathering of Quiet Leaders. As an Empowerment Coach, Mindfulness Teacher and Journaling Expert for ambitious over-achieving humans, Ashley's got 11,000+ followers for each of her biz and podcast accounts on IG. Her voice is definitely getting heard, and she's no beginner.  Listen to our co-hosted convo to reorient and peel away layers of internalized bias. AND if you've got a more mature business and want to be in the company of other established quiet leaders! In this episode, Ashley and I talk about…  How our relationships with our voices have evolved over the past several years Who we're taught to be as business owners & disrupting the expectation to be loud and showy How we are each doing things differently than we were taught  Why she hadn't thought of herself as a quiet leader until now and what shifted Mentioned in the Episode: Ashley's Website: http://uniqueholistichappiness.com  Ashley's Instagram  Rest is Resistance Book Adrienne Maree Brown Rachel Cargle Connect with Adria:  Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Adria's Instagram @iamadriasophia

When we choose to take our work deeper and bring others into it, some inquiries arise: How do we create offerings that forward our message and mission, that are thought leadership, personified? How do we share in ways that help people feel our offering and that light our fire and keep it burning? And when what we're creating is so potent and felt, how do we convey it CLEARLY? Recording this episode with my friend Ahava Shira — author, memoirist, caregiver for her husband with Parkinson's and creative midwife for other writers and caregivers — became a transmission of energy, of feeling. We'll help you feel what it is to breathe life into your work, to commune with the soul of your offerings and to channel that into sharing.  In this episode, Ahava and I talk about…  Co-creating with the souls of Rooted and TendHer  What it means to create on a felt level versus an intellectual level How we share without losing that felt sense and bring people inside that feeling How we talk about our work clearly without losing the beauty of the language Connect with Ahava: Ahava's website & TendHer lovinginquiry.com Substack “What the Day Holds”  Ahava's IG @ahava.shira  Connect with Adria:  Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Connect with Adria on Instagram.  

We are made up of those who came before us, and the story of our lineage (which doesn't have to be blood relatives) may hold clues for how we want to show up. Ancestral work can be a way to understand our own voices and can be healing for us and our leadership, helping us show up as fuller, more rooted versions of ourselves.  For quiet leaders, ancestral work can create a pathway back to our own power, to feel safe to be ourselves in ways we haven't before, to take up more space and to speak quietly but clearly.  In episode 206 of Quiet Messenger, I'll help you investigate the themes in your own lineage, what you hold carried down from your ancestors, what patterns you're here to shift. In this episode, I talk about… How ancestral connection helps quiet leaders find the courage to speak up Stickier aspects like cultural appropriation and the erasure that came with "white"ness  What it means for those of European ancestry to connect back to their indigeneity  Ancestral connection as a spiritual practice & my rituals to connect with ancestors  How to draw on the strength of your ancestors and questions to take you deeper, wherever you're at in your journey Mentioned in the Episode https://landback.org/ Nisha Moodley  Becca Piastrelli, Belonging Podcast Susanna Barkataki - Cultural Appropriation in Yoga Dr Rosales Meza's Decolonize Your Mind course Racial Justice educator Lettie Gore - @sincerely.lettie  Mallorie Vaudoise - Honoring Your Ancestors Connect with Adria Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Connect with me on Instagram.

The final step in rekindling your work is to SHARE it. To be leaders and create ripple effects, we can't stay in our creative caves. Our work needs to live out in the world in order to do its magic.  But this step doesn't just “happen” when you're someone who may rarely feel ANY nudges to share publicly.  Episode 205 of Quiet Messenger is dedicated to helping you step out of your creative cave...without disconnecting from your creativity (or yourself).  In this episode, I talk about… Two questions to ask yourself in order to share your leadership if you're an introvert Why I had to restart the entire rekindling process in order to spark the nudge to share  The voice inside that said “this needs to be heard”  How I applied my power of hyperfocus to creating & releasing podcast episodes Ways to leave the creative cave when that's your natural space  Links from the episode My free Rekindle Map Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Connect with me on Instagram.

After a season of following the sparks of inspiration, my creative fire was rekindled. I was finally ready to create again. Exploring what this work artistically and creatively wanted to become turned into a many-month process. We often get advice but wonder how to apply it, especially as quiet leaders that don't see that many leaders out there like us. Episode 204 of Quiet Messenger is packed with the how. I share exactly what I did – thought processes, exercises, and all! In this episode, I talk about… Why I had to burn things down before I got the spark of what to create How I answered the question — What's my quiet way of being counter-culture, non-conforming? Why writing the story of my ancestors brought understanding of my own leadership The vulnerability of coming out of the broom closet & weaving my spiritual practice into my work Links from the episode My free Rekindle Map Azalea Moen & Wilder Ones Studio Kelly Diels article Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Connect with me on Instagram.

If we don't want to do business + leadership the way it's always been done, we can't keep using the same tools. Traditional planning aims for what you already know. But what if we want to end up somewhere different…and we don't yet know what that looks like? Here's what happened on my biz sabbatical when I let following the sparks of inspiration be my method of “planning.”  In this episode, I share… How I infused excitement and fire back into my work, without “trying” to  Why following your yeses is a counter-culture act of rebellion How to lean into the void when we can't yet know what comes next  Grab the free Rekindle Map, a 4-step guide to unhooking from biz culture, reclaiming your creativity & rekindling your work.  Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Connect with me on Instagram.

Think of a plant that's been in a pot that's too small for too long. It's grown as much as it can in that container. When you give that plant a bigger pot, its roots grow deeper and spread out to take up more space. Until finally you start to see fresh growth above the soil.  I was like that rootbound plant that had outgrown its pot. And going on sabbatical gave me all that fresh soil. But before I could rekindle my work and feel creative flow again, I needed to expand my root system.  In this episode, I share… The four pillars that led to stability for me (and maybe you) Two barriers of conditioning I had to break through Why tending your mental health creates stability How I reclaimed social media as a place of pleasure Get your free Rekindle Map here.  Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Connect with me on Instagram.

Do you ever feel resistance to sharing and super OVER the way things are done? Uninspired and out of alignment with your work? Funky that your business hasn't caught up to your values? In the past decade, I've learned this is usually a cue that I've outgrown my current business.  In this episode, I share… A framework for rekindling fire in our work  How a brief hiatus from my business turned into a year-long sabbatical My vulnerable story of what led to breakdown & need for sabbatical How removing pressure on my creativity let me unhook from biz culture Why I couldn't jump straight to creating — what had to come first How to go from a funk to creatively flowing (not just for the afternoon, but for the year) Get your free Rekindle Map here. Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Connect with me on Instagram.

Many of us view being consistent and reliable as a badge of honor. It's natural and inevitable in the productivity culture we live in.  But what if we redefined consistency? What if we recognized that consistency isn't a rigid thing? That it's about continuing to show up and giving yourself what you need to do that.  AND what showing up looks like might be fluid. Especially if you're highly sensitive or neurodivergent and struggle to keep up. That's what I've learned from doing 200 episodes of my podcast...and taking almost 8 years to do it.   In episode 200, we turn the tables and Kat asks me The #1 thing I've learned doing 200 episodes of my podcast What's changed in the messaging landscape since I started in 2015 The key to continuing to show up & create for 8 years   The top 3 episodes downloaded, all-time (I was surprised by this) Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Connect with Adria.Connect with Kat.

