93: Do You Really Need a Personal Brand?

In this episode, I tackle one of the most common questions I’m asked: “Do I really need a personal brand?” Many professionals secretly hope the answer is no, but the truth is, if you’re leading a business, driving growth, or representing your organization publicly, the answer is absolutely yes.I explain who benefits most from building a personal brand and share the three key reasons it’s essential: visibility, connection, and credibility. I also discuss how personal brands have evolved far beyond influencer culture and why every leader must intentionally shape how they show up online. By the end, you’ll understand exactly what makes a personal brand effective and how it can strengthen trust, drive business opportunities, and safeguard your reputation in the age of AI and digital search.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Why I started my business and how storytelling changed everything 00:33 The most common question I get: Do I need a personal brand? 01:21 Who needs a personal brand and why leadership visibility matters 02:13 Why personal branding isn’t just for influencers anymore 03:08 The recruiter’s perspective: How social media reveals what your resume can’t 03:56 How people vet you online before connecting and what they’re looking for 04:19 Reason #1: Visibility and why showing up online drives opportunities 04:47 Reason #2: Connection and why people buy from people, not faceless brands 05:30 Real client example: How consistent storytelling attracts inbound leads 06:15 The importance of being relatable and polarizing in a positive way 06:54 Reason #3: Credibility and how earned media and AI search shape perception 07:36 How to shape your narrative and define what you want to be known for 07:56 Where to show up for maximum impact: social media, podcasts, and press 09:39 Final thoughts: How personal branding fuels growth, reputation, and trustKey Takeaways:Be deliberate about how you’re perceived online: If you don’t define what you want to be known for, algorithms and others will do it for you. Decide on the specific topics and values that reflect your expertise and consistently create content around them so your narrative stays in your control.Visibility drives credibility: People and AI search engines are constantly evaluating digital footprints. When you show up on social media, in articles, or on podcasts, you reinforce expertise and authority in places your audience already trusts.Connection starts with authenticity: Your personality and perspective are your strongest differentiators. Let people hear your voice and see your values, so they can decide early whether you’re the right fit. This saves time and attracts clients who are genuinely aligned with your brand.Earned media multiplies trust: Third-party credibility from respected outlets and platforms is powerful. A well-placed article, podcast, or feature signals that others see you as a trusted expert, making it easier for new audiences to believe in your expertise and engage.Consistent storytelling compounds over time: Each appearance, post, or quote adds another layer to your public identity. The more consistent and visible you are, the more momentum you build in attracting opportunities and establishing long-term influence.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyPlease consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.Connect with Christie Bilbreyhttp://[email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbreyInstagram: https://instagram.com/stellanovamedia

