Core Brands Podcast

If you've ever felt like your marketing isn't working, or wondered why you're posting consistently but still not attracting clients — this episode is for you. Louise McDonnell, founder of the Sell on Social platform, built a thriving digital marketing business from a small town in the west of Ireland and has been helping business owners cut through the noise ever since. We get into the fundamentals most people skip, why your messaging might be the real reason your leads aren't converting, and how AI is changing the speed at which you can build a marketing system that actually works.In This EpisodeHow Louise went from studying marketing to building her own agency and platformThe marketing fundamentals most business owners overlookWhy weak messaging undermines everything else you doHow to create lead magnets that are genuinely compellingThe role of AI in building and scaling your marketing system fasterWhy starting before you feel ready is one of the best decisions you can makeChapters 00:00 Introduction to Louise McDonnell04:57 The journey of building a business10:08 Challenges of finding clients in rural areas14:26 Understanding lead generation systems20:23 The power of freebies in marketing21:43 Introducing the Sell on Social platform27:34 The importance of messaging in marketing29:40 Future plans and closing thoughtsQuotes "Marketing is the foundation of everything you do." "Weak messaging weakens all your marketing efforts." "AI speeds up the process of building your marketing system."Resources Sell on Social Platform — https://www.sellon.social/?ref=BDWZII78 (affiliate link) Louise on LinkedIn — https://linkedin.com/in/louise-mcdonnellStay Connected With Roberta Instagram: @designbyroberta & @coreandformdesign LinkedIn: Roberta Rechena Website: coreandformdesign.com Book a Free Discovery Call

SummaryWhat happens when a brand and packaging designer follows a pull so strong it completely reshapes their life? In this episode, I sit down with Amerjeet, a fellow designer who made a profound pivot from the world of design into Kundalini facilitation and energy healing.We talk about what Kundalini activation actually is, what happens in a session, and why so many creatives are drawn to this kind of inner work. Amerjeet shares the moment she knew this was her path — and the deeply personal journey of unpacking childhood beliefs, shifting identity, and learning to truly look inward.Whether you're curious about energy work, navigating your own creative blocks, or simply in a season of personal growth, this conversation will give you a lot to sit with.Sound bites"This is it, I knew this was my path.""The energy rises and the body speaks.""Look inward and reflect."Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest background01:00 Amerjeet’s journey from design to spirituality02:00 Discovering Kundalini and energy healing03:48 First experience with Kundalini activation05:04 How sessions are conducted and benefits07:13 Energy channeling and spontaneous movements08:43 Post-session integration and grounding11:21 Frequency music and creativity14:48 Childhood beliefs and trauma17:43 Deep inner work and identity shift22:10 Self-awareness and personal growth25:41 Expanding modalities and future offerings33:21 Final thoughts and where to find AmarjeetresourcesGuest linksInstagram - https://instagram.com/serenitysoulhavenWebsite - https://serenitysoulhaven.comStay connected with Roberta:Instagram: @designbyroberta & @coreandformdesignLinkedIn: Roberta RechenaWebsite: coreandformdesign.comBook a Free Discovery Call

In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, our host Roberta is joined by Mary White, an Irish and EU trademark and designs attorney who helps businesses protect the value in their brands. Mary works with companies to secure intellectual property rights and safeguard the ideas, creativity, and strategy behind their brands. As the founder of two businesses herself, she also brings first-hand insight into what it’s like to start and grow a company from idea to success.Together, they explore what intellectual property really means, why it matters for start-ups and scaling businesses, and how founders can treat IP as a valuable asset from day one. Mary also shares her perspective on how AI is changing creativity, copyright, and entrepreneurship, and why distinctive human thinking is still essential for building a strong brand.TakeawaysIntellectual property refers to the intangible “property” behind creativity, innovation, and brand identity.For start-ups and scaling businesses, IP can provide legal monopoly rights, giving owners control over how their brand and creations are used.Strong IP protection builds credibility with customers, partners, and investors.IP should be seen as a valuable business asset from the beginning, not just a legal formality.Protection should be proportionate and good value for the stage of your business.Grants and supports are available to help SMEs access IP protection.AI is changing the landscape of branding, creativity, and copyright.Distinctive brands still rely on human creativity and strategic thinking.Awareness, protection, and enforcement are key parts of managing IP.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background07:05 Branding and Trademarking17:42 AI and Brand Originality26:30 Building a Strong Brand39:17 IP for Small Businesses45:28 Educational Resources and SupportStay connected with Mary White:website: www.murgitroyd.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marytoomeywhite/Mary is part of Murgitroyd, a global intellectual property firm celebrating 25 years in Ireland. To mark the milestone, she is offering 25 free IP audits for businesses.To take part, contact Mary directly:Email: [email protected] first 25 companies to get in touch will receive a complimentary IP audit.Stay connected with Roberta:Instagram: @designbyroberta & @coreandformdesignLinkedIn: Roberta RechenaWebsite: coreandformdesign.comBook a Free Discovery Call

