280 | BEST OF: How to Build an Iconic Brand with Neil Barrie

280 | BEST OF: How to Build an Iconic Brand with Neil Barrie

We're running one of our favorite episodes from The Business of You archives. If you missed it the first time, or just want to listen again, check this one out! What makes a truly iconic brand? Few people are better qualified to answer that question than Neil Barrie, the branding expert behind household names like Pinterest, Peloton, and Airbnb. Neil Barrie founded the TwentyFirstCenturyBrand agency in 2018 and works with many of the world's most innovative brands, including Headspace, Bumble, and Depop. From 2021-23, the company grew revenue by 70%. Originally a failed rock star, Neil has led the development and growth of top-tier brands including Disney, The Grammys, and Unilever. Throughout his career, he has used his platform to make the advertising industry better and has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, and The Guardian. Landing Your First Client How did Neil and his co-founder land Pinterest as their very first client? A lot of it had to do with personal branding and the reputation they'd built for themselves in the industry. From the beginning, Neil was intentional about doing things for free for influential people, with the expectation that they would one day recommend TwentyFirstCenturyBrand. He and his co-founder held workshops for venture capitalists and offered to help them with their portfolios. It also helped that they had a clear mission for their company (to build influential 21st-century brands) and a strong point of view on what made an iconic brand: it had to be purpose-led, community-driven, tech-enabled, and narrative-based. Neil and his co-founder came out of the gate with a clear thesis. They published white papers on their four-part framework that helped companies see the value in branding. Their strategy paid off — Pinterest took a chance on the new agency, and TwentyFirstCenturyBrand's client list has only grown since. Ingredients of an Iconic Brand Branding can be broken down into two sides: input and output. Output is your brand reputation or what other people say about you when you're not around. Input is everything you put into the brand: your vision, your purpose, and the experience you create for your audience. When asked about the future of branding, Neil says there are three factors entrepreneurs need to consider: profit, purpose, and people. After the turmoil of the last few years, profitability is more important than ever. Purpose is your vision, and "people" refers to how you rally your community around that vision. To build a truly influential brand, you need to balance all three factors. Enjoy this episode with Neil Barrie… Soundbytes 21:02–21:30 "We had a very clear process that we insisted people go through, which had a certain bit of mythology around it, in terms of some of the rituals that we would do. We would have things like 'discuss the undiscussable,' where we put all of the C-suite into a private room and facilitate a discussion around five undiscussable themes that we'd uncovered from meeting everybody. These are things, not necessarily related to brand, just in your culture that you need to address before you can really achieve your potential." 31:53–32:22 "Culture is a very special thing: The values of a company. The commitment to work with certain types of clients, to the proper balance of growth agenda, purposeful, profitable growth, and so on. The ability to say no to things, to really look after the team in different ways. So, it was clear from a lot of those conversations that a lot of people wanted us, but they wanted to sort of merge us with another of their consulting agencies, and sort of strengthen that and gain access to our client base, and things like that. And it was just clear that it was going to ruin what we built." Quotes "Most tech companies are leaving money on the table because they mistrust branding." "It's tough to get business when you're starting out. From the start, community and doing things for free for influential people with the expectation they would recommend us was a big part of our strategy." "Out of the gate, we acted like we'd been around for 30 years and hoped that sense of confidence and conviction would be infectious." "Vulnerability is required if you're going to build a proper brand." "You need to invest the time in figuring out what you stand for, what you are, how you're going to codify that into your experience and so on." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://twentyfirstcenturybrand.com/ [https://twentyfirstcenturybrand.com/] Connect with Neil Barrie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-barrie-29488aa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-barrie-29488aa/] Book "A Colourful View from the Top": https://www.amazon.com/Colourful-View-Top-Twenty-One-Extraordinary/dp/1408715791 [https://www.amazon.com/Colourful-View-Top-Twenty-One-Extraordinary/dp/1408715791] Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast [https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast] Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/ [https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/]

