329. Stop Being the Best-Kept Secret: How To Own the Spotlight and Step Into True Thought Leadership

→ ⁠Apply to the Thought Leader Accelerator You’re not invisible because you’re underqualified. You’re simply under-expressed. Samantha pulls back the curtain on why high-achieving women (and plenty of men) stay stuck in “best-kept secret” mode, tracing the sabotage back to childhood patterns of peace-keeping, perfectionism, and staying small.Samantha breaks down the emotional and strategic roots of visibility—why your business keeps hitting a glass ceiling, why your boldest ideas stay stuck in drafts, and why your public presence doesn’t yet match your private brilliance. You’ll learn how internalized humility becomes a brand problem, why visibility is a practiced skill (not a personality trait), and what it takes to step into true thought leadership with clarity, conviction, and volume.If you’re ready to stop hiding, start leading, and build a brand around your voice—not your fears—this episode hands you the first moves.KEY TOPICS DISCUSSEDThe hidden childhood patterns sabotaging adult visibilityWhy experts aren’t overlooked—they’re under-expressedThe emotional cost of being respected privately but unknown publiclyHow “humility conditioning” blocks brand growthVisibility as a practiced skill, not an innate personality traitThe difference between being unqualified vs. under-expressedWhy thought leadership begins with message clarity, not more certificationsHow internal conflict creates plateaus in business, brand, and leadershipRebuilding your voice as an identity—not a marketing tacticThe sneaky ways fear shows up as overthinking, procrastination, or perfectionismThe power of building a brand around your voice, not a scattershot offer suiteWhat to expect inside Samantha’s 90-Day Thought Leader Accelerator→ Apply to the Thought Leader AcceleratorReady to go from best-kept secret to visible thought leader? Join Samantha’s immersive 90-day accelerator designed to extract your message, refine your identity, and build a brand around your voice. Details here.→ Share this episode with a friend who’s playing smallIf you know someone who’s brilliant but hiding, send this their way.→ Leave a review for Own It With Samantha WarrenIf this episode cracked something open for you, let Samantha know—your review helps amplify the message.thought leadership coaching, visibility strategy for entrepreneurs, personal brand development, female founders leadership, how to be more visible online, overcoming fear of visibility, brand messaging clarity, expert positioning, imposter syndrome for entrepreneurs, building a brand around your voice, business identity work, confidence for creators, Samantha Warren podcast, Own It podcast

Do you have to choose between God and spirituality? After a TikTok video on this topic went viral—7,000+ likes and over 1,700 comments—Sam brings the conversation to the podcast to unpack what people are really feeling: a longing for truth, unity, and a spiritual identity that integrates both God and energy, intuition, and personal evolution.Sam shares her journey growing up Catholic, discovering intuitive gifts, rejecting rigid religious structures, and ultimately realizing that God and New Age spirituality are not opposites—they are interconnected. This episode explores intuition, leadership, past lives, mission, calling, and why so many leaders are waking up to a “both/and” paradigm that doesn’t fit neatly into old boxes.If you’ve ever felt caught between religion and spirituality, repelled by dogma yet deeply connected to God, or if you’re a leader who knows your mission is bigger than you… this episode will hit home.KEY TOPICS DISCUSSEDWhy so many people feel torn between God and spiritualityThe divide between religion, New Age spirituality, and the “awakening” happening right nowIntuition as a spiritual gift—and how everyone has itHow leaders are being “called” into deeper purpose and missionWhy old structures are collapsing and what that means for 2026The role of God (or Source/Universe) in thought leadership and creative expressionHow surrender, listening, and co-creation accelerate your missionUsing prayer, nature, and presence to hear divine guidanceWhy your next direction often won’t come from your mindHow God works through other people, teams, and collaborationStepping into your calling even when it feels terrifyingThe deeper spiritual message behind virality, collective resonance, and the BOTH/AND movement🥳 RESOURCES + LINKSWork with Sam @ Voice and Visibility: Book a Call HereJoin My Newsletter: https://voiceandvisibility.myflodesk.com/optinFollow Samantha on InstagramFollow Samantha on TiktokSubscribe on YoutubeOwn It with Samantha Warren🔦Take the Mic 🔦Own the SpotlightGod and spirituality, both and spirituality, God vs new age, spiritual awakening 2025, intuition and God, thought leadership spirituality, God in business, spiritual gifts, leaders and intuition, energy and God, non-religious spirituality, Catholic trauma healing, divine guidance, God and intuition, spiritual alignment, purpose and mission, surrender and calling.

