YES, BRAND with Hersh Rephun

People will spend thousands of dollars on a piece of jewelry, then balk at paying an expert to tell them what they actually bought.Karen Howard has always found that fascinating.On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with veteran gemologist, former appraisal business owner, and Jewelry Appraisers Coach founder Karen Howard for a conversation about expertise, value, trust, mentorship, and what happens when decades of experience become something worth passing on.Jewelry appraisal turns out to be considerably more complicated than looking through a loupe and declaring something shiny.An appraiser has to understand gemology, grading, scientific valuation, construction, markets, history, ethics, technology, and sometimes enough research to defend an opinion in court.Karen and Hersh explore the difference between evaluation and valuation, why lab-grown diamonds have complicated the market, how technology is changing the profession, and why the story attached to a piece of jewelry can matter almost as much as the number attached to it.That last point became part of Karen's own practice. Her personal wedding-ring appraisal includes the story of the ring so her children, and someday their children, will know where it came from. She began offering clients the same opportunity.But the bigger story is Karen's own transition.After more than two decades running an appraisal business, a personal crisis forced her to reconsider what she wanted to do next. She kept remembering former students asking for help with all the things their technical training hadn't prepared them for: clients, ethics, business decisions, and simply surviving that difficult first year.So she built the resource she wished existed.Karen is now coaching new jewelry appraisers and has completed her first book, From Startup to Success: A Practical Guide for Jewelry Appraising, currently in editing.Along the way, Hersh and Karen explore something that applies far beyond jewelry:When the thing you're selling is accumulated knowledge, experience, and judgment, discounting it changes what people believe it's worth.At its heart, this episode asks:What happens when you've spent decades becoming an expert and realize your most valuable work may be teaching someone else what took you years to learn?“From Challenges to Unstoppable: Your roadmap to Professional Success in Jewellery Appraising"Freebie URL: https://zpr.io/UDZw3nC6bJrZ“The Art of Work-Life Balance"https://docs.google.com/document/d/196wzpW54Uq2nT6PafgCNTjxi-D9x_5kz/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116369053099329677903&rtpof=true&sd=trueCall Booking URL: https://zpr.io/rSijC9AarKM6--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

Ben Butcher spent nearly three decades helping shape some of the most recognizable entertainment brands in the world, including five years at Disney, twelve at Pixar, and ten as SVP of Creative at Funko.Then he decided to build something of his own.On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Ben, founder and CEO of Kaleidos Creative, an artist-led company creating original characters, stories, and intellectual property from the ground up.The challenge is radically different.At Disney, Pixar, and Funko, the audience already existed. The characters already carried meaning. At Kaleidos, Ben and his team have to create that connection before anyone knows what the characters are supposed to mean.Hersh and Ben explore how beloved brands can eventually become trapped by their own history, why creative freedom still has to coexist with commercial reality, and what changes when an artist moves from contributing to someone else's world to becoming responsible for the whole thing.They also get into AI, and Ben offers a refreshingly human reason Kaleidos has chosen not to build its creative process around it: the messy middle is the part they actually love. The mistakes, experimentation, collaboration, and evolution are not inefficiencies to eliminate. They are the creative experience itself.At its heart, this episode asks:What happens when someone who spent decades building other people's worlds finally decides to create one of his own?https://kaleidoscreative.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

What happens when the life that pays the bills is only part of who you are?On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with author T.A. Thompson, who has spent more than a decade in commercial insurance while building a very different creative life as a fiction writer.His novel, The Mark, lives in a post-apocalyptic world where people die by 22 and the protagonist, Alexandra, has somehow made it to 25.Which means everyone sees her as old.That premise opens the door to something bigger than dystopian fiction.Hersh and T.A. explore what happens when a label helps people understand what you do, but also compresses what makes it different.They get into the difficulty of becoming known for a new identity, why writing the book may be easier than helping people discover it, how rejection changes the way a creator sees the work, and why dark humor can make the truth easier to face.They also explore the tension between being an insurance professional who writes and becoming an author who happens to work in insurance.At the center of the conversation is a question that applies far beyond publishing:How do you help people understand what you've created without reducing it to the nearest familiar category?https://tathompsonwriter.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

What happens to your authority when the organization, title, and familiar identity fall away?On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with executive coach, leadership advisor, and Change Clarity founder Sharon McLaughlin for a conversation about leadership, identity, transition, and what it takes to move people through relentless change.After more than three decades inside large organizations, Sharon recognized that leadership was never created by rank. The title may grant responsibility, but the ability to build trust, create clarity, and bring people with you comes from somewhere deeper.Hersh and Sharon explore:Why expertise does not automatically translate into leadershipThe difference between managing change and leading people through itWhat remains when professional identity is separated from a titleWhy leaders tend to under-communicate during uncertain timesHow constant change creates fatigue and emotional saturationThe distinction between moving from A to B and leading people all the way throughHow to evolve publicly without abandoning the credibility already earnedAnd why authority ultimately comes back to who you areSharon also shares what she learned while moving from municipal government leadership into an independent advisory practice and discovering that the value she brought to the organization had never belonged to the organization.At its heart, this episode asks:When the title disappears, what are people still willing to follow?--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

Is your product the mission...Or simply the expression of it?On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with scientist, entrepreneur, and Karviva founder Dr. Angela Zeng for a conversation about purpose, trust, branding, and the challenge of building a company without sacrificing its soul.After years in medical research, Angela discovered that creating an exceptional product wasn't enough.The real challenge was helping people understand why it exists.Together, Hersh and Angela explore:Why quality alone doesn't create a successful brandThe growing gap between marketing claims and consumer trustThe difference between selling ingredients and sharing a philosophyWhy founders shouldn't disappear behind their productsHow mission creates meaning beyond marketingThe role of traditional wisdom in a modern marketplaceWhy authenticity is becoming a competitive advantageAnd what happens when a founder finally steps into the storyAt the heart of the conversation is a simple recognition:People don't build relationships with bottles. They build relationships with belief.https://karviva.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

Influence isn't about convincing people.It's about helping them see something differently.On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with psychologist, behavioral scientist, and Influence51 founder JonRobert Tartaglione for a conversation about persuasion, perception, positioning, and why even brilliant ideas struggle when people don't know where to place them.After years studying psychology at University College London, the University of Chicago, and Cambridge, JonRobert realized the hardest part wasn't understanding human behavior.It was helping organizations understand why it mattered.Together they explore:Why expertise doesn't automatically create understandingThe difference between influence and manipulationHow people decide what to believeWhy demonstrations outperform explanationsThe challenge of building something that doesn't fit an existing categoryWhy many experts struggle with self-promotionHow trust creates openness to new ideasAnd why changing someone's mind is far more human than tacticalAlong the way, JonRobert shares how he built Influence51 by translating academic research into practical tools leaders can actually use.At its core, this episode explores a question every founder eventually faces:What happens when your work makes perfect sense... once people experience it?--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Hakeem Bourne McFarlane for a raw, powerful conversation about addiction, identity, masculinity, discipline, and what it actually means to choose yourself.For Hakeem, “Choose Yourself” is not a slogan. It was born from grief, collapse, masking, substances, jail, and the long work of rebuilding a life from the inside out.Hersh and Hakeem explore:Why choosing yourself is not selfishThe difference between being a good man and being good at being a manHow achievement can become camouflage for griefWhy discipline is freedom, not punishmentThe danger of masking pain with productivityHow public accountability can become an integrity loopWhy what we consume shapes who we becomeHow vices quietly become identity substitutesAnd why your story should be the root of your brandHakeem also shares the five-pillar Choose Yourself process, his path through addiction and recovery, and how he turned personal transformation into a community, movement, and message.At its core, this episode asks:What version of yourself are you choosing when nobody is watching?--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