This is for you if you're neurodivergent, suspect you are, love someone who is, or are simply ADHD-curious. For years, I suspected I was neurodivergent, that my brain worked differently than others. BUT I thought of ADHDers as bold, rash, outspoken and disorganized risk takers with overflowing energy. I, on the other hand, was a careful, shy, sensitive overthinker who ran out of steam by the afternoon.  It didn't seem possible to match up the view I had of ADHD with how I saw myself as an HSP (highly sensitive person). Until I read about masking.  Kat and I talk about: Busting the ADHD stereotype with quiet, sensitive women Our own ADHD & HSP stories  The impact of being undiagnosed for decades Unconsciously masking, being highly sensitive & our voices  Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Connect with Adria.Connect with Kat. Links from the episode:  The Inflow app  “A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD” by Sari Solden  “The Highly Sensitive Person” by Elaine Aron Jacqueline Sinfield  Kat's ADHD Resources Page

Your way is likely not loud. It may not be shouting on a loudspeaker at a protest or posting a polarizing opinion on social media. But that doesn't mean it isn't activism.  In case the word “activism” has you thinking this isn't for you, let me remind you that as a Quiet Messenger, you're an activist. You are speaking on behalf of a message that needs to get heard.  The reason you may discount yourself is that most of what we think of as activism is actually pretty extroverted.  Join season co-host Kat Frogosa and I in this conversation on Introverted Activism. Because you CAN quietly show up for your values…and the truth is that introverts can be just as effective and are JUST AS NEEDED as loud, outspoken folks.  *** Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Connect with Adria. Connect with Kat. Links from the episode: Speaking to What Matters Series Sarah Corbett's TEDx “Activism needs introverts” Azalea Moen & Wilder Ones Studio

I'm back! And I'm not alone. (goes hand-in-hand with this episode) An idea that stuck in my head for months was bringing on a co-host for a season. I knew if I had a friend I was co-creating with, it would be easier to show up. I didn't realize at the time that I was employing the technique of body doubling.  Enter Kat Frogosa, past client, friend, ADHD Money Coach and fabulous co-host for this season of Quiet Messenger. Because who says we need to follow the standard business formula that says we each have to build our own things? Kat and I talk about… Feeding the desire for community, in an introverted way The power of body doubling to accomplish tasks you've been procrastinating on for MONTHS Permission to try differently, not harder (the anthem for Quiet Messengers & neurodivergent folks that don't think the way the dominant paradigm does) What it means to not hold your business or work alone Uncover your Messenger Archetype & more at AdriaSophia.com. Links from the episode: Kat's Website and Instagram Adria's Instagram Ashley Looker's Empowered Sisterhood Sonia Choquette https://soniachoquette.net/

Do you ever feel like there's a certain way you need to sound to be heard online? An empath with a rebellious streak, Quiet Messenger Kat Frogosa is a natural-born nurturer with major resistance when being told to do things a certain way.  If it doesn't feel good deep down in her bones, she's not doing it. She had seen so many women — especially burned out, overwhelmed empaths — cringe when they heard the word “finances,” and knew that there must be a better way. So she turned her background in finance into work as a Transformational Money Coach. But even though Kat was getting engagement on social media, her messaging didn't feel like it truly reflected her. She had come away from past copywriting trainings with catchy copy but confused and unsure what her voice was, feeling scared to be herself — and like she needed to put on a persona and brush up on pop culture to sound “cooler.” Even when she knew what she wanted to say, she would stare at a google doc for 45 minutes, paralyzed to get it right before putting it out there.  She was holding herself back, not actively seeking clients.  Through joining a cohort of other Quiet Messengers, she began to see her sensitivity and empathic nature as a superpower rather than a weakness. She realized she could impact the lives of other women by teaching them the tools she'd learned to help herself.  She realized that she could be a quiet person AND a disruptor…if she gave herself permission to just be herself.  (And let out the bubbly, lots-to-say, magnetic voice of her inner Expressive Messenger Archetype!)  Her confidence in herself as a quiet leader grew, and she found herself no longer holding back. She started showing up more on Instagram, being more consistent with her newsletter, and trying new strategies — like creating a quiz and a meditation — that she would never have tried if she wasn't feeling so solid in her messaging (and her voice).  This led to discovery calls, being invited to interviews, and new clients…until she was finally ready to go all in with pitching to be on podcasts and revving up her referral system! Listen in to hear Kat's story. I bet you'll relate to a lot! Kat and I talk about: The exact messaging shifts that made her people really “get” it Why The Disruptor and The Empath are not opposites, and how they can coexist in you The difference between putting on a persona and bringing forward the quiet or rebellious part of yourself that has been suppressed How being rebellious and being in alignment are kinda the same thing Deeper support from me: What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. It's final enrollment for the winter cohort of the Messenger Mastermind! It's an intimate circle of sensitive, introverted women leaders who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging so they can grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line. Kat's Links Kat's Instagram @frogosaselitesolutions Kat's Website Frogosaselitesolutions.com “Letting Go of Money Regret” Meditation

Sarah Hennessey is a Sustainability & Wellness Coach supporting self-identified female misfits who are looking for a sustainable and alternative twist on living a truly healthy life. As someone who was too shy to speak in school growing up, Sarah spent most of her life definitely not seeing herself as a Messenger. When she started her business as an adult, she felt more comfortable as a virtual assistant behind the scenes of others' businesses.  Then she felt the pull to step out as a leader and share what she had to say.  She had a background working with kids on the spectrum of autism and a degree in Psychology with a concentration in child development and disability. But the pressure of visibility made her feel the need to hide her own neurodiversity and other differences that she thought would stop clients from hiring her. The dichotomy of online marketing is the push to differentiate yourself while simultaneously holding a fear of being seen as different.  Through joining a supportive group of other Quiet Messengers that didn't judge her, she realized that what she had to say — and who she was — was of value to people.  She didn't see any wellness coaches with ADHD, so she made herself her own role model – which led to her first paid coaching client. She created a brilliant niche and discovered her ideal client on a much deeper level and so was finally able to clearly and compellingly connect the threads of her messaging and communicate what she had to say.  Now she's talking about so many things she had never talked about in public before – like this episode where she speaks publicly about her neurodiversity for the first time.  She's learned that taking a stand is not about being super aggressive; it can just be confidently saying something meaningful.  Listen in. Sarah and I talk about: Why sharing her own personal stories – like being the child of teenage parents – creates connection points with potential clients The exciting and terrifying transition from behind-the-scenes Virtual Assistant to using her voice as a Messenger Her assumption that being an expert was about sharing facts, when in reality the posts with the most engagement and connection are the personal posts of her life and stories Where templates are helpful and where to yield to the power of being in relationship  A call for embracing neurodiversity — and why the world is a better place when we have all types of brains, perspectives, and folks who view the world in different ways How she's reclaiming and owning the word “misfit”  Deeper support from me: What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. It's final enrollment for the winter cohort of the Messenger Mastermind! It's an intimate circle of sensitive, introverted women leaders who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging so they can grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line.  Sarah's Links Sarah's Instagram Sarah's Facebook Group: #BestSelf Women's Club

Popping in with a quick note on my Messenger Mastermind – what it's all about, why I do it, how it supports Quiet Messengers – since we're in final enrollment for the January cohort! The Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of sensitive, introverted women leaders who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging so they can grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line.