How do you stop comparing yourself to others? Well, first you need to understand why you do it. Second, you need to know the plan you need to put in place to go from comparison to enoughness. In this episode, you’ll understand why you compare, how to stop comparing yourself and the actionable steps you can take to protect your energy, keep a growth mindset and align with your true mission.00:00 Introduction: Embrace Your Unique Path00:22 Authenticity and Evolution of the Show01:09 The Couch Story and Setting the Scene02:14 Shifting from Image Perfection to Truth03:38 The Dangers of Comparison04:16 Taking Action: Detox Your Social Media06:48 The Importance of Protecting Your Energy19:08 Trusting Your Inner Authority23:29 Final Thoughts and Encouragement🥳 RESOURCES + LINKSWork with Samantha @ Voice and Visibility: Book a Call HereJoin My Newsletter: https://voiceandvisibility.myflodesk.com/optinFollow Samantha on InstagramFollow Samantha on TiktokSubscribe on YoutubeOwn It with Samantha Warren🔦Take the Mic 🔦Own the Spotlight

this episode is a real-time snapshot of what happens before everything clicks — the messy middle between "I want to start a podcast" and a full blown brand being built.It’s part of an ongoing series where I sit down with our client, Steve Sapourn of the Neuro's Journey, to capture what really happens behind the scenes as my podcast company Voice and Visibility helps him build his personal brand and own his story in real time.Together, we talk about the energy of visibility, the fear of being seen, and the moment when alignment begins to take shape. Steve shares how he’s finding his authentic voice, shaping his message, and aligning who he is with what he’s creating.If you’ve ever felt the call to share your story and your voice, this episode will meet you right where you are.02:00 The aspects of building a brand from scratch – with zero followers or visibility07:15 Facing the fear of visibility: Harnessing the energy shift that follows12:38 The inner work before the strategy18:50 Fighting through external validation while navigating the creative process25:00 Using life as your guru to find true brand alignment31:42 How to build momentum even when you feel vulnerable 58:00 Avoiding the trap of losing yourself: Staying true to your brand’s purpose01:10:00 Steve’s official podcast launch01:17:30 Celebrating alignment while being high on lifeRESOURCES + LINKSHop on my Newsletter to Watch Me Build My Podcast + Media Company, Voice and Visibility in public – https://voiceandvisibility.myflodesk.com/optinFollow Samantha on InstagramFollow Samantha on TiktokSubscribe on YoutubeConnect with Steve:The Neuro’s Journey Podcast Launch Party 11/22/2025, Boulder COFollow Steve on Youtube

Welcome to the very first episode of Own It! After a powerful period of evolution, the podcast has its final, most embodied name, and this is the episode that defines the entire movement. If you've ever felt like you're living in victim mode, people-pleasing your way through life, or dimming your light to make others comfortable, this is your official invitation to stop. It's time to own who you are, what you want, and the incredible life you're here to create.In this fiery solo episode, Samantha Warren breaks down what it truly means to "own it." It's about taking radical responsibility for every aspect of your life, from your body to your bank account. It's about understanding that in order to be a true leader, you cannot be a people-pleaser. Samantha shares raw, personal stories of her own unconventional choices—from dating a 50-year-old man at 25 to leaving the safety of her 9-to-5—to illustrate the power of tuning out the noise and trusting your own inner authority. This episode is your permission slip to stop asking for permission and start living a life that is unapologetically yours.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Welcome to the first official episode of "Own It"01:21 What the new show name "Own It" truly means03:32 The turning point: moving from victim mindset to radical responsibility05:00 The core of "owning it": taking ownership of your life and who you are05:24 Why you cannot be a people-pleaser and own your life at the same time08:39 The terror and power of leaving a safe 9-to-5 to follow your soul's calling10:00 The hard truth: owning it will make you unpopular at times12:33 The reframe: magnetism is not being loud, it's being calmly centered in your power13:32 Why we're done with the people-pleasing era16:00 The "Behind the Brand" series announcement>> RESOURCES + LINKSHop on my Newsletter to Watch Me Build My Podcast + Media Company, Voice and Visibility in public – https://voiceandvisibility.myflodesk.com/optinFollow Samantha on InstagramFollow Samantha on TiktokSubscribe on Youtube