Some people follow trends.Rick Stark has spent his career finding them before they have names.On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with action sports entrepreneur, media executive, and brand builder Rick Stark for a conversation about timing, trust, category creation, and why the biggest opportunities often begin as communities everyone else overlooks.From launching the National Inline Skate Series before the X Games existed to helping grow World of Dance into a global phenomenon, Rick has repeatedly found himself at the intersection of culture and commerce, recognizing potential long before the market catches up.Together they explore:Why timing matters as much as talentHow niche communities become global movementsWhat sponsors often misunderstand about cultureThe balance between commercialization and authenticityWhy relationships outperform transactionsThe role trust plays in long-term partnershipsHow to recognize opportunity before it's obviousWhy entrepreneurs need people who believe before everyone else doesRick also shares the surprising story behind the return of the National Inline Skate Series and why building Team USA for rollerblading may become the next chapter in a career built on seeing what's possible before others do.At its core, this episode asks:How do you recognize a movement before the rest of the world calls it one?--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

What if getting dressed wasn't about fashion?What if it was about recognition?On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with celebrity stylist Jenni Lee for a conversation that starts with clothes and ends somewhere much deeper.After decades styling actors, musicians, and public figures, Jenni discovered the real transformation never happened in front of the camera.It happened in the fitting room.Together they explore:Why clothes tell your story before you doThe difference between fashion and identityWhy success often outpaces someone's self-imageHow visibility changes what we need from our wardrobeWhy style is less about shopping and more about recognitionThe surprising psychology behind confidence and clothingWhat AI can imitate... and what it never willHow getting dressed can become an act of self-trust instead of self-consciousnessAlong the way, Jenni shares stories from Hollywood, New York Fashion Week, and the dressing rooms where she's watched people see themselves differently for the very first time.At its heart, this episode explores a simple idea:Your best outfit doesn't change who you are. It helps other people meet the version that's already there.Website: https://www.jennileestylist.consulting/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Jimi Gibson, visibility strategist, researcher, and former professional magician, for a conversation about perception, authority, AI, and why being excellent at what you do is no longer enough.Jimi's core belief is simple:Invisible owners create invisible companies.But this conversation goes far deeper than social media tactics or personal branding advice.After studying hundreds of businesses and their visibility across search engines, AI platforms, and digital ecosystems, Jimi discovered a growing divide between organizations that are easily found, understood, and trusted, and those quietly disappearing from consideration altogether.Hersh and Jimi explore:Why expertise alone no longer guarantees visibilityHow AI evaluates authority and trustThe difference between being known and being understoodWhy business owners often hide behind their logosThe danger of becoming a generic "smudge" in the marketplaceHow specificity creates authorityThe role of opinion, conviction, and perspectiveAnd why AI increasingly favors people over brandsAlong the way, Jimi shares the childhood story that shaped his view of identity, a bank campaign called Thumb Buddy that taught him the value of embracing what makes you different.At its heart, this episode explores a question many leaders avoid asking:If someone encountered your business tomorrow, would they find you... or a generic version of everyone else?--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Mara Smith, founder and CEO of Inspiro Tequila, for a conversation about founder-led brands, perception, scale, and the challenge of building something that can stand on its own.Mara didn't set out to build a tequila company.A former attorney, corporate strategist, and stay-at-home mom, she set out to build something of her own. What she discovered was a gap in the market: a premium, additive-free tequila that reflected her values and appealed to consumers who wanted quality without pretension.But building the product was only the beginning.As Inspiro grows, Mara faces a challenge familiar to every founder:How do you make sure people understand what you've built when you're no longer there to explain it?Hersh and Mara explore:The founder's dilemma of control versus scaleWhy consistency matters more than perfectionHow products communicate when the founder isn't presentThe difference between a product story and a founder storyWhy approachability became a core brand valueHow personal values shape business identityThe challenge of being interpreted by distributors, retailers, and customersAnd what happens when a brand starts developing a personality of its ownAlong the way, Mara shares the story of launching a tequila company during the pandemic, building a woman-led brand in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and learning to let go of the need for everyone to tell the story exactly the way she would.At its heart, this episode explores a question every founder eventually faces:When people encounter your brand without you there, what version of the story are they meeting?https://inspirotequila.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Sébastien Night, founder of One Take AI, for a conversation about positioning, perception, product evolution, and the challenge of building something people haven't seen before.One Take AI started as a video editing platform.At least that's what many people think.But as the product evolved, Sebastien realized the real value wasn't editing videos. It was eliminating the part of content creation that experts never wanted to do in the first place.That distinction matters.Because when a product changes, perception often lags behind.Hersh and Sebastien explore the gap between what a company builds and what the market believes it builds, and why explaining something clearly doesn't guarantee people understand its true value.Together they discuss:Why customers buy outcomes, not featuresThe danger of being mistaken for the wrong categoryHow One Take evolved from neuroscience-based editing to AI-powered delegationWhy product vision should start with customer outcomesThe challenge of building in a crowded AI marketplaceHow demonstrations outperform explanationsThe difference between a tool and a solutionAnd why category creation requires changing how people think, not just what they knowAlong the way, Sebastien shares the surprising customer research that helped shape One Take's direction and reveals why the future of AI may be less about software and more about intelligent team members.At its core, this episode explores a challenge every founder eventually faces:What happens when your audience understands what you do... but misses what makes it valuable?Website: https://www.onetake.aiPersonal site: https://www.sebastiennight.comPress: https://www.sebastiennight.com/in-the-press.htmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiennightYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneTakeAI/videos?sub_confirmation=1--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun gets smart with Don Weber, executive coach, communication advisor, and former intelligence professional, for a conversation about trust, perception, leadership, and what people reveal without realizing it.Don spent more than 15 years working in international intelligence, where understanding human behavior wasn't theoretical. It was essential. Today, he helps leaders, executives, and organizations navigate communication, influence, and decision-making under pressure.But this conversation goes beyond body language, negotiation tactics, or executive presence.Hersh and Don explore the deeper challenge of perception: what people communicate without saying, how trust is established, and why genuine connection remains one of the rarest business skills in an increasingly distracted world.Together they discuss:Why people often miss what matters most in conversationsThe difference between information and observationHow trust is built before words are spokenWhat leaders reveal under pressureWhy relationships still outperform algorithmsThe cultural differences between credibility and self-promotionHow technology is changing human connectionAnd why the ability to truly see another person is becoming increasingly valuableDon also reflects on his own transformation from a career built around secrecy, deception, and hidden motives to a life centered on transparency, coaching, service, and helping others succeed.For Hersh, this conversation carries a special resonance. Beyond Don's expertise lies something equally compelling: a deep commitment to integrity, curiosity, and treating people with respect. Those qualities show up throughout the discussion, making this episode as much about character as communication.At its heart, this episode asks a simple question:What becomes possible when we spend less time performing and more time paying attention?https://www.instagram.com/drweberspeaks/https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-weber/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Hadley Nightingale, founder of New Zealand Property Buyers, for a conversation about control, resilience, identity, and what happens when life refuses to wait until you're ready.Hadley launched his business during one of the hardest periods of his life. COVID. Separation. Litigation. Uncertainty. The kind of season that makes people put plans on hold.Instead, he built.But this conversation isn't really about real estate.It's about what happens when you stop waiting for the perfect conditions and start focusing on the things you can actually influence.Together, Hersh and Hadley explore:The difference between control and responsibilityWhy victimhood can become its own form of paralysisHow adversity changes the way we leadWhat confidence really is and how people borrow it from one anotherWhy information overload often disguises fearThe psychology behind indecisionAnd what it takes to keep moving while life remains unresolvedAlong the way, Hadley shares how years of legal battles, setbacks, and rebuilding forced him to confront a difficult truth:The things consuming the most emotional energy were often the things he had the least ability to change.At its core, this episode explores the gap between circumstances and agency, and how successful people learn to keep building long before certainty arrives.Because sometimes the breakthrough isn't solving the problem.It's deciding not to let the problem define the next chapter.https://www.instagram.com/hadleynightingale/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with author and organizational advisor Jonathan David Lewis for a conversation about leadership, identity, uncertainty, and what happens when the problem isn't the strategy.For years, Jonathan helped companies solve positioning and branding challenges. But over time, he began noticing something strange:Organizations would achieve clarity around who they were and what they stood for, yet growth would still stall.The issue wasn't messaging.The issue was deeper.Hersh and Jonathan explore the growing gap between external branding and internal identity, and why leadership today increasingly requires more than strategy, systems, and execution.They discuss:Why branding has become an inside-out disciplineThe difference between business problems and identity problemsHow uncertainty reshapes leadershipWhy clarity alone doesn't create momentumThe hidden cost of inconsistencyHow character becomes a competitive advantageThe challenge of leading through disruption and changeAnd why the founders who feel "something is off" should pay attentionJonathan also shares insights from his upcoming book, The Rebuilders, arguing that today's leaders aren't simply navigating change. They're rebuilding in the middle of it.At its heart, this episode explores a question that sits underneath business, branding, and leadership:Who are you when certainty disappears?Because the answer to that question shapes everything that follows.For pre-orders and purchases: https://www.mckeewallwork.com/book-review/the-rebuilders-daily-foundations-for-the-leaders-we-need/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun rolls out the insight with Jon Ostenson, CEO of FranBridge Consulting, investor, author of Non-Food Franchising, and two-time Inc. 5000 founder, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, ownership, and the misunderstood world of franchising.While many people hear the word "franchise" and immediately think fast food, Jon has built his career helping entrepreneurs discover opportunities in high-growth, non-food sectors ranging from home services and senior care to B2B consulting, wellness, property services, and beyond.Hersh's conversation with Jon explores why franchising continues to attract professionals seeking greater control over their future, and why the biggest obstacle often isn't information. It's decision-making.They dive into:Why non-food franchises often outperform traditional assumptionsThe difference between entrepreneurship and franchise ownershipWhy timing is never perfect for a major life transitionThe mindset shifts required to move from employee to ownerHow fear, confidence, and identity shape business decisionsThe appeal of proven systems and support structuresAnd why many successful franchisees never considered their industry beforehandJon also shares his own journey from corporate leadership to franchise ownership, including the risks he took, the lessons learned from failure, and how helping others achieve business ownership has become his mission.Practical, encouraging, and refreshingly honest, this episode is a reminder that ownership isn't about eliminating risk. It's about choosing the right risk.https://franbridgeconsulting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sizes things up with Kurt Uhlir, globally recognized growth operator, CMO, speaker, inventor, and servant leadership advocate, for a conversation about personal branding, leadership evolution, visibility, and the growing tension between who we are and who the market thinks we are.Over a career that has included more than 60 acquisitions and exits, an $880 million IPO, multiple high-growth companies, and advisory work ranging from startups to the White House, Kurt has built a reputation as one of the leading operators in growth and go-to-market strategy.But this conversation focuses on something deeper.Hersh and Kurt explore what happens when personal evolution outpaces public perception, and how leaders can navigate the increasingly complex relationship between reputation, algorithms, visibility, and identity.They discuss:Why servant leadership transformed Kurt's approach to businessThe challenge of identity lag as capabilities evolveHow Google and AI increasingly shape public perceptionWhy personal brands need intentional structureThe difference between authority and authenticityHow speaking and operating strengthen each otherWhy leaders should share failures, not just victoriesAnd what happens when visibility expands faster than clarityKurt also shares practical insights on building influence while remaining grounded in values, integrity, and service, along with lessons learned from leading teams, scaling companies, and navigating a rapidly changing digital landscape.Insightful, candid, and highly relevant, this episode is a masterclass in personal brand stewardship during an era when algorithms increasingly help tell our stories.https://kurtuhlir.