This episode might seem to contradict the last. I said message clarity isn't everything, and that what we really need is an ongoing messaging practice.  That's still true.  But also, message clarity is the foundation that messaging practice is built on.  That's why I structure my Masterminds for Quiet Messengers with core content to keep generating new layers of message clarity + coaching calls to build your messaging practice on that clarity.  So in this episode, we'll focus on four keys to bring forward message clarity so you can be heard by the people you're here to help…without needing to shout.  And my advice isn't as “do this” or cookie cutter as you'd think.  It's not about following a formula for conversion to “get clients.” It's about being a Messenger.  Which, yes, leads to clients, but through genuine connection and resonance with your people. Listen in. Deeper support from me: Join us in the upcoming free Message Clarity Challenge here. We start November 15th!  What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. The next cohort of the Messenger Mastermind is enrolling! It's an intimate circle of sensitive, introverted women leaders who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging so they can grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line. Warmth, Adria

Ever feel like you keep getting *this* close with your messaging and then…Ugh, actually never mind, I don't know if this is right.  Or do you clarify your messaging and then lose touch with it and forget…How do I talk about this again? Is this really what people want?  Two steps forward, one step back.  Two steps forward, one step back.  That's because messaging clarity isn't a replacement for messaging practice. Often people will reach out to say they just need a single session with me. That they just need that one aha moment that will finally bring them clarity on their message.  We think it'll be this big BOOM moment where we've got clarity and then we're done.  ​​Well, what we actually need is almost always much deeper than we think. (Same as is likely true for your clients and what they need.)  Being a Messenger doesn't mean you clarify your messaging once and you'll FOREVER onward feel confident about it and know how to talk about it.  It means you clarify your messaging and then continue to be in the PRACTICE of working with it.  There are a lot of assumptions and misunderstandings that get made when it comes to your message and messaging. I don't want THIS one to hold you back from being the leader you're here to be. Listen in. Deeper support from me: What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  Earlybird Enrollment is here! The Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging so they can grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line. Warmth, Adria

A couple of years back, when the book Disrupt-Her by Miki Agrawal (powerhouse cofounder of THINX and Tushy, two startups that disrupted the taboo categories of periods and toilets) came out, I read it, thinking:  “This wasn't written for me. I'm not bold or daring or loud. I'm not a disruptor. If anything, my natural tendency is to keep the peace.”  Well, through a series of recent events – including claiming the Quiet Messenger title, I've changed my mind. (More on that in today's episode.) Because a clear message is inherently disruptive.  This has become more and more true for me this round of my Messenger Mastermind as I see these sensitive souls really showing up for their people and stepping into speaking out in ways that stretch them but feel so so important. The reason you and I think we're not disruptors is because, like in the leadership and business worlds, that term has an inherent bias that excludes traits like shy, introverted, quiet, and sensitive.  So we need to expand the definition to include us.  In ep 191 of Quiet Messenger, I break down my 5 Tenets for Quiet Disruption to help guide you to step into the disruptor that you ALREADY are, no need to be more bold or daring or loud.  Listen in. Deeper support from me: What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging so they can grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line. Links from the Episode: Quiet Messenger #186 – Being “On Brand” Doesn't Work for Quiet Leaders #167 – Which Sensitive Soul Messenger Archetype Are You? #180 – Tap into the Message that Moves You #181- Help Your People Say, “Hey, that's me”  #183 – Messaging That Lovingly Calls in Your People #187 – Sensitive Biz Owners are Actually Born Rule Breakers Warmth, Adria

Have you felt any friction, resistance, or misalignment with social media lately? I know I have, for a few years now.  So many of us are questioning: I can't keep up. I wish I could do more. Is there something wrong with me? Look at her successful life – will I ever get there? Does anyone even care what I have to say? I want to close my account – but don't I need it to market my business? Is posting the highlights of my life doing harm? Am I part of the problem? We're in a collective inquiry. I see it in groups I'm in, with friends, from clients. Especially those of us who are more sensitive.  When we see social media as an important biz and leadership tool, unhooking from it can feel extra sticky.  At the same time, it's also true that over the past year (and for many years for those with disabilities) social media has allowed many to foster connection through isolation. It's literally been a lifeline. It's complex. There are no absolutes, no 100% “good” or “bad.”   In Quiet Messenger ep 190, we navigate this complexity together – not from a space of having all the answers but from a space of being able to be IN the questions. I want you to be equipped to make intentional choices that honor your capacity (a nod to last week's episode) and how you show up best.  Listen in. I talk about: How the algorithm works against sensitive, introverted folks (and what that means for you) My evolving relationship with Instagram and Facebook (and what still makes me feel self-conscious) Why using someone else's “tried and true” 10-step formula is STILL an experiment Ways to market more intimately, beyond social media, that have felt best for me for over the last few years An invitation to be creative, make your own rules, and experiment Deeper support from me: What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging so they can grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line. Links from the Episode: Social Media, Disability and the Cult of Witness – Lara Veleda Vesta Warmth, Adria

As a sensitive leader, I can lead a 90-minute coaching call for my Messenger Mastermind and be energetically DONE.  Even though it was a fantastic, connected session that brought tears and aha moments to my clients and enlivened, inspired, and fulfilled me.  I'm intense. Focused. In that hour and a half, I was fully present and gave my 100%. I left nothing on the table.  And after, I need to recharge.  In the past, I felt shame for that, for seemingly having a “lower” capacity than other leaders. If you're thinking, “me too,” it's time for a reframe.  It's not that you don't have the capacity. It's that your capacity goes deep rather than wide.  And you know what happens if you don't honor your deep capacity, if you pretend you also have the capacity to go wide and just push through?  You get stuck circling the burnout / recovery loop. (Trust me, I know.) The good news is that, if your capacity runs deep, you don't also need to force yourself to go wide.  You don't have to deplete yourself by engaging with thousands of followers for hours every day or be “popular” to make money as a coach or to make an impact in people's lives.  You just need to reach the right people. And be able to communicate the core of your work and mission so your messaging calls in those people.  So then, how do you begin to go about honoring your true capacity? That's what Episode 189 is all about.  Listen in. I talk about: How to determine your client load sweet spot & what to charge to get out of the burnout cycle 4 key questions to ask to go from measuring yourself against mainstream biz advice (which keeps you depleted) to honoring your true capacity The necessary daily habit that most of us highly sensitive folks aren't making time for My personal practices over the past decade that have built a business that works for me as a sensitive leader Deeper support from me: What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Quiet Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders and deep feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging to grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line. Links: Naomi Osaka: ‘It's O.K. Not to be O.K.' Warmth, Adria

When you're a coach, the right support is key to growing your business. And when you're a leader, the right support will help you unlock your voice and share your message with the world.  I've spent several years leading programs for quiet leaders and a decade navigating business programs, coaches, and courses as a sensitive, introverted leader in the online biz world. During that time, I've learned that crowded spaces where everyone has to shout over each other are NOT where I (or other quiet folks) thrive.  And that's okay.  It just means we have to recognize what we do need when we're looking for support. There are 4 important needs sensitive, introverted leaders have that often get overlooked – especially when it comes to coaching containers. In episode 188 of Quiet Messenger, I break down what to look out for to find support that fits your needs. Because if you've felt invisible, ignored, or overwhelmed in business programs, I want you to know that you're not the problem.  The problem is that the container wasn't designed for you. Listen in. Deeper support from me: What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Quiet Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders and deep feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging to grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line. Have you ever been in a space that didn't fit you? What did you need to thrive? Let me know on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Have you ever noticed that there's an assumption society makes that introverts and quiet folks MUST be followers? I had an aha moment while watching Nikki Ling's TEDx talk “Quiet Confidence: Follow the Introverted Leader” where words were put to a bias that now seems so obvious.  But, you know what I've noticed?  Sensitive biz owners are actually born rule breakers. This is a consistent theme I see in the folks I work with. (And in myself – yes, even me in all my Virgo Capricorn-ness.) As thoughtful, deep feeling introverts who like to reflect and let things percolate, we have a heightened need to break free of “do this” marketing advice – formulas, templates and 10-step strategies.  Part of the superpower of sensitivity is that we're really tuned into whether something feels right.  Or whether it feels off.  It may be inconvenient in that it's harder for us to just follow plug-and-play business advice. But it's actually a gift in being able to navigate our own way…if we're just given the space and guidance to bring our voice to the surface. That's why a huge part of the work I do in my Messenger Masterminds is helping Messengers tune into what's true for them. And why it's extra important for you and me to stay really aligned and really CLEAR.  It's time to reconnect to the Messenger part of you that doesn't need more rules and trust the part of you that already knows. That's what we dig into in episode 187 of Quiet Messenger. Listen in. Deeper support from me: What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Quiet Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders and deep feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging to grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line. Where has your sensitivity given you intuitive clues that a strategy or do-this marketing tactic wasn't for you? Let me know on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