In this episode, I examine Cracker Barrel’s rebrand disaster that dominated social media and the news last week. The company traded its nostalgic, country-store feel and iconic “Old Timer” logo for a modernized version that customers called bland, sterile, and soulless. The backlash was immediate and relentless: negative headlines, viral videos, and $143 million in lost market value. At first, Cracker Barrel dismissed critics as a “vocal minority” and insisted most people loved the changes. But late yesterday, they reversed course, scrapping the new logo and promising to bring back the Old Timer after finally acknowledging their customers’ voices.I break down how Cracker Barrel mishandled its crisis, why their reversal is only a first step, and what lessons any business can learn about protecting its brand identity, listening early, and turning customer feedback into meaningful action.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and update on why this episode shifted focus01:10 Cracker Barrel’s rebrand rollout and why customers felt betrayed 02:18 What effective crisis management should look like — listen, admit, connect, act, communicate 03:10 The costly fallout: stock down $143 million and daily negative headlines 03:40 How Cracker Barrel dismissed loyal customers as a “vocal minority” 04:08 Why the Old Timer logo mattered to the brand’s identity and culture 05:22 Lessons from Coca-Cola’s New Coke disaster and recovery 06:15 Takeaway #1: Listen early and acknowledge problems before backlash snowballs 06:45 Takeaway #2: Protect the distinctive qualities that make your brand irreplaceable 07:20 Takeaway #3: Turn feedback into action and communicate changes publicly 07:43 Why having a PR crisis plan in place is essential — insights from Pat Ford (episode 65) 09:07 How our PR firm helps companies build visibility, credibility, and growth strategiesKey Takeaways:Listen early and admit problems quickly. Waiting to acknowledge a crisis makes the damage worse. Cracker Barrel didn’t publicly recognize customer frustration until millions in value were already lost. Early acknowledgment can stop the hemorrhaging before it escalates.Protect what makes your brand unique. Cracker Barrel’s country-store aesthetic, rocking chairs, and Old Timer logo weren’t just decorations, they were the emotional anchors of the brand. Diluting what sets you apart erodes loyalty and gives customers less reason to stay.Turn customer feedback into visible action. Bringing back the Old Timer logo was a good first step, but only because it showed loyal voices had an impact. Publicly turning feedback into change restores credibility and proves customer relationships matter.Have a crisis plan in place before you need it. Crises unfold in real time under high stress. As Pat Ford emphasized in episode 65, knowing who leads communications, how decisions flow, and what steps to take is the only way to manage effectively in a PR crisis that often feels like the “fog of war.”Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyPlease consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.Connect with Christie Bilbreyhttp://[email protected]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbreyInstagram: https://instagram.com/stellanovamedia

Most messaging doesn’t fail because the idea is bad. It fails because it’s unclear.In this episode, I break down a messaging framework to communicate your message clearly and effectively.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: Why even experienced professionals struggle with marketing themselves00:56 The high stakes of messaging—how the right words can win clients, funding, or even save a business02:22 Why pre-communication strategy is critical: understanding the heart of your message before you share it03:27 How to test if your message is clear: Why simplicity and avoiding jargon are non-negotiable05:22 Structure your message into a clear story framework so it resonates and drives action.06:53 What every message needs: A clear next step that guides your audience to take action08:04 The 'Grandma Test': How to ensure your message is simple enough for anyone to understand09:01 How our PR firm can help businesses refine messaging for visibility and growthRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyPlease consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.Connect with Christie Bilbreyhttp://[email protected]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbreyInstagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guestingCreate Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw 

Podcasting isn’t just a content channel—it’s a direct path to authority, high-value networking, and lead generation. But does it make sense for every business? In this episode, I break down who should start a podcast—and who shouldn’t—so you can make an informed decision before investing time and resources.A well-executed podcast builds trust with a highly engaged audience, attracts qualified leads who are already interested in your perspective, and creates organic opportunities for partnerships and sales conversations. It also increases visibility in search engines, making it easier to get discovered by media, event organizers, and other industry leaders.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the benefits of podcasting 01:00 Establishing authority and search engine visibility 02:30 Audience engagement and loyalty in podcasting 04:00 The power of authenticity in podcasting 05:30 Podcasting as a lead generation tool 07:00 The networking benefits of having guests 08:30 How podcasting creates media and business opportunities 10:00 Who should consider starting a podcast 11:30 Business types that benefit most from podcasting 13:00 Local vs. national/global podcast strategies 14:30 Strategic considerations before launching a podcastRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & SpotifyPlease consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts,click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.Connect with Christie Bilbreyhttp://[email protected]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbreyInstagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guestingCreate Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw 

In today’s episode, I speak with Patricia Lizarraga, managing partner at Hypatia Capital. She founded the Hypatia Women CEO ETF, the only investment fund dedicated to publicly traded companies led by women. After decades on Wall Street, she’s seen firsthand what separates high-performing leaders from those who struggle to scale. From funding pitfalls to marketing missteps to the power of bold decision-making, we unpack the key strategies that drive business success. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Patricia Lizarraga and Hypatia Capital 02:00 Patricia’s path to Wall Street 06:00 Discovering a market gap in 2015 10:00 Her realization that women-led companies outperform 14:30 Challenges and insights of marketing an ETF 19:45 Raising capital and building an advisory board 25:00 Key business trends for 2025 Connect with Patricia Lizarraga www.wceoetf.com www.hypatiainvestathon.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricializarraga/   [email protected] Connect with Christie Bilbrey http://www.christiebilbrey.com [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting

In today’s episode, I’m diving into the art and science of email marketing with Jaina Mistry, Director of Brand and Content Marketing at Litmus. We unpack how email marketing is evolving to meet changing consumer expectations, discuss the most common mistakes marketers make, and explore creative ways to personalize email campaigns.  You’ll also hear actionable tips on how to be authentic in email marketing in 2025, leverage AI effectively, and use lifecycle marketing and newsletters to build trust, drive engagement, and boost ROI. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the episode and today’s guest, Jaina Mistry 02:00 Jaina’s career journey: From Buffy fan sites to email marketing leadership 06:30 How early influences shaped Jaina’s approach to creativity and strategy 10:00 What Litmus does and how it helps marketers optimize email campaigns 14:30 The challenges of email rendering across platforms and how Litmus solves them 18:45 Key features of Litmus: personalization tools, testing capabilities, and analytics 20:00 AI in email marketing: How marketers are using it and its current limitations 23:15 Practical ways to use AI for ideation and content creation in email campaigns 26:00 Changing consumer behaviors: Building trust and standing out through email 30:00 Why email marketing is not dead: The long-term impact of consistent email strategies 35:00 Personalization strategies that go beyond first-name greetings to create real connections 38:00 Lifecycle marketing: Using email to guide consumers from awareness to action 42:30 The importance of showing up consistently in inboxes and building brand loyalty 46:00 Why newsletters are a powerful tool for thought leadership and relationship building 48:00 Final advice: Be curious, creative, and focus on connecting with humans Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Connect with Christie Bilbrey ⁠http://www.christiebilbrey.com⁠ ⁠[email protected]⁠   LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey⁠  Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: ⁠https://bit.ly/pod-guesting⁠ Create Your Buyer Persona: ⁠https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw⁠ Connect with Jaina Mistry State of Email Trends Report by Litmus: https://www.litmus.com/resources/state-of-email-trends State of Lifecycle Marketing Report by Litmus: https://www.litmus.com/resources/state-of-email-lifecycle-marketing  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jainamistry 

How to grow your brand and business on LinkedIn without posting. find the right people get them to notice you initiate conversations that lead to discovery calls Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: Why LinkedIn is critical for brand growth in B2B 01:15 The power of LinkedIn Sales Navigator: How it helps you find and connect with the right decision-makers 03:09 Filtering for precision: Using specific search criteria to locate ideal prospects for your business 04:30 Crafting connection requests: Keep them personal, concise, and genuine for better acceptance rates 05:39 Engaging through comments: How thoughtful commenting on posts builds credibility and interest organically 07:06 Bonus tip: Leveraging DMs to create authentic, mutually beneficial conversations with your connections 08:29 Closing thoughts: The importance of adding value to every interaction and an invitation to connect or collaborate Connect with Christie Bilbrey http://www.christiebilbrey.com [email protected] LinkedIn:   / christiebilbrey   Instagram:   / christiebilbrey   Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw

In today’s episode, I share tactics for CEOs and founders to leverage LinkedIn as a personal and professional brand-building powerhouse. It’s no longer enough for executives to simply represent their company on LinkedIn—they must actively cultivate a personal brand, communicate thought leadership, and inspire a community around their vision.  Whether it’s tackling pain points, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, or showcasing their unique perspective, I break down specific approaches that make LinkedIn a vital platform for senior leaders in B2B to enhance visibility, credibility, and engagement with multiple stakeholders. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode 01:04 - Why CEOs and founders need to develop personal brands and become thought leaders on LinkedIn to humanize their companies, shape industry narratives, and build legacy 02:04 - Qualities of effective leadership content on LinkedIn: boldness, vulnerability, inspiration, and storytelling 02:58 - Content ideas that stand out, including sharing opinions on industry news, behind-the-scenes insights, and meaningful stories that highlight product and service launches 04:01 - Discussing industry-relevant topics and sharing individual client stories to create relatable, granular content that connects with a broader audience 06:03 - Importance of creating content that appeals to multiple stakeholders, from press and partnerships to potential speaking engagements and media opportunities 07:06 - The visibility advantage: LinkedIn content as a driver for SEO and making executives more approachable to audiences 07:29 - Announcing a new LinkedIn content service designed specifically for CEOs and founders to create engaging and varied content with minimal time commitment Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Connect with Christie Bilbrey http://www.christiebilbrey.com [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey  Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw 