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Nik Hall, founder of Revive Marketing Partners and former CPG founder, to talk about scaling brands, building teams, and what separates sustainable growth from expensive mistakes.After building and exiting an eight-figure consumer products company, Nik turned his attention to helping brands navigate one of the world's most competitive marketplaces: Amazon.But as Hersh and Nik explore, success on Amazon isn't really about Amazon.It's about understanding customers, creating meaningful differentiation, hiring the right people, and building businesses around sound fundamentals rather than hype.Together, they discuss:Why founders often struggle after early tractionThe difference between product innovation and product-market fitHow to identify whether a product can actually succeed on AmazonWhy hiring values-aligned people matters more than résumésThe dangers of building for an exit instead of building a great businessWhat founders misunderstand about competition and customer behaviorAnd why clear communication often beats clever marketingNik also shares lessons learned from scaling his own company, including costly mistakes around valuation thinking, growth strategy, retail expansion, and leadership.Practical, candid, and packed with hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in building businesses that work in the real world, not just on spreadsheets.https://revivemarketingpartners.com/home--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with business storytelling consultant John Elbing, creator of the Story Building methodology, for a lively conversation about empathy, narrative, marketing, and why so many companies tell the wrong story.With a background spanning software engineering, project management, startups, digital marketing, finance, and improv comedy, John brings an unusual blend of analytical thinking and creative intuition to the challenge of brand positioning.His core belief is simple but often overlooked:The strongest brand stories are built from the customer's perspective, not the company's.Hersh's conversation with John explores what happens when organizations become so focused on their products, features, and expertise that they lose sight of the emotions, motivations, and experiences of the people they serve.They dive into:Why empathy is the foundation of effective storytellingThe connection between improv comedy and marketingHow businesses can identify the right audience fasterThe difference between storytelling and business storytellingWhy niche positioning creates stronger brandsHow customers mentally rehearse buying decisionsAnd why recognition always comes before persuasionJohn also shares insights from his book Story Building, including practical ways companies can clarify their messaging, improve conversions, and create stronger customer engagement without resorting to gimmicks or buzzwords.Funny, thoughtful, and highly practical, this episode is a reminder that great stories don't start with the company. They start with the audience.--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Peter Thomas, Head of Higher Education at the Conversation Design Institute and advisor to AI coaching platform DignifyX, for a thoughtful conversation about reinvention, technology, relationships, and what happens when time stops feeling theoretical.Over a career spanning academia, innovation, research, conference design, and emerging technologies, Peter has built a reputation for helping organizations navigate change while staying focused on what matters most: people.But this conversation moves beyond AI and innovation.Following a life-changing kidney cancer diagnosis, Peter found himself confronting the one constraint every person shares but rarely acknowledges: time.Hersh's conversation with Peter explores how that experience sharpened his decision-making, deepened his relationships, and accelerated his willingness to say yes to meaningful opportunities and no to distractions.They discuss:Why the people you work with matter more than the work itselfHow AI is reshaping learning, coaching, and communicationThe surprising connection between mortality and clarityWhy execution matters more than authorityHow to eliminate catastrophic risk and move fasterThe role of community in conferences, education, and innovationAnd what it means to build a legacy through people rather than accomplishmentsPeter also shares insights from his work in conversational AI, performance coaching, nonprofit leadership, and higher education, along with reflections on friendship, intentionality, and living with urgency without losing perspective.Wise, deeply human, and unexpectedly energizing, this episode is a reminder that reinvention isn't something that happens someday. It's something we choose now.--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with former Disney leader and customer experience strategist Vance Morris for a conversation about loyalty, systems, culture, and why customer experience is never accidental.After rising through leadership roles at Disney, Vance found himself starting over from scratch after bankruptcy and career collapse. Instead of chasing glamorous industries, he applied Disney-level operational thinking to “unglamorous” businesses like carpet cleaning, home services, and local service companies — transforming ordinary customer interactions into memorable brand experiences.Hersh's conversation with Vance explores what actually creates loyalty at scale, and why emotional consistency matters far more than flashy branding.They dive into:Why Disney runs on systems, not magicThe hidden operational discipline behind memorable experiencesHow small businesses can create premium customer loyaltyWhy customer experience is an identity decision, not a tacticThe difference between “selling” and building relationship glueHow onboarding protects culture as companies growAnd why brands break when employees lose connection to the storyVance also shares practical examples from both Disney and his own businesses, including how a simple welcome gift increased sales dramatically, why “friends knock, salespeople ring the bell,” and how brands can create experiences even inside routine transactions.Funny, tactical, and surprisingly philosophical, this episode is a masterclass in turning ordinary businesses into unforgettable ones.https://www.vancemorris.comhttps://www.deliverservicenow.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vancemorris/https://www.youtube.com/@Deliverservicenow--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Kian Saneii, founder and CEO of Independa, for a powerful conversation about aging, technology, trust, and the emotional infrastructure of caregiving.After more than 25 years leading major technology companies including WebSense, AT&T Bell Labs, and FileNet, Kian shifted his focus toward something deeply personal: helping families stay connected to aging loved ones without sacrificing dignity, independence, or humanity.That mission became Independa, a platform designed to help older adults remain socially engaged, medically supported, and emotionally connected using familiar devices like televisions, tablets, and phones.But as Hersh and Kian explore, this conversation goes far beyond technology.Together, they dive into:Why aging has been culturally branded around decline instead of wisdomThe difference between independence and isolationHow simplicity creates trust in technologyWhy healthcare often prioritizes longevity over quality of lifeThe emotional role technology can play inside familiesAnd how brands earn permission to become part of people's livesKian also shares how Independa rejected invasive “Big Brother” monitoring models in favor of respectful engagement, connection, and empowerment, allowing families to preserve memories, communicate effortlessly, and support loved ones with greater peace of mind.Thoughtful, moving, and deeply human, this episode reframes aging technology not as emergency response, but as a tool for dignity, connection, and belonging.https://independa.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Justin Giuffrida, founder of Citizens, for a conversation about growth, culture, mentorship, and the hidden risks of scaling too fast.Citizens has grown rapidly in a hospitality industry where culture is often the first thing sacrificed in the race to expand. But Justin has taken a different approach, one rooted in a simple philosophy: earn the right to grow.Hersh's conversation with Justin explores what happens when a founder chooses long-term integrity over short-term momentum, and why protecting the soul of a business can require slowing down when everyone else is speeding up.They dive into:Why scaling before you're ready creates hidden instabilityThe danger of growing for optics instead of substanceHow mentorship shaped Justin's evolution as a founderWhy preparation and self-awareness matter in leadershipThe difference between passion alone and strategic alignmentAnd how Citizens built a roadmap toward 40 locations without sacrificing cultureJustin also shares how his thinking evolved from “opening one location” to building a multi-market hospitality brand with intentional systems, growth pipelines, and long-range planning.Grounded, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable growth and founder maturity.https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-giuffrida-02187769/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Jennifer Dalton, founder and CEO of BrandMirror, to unpack what personal branding really means in today's rapidly changing professional world.With more than 20 years of experience in brand and business strategy, Jennifer helps executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders clarify their value, increase visibility, and communicate with greater confidence and authenticity. But her path into personal branding started long before BrandMirror, from growing up in an entrepreneurial household to leading marketing initiatives at Capital One and later launching her own business after earning her Executive MBA from Georgetown.Hersh's conversation with Jennifer explores the growing importance of self-awareness, visibility, and thought leadership in a world where traditional career paths are disappearing almost as quickly as new ones emerge.They dive into:Why personal branding isn't personal braggingHow young professionals can stand out before they know exactly what they want to doThe difference between visibility and authenticityWhy feedback is essential for understanding how you're perceivedThe role of AI in personal branding and where human authenticity still mattersAnd how consistency, curiosity, and generosity build long-term trustJennifer also shares practical insights on helping leaders articulate their value, build meaningful professional visibility, and avoid burnout while staying top of mind.Thoughtful, energizing, and grounded in real-world experience, this episode is a reminder that personal branding isn't about ego. It's about contribution, clarity, and connection.https://brandmirror.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with inventor Charlie Schertz and marketing strategist Stephanie Yeager to talk about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the challenge of bringing an entirely new product category to market.Charlie, a seasoned medical device engineer with more than 20 years of experience and over 50 patents, created Mosey after watching parents and grandparents freeze through outdoor sports games. Applying his background in thermodynamics and heat transfer, he developed a wearable, weatherproof thermal wrap designed to keep people dramatically warmer than traditional blankets, without batteries or external heat sources.But inventing the product was only half the battle.Hersh's conversation with Charlie and Stephanie explores what happens when a product is so original that people don't even have language for it yet, and why branding, messaging, and customer psychology become critical in helping the market understand what it is.They dive into:The 41 design iterations behind MoseyWhy innovation requires relentless testing and refinementThe challenge of naming and positioning a completely new productHow marketing language shapes customer perceptionWhy “a confused mind never buys”And how rapid ad testing helped uncover Mosey's real audienceStephanie also shares the company's scientific approach to marketing experimentation, using fast, low-cost click testing to refine headlines, messaging, and customer targeting before scaling ad spend.Funny, practical, and full of entrepreneurial insight, this episode is about persistence, invention, and learning how to communicate something the world hasn't seen before.https://www.getthemozy.com/https://www.facebook.com/Get-The-Mozy-106071994234683/https://www.instagram.com/get_the_mozy/https://www.tiktok.com/@get.the.mozy--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Taqua Malik, founder and CEO of FreedomVisory, to explore the hidden cultural dynamics behind business, trust, and communication in the Gulf region.Based in Dubai, Taqua helps founders, executives, and global organizations navigate the unwritten rules of Arabic business culture across the GCC, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. Her work combines cultural intelligence, legal understanding, language, and relationship strategy to help businesses avoid costly misunderstandings and build lasting trust.Hersh's conversation with Taqua goes far beyond etiquette or surface-level cultural advice. Together, they unpack what it actually means to enter a market with respect, awareness, and long-term intention.They explore:Why business in the Gulf is built on relationships, not transactionsThe “language behind the language” in high-context culturesHow subtle cultural missteps quietly damage dealsWhy trust and belonging matter more than speedThe challenge of building a startup rooted in education and serviceAnd how generosity and patience create long-term business successTaqua also shares her personal journey from growing up in Saudi Arabia to working inside international law firms translating GCC legal systems and cultural nuance for global clients, eventually leading to the creation of FreedomVisory and her fast-growing newsletter, The Souk Secrets.Insightful, thoughtful, and deeply grounded, this episode is a masterclass in understanding people before trying to win business from them.https://www.linkedin.com/in/taqua-malik/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with certified brand strategist and neuromarketing expert Nicole Powell, founder of Halcon Marketing Solutions, to talk about what's broken in modern marketing and why brand strategy still matters.Born in Manila and raised in the Bronx before eventually settling in St. Louis, Nicole brings a unique blend of big-brand experience and entrepreneurial perspective. After working with powerhouse companies like Viacom, ESPN, and Fox, she shifted her focus toward helping small and midsize businesses build brands with actual substance, not just visibility.Hersh's conversation with Nicole explores the disconnect between marketing tactics and meaningful messaging, and why too many businesses mistake ads, logos, and social media for brand identity.They dive into:Why marketing without strategy burns money instead of building trustThe gap between “having a logo” and actually having a brandHow big brands create consistency across every touchpointWhy burnout and pressure culture hurt creativityThe role of neuroscience and psychology in brandingAnd how motherhood reshaped Nicole's definition of successNicole also opens up about her own winding career path, from on-camera work in Los Angeles to building an agency rooted in values, partnership, and long-term brand development.Grounded, insightful, and refreshingly honest, this episode is a reminder that the strongest brands aren't built from tactics first. They're built from clarity.--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

