Public Figure Society

In this episode, I sit down with DJ Barton, a seasoned entrepreneur who's revolutionized how he uses AI as a personal coach and mentor. DJ reveals how he's created AI alter egos that understand his unique needs and challenges, essentially building himself a $10,000 coach that's available 24/7. DJ shares his practical strategies for training AI to unlock its true potential, emphasizing the importance of detailed communication and his "high tech, high touch" philosophy that balances AI capabilities with human insight. He explains why embracing AI isn't just advantageous but essential for future success, offering listeners a clear roadmap for leveraging AI in both business growth and personal development. KEY TAKEAWAYS * AI can serve as a personal coach and mentor available 24/7 * Training AI requires detailed and specific communication about your unique context * Creating an alter ego for AI enhances its effectiveness as a personalized advisor * High tech should be balanced with high touch for optimal results * AI can condense time and streamline processes when properly utilized * Personal development is crucial in leveraging AI's full potential * Effective communication is key to maximizing AI's coaching capabilities * AI can help overcome mental roadblocks and limiting beliefs by providing objective perspective * Embracing AI is essential for future success in business and personal growth * Being coachable and humble enhances the entire AI experience EPISODE TITLES * Unlocking the Power of AI in Business * Transforming Your Life with AI Coaching * The Future of Entrepreneurship with AI MEMORABLE SOUND BITES * "High tech, but also high touch." * "AI could be my $10,000 coach." * "You have to be a sponge to eager to learn." * "You can train it to be the best version of you." * "It's hard to see the picture when you're in the frame." * "AI is a 10,000-hour coach and mentor." * "The universe aligned us last week." CHAPTER BREAKDOWN 00:00 Introduction to AI and Entrepreneurship 02:59 The Power of AI as a Personal Coach 05:52 Training Your AI: Creating an Alter Ego 08:49 Maximizing AI for Business and Personal Growth 11:49 The Importance of Detail in AI Interactions 15:05 High Tech, High Touch: Balancing AI and Human Insight 17:54 Personal Insights and Communication Skills 20:49 The Societal Impact of AI and Alter Egos 24:01 Future of AI: Embracing Change 27:03 Practical Steps to Start Using AI 29:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Guest Bi: DJ Barton DJ Barton is a serial entrepreneur with over a decade of business experience and Co-Founder of Go Levarti, a travel company that helps families save up to 70% on vacations. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, DJ specializes in helping entrepreneurs create scalable, location-independent businesses and is recognized for his innovative marketing strategies and dynamic leadership approach. He's a sought-after speaker and coach who focuses on business growth, personal development, and achieving financial and lifestyle freedom. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealdjbarton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdjbarton/ ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

In this conversation, I sit down with Patrick Hanlon, author of Primal Branding—widely regarded as the most important book on branding ever written. Together, we explore why positioning is no longer enough, and how the brands that thrive in 2025 will be those that build community and belief—not just visibility. Patrick shares how the Primal Code—a set of elements like creation stories, rituals, and nonbelievers—is still the most powerful blueprint for building a brand people want to follow. We dive into how AI is changing branding, the tension between performance marketing and long-term brand equity, and what it means to create authentic human connection in a data-driven world. Takeaways Primal Branding builds belief systems, not just marketing plans Preference—not positioning—is what drives buying decisions Your creation story sets emotional context and builds trust Community is the new personal brand AI can assist with brand audits and strategy, but can’t replace story Branding without authenticity is forgettable The second follower is what turns attention into momentum Differentiation comes from meaning, not noise Performance marketing is a sprint; branding is a marathon Success is about becoming a magnet, not a megaphone Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Patrick Hanlon and Primal Branding 07:45 – The Essence of Personal Branding 15:04 – How AI Is Reshaping Branding 24:08 – Storytelling: The Original Influence Strategy 30:23 – Performance Marketing vs. Long-Term Brand Building 36:20 – Why Preference Beats Positioning 39:05 – Creation Stories and Emotional Loyalty 42:40 – From Personal Branding to Community-Led Growth 46:24 – The Role of the Second Follower 52:55 – The Origins and Framework of Primal Branding 01:00:03 – Belief, Branding, and the Future with AI Patrick Hanlon is the founder and CEO of Primal Branding, a strategic brand consultancy built around the breakthrough framework introduced in his book Primal Branding—a modern classic that’s become required reading at YouTube and a go-to playbook for marketers worldwide. Hanlon’s core belief: brands are belief systems. In today’s world, where audiences are burned out on interruption and hype, Primal Branding offers a clear blueprint for building communities through story, meaning, and shared identity—not just pushing messages through a megaphone. His work bridges the gap between digital, social, and traditional marketing, providing the unifying theory behind content that connects and spreads. Over the years, Patrick and his team have launched new ventures and re-engineered iconic brands across the globe. His client list includes Levi's, PepsiCo, Shopify, Fossil, Experian, PayPal, Yum!, Kraft, Bungie, Time Warner Cable, GOOD/Upworthy, Brave Software, and The United Nations. A frequent keynote speaker and thought leader, Patrick has spoken at TEDx, IDEO, NYU, Parsons, the American Marketing Association, and more. His insights have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, BusinessWeek Online, Inc., Entrepreneur, and NPR, and he has appeared on CNBC, Fox Business, and as a subject matter expert on branding in the documentary series The Kennedy Files. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-hanlon-primalbranding/ Website: https://www.primalbranding.co/ ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