If you've gotten a lot of solid, smart marketing advice from business programs BUT have been listening to your intuition and it's telling you… That some of the strategies you were given don't actually mesh for you.  That what you were being told to do felt like putting on a persona. That the copy you created from that advice doesn't really feel like you. That the guidance didn't jive with your introvertedness, your sensitivity. Today's episode of Quiet Messenger is for you. And also… When something feels off or performative to you, I see that as wisdom. That's the wisdom of your sensitivity. It's not something to be bypassed or pushed through. It's not a sign you're not enough of a badass boss or that if you just do it this way it'll work.  In this episode, I'm talking about where the line is between clarifying a cohesive brand message — and focusing on being “on brand” in your messaging.  Because I've found being “on brand” really doesn't work for Quiet Messengers, introverted leaders and sensitive souls. In fact, it can be damaging, especially for those of us wanting to shed what society says we should be and embrace who we truly are.  Let this episode be your guide in showing up more yourself than being “on brand” ever could achieve.  Listen in. Deeper support from me: What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Quiet Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders and deep feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging to grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line. If this show is landing for you, I'd love to hear. I invite you to share in a quick review on iTunes. (At the link simply click “Listen on Apple Podcasts.”) Reading those means the world to me! Warmth, Adria

Often as introverts and sensitive folks in a loud, outward-focused world, we have needs that get overlooked or make us feel weak or “too much” in some way.  Whether it's a need to leave early from a social situation when we're tapped out, or to retreat to private space to ride an emotional wave, or to have less work tasks in a day to ease overwhelm and fully focus on each, those needs matter. We are allowed to set up our businesses and our work around the needs we have as sensitive introverts. The problem happens when all we see are leaders who are “on” all the time, who answer messages instantly and engage vigorously online, who manage 20 clients and five offerings, who always have the loudest voice in the room, who go from meeting to meeting without needing to take the rest of the afternoon off to recharge, who are direct and bold and decisive and fast.  When those are the leaders getting most of the airspace, we may think it's not possible to be a successful introverted, sensitive, deep processing or quiet leader without changing who we are or living at our depleted edge all the time.  But that's not the case. It IS possible to do business the way your body & soul need it to be. You just might need to see examples of people like you who are already doing it to understand that it's possible.  To recognize… “Ahhhh, there IS a way.”  “Oh, I get it. This is what that looks like.” That's where modeling comes in.  As in Role Models. Specifically Quiet Messenger Role Models.  So how do we find more models of quiet leadership that represent us?  That's what today's episode is all about.  Listen in. Deeper support from me: What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Quiet Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders and deep feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging to grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line. Resources for Quiet Messengers  PODCASTS Quiet Messenger – Adria Sophia (me!) The League of Extraordinary Introverts – Katherine Mackenzie Smith The Quiet Rebels Podcast with Mai-kee Tsang The Chronicles of an Introverted Black Woman – Jeanette Hendrix Unapologetically Sensitive – Patricia Young TED TALKS Sarah Corbett – Activism Needs Introverts  Susan Cain – Blueprint for a Quiet Revolution  Marwa Azab – Are You Too Sensitive? Should You Change?  Nikki Ling – Quiet Confidence: Follow the Introverted Leader  BLOGS Introvert, My Dear – introvertdear.com/ The Quiet Revolution – quietrev.com/  What's your favorite resource for introverted leaders or sensitive souls? Let me know over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

A month ago, I realized that there's a topic I've been dancing around with you for the last two years.  That my work is for sensitive introverts. Quiet Messengers. Big feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing.  We might be vocal and spirited in the small, intimate container of our Messenger Masterminds, but putting things out into the world…that's different. Especially when we think we need to try to show up the extroverted, bold way that's been modeled for us since the dawn of online business and leadership.  And while we're often told we're not loud enough to be a leader, we also feel like we're too much in so many other ways. What I'm here to say is this… Quiet doesn't mean silent. And in a noisy room, it doesn't have to be the loudest person that gets heard. It can be the clearest person. Clear messaging cuts through the noise without having to shout above the crowd…or contort yourself into some marketing or leadership strategy that wasn't made for you in the first place.  What we'll be talking about on Quiet Messenger: Clarity on what you show up for and how to communicate it Making your people feel seen through what you're saying (and letting them see you) How to convey the true impact of your work Showing up in your thought leadership without burning out or needing to perform as someone you're not Embracing the superpowers of your sensitivity, your Messenger Archetype, and the nuances of the leader you already are  Listen to this episode for what it means to be a Quiet Messenger and what's in store for you going forward. And for an audio transmission of lightning fire to activate that deeper pull I know you feel. Deeper support from me: What's your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. Grab your free Message Clarity Kit.  The Quiet Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of women leaders and deep feelers who like cozy spaces for connection, growth and processing and who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging to grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business' bottom line. Have an idea or request for a future episode? Let me know over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Without being clear in your messaging, you can do a lot of marketing busywork that gets ignored, doesn’t build your community or doesn’t compel people to buy. YET… There’s a lot of messaging out there that is very clear but is also manipulative, selling at all costs and using unethical tactics that don’t leave customers making empowered decisions.  If you’re anything like me… You don’t just want to sell, you want to do it in a way that leaves the world better than when you found it. In this end cap to our season of Values-Based Messaging Foundations, I lay out what it means to be both clear AND connected in your messaging.  And how being clear can actually help you create connection.  Listen in. Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of 3-6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Which do you struggle with most – being clear in your messaging or creating connection with your messaging? Listen to the episode then let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