If you've ever looked at a leader you admire and thought, "Wow, they have it all together," this episode is a powerful and necessary look behind the curtain. For the first time, Samantha is peeling back the layers of her "put together" persona to share a raw, unfiltered, and deeply vulnerable update on what's really been going on in her life and business. This isn't a formal lesson; it's an intimate conversation about the messy middle of leadership.Samantha opens up about her long-term battle with burnout, the high achiever's curse of never stopping to celebrate, and the frustrating process of overthinking and losing self-trust. She shares her journey of navigating her identity as a psychic, the pain of being misunderstood, and a powerful "Zone of Genius" exercise that brought her to tears mid-episode. This is a testament to the fact that no one has it all figured out, and the path of a high-frequency leader isn't always pretty. If you're ready for real connection and a reminder that you're not alone in your struggles, this episode is a must-listen.TIMESTAMPS:01:32 Why vulnerability is so hard (and why Samantha is choosing it now)03:54 The problem with performative content (and why we crave the truth)05:29 Samantha's raw admission: "I think I've been burnt out."07:00 The fear of slowing down (and never starting back up)09:00 The High Achiever's Curse: why we never stop to celebrate ourselves15:08 The journey of figuring out HOW you want to work with clients19:17 Navigating her psychic gifts and the fear of being misunderstood26:28 Her biggest shame: the frustrating cycle of overthinking33:40 A powerful "Zone of Genius" exercise you can do with a friend38:00 The question that made Samantha cry on air>> RESOURCES + LINKSHop on my Newsletter to Watch Me Build My Podcast + Media Company, Voice and Visibility in public – https://voiceandvisibility.myflodesk.com/optinFollow Samantha on InstagramFollow Samantha on TiktokSubscribe on Youtube

Want to protect your brand from copycats? Does the thought of legal protection feel heavy and overwhelming? This episode is about to change everything for you. In this incredibly clarifying conversation, Samantha is joined by trademark attorney Berkley Sweetapple to demystify the world of IP and make legal protection feel exciting, empowering, and like a total power move for your brand.This isn't your typical dry legal talk. Berkley breaks down the common misconceptions around trademarks, sharing exactly when you should file, and why it's about so much more than just preventing copycats. Samantha shares her own recent, real-life story of a trademark conflict with a friend, and Berkley provides her expert insight on how to navigate these tricky situations. This episode is a masterclass in how to turn your brand name into a valuable asset, build a legacy that can outlive you, and gain the rock-solid confidence you need to truly own the spotlight.TIMESTAMPS:01:08 How the fear of copycats stops you from being more visible02:03 Samantha's real-life story of a trademark conflict with a friend05:14 A huge misconception: why a similar name is just as risky as an exact match08:38 When should you actually file for a trademark?13:26 The hidden cost of rebranding (it's more emotional than financial)17:36 Why trademarks are a valuable business asset that can increase your company's worth23:11 Future-proofing: building a brand that can be scaled or sold29:39 The surprising truth about trademarking your own name>> RESOURCES + LINKSGet On My Insider List – https://voiceandvisibility.myflodesk.com/optinFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on TiktokSubscribe on YoutubeConnect with Berkley SweetappleInstagramWebsite