We don't buy products. We buy what they represent.In this episode, Hersh sits down with Daniel Trujillo, founder of Miami Links, to talk about what it actually means to build something that carries weight beyond the surface.Dan grew up in a first-generation Cuban family in Miami, where Cuban link chains weren't just accessories. They marked milestones. They held stories. They got passed down.After serving as a Marine, he came back to Miami and turned that legacy into a business. Not by chasing trends, but by staying close to what mattered in the first place.We get into:The difference between something that looks good and something that means somethingWhy sentiment beats price every timeHow his grandfather's bracelet became the spark behind the entire brandWhat it really takes to build a business online when no one knows who you are yetWhy most brands miss the emotional layer that actually drives decisionsHow confidence, identity, and style all tie together in ways people don't talk aboutThis isn't a conversation about jewelry.It's about what people hold onto—and why.Here's more information about Dan:Website: https://miamilinks.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamilinks/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miamilinks/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Zac Stucki, founder of IgnitionPoint Strategies, to unpack a fundamental flaw in how businesses think about their customers.What starts with a hilarious grocery store story quickly turns into a powerful framework. Zac challenges the idea that “the customer” is a single person, introducing a three-part ecosystem: the payer, the decider, and the user. Most companies, he explains, are talking to the wrong one and burning time, money, and momentum as a result.Hersh's conversation with Zac digs into how this misunderstanding stalls growth, why companies plateau between two and five million, and how early adopters are often mistaken for scalable markets. Zac shares real-world examples, including how shifting focus in a struggling medical practice led to 40% year-over-year growth.If your sales feel slow, your messaging isn't landing, or your growth has stalled, this episode will challenge how you think about your audience and show you exactly where things are breaking down.More about Zac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-stucki/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Kirsten Graham, a business strategist who helps entrepreneurs reclaim their time, sharpen their visibility, and finally stop trying to do everything themselves.Kirsten shares how her journey from running a mortgage company led to building systems that combine strategic marketing, podcasting, and specialized virtual assistants to help business owners grow without burning out. The conversation dives into the myth of the “do-it-all entrepreneur,” the dangers of hiring generalists instead of specialists, and why so many founders struggle with finances simply because they avoid them.Hersh and Kirsten also explore the deeper mindset blocks around money, delegation, and control, and why clarity in your brand and messaging should come before launching things like podcasts or content channels.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by all the hats you're wearing or wondered why your business isn't scaling the way you expected, this episode is a wake-up call and a roadmap.check out Kirsten's masterclass here:http://lessmathmoremoney.com/we would love to invite you to become an affiliate. Together we can help more entrepreneurs gain clarity around their finances and build stronger businesses.Here is the link if you'd like to learn more:https://loveyourprofit.com/join-lyp-affiliateIf you're not already connected with Kirsten on LinkedIn, here's her profile.--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with bestselling author and influence expert Christian Hansen to unpack a question that sits at the heart of every brand: why do some people get chosen… while others get overlooked?Drawing from years spent in university admissions, corporate environments, and high-stakes decision-making rooms, Christian has studied what actually moves people to say “yes.” And the answer isn't what most people think.Hersh's conversation with Christian explores the subtle but powerful shift from trying to prove your value… to shaping how that value is perceived.They dive into:Why people don't choose you—they choose their perception of youThe hidden role of language in shaping influenceHow relatability beats “being impressive” every timeThe difference between confidence in yourself vs. confidence in othersAnd why insight is far more valuable than experienceChristian also shares practical frameworks from The Influence Mindset, including simple ways to reframe conversations so they actually resonate with how people think and decide.If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but still not getting chosen, this episode will challenge how you communicate, position, and show up.https://www.thechristianhansen.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Lori Asbury, founder of CMO Co, to talk about what it really takes to build, scale, and sustain a marketing agency in a constantly shifting landscape.With over 25 years in media, branding, and marketing leadership, including senior roles at HGTV, Lori brings a rare blend of corporate experience and entrepreneurial grit. But her journey wasn't linear. After a corporate reorganization forced her out of a high-level role, she made a pivotal decision to stay rooted for her family and build something on her own terms.Hersh's conversation with Lori dives into that transition, from leading large internal teams at billion-dollar brands to creating a fractional CMO model that gives growing businesses high-level strategy without the full-time overhead.They explore:The evolution from corporate leadership to entrepreneurshipWhy most companies misunderstand what marketing actually requiresThe gap between strategy and execution and how to close itHow CMO Co became both a strategic partner and execution engineAnd why even marketing experts need to step back and brand themselvesLori also shares candid insights on growth, adaptability, and the importance of staying relentlessly committed to your craft, even when the plan changes.For founders, marketers, and agency owners, this episode is a grounded look at building something sustainable, scalable, and actually effective.https://cmoco.com--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