I know you’ve got a big heart and you’re SO GOOD at your work…but in order to keep doing your work, you need paying clients.  That’s where being able to clearly communicate what uniquely positions you comes in.  Because when you are the ONLY one qualified for the job, your dream clients will happily pay you.  Not in a way that’s sleazy or manipulative or about “getting” clients.  In a way that’s totally in service by communicating what you already, in your heart, know about how you’ll be able to help them.  In this episode, I’m going to share with you my personal brand matrix to clarify and communicate what uniquely positions you.  The four S’s. (Listen and you’ll see what I mean!) I talk about: How to get specific on & integrate the 4 key elements into your messaging to own who you are as a coach so the right clients won’t settle for anyone else Why you’ll no longer need to worry about doing the same work as everyone else or having the same message that’s been shared a million times before The story of how I went from a “C” to an “A” in Architecture school (17 years ago!) by uncovering what uniquely positioned me as an architect Deeper support from me: Join us for the Messaging Masterclass I’m leading Friday, March 26, 2021! There’s still a couple of days to catch up! Join the FREE 5-day Message Clarity Challenge to cut through the noise and calls in your people…without having to change who you are. The week of March 22nd, 2021! What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. What unique combo of skills, solution, story and stance makes you a one-of-a-kind Messenger? Listen to the episode then let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Okay…so let’s talk about getting crickets and what it feels like to always be chasing clients.  Ugh, I know. Frustrating stuff. Want to know one of the biggest challenges I see to coaches and leaders reaching their people?  First, let me say that this is not about popularity, likes or followers.  It’s about really reaching your people on a deeper level where they feel connected to what you’re saying and like it’s for them. So what’s the challenge? When what you say is general and generic.  Because when your messaging isn’t specific and relevant to ONE PERSON, it doesn’t connect with anyone.  So how do you let your people know your work is truly for them? And what about if you don’t want to leave anybody out?  That’s what today’s episode of Unforgettable is all about. I talk about: The key to clearly expressing what you say so it lands for your people A visualization to help you build the narrative of who your work is for How to CONNECT through messaging in integrity rather than manipulation Deeper support from me: Join the FREE 5-day Message Clarity Challenge to cut through the noise and calls in your people…without having to change who you are. Starts March 22nd, 2021!  What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter, I write messaging for Your Website that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  What makes your people say “hey, that’s me”? Listen to the episode then let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

If you’re anything like me, there are likely one or two TED talks that have made a big impact on you.  Two for me are Susan Cain’s The power of introverts and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s The danger of a single story. What do they have in common that made them land so powerfully? A clear message.  But if you’re going to use your voice and share your truth, you first need clarity on what you’re saying. Today’s episode is dedicated to helping you tap into your message. (or the next evolution of it) Because even if you KNOW you have something BIG to say… Sometimes you’re just not sure what.  Or you have an idea but it’s fuzzy. Or what you’ve been talking about no longer feels congruent.  Or you’re ready to claim what you want to be known for.  Listen in. Deeper support from me: Join the FREE 5-day Message Clarity Challenge to cut through the noise and calls in your people…without having to change who you are. Starts March 22nd, 2021!  What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter, I write messaging for Your Website that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  What’s the message you’re here to share? Listen to the episode then let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Today begins a brand new season of Unforgettable! A season dedicated to taking us back to the foundations of messaging.  Starting with… What is messaging, really? Believe me, I’ve heard a lot of myths and misunderstandings in the past several years I’ve been leading messaging workshops and Masterminds! That it’s all about wordsmithing or dialing in your elevator pitch.  That there’s a “right” way to do it — following formulas and scripts that work for others.  That it’s about selling at all costs and has to feel icky or robotic to be successful.  But when you’re a sensitive Messenger who cares deeply, values-based messaging is where your power lies. Because there’s a difference between simply following copywriting rules and marketing tactics and messaging according to your integrity. So, fresh on the heels of the Speaking to What Matters series, it’s time to re-define what messaging really is.  We start with today’s episode, where you’ll learn the difference between core message and messaging plus how to reset how you think about messaging and start crafting messaging that’s in alignment with your values. You’ll learn Listen in. Deeper support from me: Join the FREE 5-day Message Clarity Challenge to cut through the noise and calls in your people…without having to change who you are. Starts March 22nd, 2021!  What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter, I write messaging for Your Website that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  Links from the Episode: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk: The Danger of a Single Story  Tiq Milan & Kim Katrin Milan’s TED Talk: A Queer Vision Of Love and Marriage Maysoon Zayid’s TED Talk: I Got 99 Problems…. Palsy Is Just One  #173 Evolving Your Work to Have a Social Justice Lens with Cher Hale #174 Feminist Marketing & Copy That Doesn’t Oppress with Kelly Diels #175 Is My Niche Excluding Marginalized People? With Trudi Lebron #176 Cis-Centering, Pronouns and Leadership with Tamala Poljak #177 Speaking About Issues Without Co-Opting Them with Nisha Moodley #151 Why I Stopped Sacrificing Integrity for Strategy #152 Values-Based Marketing: How to Lead with Integrity Playing Big by Tara Mohr What’s your biggest takeaway about values-based messaging? Listen to the episode then let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Closing out Speaking to What Matters: Conversations on Messaging for a More Just World, here is my personal debrief with specific aha moments and learnings I took away from each leader about how to show up for social justice in your messaging. Listen in. A Few Takeaways: You can’t slap up new inclusive messaging on your website and expect more diverse clients to come. Messaging is the end point after you’ve done the internal work and learning. (Hat tip to convos with Cher Hale and Trudi Lebron.) Be discerning. There’s no formula for knowing when to pass the mic / when to speak up / what to say / how to do any of this. (HT Erica Courdae and Nisha Moodley.) Be really clear, specific and explicit about who your work is for. More words vs collapsing people into narrow labels for the sake of tidy marketing. (HT Kelly Diels and Trudi Lebron.) Slow down. Harm often happens when we’re moving so fast and not taking time to be intentional and present and see the actual humans in front of us. (HT Tamala Poljak, Nisha Moodley, and Trudi Lebron.) Values-based marketing is when you attract people who don’t just have the problem you solve but who share the same values. (HT Trudi Lebron and Kelly Diels.) It’s not about being an “expert,” it’s about being a leader. And being a leader is more about how you show up than about doing it perfectly or right. (HT Nisha Moodley, Tamala Poljak and Erica Courdae.)   Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft websites that make your dream clients feel SEEN and convey the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  Did these conversations create any shifts or realizations for you? Anything you’re implementing into your business? Let me know in the comments of this episode’s post over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

We’re all continually learning & navigating how to share in these times which are highly polarized and where a lot of our collective trauma is at the surface.  As my guest today, Nisha Moodley, points out, we’re just at the beginning of learning how to be together on the internet. And we’re unlearning + relearning how to do it in a different, more generative way. Nisha is an Integrative Leadership Coach who’s been supporting women to liberate their leadership and weave their gifts in service of our shared vision for the past 10 years. With an Indian father who escaped apartheid in South Africa and a mother who traveled around the world consulting with the UN on democratic elections, she grew up having justice-oriented conversations at the dinner table.  This can be a scary time to share our ideas, thoughts, hearts and work online, especially if we are empaths, highly sensitive, or naturally more private or quiet.  And also, with the rush of social media and online business training ingrained into us, it can be easy to unintentionally co-opt or capitalize on important issues without meaning to. In this convo, we dive into how to share in a way that is intentional and sensitive to big traumatic world events…even if you’re in the middle of a launch. Listen in. Nisha and I talk about The importance of holding the framework of “we’re learning” so we don’t get attached to “how do I do it RIGHT” How people are willing to give one another more grace when we’re met with genuine openness, receptivity and humility The blurry line between sharing our experiences and centering our own experiences What it means to be willing to “learn in public” for those of us who have an online business or share parts of our lives and work online How can we slow down, come into our humanity, and connect with what is happening and who it’s happening to? Why using your voice requires you to face your internal perfectionism and attachment to being seen as right or good Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft websites that make your dream clients feel SEEN and convey the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  Nisha’s Links: Devotion Podcast Instagram @nishamoodley Nisha’s Website What sparked for you from my conversation with Tamala?  Let us know in the comments of this episode’s post over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