In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, host Roberta is joined by Carol Gaffney, a brand positioning strategist who helps founders attract their dream clients through self-image and brand clarity. Carol shares her journey from corporate burnout to building a personal brand photography business with her husband Phil, and how she later pivoted to focus on mentorship and brand strategy.✨ TakeawaysBurnout to breakthrough – Carol’s career shift began after a major burnout, prompting her to leave corporate life for something more meaningful.Business evolution – What started as a photography business became a powerful brand mentorship offer.Branded from Within – Her program blends archetypes, styling, mindset, and brand clarity.Power of archetypes – Using Carl Jung’s brand archetypes brings consistency and depth to a brand.Boundaries = authority – Saying “no” and holding firm on values is essential for positioning.Visuals reflect clarity – Strong visuals come after strong strategy and identity work.Healing through branding – Her work often includes mindset shifts and inner child exploration.⏱️ ChaptersIntro + Meet Carol (00:00–01:10)Starting in Photography (01:10–03:37)Pivot to Strategy (03:37–06:25)Burnout & Boundaries (06:25–11:11)Brand Archetypes 101 (11:11–13:41)Disney as Example (13:41–15:56)Roberta’s Brand Journey (15:56–22:45)AI Styling + Confidence (22:45–25:13)The Method: Branded from Within (25:13–29:50)Brand Authority Tips (29:50–34:34)Cultural Blocks & Beliefs (34:34–37:26)Inner Child & Book Rec (37:26–40:48)Closing + Connect with Carol (40:48–42:16)🔗 Stay connected with Carol Gaffney:Website: carolgaffney.comInstagram: @carol.gaffneyLinkedIn: Carol Gaffney on LinkedIn📚 Resources Mentioned:The Child in You by Stefanie StahlCarl Jung’s Brand Archetypes frameworkBranded From Within (Carol’s program)AI Personal Stylist tool💬 Stay connected with Roberta:Instagram: @designbyroberta & @corenandformdesignLinkedIn: Roberta RechenaWebsite: coreandformdesign.comBook a Free Discovery Call

SummaryIn this episode of the Core Brands podcast, host Roberta Rechena welcomes Sanja Trajkoski, a finance professional and aspiring children's book author. Sanja shares her journey from a challenging financial upbringing in North Macedonia to becoming a successful accountant in Ireland. The conversation delves into the importance of financial literacy, the transition to entrepreneurship, and practical tips for managing finances. Sanja emphasises the significance of teaching children about money and shares her personal experiences in instilling financial values in her daughter. The episode concludes with Sanja's aspirations for the future and the importance of self-care in business.TakeawaysSanja started working at the age of 16 to earn money.Financial security is crucial before starting a business.It's important to analyse and organize your expenses.Teaching children about money should be fun and engaging.Financial education starts at home and can be informal.Savings and financial planning are essential for stability.Investing in knowledge is key to making informed decisions.Open conversations about money can help demystify it for children.Self-care is important for entrepreneurs to avoid burnout. Building a business takes time and requires patience.Sound bites"I started working at the age of 16.""Start from the expenses.""Education is basically for free."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Sanja Trajkoski04:51 Sanja's Journey into Finance11:06 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship15:04 The Importance of Financial Security18:25 Practical Tips for Financial Management26:03 Teaching Financial Literacy to Children36:11 Future Aspirations and Self-CareStay connected with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: ⁠@designbyroberta⁠ and ⁠@coreandformdesign⁠Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠: Roberta RechenaSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the ⁠Core and Form website⁠Book a Free Discovery Call if you’re interested in collaborating!Stay connected with Sanja:LinkedInSanja’s Instagram - Money tips for familiesBTS Accounting Services Instagram - Accounting & Financial ConsultingWebsite