Award-winning and bestselling author Aaron Ryan joins YES, BRAND to talk storytelling, creativity, and the imagination behind his prolific body of work.Based in Washington with his wife, two sons, and a lively mix of pets, Aaron has written nearly 40 books across genres, from sci-fi thrillers and dystopian sagas to children's stories and faith-driven narratives. His titles include the bestselling Dissonance alien invasion series, the Christian dystopian saga The End, and standalones like Forecast, The Phoenix Experiment, and The Slide.But the story behind the stories starts much earlier.Aaron's creative journey began in second grade with a short story called The Electric Boy, a spark that turned into a lifelong calling. Since then, he's built a multifaceted creative life as an author, musician, voiceover artist, performer, and producer, all rooted in a deep curiosity about the human experience.In this conversation, Hersh and Aaron explore:How ideas evolve from simple sparks into expansive story worldsWhy the best stories balance imagination with human truthThe difference between planning a story and discovering it as you goHow faith and creativity intersect in meaningful waysAnd why validation has nothing to do with creative momentumAaron also shares how his “organic” approach to writing led to building entire universes, including the ever-expanding Dissonance saga, and why storytelling, at its core, is about more than plot. It's about connection, meaning, and the courage to create without waiting for permission.For anyone building a creative brand or trying to stay true to their voice, this episode is both grounding and energizing.https://authoraaronryan.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of the YES BRAND Podcast, Hersh Rephun sits down with Rob Harrison, a British military veteran turned sales entrepreneur and founder of Magnified Academy.After 12 years in the military, Rob faced a crossroads familiar to many veterans: follow the expected path into structured employment or take a leap into the unknown. Choosing freedom over familiarity, he built a new life in the Caribbean and discovered a passion for sales, not as persuasion, but as empowerment.Rob shares how the military conditions individuals to become “perfect employees” and why that mindset can limit entrepreneurial potential after service. He opens up about the shock of early military training, the challenges of reintegration into civilian life, and the moment he realized he wanted more autonomy, flexibility, and control over his future.The conversation explores how sales can become a gateway to location freedom, financial independence, and self-determination. Rob breaks down how he trains individuals, especially those with no prior experience, to become confident closers while helping businesses scale through remote sales teams.This episode is a powerful look at identity, conditioning, and what it really means to take ownership of your life after following orders for years.https://magnifyde.io/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of the YES BRAND Podcast, Hersh Rephun sits down with Amanda Johnson, also known as the “Story Oracle,” to explore the transformative power of storytelling in personal branding, healing, and human connection.Amanda shares how she helps individuals uncover their “sacred code” by examining both the magic and the mess of their life experiences. Through story literacy and narrative medicine, she empowers people to reclaim hidden parts of their story, build emotional awareness, and express their truth in a way that resonates deeply with others.The conversation dives into the role of storytelling in childhood development, parenting, and identity formation, as well as the dangers of outsourcing one's voice through ghostwriting or AI without doing the internal work. Hersh and Amanda also unpack how stories shape belief systems, the importance of earning your message, and why letting ideas “die on the page” is essential for authentic leadership.From The Matrix to The Hunger Games, they explore how popular stories can act as mirrors for our own lives, offering insight, healing, and a pathway to more intentional living.This episode is a powerful reminder that your story is not just something to tell—it's something to understand, wrestle with, and ultimately, own.https://the-story-oracle.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Anna VanAgtmael, founder of Wandering Roots, a company that hosts adventure retreats for women around the world and helps entrepreneurs create profitable retreats of their own.Anna's path didn't start with wanderlust. She built a successful 13-year career in molecular diagnostics, even helping launch a lab from the ground up. But after a major health scare forced her to pause, she began questioning everything, from her work to how she wanted to spend her life.What followed wasn't a reckless leap, but a calculated pivot. She built her retreat business on the side, tested the model locally, and created enough stability to eventually walk away from her career… just in time for the world to shut down in 2020.Instead of retreating, she doubled down.In this conversation, Hersh and Anna explore what it really takes to pivot into something more aligned, how to build a business around experiences, and why clarity often comes from doing, not waiting.They also dig into:Why belief in yourself is the real starting pointThe difference between a passion project and a sustainable businessHow to build something new without burning everything downThe role of “why” in making hard decisionsAnd what it looks like to create roots while still wanderingFor anyone sitting on the edge of a big change, this episode offers both perspective and a push.https://www.yourwanderingroots.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