What does it take to build a successful business for 18 years without sacrificing your health and soul? In this powerful conversation, Samantha is joined by Patty Saggio, a certified accountant and the embodiment of a High Frequency Leader. Patty’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, boundaries, and building a legacy on your own terms. After a life-altering diagnosis of ulcerative colitis shattered her plans of becoming a CFO, she had to redefine success entirely.This isn't just a talk about numbers; it's about the courage to listen to your body's signals, the power of saying "no" to misaligned clients (even when you think you need the money), and the profound self-trust that develops when you prioritize your well-being above all else. Patty shares how her biggest challenges became her greatest teachers, leading her to build a thriving bookkeeping business rooted in integrity, alignment, and deep client relationships. This episode will redefine what you think is possible.TIMESTAMPS:02:35 How a health crisis (ulcerative colitis) shattered her corporate plans03:31 The early struggle: ignoring your gut and taking on wrong-fit clients for money05:05 How to raise your standards and set boundaries with clients06:35 The turning point: letting go of chasing and trusting the universe08:38 How learning her Human Design (4/6 Sacral Generator) was a game changer12:50 The physical signs: how her body told her a client was a "no"13:20 The core leadership lesson: "My health is worth way more than anybody."17:26 The great reframe: why entrepreneurs must stop sacrificing their health for money23:24 The ultimate truth: "Your business journey is actually just a spiritual journey in disguise."26:23 Patty's final words of wisdom for all entrepreneurs>> RESOURCES + LINKSGet On My Insider List – ⁠⁠https://voiceandvisibility.myflodesk.com/optin⁠⁠Follow Sam on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Follow Sam on ⁠⁠Tiktok⁠⁠Subscribe on ⁠⁠Youtube⁠

There's a massive difference between being an influencer and being an influential leader, and that difference is costing you trust, impact, and sales. If you're tired of just getting "likes" and want to build real authority, this episode is your wake-up call. An influencer has followers; an influential person has TRUST. One posts daily; the other shows up daily to solve real problems. It's time to decide which one you are.In this fiery solo episode, Samantha Warren breaks down the critical identity shift from "influencer" to "influential leader." She explains why a personal brand built on just "vibes" and lifestyle will never create the legacy you're here for. This is a masterclass in showing up with a clear message, solving a specific problem, and building the consistency and character that earns you trust. PLUS, another big announcement: the podcast is making its final, most aligned name change yet to Own the Spotlight.TIMESTAMPS:01:29 The critical identity shift from "influencer" to "influential leader"01:56 The core distinction: An influencer has followers; an influential leader has trust04:00 The audit question: Does the world know what problem you solve?06:06 The real reason you're on social media (it's to support a mission)07:11 Why podcasting builds the trust that social media can't08:20 The key to influence: showing up for the mission, not just your feelings11:09 The big announcement: The podcast is changing its name to "Own the Spotlight"12:46 The final mandate: You are a CEO, a founder, and a visionary. Act like it.>> RESOURCES + LINKSGet On My Insider List – ⁠https://voiceandvisibility.myflodesk.com/optin⁠Follow Sam on ⁠Instagram⁠Follow Sam on ⁠Tiktok⁠Subscribe on ⁠Youtube

Most entrepreneurs don't have a marketing problem; they have a messaging problem. If you feel like you're posting, pitching, and doing all the things but only getting "I love your vibe!" instead of paying clients, this episode is the truth bomb you need to hear. Your core message is the bridge between you and your ideal client, and if it's fuzzy, it's costing you money, impact, and scale.In this practical, no-fluff solo episode, Samantha Warren is giving you the keys to finally nail your message. She breaks it down into three simple but powerful questions that will help you distill your genius, clarify your offer, and cut through the noise. Learn why a clear message is the most important profit lever in your business and the difference between being a nice-to-follow "influencer" and a sought-after expert. This is the hallelujah moment your brand has been waiting for.TIMESTAMPS: 01:32 How to get clear on your core message01:46 The 3 Questions to Ask for Clarity03:35 What Problem Do You Solve? 06:11 What Unclear Messaging is Costing You07:00 What to Do When You Get “I love your vibe” instead of “How do I work with you?”09:22 The Simplicity Test13:04 The Invitation to Clarify Your Message>> RESOURCES + LINKSGet On My Insider List – https://voiceandvisibility.myflodesk.com/optinFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on TiktokSubscribe on Youtube