After decades as an artist and musician, Tamala Poljak decided to become a therapist because they’re passionate about working with people who have felt othered. Now they almost exclusively work with the LGBTQIA+ population and a lot with triadic partnerships, polyamory and different ways that people create family and home. Coming from a generation that couldn’t even imagine going by a pronoun that was more congruent with who they are, they help their clients find themselves and know what it feels like to be genuinely SEEN.  In this conversation, Tamala and I talk about CIS-centering, pronouns and what it means to be a leader. Also, being present with the person in front of you and not be so quick to make an assumption about their identity based on whether they wear makeup or have muscles, or how they dress or style their hair. Listen in. Tamala and I talk about Why an apology when you misgender someone means they have to take care of you — and what they really need from you The practice of loving this body that carries your soul, not just “I have cellulite so I’m going to love myself” Examining how we label “good,” “bad,” and “wrong” in the context of a world that says, “This is how it should be.” The safety & relief created when a CIS hetero person puts their pronouns next to their name on a zoom call But also, why it’s not just about getting the pronouns right, it’s about being present with actual people The privilege CIS folks have to never have to think about what it means to be CIS gender Why the leaders with the most impact are teachable as well as teachers The responsibility we hold as dominant identities to educate ourselves and create spaces that make it safer for others to feel welcomed as they are Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft websites that make your dream clients feel SEEN and convey the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  Tamala’s Links: Tamala’s Psychology Today Page tamalapoljak@gmail.com What sparked for you from my conversation with Tamala?  Let us know in the comments of this episode’s post over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Today we hear from Trudi Lebron, a sought-after DEI Consultant whose goals are to: Bring more Black, brown, indigenous, latinx folks and other people of color into the coaching industry, both as practitioners AND participants Help white coaches create more diversity, equity and safer spaces to bring BIPOC folks into With a Masters (and PhD-in-progress) in Social Psychology and experience as a bi-racial teen mom on welfare who worked her way up in the non-profit sector while building her own business, she has a unique perspective on using our businesses for social good.  And she’s seen some of the biggest mistakes well-intentioned people make in the coaching industry.  In this conversation, we dive deep into the nuances of crafting messaging that speaks to your people AND values, and the difference between being a leader for equity online and the actual coaching container you can safely hold. Listen in. Trudi and I talk about How niching down can create safety…and why radical inclusivity in your space can actually be harmful Why “Is this true?” is a far more helpful question to ask than “Is this okay?” when it comes to talking about who your work is for  What it looks like to have a values-based business – and some of it might feel counter-intuitive  The first steps to get to equity and inclusivity (because it doesn’t start with messaging) Why we need to be super honest about who we are including into our spaces…and who we’re NOT What it means when 95% of your clients look just like you…and how to find the people at the margins of your niche Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft websites that make your dream clients feel SEEN and convey the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  Trudi’s Links: Trudi’s Instagram @trudilebron Equity-Centered Coaching Collective Trudi’s Podcast Business Remixed What sparked for you from my conversation with Trudi?  Let us know in the comments of this episode’s post over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

If we design for the people with the most marginalized identities, the experience improves for everyone else. That’s a core belief of Kelly Diels, a Feminist Marketing Consultant who trains feminist copywriters and helps bake our beliefs into our business practices to generate money and justice. She saw that, working in the women’s empowerment space, those who don’t identify as women often get excluded.  To make her space as welcoming and inclusive as possible, she centers the people with the least dominant identities in her spaces and makes her policies and practices around them.  If you’re looking for grounded guidance you can apply immediately to your website and business practices, this episode is super-actionable. (I took a long list of notes for my own business!)  In episode 174, you’ll hear nitty-gritty copywriting advice, word shifts, and exact practices she uses.  Listen in. Kelly and I talk about Why it’s a myth that aligning your work with your values will make you less money The filter questions she asks herself: “Will this create more love? Will this create more justice?” The reason behind putting your pronouns on your zoomWhy she doesn’t use the word “womxn” anymore The traditional copywriting and marketing tendencies we need to avoid if we’re writing for justice Why she starts all her newsletters with what she’s selling, credits her influences in all her emails, and starts every meeting with a land acknowledgment Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft websites that make your dream clients feel SEEN and convey the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  Kelly’s Links: KellyDiels.com  Kelly’s Instagram Native Land Map  Trevia Woods – Many Trees Lifeway What sparked for you from my conversation with Kelly?  Let us know in the comments of this episode’s post over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Today’s conversation is with Cher Hale, a publicist & founder who’s using her PR company to amplify the voices of underrepresented and marginalized groups.  After a year of offering podcast pitching services, Cher started noticing that the clients coming to her were mainly white upper-class life coaches.  They were paying her well and sustaining a good, consistent business. BUT she was telling the same stories, “I was moderately unhappy in my life and so I hired a life coach which helped me a bunch and so I became a life coach to help others who were in my situation, too.”  And while that’s a totally valid story, she knew it wasn’t what moved her.  But it was scary to make a major shift in business when she was getting consistent revenue and had bills to pay.  Then her mother passed away at the young age of 49 without fulfilling the dream of being a published erotic romance author. Her mother, a Taiwanese Black immigrant, hadn’t had the privilege that so many of us, as online business owners, have – to have created a platform.  That’s when Cher knew she wanted to use her skills as a publicist to tell the stories of underrepresented and marginalized voices.  Now she’s proud to say her client roster is about 70% BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ or disabled.  But it didn’t happen overnight. And it wasn’t a matter of simply updating the copy on her website.  In this conversation, you’ll hear what it took to get there and what it actually looked like to make those shifts in her business.  Listen in. Cher and I talk about: The intentional decision she made to surround herself with the kind of diversity she wanted to serve in her business Why marginalized and underrepresented communities need advocacy, NOT charity The very real ways the DEI journey is like learning Italian, from starting without a vocabulary to the moment you hit a critical mass of education and start speaking up  Why it starts with digging into your own “diversity story” (as her former client JenniferBrown calls it) All the ways our intersectional diversity has impacted our voices — or made us feel disconnected from our voices  Why we have to take the word “feminist” back and make it our own (and how the conversation around feminism has always been very white) The shifts she made to the very female-centric copy on her website, based on feedback from my her LGBTQIA+ clients Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft websites that make your dream clients feel SEEN and convey the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  Cher’s Links: Ginkgo PR Website Cher’s Pitch List Freebie Ginkgo PR Instagram Unforgettable Podcast #62 Evolving Your Message With Your Clients with Cher Hale  Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk – The Danger of a Single Story Jennifer Brown – Cher’s former client “Everyone has a diversity story” What sparked for you from my conversation with Cher? Let us know in the comments of this episode’s post over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Today, we’re joined by Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coach Erica Courdae in a conversation that will make it easier for you to keep speaking up ~ especially if you’re scared you’ll mess up. This is to get us into imperfect action…even that thoughtful, caring side of ourselves that second-guesses what we share and just wants to say it the “right” way. What I learned from Erica: Being in conversation with people who don’t look, live or love the way that you do is essential for us to collectively get to a place where no one has to feel othered.  Listen in. Erica and I talk about: How to avoid going down the shame spiral of, “Oh no, I did that wrong!” The ableist phrase I unconsciously used in our conversation…that’s common in the leadership community Why what you watch on tv, the music you listen to, the brands you trust, and the experts you follow all affect your strength as an ally Where Erica sees well-intentioned people mess up when using a DEI framework How to discern when to speak up and when to pass the mic Why the change is mostly NOT happening in the comments on Instagram or Facebook — and how to redirect your actions When it’s okay to rest your voice  Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft websites that make your dream clients feel SEEN and convey the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  Erica’s Links: EricaCourdae.com Pause on the Play Podcast and Community  Erica’s Instagram What sparked for you from my conversation with Erica? Let us know in the comments of this episode’s post over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Here we are, at the first episode of Speaking to What Matters: Conversations on Messaging for a More Just World.  It’s my hope that this series of informal, real conversations with social justice leaders brings you at least one shift, aha moment, or breakthrough in how you want to show up.  Here’s where we’ll be going & who we’ll be learning from: [171] Messaging For a More Just World [172] Being an Imperfect Ally…When You’re a Sensitive Soul with Erica Courdae  [173] Evolving Your Work to Have a Social Justice Lens with Cher Hale [174 Feminist Marketing & Copy that Doesn’t Oppress with Kelly Diels [175] Is My Niche Excluding Marginalized People? With Trudi Lebron  [176] CIS- & Hetero-Normativity in Our Leadership with Tamala Poljak [177] Speaking About Issues Without Co-Opting Them to “Sell” with Nisha Moodley [178] What I Learned From 6 Social Justice Leaders About Messaging Today’s episode is our starting place, setting the foundation to lean into this series.  In all honesty, I sat for a while with whether to share my personal experiences of privilege and fragility. (Think sleepless nights debating whether to re-record this episode.) I don’t want to center my own experience.  But I also want to bring awareness to the layers of blindness we have when we posess dominant identities – white, CIS, hetero, able-bodied, medium-sized, middle class, youthful-looking.  Because most of us have at least one dominant identity which means most of us have certain, often invisible (to us), privileges that go along with that identity.  Even as well-meaning folks.  I want to normalize the feelings of discomfort that go along with this so that we can begin to TURN TOWARDS them rather than hiding from them and staying silent.  So I left this episode as-is. An imperfect, messy, honest, quick chat with you before diving into conversations with six smart, insightful leaders. (Starting tomorrow!) Part personal, part inspirational.   Listen in. Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My Messenger Mastermind is an intimate circle of up to 6 women coaches & leaders who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft websites that make your dream clients feel SEEN and convey the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up.  If there was one shift or breakthrough you’d want to take away from this series, what would it be? Let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Each time I have meaningful conversations with would-be messengers as I enroll my Messenger Mastermind, several shared beliefs emerge.  These 6 beliefs, left unchecked, can easily keep you from expanding your impact as a Messenger. In this week’s episode, I’m going to show you how to transform those beliefs into your greatest allies so you can grow your biz and impact for years to come! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As you’ll hear, I’m not immune to them either. I’ve had to move through them (and in some cases still am) in my business.  Listen in. We talk about: The reason you already have what you need to make a big difference Why you should become a Messenger Geek :~) What it means to build your Messenger Team How to make your priorities line up with your to-do list Deeper support from me: Enrollment closes this month for my Messenger Mastermind. It’s for women who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Limited spots ~ enrolling now. Apply here. Limits spots. Which belief resonates most for you? Pop on over to my Instagram and let me know.  Warmth,Adria