Ideas are cheap. Execution is where things get real.On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Vladimir Baronov, executive coach to founders and technical leaders, and a three-time founder with exits in fintech and spacetech.Vladimir lives at the intersection most people avoid:business vs. technicalstrategy vs. executionthinking vs. doingHe's built companies from zero to one, scaled them, exited them, and now helps founders and execs make better decisions when the stakes are high and the answers aren't obvious.This conversation dives into:Why credentials don't mean anything until you activate themThe real difference between coaching and consultingHow founders get stuck in their own thinking loopsWhy asking better questions beats having better answersAnd how to build a personal brand when you are the productIf you're building, scaling, or second-guessing your next move… this one will challenge you in the best way.https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimirbaranov/ --Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

Ron Netanel joins Hersh Rephun to break down what it really means to “think like a big brand” and why most entrepreneurs are playing the wrong game.Drawing on decades inside eight-figure and billion-dollar companies, Ron explains the critical shift from small business tactics to big brand strategy. He unpacks the difference between branding, marketing, and advertising, and why confusing them stalls growth.The conversation hits on brand humanization, founder identity versus brand identity, and the hidden advantage smaller companies have over enterprise giants. Ron also shares how to reverse engineer growth through clear milestones, and why awareness, not just exposure, is the real currency of authority.At its core, this episode is about mindset. Not spending more, but thinking better. Not chasing tactics, but building a brand that earns loyalty, trust, and long-term demand.https://idealogicbrandlab.com/Courtesy of Ron, get your Brand Shift Code Guide here: https://brandshiftcode.com/ --Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

Union of insight and execution. No fluff. Just better systems.On this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with process and systems expert Errol Allen, a former corporate insider who made a bold move at 53 to bet on himself and build a consulting business rooted in clarity, structure, and results.Errol doesn't chase shiny strategies. He fixes what's actually broken.From ADT to GEICO to launching his own firm, he's spent 25+ years inside the machine, learning how people, processes, and technology either align… or create chaos.This conversation gets real about:Walking away from “safe” when you know there's moreWhy most businesses are running on invisible, broken processesThe power of mastering fundamentals before chasing innovationBuilding a business without obsessing over competitorsAnd what it really means to “get out of the boat”If your business feels messy, stuck, or overly complicated, this one will hit.--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

This week on the YES, BRAND Podcast, Hersh Rephun sits down with Leahanne Hobson, and let's just say…this one covers ground.Leahanne has led strategy for heavyweights like IBM, Avaya, and Lucent, and went on to found Alinea Partners, now a top global channel consultancy helping companies navigate AI, security, and constant market change.But this isn't just about big logos and big tech.It's about what actually builds a brand that lasts.Leahanne breaks down the difference between “position power” and “people power” and why the latter is what really moves the needle. Translation: your title might open a door, but your relationships keep it open.They also get into:• Why networking is not a phase, it is a practice• The moment your corporate identity disappears and your real brand shows up• Turning expertise into scalable, productized services• What AI actually means in the real world, not the hype version• Rethinking success from “world domination” to a life you actually wantAnd maybe the simplest truth in the episode:If you want in, you have to participate.Not someday. Not when it's convenient. Now.Because brand, like life, does not pick you. You show up and build it.