I sat down with Mike Klein to talk about what it really takes to lead through communication in a world that’s anything but stable. This isn’t just about writing clean copy or managing internal newsletters—it’s about power, politics, and personal presence. Strategic communicators are being called to step up, not blend in. In this episode, we get into the real work of influence: shaping narratives, building credibility, navigating political landmines, and becoming the kind of leader people listen to. Key Takeaways: * Communication isn’t a soft skill—it’s a leadership skill. * Political climate shapes how and what we communicate—internally and externally. * Personal branding isn’t optional anymore—your name is your leverage. * Strategic communicators are power players, not support staff. * Your network is your influence amplifier—introductions build authority. * Legacy in comms isn’t about tenure—it’s about impact. Soundbite: “If you can’t communicate, you can’t lead.” “Credibility is the ultimate currency in communication.” “Strategic communicators are the translators of chaos.” “We are all brands now. The only question is: are you managing yours?” “Real influence is built behind the scenes, through connection and consistency.” Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Why this conversation matters 04:50 – The shift from messaging to strategy 08:34 – Chaos, communication, and control 12:34 – Navigating the political climate at work 16:32 – What organizations get wrong about comms 19:02 – Personal branding as a leadership tool 22:04 – Strategic communication as career leverage 25:56 – Building your presence and perception 28:50 – The hidden value of introductions 33:16 – Leadership, legacy, and the future of comms 37:35 – Final thoughts: owning your influence Guest Bio: Mike Klein Mike Klein is a globally recognized expert in strategic and internal communication. With over 20 years of experience leading comms for global giants like Shell and Maersk, he’s the founder of #WeLeadComms and a vocal advocate for elevating the role of communicators in complex organizations. Based in Reykjavík, Mike is known for challenging the status quo and shaping the future of influence from the inside out. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mklein818/] Website: https://changingtheterms.com/ [https://changingtheterms.com/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