You care so much. You have something to say. You’re a Messenger… Or would-be Messenger.  Because even though you’re out there sharing, you still feel invisible. Ooomph.  I know the pain of that.  It’s noisy out there. ...And it can sometimes feel like what you say goes into a black hole... so what’s the point. Your people need to hear your message.  This ep of Unforgettable will help you identify the ways you may be unknowingly keeping yourself from being heard online.  We talk about: The most common messaging blocks I see that keep business owners from reaching their people  Why messaging isn’t only about communication and why the energy behind it matters just as much 5 shifts you can start today to allow your message to be heard Deeper support from me: Be sure to sign up for the Messaging Masterclass “Craft Messaging that (Lovingly) Calls in Your People” I’m leading this Friday, totally FREE!  Enrollment closes this month for my Messenger Mastermind. It’s for women who want to feel solid, confident & consistent in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Limited spots ~ enrolling now. Apply here. Limits spots. Which habit do you identify with the most? Pop on over to my Instagram and let me know.  Warmth,Adria

Two years ago, in the midst of one of my Message Clarity Challenges, Lisa Thruston realized that maybe there was more than one way to show up as a Messenger.  …another way besides the outspoken, extroverted ideal held in our online business culture. (Which by the way, is also totally fine — it’s just not the only way.) >> Your message doesn’t have to be loud and big to create lasting relationships with your people.  Lisa had all the structural, strategic, behind-the-scenes pieces of her business in place.  What she needed now was the front-facing part – how to be her own type of Messenger. What followed was a journey to her voice, her way of showing up as a powerful Sensitive Soul Messenger. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all template for being a Messenger.  Now she’s STANDING FOR something and showing up real…and when she posts something, she gets engagement, private messages saying her post spoke to them, and people wanting to hop on discovery calls with her.  In episode #168, I take you along, behind the scenes of that journey.   Listen in. We talk about Why your message doesn’t have to be loud and big to create longer and deeper lasting relationships with your people The moment she realized that wanting to be all things to all people wasn’t going to serve who she was here to help How she recognized that success comes from being real, talking with authenticity…and allowing that to call your people to you The permission she’s had to give herself to really keep showing up How she pushes her edge and challenges herself in her messengership (while knowing it doesn’t have to be the big scary monster that she made it out to be) Deeper support from me: Join the FREE 5-day Message Clarity Challenge to cut through the noise and calls in your people…without having to change who you are. Starts September 21st, 2020!  What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My fall Messenger Mastermind is now enrolling! It’sfor women coaches ready to feel solid in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Limited spots. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft copy that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up. Interested? I’d love to chat. Lisa’s Links: BYOB (Be Your Own Bliss) Podcast  http://authenticvictories.com  Instagram @lisathruston What sparked for you from Lisa’s story? Let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

I know you care so much. I know you’re here to make an impact.  And I ALSO know you feel this pull to speak, for your voice and your message to be heard.  A lot of people in my community have at least a touch of Sensitive Soul Messenger in them.  Empathic, caring, big heart… yet not sharing their message as much as they could because they second-guess what they post and hover with their finger over publish… or get stuck over-polishing forever. But did you know that you can be the Sensitive Soul AND also another Messenger Archetype? Often people come to me and say they got one result on my quiz and their answers feel like deep truth, but they also FEEL one of the other Archetypes.  In episode #167, I talk about the nuances and variations of what it means to be a Sensitive Soul Messenger.  I’ll help you identify which kind of Sensitive Soul Messenger YOU are, even if your results on my Messenger Archetypes quiz said you were a different Archetype.  Because none of us are just ONE thing. We’re complex. And those complexities are what make you a uniquely powerful Messenger.  Listen in. Deeper support from me: Join the FREE 5-day Message Clarity Challenge to cut through the noise and calls in your people…without having to change who you are. Starts September 21st, 2020!  What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. My fall Messenger Mastermind is now enrolling! It’s for women coaches ready to feel solid in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Limited spots. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft copy that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up. Interested? I’d love to chat. Links from the Episode: My vanlife vlog “The Dobervan” #132 [The Sensitive Soul] Courageously Taking a Stand  #129 Which Messenger Archetype Are You? #166 Blocked? Get in Flow with Your Messaging #165 My Tool to Write Sales Copy that Moves Your People to Tears Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain Susan Cain’s TED Talk “The Power of Introverts” Which kind of Sensitive Soul Messenger are you? Listen to the episode then let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Anyone who’s had a bored kid (or has been a bored kid) can tell you that inspiration doesn’t come simply from having lots of time.  Living in the dobervan outside Steve’s biz partner’s metalworking shop the past few weeks reminded me of that. How NOT to flow? — Force it.  When you’re communicating from the soul of your work, inspiration is not a one-hour “task.” Because when you push, resistance pushes back. Yet have you ever felt creatively blocked or simply wanted to craft your messaging in a way that felt in flow?  In episode #166, I take you through my process to find flow in your messaging. Listen in. Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. I lead Messenger Masterminds for women coaches ready to feel solid in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Limited spots. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft copy that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up. Interested? I’d love to chat. Links from the Episode: (Freebie) Connected Copy Worksheet How do you get back in flow? Let me know in the comments over on Instagram.