AC² — Building a Business, a Brand, and a Family LegacyIn this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with sisters Amoura and Avery Carter, better known as AC², founders of AC Creative Collective.From the jump, it's clear this is more than a business story. It's about trust, timing, and the decision to bet on yourself, and each other.Amoura brings the structure. With a background in education and project management, she believes great outcomes start with great planning. Avery brings the creative firepower, a decade-plus in marketing and design across nonprofit, B2B, and corporate spaces.Together, they've built a business that lives in the space where strategy meets execution. Not theory. Not fluff. Work that actually moves.Hersh's conversation with the sisters gets into what it really takes to build something from the ground up, especially as a family. They unpack the realities of growth, the tension between stability and entrepreneurship, and the ongoing challenge of defining your brand while you're still building it.There's also a clear throughline: community matters. Whether it's supporting women creatives, grounding their work locally in Charlotte, or creating space for other founders to grow, AC Creative Collective isn't just about deliverables. It's about building something that lasts.And yes, they're doing it together, which adds both a safety net and a whole new level of accountability.What they get into:How AC Creative Collective came to life and why timing matteredThe power of combining strategy (Amoura) with creative execution (Avery)Why most businesses skip the planning step and pay for it laterThe evolution from services to deeper program management workDefining your ideal client based on what actually lights you upThe realities of entrepreneurship vs. the illusion of “stable” careersBuilding a women-led team and supporting flexibility in real lifeWhy local community still matters in a digital worldTaking a strategic pause to reassess, rebrand, and growThe takeaway:You don't build a strong brand by staying busy.You build it by stopping long enough to decide what actually matters.Find AC Creative Collective:https://www.accreativecollective.com/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

This episode? It's not about dogs.It's about trust, protection, and what it really means to feel safe in your own life.Meet Graham Bloem. South African-born. Straight-talking. Zero fluff.Founder of Specialty Dog Training®, where “man's best friend” gets an upgrade to “family's first line of defense.”With 25+ years in the game and $20+ million in revenue, Graham isn't training pets.He's building elite protection partners for high-level families, executives, and public figures worldwide.We're talking about dogs trained to read energy, assess threats, and act with precision.Not chaos. Not aggression. Control.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Graham Bloem went from South African animal lover to founder of a $20M elite dog training companyWhy most dog behavior issues are actually bad matchmaking problemsThe real factors behind choosing the right dog: lifestyle, energy, environment, and expectationsThe difference between a family pet, a deterrent dog, and a fully trained protection dogWhat goes into elite protection dog training including bloodlines, temperament, and advanced conditioningHow bonding and handler training turn a trained dog into a trusted family protectorThe truth about dog marking behavior and practical ways to fix itHow to build a premium, trust-driven brand in a competitive nicheWhy every interaction is an impression that can lead to long-term business growthThe role of authenticity, heart, and service in scaling a values-based companyHow dogs read human energy, emotion, and behavior often better than we read ourselvesIt's part business. Part philosophy. Part “wow, I didn't know dogs could do THAT.”Bottom line:This episode isn't about selling protection.It's about understanding it.And once you do… you'll never look at a “good dog” the same way again.--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

What do you do when your hometown is wiped out… and hope goes with it?If you're Ron Ladner, you build a restaurant.Not because it's a smart business move.Because your community needs a place to feel human again.Ron grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, cut his teeth in software, built and sold a company… and then came home.After Hurricane Katrina, he and his wife Laura opened Shaggy's. Not just as a restaurant, but as a gathering place for healing, connection, and joy.What started as one location is now:5 restaurants450 team members1M+ guests served annuallyBut here's the twist…Ron never set out to build a restaurant empire.He set out to make people feel better when they walked out than when they walked in.And somehow, that became the business model.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy focusing only on what you can control is Ron's foundation for life and businessHow growing up with less fueled his drive for freedom, not just moneyWhy impatience can actually be a competitive advantage when used rightThe moment Ron realized: if you do things like everyone else, you get average resultsHow Shaggy's reinvented restaurant service with a team-based, high-efficiency modelThe real reason most businesses fail at culture and what it actually takes to build one that lastsWhy employee experience drives customer experience, not the other way aroundHow Shaggy's turned restaurant jobs into real careers with 3-year average tenureWhat people are really responding to in Ron's bestselling book: honesty, humility, and zero filterWhy finding someone to replace you and do it better might be the ultimate entrepreneurial winThe Bigger IdeaWe talk a lot about scaling.About growth.About building something “big.”Ron flips that.Build something meaningful first.Make people feel seen, valued, and taken care of.Do that consistently…and growth takes care of itself.Where to Find Ron & Shaggy's

In 2006, our guest's son was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. After remission, a second diagnosis, PNH, led to a bone marrow transplant. In the middle of it all, Make-A-Wish sent their family to Scotland to play The Old Course. That trip became more than a memory. It became a lifeline.During treatment, her son and husband would mentally replay every shot from that trip to get through the pain. That moment sparked something lasting: a desire to give back.Then, just as her son was declared cured, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.After beating cancer herself, she became a wish grantor with Make-A-Wish San Diego. Inspired by her first wish child and her own healing journey, she created a CBD salve to ease a young boy's discomfort. That single act grew into Budding Botanicals, a natural wellness brand built on relief, education, and purpose.Today, her son is pursuing his dream of becoming a professional golfer, and she leads a thriving business grounded in gratitude and impact.In this episode:Turning hardship into purposeThe power of memory and mindset in healingBuilding a mission-driven brand from lived experienceA quick note from Hersh:Since recording, he's become a big fan of Budding Botanicals and its products. Not a client. Not a sponsor. Just the truth.https://www.matchmaker.fm/show-guest/dawn-norby-1144d5https://www.buddingbotanicalsca.com/contact--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