In today’s episode, I share simple strategies to build brand stories that go to work for your business — with clarity, simplicity, and by attaching a specific goal for each story you share, so that it is memorable and resonates with your target audience while driving business growth. I also cover some great places and ways to share your brand stories to maximize their value.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode 00:55 – Overview of brand story strategy 02:09 – Start with the end in mind: set clear goals aligned with business strategy 03:15 – Know your audience: how to identify pain points and desired outcomes 04:48 – Build realistic next steps for clients in your story strategy 07:11 – The power of universal emotions in making brand stories relatable 08:23 – Craft simple stories for audience engagement and word-of-mouth potential 10:09 – Where to share brand stories 12:19 – The impact of podcast guesting as an accessible thought leadership tool 13:53 – Storytelling for team culture: embed values in company messaging 14:26 – Keynote speeches and crafting high-level stories to inspire audiences Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts,⁠ click here⁠, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! For Spotify, ⁠tap here⁠ on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Connect with Christie Bilbrey ⁠http://www.christiebilbrey.com⁠ ⁠[email protected]⁠   LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey⁠  Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: ⁠https://bit.ly/pod-guesting⁠ Create Your Buyer Persona: ⁠https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw⁠ 

To grow the business, career, and life you really want, you need to strengthen your resilience and rewire negative thought patterns. In today's episode, I’m joined by Jacque McCormack, a performance and ICF-certified executive coach and consultant with more than 15 years of experience.  Since the way we respond to situations not only impacts us but our teams, families, and those around us, we first discuss how to better understand our mental patterns. Then she shares how to quickly develop strategies for managing stress and anxiety effectively to make better decisions to improve our future. Jacque introduces the "Wyldfig" five-step model for resilience, providing listeners with actionable techniques to regulate emotions, develop personal growth, and achieve lasting stability in their professional and personal lives. Timestamps: 00:28 - Episode Introduction about Personal Resilience and Leadership Development 01:35 - Jacque's Background and Focus on Resilience in Leadership 04:10 - Patterns of Fragility Among Business Leaders: How Stress Affects Leadership 07:00 - The Brain as a Prediction Machine: Overcoming Mental Patterns 09:21 - The Foundation of Resilience: Introducing the Five-Step Model 13:07 - First Step: Pause—Developing Mindfulness Techniques 18:29 - Second Step: Catch—Identifying Negative Thought Patterns 20:55 - Third Step: Shift—Using Empathy to Reframe Negative Thinking 25:09 - Fourth Step: Feel—Understanding Emotional Triggers 27:28 - Fifth Step: Act—Taking Measurable Steps Toward Growth 31:00 - Debunking the Left-Brain/Right-Brain Myth: Balancing Logic and Creativity 34:08 - Consistency Over Perfection: The Power of Small, Repeatable Actions Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people like you who want to build a stronger business. On Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. Connect with Jacque McCormack https://www.wyldfig.com/  https://hudsongroupconsulting.com/ Connect with Christie Bilbrey http://www.christiebilbrey.com [email protected]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiebilbrey Instagram: https://instagram.com/christiebilbrey  Grow Your Business as a Podcast Guest: https://bit.ly/pod-guesting Create Your Buyer Persona: https://bit.ly/3H4Q2Hw