My guest this week is Cailean Bailey, Head of Global Talent Acquisition at Design Pickle. We dive into what it really means to hire in the age of AI: and why it’s not about humans vs. machines, but about hiring humans who know how to use AI. Cailean brings a fresh and creative lens to recruiting, shaped by his years coaching Division I men’s soccer. At Design Pickle, he leads hiring across Technical, GTM, and Creative roles: and shares how their approach to “Pickle-izing” the hiring process helps protect culture, voice, and standards. We explore why curiosity and grit matter more than traditional credentials: how AI is changing the way we think about creativity and ghostwriting: and what the future of work looks like when the human element and technology work in sync. If you're building a team, applying for roles, or navigating where you fit in the AI-powered workforce, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Hire the human who uses AI Never sacrifice your standards: just upgrade your tools Pickle-izing is about cultural alignment and consistency Curiosity, grit, and adaptability are non-negotiables AI doesn’t replace creatives: it powers them up Soundbites: "AI is part of your team" "You won’t lose your job to AI: you’ll lose it to someone using it" "Curiosity is a massive green flag" "The true creative is you" Timestamps: 00:00: Introduction to Talent Acquisition and AI 02:55: Hiring Philosophy: Standards and Human Element 06:12: From Coaching to Corporate Team Building 08:44: Integrating AI into the Hiring Process 12:04: Enhancing Candidate Experience with Automation 14:57: What It Means to Pickle-ize Recruitment 18:02: AI as a Power-Up in Creative Roles 20:58: Addressing AI Stigma in Job Applications 25:32: Ghostwriting to Voice Writing 26:20: The Need for Upskilling and Adaptability 29:14: Navigating Job Displacement and Human Potential 30:15: AI as a Tool for Human Empowerment 34:15: Creativity, Ethics, and Originality in the AI Era 37:48: The Human Skills You Can’t Automate 45:26: Final Thoughts on AI and Human Collaboration Guest Bio: Cailean Bailey Cailean Bailey is a leader in global talent acquisition, with expertise in recruiting across technical, creative, and go-to-market teams. He currently leads Global Talent Acquisition at Design Pickle: a creative services platform powered by a built-in design workforce. Known for scaling startups and creating engaging hiring experiences, Cailean brings a creative spin to recruitment with a strong foundation in team building and onboarding. Before his corporate career, Cailean was a Division I men’s soccer coach: a background that deeply informs his leadership and hiring style today. He’s based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is passionate about blending AI with the human touch to build smarter, stronger teams. Connect with Cailean: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caileanbailey/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caileanbailey/] Design Pickle: https://designpickle.com [https://designpickle.com/] #PublicFigureSociety #HRMeetsAI #HiringWithHeart #AIFluency #WorkforceReady #DesignPickle #HumanEdge #RecruitmentReimagined #FutureOfHiring #VoiceNotGhost #CuriosityWins ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

In this episode, host Torund Bryhn dives into the world of communication with guest Kelly Leightner, an expert in sales and interpersonal connections. Kelly introduces us to an intriguing methodology, the bank code, designed to help individuals communicate effectively by understanding different personality types.  They explore how this system, originally developed to improve sales efficiency, can transform personal and professional relationships. From its roots with an entrepreneur struggling to make ends meet to its impactful application in businesses and personal lives, the bank code is a powerful tool that enhances emotional intelligence and fosters better connections.  Discover how aligning language with personality types can help you attract the right clients, build stronger relationships, and achieve greater success. Whether you're a brand builder, leader, or visionary, join us to uncover the secrets of understanding and influencing the diverse spectrum of human personalities. Tune in and get ready to revolutionize your communication strategy. Key Moments:  06:17 Understanding Action Personalities with BANK 09:29 "Relationships Drive Sales Success" 12:03 "Adapting Writing with Bank Code" 14:17 Writing and Self-Discovery Insights 19:53 Arizona's Relaxed Time Norms 21:57 AI Enhances Efficiency and Empathy 26:48 "Perceptions of My Dad's Intelligence" 30:10 "Decode: Enhancing Communication Effectiveness" 33:29 Free Training Repeats for Trainers 36:45 AI and Authentic Communication 37:38 "Embrace Authenticity in Writing" 41:21 Highly Recommend This Personality Test About the Guest :  Kelly Leightner is a creative thinker and innovator who discovered a unique approach to understanding personality dynamics in interactions. Intrigued by the notion of why some people respond positively while others refuse, she delved into personality assessments, reverse-engineering them to develop her own method. Her groundbreaking system allows her to quickly discern an individual's personality in ninety seconds or less. This innovative approach has become an invaluable tool in her professional endeavors, enhancing her ability to connect and communicate effectively with others. Link to crack your code https://codebreakerglobal.com/crackyourcode/kelly.leightner-2 [https://codebreakerglobal.com/crackyourcode/kelly.leightner-2]   Website www.KommunicationWithKelly.com [http://www.kommunicationwithkelly.com/]   FB: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.leightner [https://www.facebook.com/kelly.leightner] LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyleightner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyleightner/] Email: Kelly@KellyLeightner.com How to connect Torund :  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/torundb/ [https://www.facebook.com/torundb/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torundb/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/torundb/] Website: https://torundbryhn.com/ [https://torundbryhn.com/] Link to buy her book: https://amzn.to/3UmTJzI [https://amzn.to/3UmTJzI] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.