In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, our host Roberta dives into a timely solo episode exploring the hot topic: AI and logo design. As a brand strategist and designer, Roberta shares her perspective on why she’s not at all worried about AI taking over the role of brand designers — and how the human element continues to be the most valuable asset in creating meaningful, effective brand identities.🔑 Takeaways:AI lacks context and originality: While tools like ChatGPT or other AI logo generators can spit out designs quickly, they often rely on clichés and obvious visuals.Human connection drives good design: A designer brings nuance, research, emotional intelligence, and collaborative insight to a branding process — something AI simply cannot replicate.Trademarks matter: AI doesn’t evaluate existing brand identities or copyright issues, which could lead to expensive legal mistakes.Mood boards and visuals need strategy: Roberta explains why she avoids using ChatGPT for mood boards and prefers a thoughtful creative process over shortcuts.AI as a tool, not a replacement: While Roberta uses AI for certain tasks like mockups or visual generation, she emphasizes that tools should support — not replace — creative thinking.Better to start small: If you can’t afford branding yet, use a simple logotype with a clean font — not a generic AI-generated design.⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – Introduction1:10 – Why Roberta Isn’t Worried About AI2:30 – What Makes a Human-Centered Logo Unique4:45 – AI’s Reliance on Clichés6:50 – Context Matters: Real-World Logo Applications9:00 – The Legal Risk of AI-Generated Logos11:15 – Better Alternatives for Beginners13:00 – Mood Boards and the Creative Process15:00 – When It’s OK to Use AI in Design17:20 – Final Thoughts on AI and the Human Touch💬 Stay connected with Roberta:Stay connected with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: ⁠@designbyroberta⁠ and ⁠@coreandformdesign⁠Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠: Roberta RechenaSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the ⁠Core and Form website⁠Book a Free Discovery Call if you’re interested in collaborating!📚 Resources Mentioned:Adobe FireflyCanva / Adobe ExpressChatGPT“NanoBanana” AI tool

In this episode of the Core Brands podcast, host Roberta Rechena welcomes Orla Canney, the founder of OCC Consulting, who shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. Orla discusses her background in HR and her passion for people development, particularly focusing on career growth for Gen Z professionals. She reflects on the challenges she faced while transitioning from a corporate job to running her own business full-time, emphasizing the importance of networking and seeking advice from experienced mentors. Orla also highlights the evolving workplace dynamics, particularly how Gen Z values work-life balance and personal fulfillment over traditional job security and financial incentives.KeywordsOrla Canney, OCC Consulting, Gen Z career development, entrepreneurship, work-life balance, career reflection, networking, personal growth, AI in the workplace, corporate transitionTakeaways"I want to give this a good go." "It's not just about moving up the corporate ladder; it's about learning." "What gives me hope is the Gen Z, the digitally natives who were born with constant change." "It's more about how you feel, your impact, and your balance." "The no is always guaranteed; what's the best that can happen?"Sound bites""I want to give this a good go."" ""What gives me hope is the Gen Z, the digitally natives who were born with constant change."" ""The no is always guaranteed; what's the best that can happen?"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Orla Canney and OCC Consulting 01:45 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 06:16 Understanding Gen Z in the Workplace 11:19 The Importance of Career Reflection Workshops 19:02 Challenges and Lessons in Entrepreneurship 26:56 Resources and Personal Growth StrategiesConnect with Orla:LinkedinInstagramResources mentioned: Book: The Let Them Theory, Mel RobbinsShout out to Yvonne TchrakianStay connected with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: ⁠@designbyroberta⁠ and ⁠@coreandformdesign⁠Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠: Roberta RechenaSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the ⁠Core and Form website⁠Book a Free Discovery Call if you’re interested in collaborating!

In this first episode of 2026, Roberta Rechena shares an honest and reflective review of her 2025 — a year she initially thought was “a bit vanilla”, but quickly realised was full of lessons, challenges, and meaningful wins.Roberta opens up about the quieter side of business, fewer leads, starting a second business with her husband, and navigating a PTSD diagnosis, while also celebrating the many ups: awards, returning clients, personal growth, fitness, networking, and the evolution of the Core Brands podcast.She reflects on what 2025 taught her as a business owner, designer, and human, and shares her intention for 2026 — simplification, boldness, and visibility. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and acknowledge both the highs and lows of your own year.TakeawaysA “quiet” year doesn’t mean an unimportant yearReflecting helps you see growth you may have forgottenFewer leads doesn’t always mean less meaningful workIt’s okay to build projects slowly when life is fullAwareness and support are essential when navigating mental healthReturning clients are a powerful sign of trustPersonal growth and business growth are deeply connectedSimplifying your business can create more clarity for everyoneVisibility is a choice — and a practiceBoth ups and downs deserve to be acknowledgedSound bites“It felt like a vanilla year — until I actually looked at it.”“Quiet doesn’t mean unsuccessful.”“Simplifying is not removing value, it’s keeping what matters.”Chapters00:00 Welcome to 2026 & why this episode was delayed03:00 Reflecting on a ‘vanilla’ year04:30 The quieter side of business & fewer leads07:00 Starting a second business with my husband10:30 Mental health, PTSD & transparency13:30 Adobe Max, fitness & personal growth17:00 Awards, returning clients & proud moments21:00 The brand photoshoot that changed everything24:30 Networking, podcast growth & six years in business28:30 Simplification, boldness & intentions for 2026Stay connected with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: ⁠@designbyroberta⁠ and ⁠@coreandformdesign⁠Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠: Roberta RechenaSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the ⁠Core and Form website⁠Book a Free Discovery Call if you’re interested in collaborating!Keywordsyear in review, business reflection, entrepreneurship, branding, creative business, personal growth, mental health, podcasting, simplification, visibility, small business journey, 2025 review, 2026 intentions