Christian Ray Flores has lived several lifetimes in one.From growing up as a refugee in Chile to becoming a pop superstar in Eastern Europe, Christian's journey spans continents, industries, and reinventions. Today he is a high-performance coach, entrepreneur, media founder, and philanthropist helping leaders pursue success that actually means something.In this conversation, Christian shares how resilience, purpose, and disciplined habits shaped his path from global music stages to boardrooms and coaching sessions with founders, executives, and creatives seeking sustained peak performance.With a master's degree in economics and fluency in four languages, Christian has built startups, raised millions for business and mission-driven ventures, and co-founded Third Drive Media, producing content designed to move audiences and fuel innovation. Through Xponential, his coaching and advisory work helps high achievers align success with significance.He is also the host of the Headspace by Christian Ray Flores podcast and the author of Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America, where he explores leadership, mindset, and the habits that shape extraordinary lives.In this episode of the YES, BRAND Podcast, we talk about reinvention, the power of purpose-driven leadership, and why the most meaningful success is built from the inside out.https://www.xponential.life/--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this energetic conversation on the YES, BRAND Podcast, Hersh sits down with Nadja Fromm, Corporate Breakup Coach and Startup Strategist, to talk about what it really takes to leave the 9-to-5 behind and build a business that reflects who you are and how you want to live.With more than 20 years of experience helping professionals navigate career transitions, Nadja has made it her mission to help people walk away from burnout and into bold, freedom-fueled entrepreneurship. Her approach is direct, practical, and refreshingly honest. No corporate jargon. No endless planning cycles. Just the mindset, clarity, and strategy needed to stop spinning and start building.In her work, Nadja encourages clients to think of leaving a corporate job as a “corporate breakup.” And just like any breakup, it can be painful, confusing, and even a little scary. But it can also be the catalyst for reinvention.As Nadja puts it, the old idea of getting a revenge body after a breakup is outdated. Today, the real glow-up is building your own “revenge business.”Throughout the conversation, Hersh and Nadja explore the courage it takes to rewrite your professional story, why burnout is often a signal rather than a failure, and how stepping away from the expected path can unlock a level of freedom and creativity many professionals never thought possible.Nadja brings contagious energy to the conversation, acting as the ultimate cheerleader for people ready to stop waiting for permission and start designing a career that works for them.This episode is for anyone who feels the pull toward entrepreneurship but has been told to stay safe, stay small, or stay put.Sometimes the boldest brand move you can make is choosing yourself.--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

What if the very thing capping your income, confidence, and impact isn't strategy… but something you learned at seven years old?In this episode of the YES, BRAND Podcast, Hersh sits down with Curtis McCullom, mindset strategist and creator of the LGET Mindset™ framework: Learn, Grow, Expand, Transform.Curtis works with CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs who are successful on paper but still hitting invisible ceilings. The kind that do not show up on a P&L sheet, but show up in hesitation, self-sabotage, overworking, or playing smaller than their actual capability.Through modalities like NLP, Mental Emotional Release® (MER), and Hypnotherapy, Curtis helps high performers identify and reprogram the subconscious patterns that have been quietly running the show for decades.This conversation goes beyond tactics. It is about identity. Beliefs. Emotional wiring. And what becomes possible when you finally clear the internal noise.Curtis is also the host of The Curtis McCullom Show, where he interviews top leaders on success, mindset, and personal growth, exploring what really drives sustainable achievement.If you have built something meaningful but know there is another level waiting, this episode is your invitation to look inward and unlock it.Your next level is not outside of you. It is already within you.Curtis helps you access it.YouTube: https://youtube.com/@curtismccullomWebsite: http://www.bespokehumanpotentialcoaching.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-mccullom/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BespokeHumanPotentialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/curtis.mccullom.BHPC/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtis.mccullom/Twitter: https://twitter.com/curtisBmccullomTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@curtismccullom--Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh sits down with visionary entrepreneur Eric Malka for a candid conversation about brand building, legacy, and what it really takes to scale with integrity.Eric brings more than 30 years of experience in the luxury branded consumer-packaged goods arena. He is best known as the co-founder of The Art of Shaving, the brand that redefined men's grooming and turned a daily routine into a ritual.As co-founder and former CEO, Eric grew The Art of Shaving from a startup into an internationally recognized brand. In 2009, the company was acquired by Gillette, a Procter & Gamble company. Following the acquisition, Eric continued to lead the business as CEO through the end of 2010, guiding the transition while preserving the brand's identity inside a global powerhouse.In 2014, Eric founded Strategic Brand Investments, a private equity fund focused on empowering early-stage entrepreneurs to develop their brands and grow sustainable businesses. As Managing Partner, he works closely with founders and leadership teams to pioneer winning strategies, scale with purpose, and build brands that endure.In this conversation, Hersh and Eric explore:What it really means to build a brand, not just a productThe discipline behind scaling without diluting identityNavigating acquisition while protecting brand equityThe difference between entrepreneurship and brand stewardshipHow early-stage founders can think bigger and build smarterThis episode is a masterclass in long-term brand thinking from someone who has done it at the highest level, from startup grit to global acquisition and beyond.YES to brands that mean business.www.strategicbrandinvestments.com_______________________________________________________________Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

On the latest YES, BRAND podcast, Hersh sat down with T Keaton Woods, who calls herself a “soul personal trainer.” Stay with me.T works with artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs, the dreamers gutsy enough to say, “I'm going to make something new.” She sees soul as your source code. Not religious. Not woo. Just the core programming that drives how you live and create. And like any code, it can get messy. Her work is to help refine it and actually operate from it.She doesn't see herself as a coach barking plays from the sidelines. She's a Sherpa. She may know where the potholes are, but you still have to walk the path. Sometimes she calls out the hole. Sometimes she lets you step in and then offers a hand back up. Either way, the authority stays with you.She and Hersh talked about her “slow-mad” life in Scotland, her massive metaphorical circus tent of human connection, and why artists matter. They document the times. They make us feel history, not just read it.Her closing thought was simple and powerful: sometimes the most aligned move is no. Build on solid ground, not a house of cards.That's truth worth training for.Find T: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tkeatonwoods/Worth noting: Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir' with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you're building a business or burnishing your self-image.You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.Resources:60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz: https://getoffyourassets.scoreapp.com/60-second Personal Brand Quiz: https://bit.ly/QuizHR

Hate “sales”? Get the icks when it's time to make the offer? That actually makes sense — because your real job isn't to sell. It's to connect, serve, guide, and create trust with the right people.The problem isn't your offer. It's that most sales models force you into performance instead of relationship — pitching instead of listening, persuading instead of aligning.In this episode of YES, BRAND, longtime collaborators Nancy Zare, Ph.D. and host Hersh Rephun explore what changes when selling stops being an act and starts being an extension of who you are. Nancy shares how learning the right words and right approach helps leaders attract new business without feeling “sales-y,” while Hersh reframes sales as permission earned through clarity, personality fit, and genuine connection.This is a conversation about why authority doesn't come from pressure — it comes from alignment — and how the strongest relationships are built when you stop trying to convince and start inviting.Website: https://nancyzare.com/

The real comeback isn't to your old life — it's to your true one. Rachel Gaddis didn't just change careers — she changed her relationship with purpose. After a late ADHD diagnosis, a battle with breast cancer, and a full career reset in her 50s, she built a practice around helping others navigate reinvention without losing themselves. Hersh talked with Rachel about what real change looks like — not the “pivot” everyone posts about, but the quiet, uncomfortable clarity that comes before it. It's the same kind of clarity that my advisory clients are chasing — the moment when the next version of your work finally matches who you've become.