279 | BEST OF: How to Start and Grow an Influential Podcast with Erik Cabral

We're running one of our favorite episodes from The Business of You archives. If you missed it the first time, or just want to listen again, check this one out! Are you thinking of starting a podcast? Or maybe you already have a show and are wondering how to take it to the next level? Today's guest shares everything you need to know to launch and grow a successful, purpose-driven podcast. Erik Cabral is a leading expert in brand development, trusted by Fortune 100 and Inc. 5000 companies to define and deliver their core messages. Having built thousands of brands over his career, Erik has shared the stage with powerhouse brands like Shark Tank's Matt Higgins and Kevin Harrington, VaynerMedia, David Meltzer, and Hal Elrod of the Miracle Morning. As the founder of On Air Brands, Be Your Brand, PodMAX, and Mindado Investment Group, Erik is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs develop their personal and corporate brands through podcasting and media strategies. His work has been featured in major publications and has contributed to raising millions in capital for his investor clients. Preventing Podfade After launching dozens of podcasts, Erik says the biggest obstacle is "podfade" — where a podcast gradually disappears over time because it runs out of content ideas. Thousands of new shows were created in the past few years, but very few of them survived past 20 episodes. The reason comes down to a lack of purpose. If you don't have a clear goal for your show, it's unlikely to last. That's why Erik's company has shifted more into personal branding. Before launching a podcast, be clear on your goals, your mission, and who you want to serve. Focus on your purpose, because that's what makes great content. In Erik's own business, he's rebranded his podcast to The Erik Cabral Show and is focused on incorporating his faith into his brand. His mission is to build personal brands that glorify God, and his openness about that mission has helped him attract people who share those values. What to Know Before Starting a Podcast If you want to start a podcast, the first step is to manage your expectations. The average number of downloads per episode is 29. That may not sound like a lot, but even a small audience can create momentum in your business! If you have 30 loyal listeners every week, that's the same as having 30 people in a room who are eager to learn from you. Don't believe the noise on social media that says you need massive numbers to create an impact. When it comes to growing your show, podcasting is like starting a business. It starts with word of mouth and your personal network. Most of the biggest podcasts are hosted by someone who already had a personal brand with a large following. Audience growth is a slow build, so don't give up too soon. Enjoy this episode with Erik Cabral… Soundbytes 13:23–13:42 "It's what we call pod fade: all these shows got started, and the statistics are running away from me, but all the hundreds of thousands of podcasts that started during that era, we benefited from, for sure, but then a lot of them faded because they didn't have clarity and purpose and an end goal in mind." 33:07–33:41 "There is a purpose outside of money. Your purpose could be money and earthly things and earthly desires and material things. But I've recognized, and I've been around a lot of successful people…sharing the room in stages with millionaires and billionaires. I've recognized there are people that aren't happy with all that money, but the ones that are have that greater purpose, and they're usually God-fearing people that know there's something bigger than themselves beyond this life here on Earth." Quotes "Podcasting is very much like starting a business. We have to start with friends and family, word of mouth. We have to be grassroots." "Having a podcast, especially with a YouTube channel, you're set apart from most business owners who don't want to do that." "We want to build personal brands that glorify God." "Building a business is personal. It comes from us, our heart." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.erikcabral.co/ [https://www.erikcabral.co/] Free Podcasting Guide: https://www.erikcabral.co/guide [https://www.erikcabral.co/guide] Connect with Erik Cabral on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikcabral/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikcabral/] Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast [https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast] Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/ [https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/]