DescriptionIn this episode, Roberta Rechena discusses the importance of clarity in website design and communication. She emphasises that a website should serve as a functional tool for businesses, effectively communicating their value to potential clients. Roberta introduces the concept of 'caveman communication,' advocating for simple, jargon-free language that resonates with the audience. She shares insights on how to structure content for better user experience and conversion rates, urging designers to prioritise clarity over complexity.TakeawaysA website should work for your business 24/7.Clarity in design leads to better results.The audience should feel like the hero of the story.Avoid overwhelming visitors with excessive content.Use plain language to communicate effectively.Shorter paragraphs and clear typography enhance readability.Simplicity in messaging builds confidence in your brand.Visitors leave if they can't find answers quickly.Clarity is more important than detailed storytelling.Challenge yourself to simplify your website content.TitlesMastering Website Clarity for Better EngagementCaveman Communication: Simplifying Your MessageSound bites"The simpler, the better.""Clarity is authority.""Speak simply, say what you do."Chapters00:00 The Importance of Website Clarity10:31 Caveman Communication: Simplifying Your MessageStay connected with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: ⁠@designbyroberta⁠ and ⁠@coreandformdesign⁠Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠: Roberta RechenaSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the ⁠Core and Form website⁠Book a Free Discovery Call if you’re interested in collaborating!Keywordswebsite design, clarity, communication, branding, user experience, conversion, simplicity, content strategy, web design tips, audience engagement

In this episode of the Core Brands Podcast, our host Roberta celebrates a double birthday – her own and the podcast’s first anniversary!Roberta reflects on the first year of hosting the Core Brands Podcast – the lessons learned, what worked, what didn’t, and her vision for year two. She shares the behind-the-scenes of managing a podcast as a side project, the realities of balancing client work with content creation, and the evolving structure of the show.If you’re a creative entrepreneur, podcaster, or just curious about what it’s like to run a personal brand podcast, this episode is packed with honest reflections and valuable insights.TakeawaysThe Core Brands Podcast started as a personal outlet after facing challenges pitching herself as a guest on other shows.Roberta initially planned a light schedule (two episodes/month), but shifted to weekly releases – a decision she later reconsidered.Guest episodes performed best, both in reach and engagement, thanks to guest promotion.Solo episodes suffered due to time constraints, but they remain a key goal for the future.Marketing the podcast took over her main business socials, highlighting the importance of balance in content strategy.Plans for year two include:Returning to a two-episode/month cadence.Recording more spontaneous solo episodes (audio-only when needed!).Developing a stronger visual identity and creating a dedicated media kit.Reaching out to dream guests with bold confidence.Chapters00:00 – Birthday celebration & podcast anniversary02:00 – Why Roberta started her own podcast04:30 – The original plan vs. reality of the podcast cadence06:00 – Challenges of promoting weekly episodes08:00 – Reflections on guest dynamics & invitations09:20 – Favorite tools: Riverside.fm & editing process10:50 – Top 3 most played episodes12:00 – Gratitude for Spotify followers12:30 – Vision and goals for year two14:00 – Embracing imperfect solo episodes15:00 – Slower cadence = better promotion & sustainability16:00 – Final reflections and appreciationStay connected with Roberta:Follow on Instagram: ⁠@designbyroberta⁠ and ⁠@coreandformdesign⁠Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠: Roberta RechenaSubscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updatesVisit the ⁠Core and Form website⁠Book a Free Discovery Call if you’re interested in collaborating!Resources mentioned:⁠Riverside.fm⁠ – Roberta’s go-to platform for recording and hosting her podcast (affiliate link in episode notes)