When it comes to copywriting, there’s a lot of focus in the online business space on tactics for things like “conversion” and “customer acquisition.”  I call that HEAD messaging. As in ~ it gets you all wrapped up in figuring out your copy with your head. What you’re supposed to say. I teach HEART messaging. Because… Connected copy comes from writing with your heart, not your head. It’s less about an intricate web of logic-based tactics…and more about creating connection, making people feel seen, and moving them to action.  It’s still effective. It still “converts.” But it also builds trust, feels in your integrity, and is in relationship with your people. When I’m working with copywriting clients, I have a specific process to pull this more connected messaging to the surface so I can see the threads and weave them all together.  In episode #165 of Unforgettable, I take you through that connected copy process (and p.s. there’s a free worksheet – see below!) Listen in. Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. I lead Messenger Mastermindsfor women coaches ready to feel solid in their messaging and grow a movement that matters ~ both to the world and to their business’ bottom line. Limited spots. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft copy that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up. Interested? I’d love to chat. Links from the Episode: (Freebie) Connected Copy Worksheet What’s your process for writing sales copy? Let me know in the comments over on Instagram.  Warmth, Adria

I’m taking an introvert pause from the podcast for the next couple months. Here’s why. Being transparent about my own relationship with my voice as an introverted leader.  Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. In this time of “social distancing,” your online messaging is key. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft copy that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up. Interested? I’d love to chat. If you’re wondering how to say what’s in your heart and shape it into your messaging, Messenger Clarity is my signature tool to get that clarity, based on the exact worksheets and workshops I use in my Masterminds. You can do it at your own pace, in your own time, at a really amazing price. In the meantime, you can find me over on Instagram.  Warmth, Adria

The most common question I get is “Can you help me create a dialed-in elevator pitch?”  That’s because at the first mention of “messaging,” people often think we’re talking about wordsmithing.  It’s not about getting the words right. It’s about being a Messenger. Yes, clear, connected messaging is important for people to understand the impact of your work and know if it’s for them. But that’s not your primary job. (You can hire a copywriter for that, wink wink.) Your primary job is to be the Messenger and deliver the message.  In episode 161, we talk about how the most powerful thing you can do for your message is to make the shift from messaging to Messenger. Listen in. Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. In this time of quarantines, your online messaging is key. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft copy that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up. Interested? I’d love to chat. Have you ever gotten hung up on wordsmithing something? Let me know in the comments over on Instagram.  Warmth, Adria

Right now, so many of us are being forced to pause, be with ourselves, and be confronted with things we can usually ignore. Liv Hadden is an author, podcaster, leader, Expressive Messenger Archetype, and one of the fiercest stands I know for what and who she believes in.  And she has a hard time slowing down. (I so relate) Yet when her client work slowed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw the gift in it.  And she took the opportunity to get still.  To let her nervous system embrace the slower pace as her new normal. But she didn’t go quiet.  In this #HowIMessenger episode, Liv and I talk about her commitment to show up more on her podcast and share the rawness of her life as it happens, rather than after she’s processed it and it’s wrapped up into a perfect insight.  Listen in. We talk about: Why being true to her message right now means not posting on Instagram and social media The difference between being still and being quiet (and why so many people are spinning out and getting in their heads) How she uses her podcast as a North star to stay aligned with her mission and with what lights her up the most The connection between curiosity, being in a state of possibility, and changing the world Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. In this time of shelter-in-place, your online messaging is key. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft copy that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up. Interested? I’d love to chat. Liv’s Links: Self Aware Millennial Podcast Liv’s Instagram Self Aware Millennial Instagram Liv’s Website Have you slowed down? How does it feel? Let me know in the comments over on Instagram.  Warmth, Adria

Have you ever second-guessed your voice?  …Said things because you thought that’s what others wanted to hear from you?  …Felt pressure to do or say something as a leader because it was what you should do? Ashley Looker and Jenna Teague of Eff Perfect help women break free from the myth of perfection. I brought them on the show because… It’s time to break free from perfectionism. With your voice. Having both struggled with perfectionism in their own lives, Ashley and Jenna know firsthand how paralyzing it can be. Too many women (themselves included!) let perfectionism run, and sometimes ruin, their lives. Ashley and Jenna are here to say eff that. And as Sensitive Soul Messenger Archetypes, it makes perfect sense that (you’ll see what I mean!) Eff Perfect is their message. In episode 159, we explore their relationships with their voices and how these Sensitive Souls are rocking leadership, Instagram, and being public figures. We talk about: Why having a clear, consistent message helped them organically build an engaged, enthusiastic 10,000+ Eff Perfect fam  The current pandemic shelter-in-place pressure to save the world with your voice and why we give it the middle finger Who they really are as Messengers and how they feel called to use their voice (questions they’ve never been asked before!) Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. In this time of shelter-in-place, your online messaging is key. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft copy that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up. Interested? I’d love to chat. Jenna and Ashley’s Links: Eff Perfect Instagram Middle Finger to Perfection Podcast My Episode on Their Podcast Jenna’s Instagram Ashley’s Instagram Do you ever feel like a perfectionist with your voice? Let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

The first few days of self-quarantine, Veronica Marquez was feeling EVERYTHING at the same time. Frustration, gratitude, guilt. The controlling part of her wanted to micromanage her kids. The victim part was upset that it seemed like everyone else had all this time to read books when, as a parent, she was even busier now with her two young kids at home. Veronica is co-founder of Dinner Confidential, a global community that explores the full spectrum of the feminine experience through intimate monthly dinners, with hosts in over 30 cities all around the world from Tokyo to Mumbai to Berlin to Rome to Latin America to Australia. Her tools? Connection and community. And that’s the Messenger Medicine she called upon to recenter her energy and find her voice. She got quiet and reconnected with herself, allowing all those emotions to be present. Then she organized a virtual gathering with a circle of friends which lightened her up with a sense of playfulness. Listen in to hear how she reclaimed her voice. We also talk about: How a desire to truly connect allowed her to move through the internal voices that said “Who am I to take up this space?” and “Am I being arrogant sharing this?”  Her framework for creating safe spaces where women can openly listen to different perspectives and for all those differences to be okay Why it took her years to post on social media because she didn’t want to contribute to comparison or making others feel less than… and how she found her voice on social media in a way that was aligned with her values Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. In this time of home-isolation, the digital relationships you build with your people are even MORE important. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft copy that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up. Interested? I’d love to chat. Veronica’s Links Dinner Confidential Website Veronica’s Personal Instagram Dinner Confidential Instagram How are you sharing your voice in these times? Let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria

Right now is an opportunity to speak to how your work can support your people in our current pandemic world. Yet it’s natural to feel uncertain about your messaging and be left wondering how it all fits together or how you can stay relevant. Whether it be how you communicate your offering, talk about your work, or speak on social media, the most powerful messaging is relevant and specific. That’s what I’m going to help you with in this quick episode. Listen in! Deeper support from me: What’s your Messenger Archetype? Take the quiz. In this time of social distancing, the digital relationships you build with your people are even MORE important. As a Copywriter + Messaging Expert, I craft copy that makes your dream clients feel SEEN and conveys the true value and impact of your work so that it moves them to sign up. Interested? I’d love to chat. How are you adapting your messaging for these times? Let me know in the comments over on Instagram. Warmth, Adria