278 | BEST OF: Remote Work: Powerful Insights You Need To Know with Rachel Gogos

We're re-running one of our favorite episodes from The Business of You archives. If you missed it the first time, or just want to listen again, check this one out! Ever envisioned leading your team effortlessly while sporting cozy slippers? Rachel Gogos turned this dream into reality when she founded brandiD from the comfort of her home in 2007. Long before remote work became common, brandiD was already building a distributed team. In this "best of" episode, Rachel shares what nearly 20 years of leading remotely has taught her about communication, culture, flexibility, and keeping people connected when everyone is working from different places. This episode offers a closer look at what it really takes to lead a remote team well, build trust, and keep people connected from anywhere. The Freedom and Flexibility of Remote Work Rachel launched brandiD remotely in 2007, long before distributed teams became mainstream. What began as a practical solution quickly revealed a much bigger opportunity: access to exceptional talent and clients around the world. Remote work removes geographic limitations. Instead of hiring from a single city or serving only local clients, businesses can connect with the best people and opportunities regardless of location. But flexibility also comes with challenges. Managing multiple time zones, maintaining accountability, and avoiding the "always-on" mentality require clear expectations and intentional leadership. Why Culture Matters More Than Technology The most successful remote teams aren't built on tools alone. They're built on communication, trust, and human connection. Rachel shares how weekly team meetings, informal conversations, daily check-ins, and even simple Slack interactions help strengthen relationships across the team. These moments create opportunities for collaboration, honesty, and engagement that might otherwise be lost in a virtual environment. As technology continues to evolve, one lesson remains constant: people are the key to successful distributed work. Leaders who prioritize culture, communication, and connection will create teams that thrive no matter where they're located. Enjoy this episode with Rachel Gogos… Soundbytes 4:32–5:18 "The beauty of working remotely is depending on what your role is in the company, you can almost work at any time of the day when it fits your schedule. So I think that's been a huge benefit even to attracting great talent on our team. And back to other challenges. I would say building culture with a remote team is a challenge in building relationships. Close work relationships amongst people is a challenge with a remote team because you don't actually get to connect in person. And, and build a rapport that allows for almost radical honesty to be a very strong and well functioning team." Quotes "Technology is an amazing enabler; it is people who are the key to success in distributed work." "As technology becomes a bigger part of our lives, we need human interaction more than ever." Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast [https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast] Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/ [https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/]

277 | When Your Business No Longer Feels Aligned with Mike Brcic

What if the thing you've been chasing isn't actually what you're looking for? Many entrepreneurs build successful businesses or hit major milestones, but they still feel disconnected, burned out, or unsatisfied. The challenge isn't a lack of achievement. It's a lack of alignment. Mike Brcic is a serial entrepreneur, global adventurer, and founder of Wayfinders, a company that helps entrepreneurs build more connected and fulfilling lives through immersive experiences in some of the world's most remote destinations. After building and selling businesses of his own, Mike discovered that success without connection often leaves people feeling empty. Today, he helps founders explore a different path. In this episode, Mike breaks down why community, adventure, and honest self-reflection may be the missing pieces many entrepreneurs are searching for and how you can begin finding them for yourself. When Success Stops Feeling Successful After more than two decades building an adventure travel business, Mike found himself trapped in a cycle familiar to many entrepreneurs: relentless growth, mounting pressure, and diminishing joy. As revenue increased, so did complexity, stress, and burnout. What started as a lifestyle business built around passion slowly became something that no longer felt aligned. Mike shares the remarkable story of nearly losing everything before a last-minute acquisition changed the course of his entrepreneurial journey. The experience forced him to confront a difficult question: What was all that growth actually for? His answer led to the creation of Wayfinders. The Power of Connection, Clarity, and Community Wayfinders takes entrepreneurs far beyond traditional networking events. Through immersive adventures in places like Mongolia, Patagonia, Greenland, and Papua New Guinea, participants step outside their normal environments and create space for deeper reflection. Mike explains why entrepreneurs often struggle with loneliness and why meaningful community is essential for emotional resilience, better decision-making, and sustainable leadership. He also shares the concept of alignment: bringing your external life into harmony with your deepest values, desires, and sense of purpose. Through intentional conversations, solitude in nature, and supportive community, participants gain clarity about what truly matters and what changes they need to make moving forward. The result isn't simply a memorable trip. It's a chance to reconnect with yourself. Enjoy this episode with Mike Brcic… Soundbytes 15:14–15:45 "For me, alignment is this idea of your outer experience matching your inner experience. And so, on the inside, for lack of a better word, we have this thing called a soul. And soul, to me, is this really true aspect of myself, this really true core of who I am at the center of my being, and layered on top of that is years and decades of people layering messages on top of that about who we should be, how we should be, what we should be, why we should be — all these kind of things." 23:43–24:12 "I'm trying and I'm hoping that I can get them to take seriously this idea of having a dialogue with one's inner world, with one's soul, and that that's a useful thing to do. And also this understanding that, you know, there's a journey to be had in this life, this journey towards self-actualization, towards individuation, to becoming a whole person, to becoming more yourself. And eventually casting off these shackles of who you're supposed to be." Quotes "Adding more zeros to your balance sheet is ultimately not going to get you what you're searching for." "Life will force you to answer those questions eventually." "I'm trying to help people stop bullshitting themselves." "The soul doesn't deal in logic. The soul wants what the soul wants." "There's a journey toward becoming more yourself." "What I do isn't really about travel. Travel is simply the delivery mechanism." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://way-finders.com [https://way-finders.com] Email: mike@way-finders.com [mike@way-finders.com] Connect with Mike Brcic on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebrcic [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebrcic] Follow Mike Brcic on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wayfinders_inc [https://www.instagram.com/wayfinders_inc] Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast [https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast] Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/ [https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/]

276 | What Brands Get Wrong About Influence with Chelsea Clark

What makes people buy? Most businesses assume it's visibility. In reality, trust often matters far more than reach. In this episode, Rachel sits down with Chelsea Clark, founder and CEO of Momfluence, a leading influencer marketing agency that helps brands create authentic connections with consumers through trusted creator partnerships. Chelsea shares her entrepreneurial journey from scaling a restaurant franchise business to building a specialized marketing agency and developing software designed to streamline influencer campaigns. She breaks down how trust-driven marketing creates stronger business outcomes, why niche positioning can be a competitive advantage, and how founders can build businesses that align with the life they actually want. Trust Beats Reach Every Time Many brands focus on finding the biggest audience possible. Chelsea believes that's often the wrong approach. The most successful campaigns are built around credibility and connection. Smaller creators with highly engaged communities can often drive stronger results than influencers with massive followings because trust has already been established. Chelsea also explains why influencer marketing works best when it becomes part of a broader strategy. The most effective brands don't stop at a single campaign. They build familiarity over time through repeated exposure, retargeting, and long-term partnerships. Building a Business That Fits Your Life Chelsea's entrepreneurial journey began in the restaurant industry, where she spent over a decade growing a business to 13 locations through company-owned stores and franchising. That experience taught her valuable lessons about customer service, leadership, systems, and the realities of scaling. It also helped her recognize that growth isn't always about getting bigger. Sometimes it's about creating a business model that offers more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. Today, Chelsea is focused not only on growing Momfluence but also on building software that supports the influencer marketing industry, allowing her to solve bigger problems while creating a more scalable future. Enjoy this episode with Chelsea Clark… Soundbytes 27:58–28:18 "The person in charge of our content said that something like 90 percent of content on LinkedIn is AI-written. Of course, we use AI as foundation research, but then she writes it. It's almost like all content's going to become obsolete if you assume AI is writing it. Why are you going to read it?" 31:28–31:47 "Use the same creators multiple times. Most brands still use one creator one time and then get upset when she doesn't sell them out. Then it's like it seems inauthentic if a creator is always just using something once. So, having the same creator, even if it's months apart, you show that they're actually a fan of your brand and use it." Quotes "Growing things is just satisfying. I would get really bored if I didn't have problems to solve." "Customer service gives you tough skin. It teaches you how to handle people and solve problems." "Most successful marketing comes down to trust and consistency." "It's better to work with the right audience than the biggest audience." "Influencer marketing works best when it's part of a larger brand-building strategy." "Growth isn't always about getting bigger. It's about building the business you actually want." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.momfluence.co [https://www.momfluence.co] Email: chelsea@momfluence.co [chelsea@momfluence.co] Connect with Chelsa Clark on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-clark-momfluence/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-clark-momfluence/] Follow Chelsea Clark on Instagram: https://instagram.com/momfluence.co [https://instagram.com/momfluence.co] Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast [https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast] Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/ [https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/]