Core Brands Podcast

Ep 31 - Marketing Fundamentals, AI, and Lead Generation with Louise McDonnell

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 Episode * How Louise went from studying marketing to building her own agency and platform * The marketing fundamentals most business owners overlook * Why weak messaging undermines everything else you do * How to create lead magnets that are genuinely compelling * The role of AI in building and scaling your marketing system faster * Why starting before you feel ready is one of the best decisions you can make Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Louise McDonnell 04:57 The journey of building a business 10:08 Challenges of finding clients in rural areas 14:26 Understanding lead generation systems 20:23 The power of freebies in marketing 21:43 Introducing the Sell on Social platform 27:34 The importance of messaging in marketing 29:40 Future plans and closing thoughts Quotes "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 [https://www.sellon.social/?ref=BDWZII78] (affiliate link) Louise on LinkedIn — https://linkedin.com/in/louise-mcdonnell [https://linkedin.com/in/louise-mcdonnell] Stay Connected With Roberta Instagram: @designbyroberta & @coreandformdesign LinkedIn: Roberta Rechena Website: coreandformdesign.com [http://coreandformdesign.com] Book a Free Discovery Call [https://coreandformdesign.com]

Ep 30 - Kundalini Activation: What It Is and How It Works with Amerjeet

Summary What 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." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:00 Amerjeet’s journey from design to spirituality 02:00 Discovering Kundalini and energy healing 03:48 First experience with Kundalini activation 05:04 How sessions are conducted and benefits 07:13 Energy channeling and spontaneous movements 08:43 Post-session integration and grounding 11:21 Frequency music and creativity 14:48 Childhood beliefs and trauma 17:43 Deep inner work and identity shift 22:10 Self-awareness and personal growth 25:41 Expanding modalities and future offerings 33:21 Final thoughts and where to find Amarjeet resources Guest links * Instagram - https://instagram.com/serenitysoulhaven [https://instagram.com/serenitysoulhaven] * Website - https://serenitysoulhaven.com [https://serenitysoulhaven.com] Stay connected with Roberta: * Instagram: @designbyroberta [https://instagram.com/designbyroberta] & @coreandformdesign [https://instagram.com/corenandformdesign] * LinkedIn: Roberta Rechena [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertarechena] * Website: coreandformdesign.com [http://coreandformdesign.com] * Book a Free Discovery Call [https://tidycal.com/coreandform]

Ep 29 - Why Your Brand Might Be Your Most Valuable Asset with Mary White

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. TAKEAWAYS * Intellectual 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. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:05 Branding and Trademarking 17:42 AI and Brand Originality 26:30 Building a Strong Brand 39:17 IP for Small Businesses 45:28 Educational Resources and Support STAY CONNECTED WITH MARY WHITE: website: www.murgitroyd.com [http://www.murgitroyd.com] linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marytoomeywhite/ [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: mary.white@murgitroyd.com [mary.white@murgitroyd.com] The first 25 companies to get in touch will receive a complimentary IP audit. STAY CONNECTED WITH ROBERTA: * Instagram: @designbyroberta [https://instagram.com/designbyroberta] & @coreandformdesign [https://instagram.com/corenandformdesign] * LinkedIn: Roberta Rechena [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertarechena] * Website: coreandformdesign.com [http://coreandformdesign.com] * Book a Free Discovery Call [https://coreformdesignstudio2.bloom.io/discovery-call]

Ep 28 - Branded From Within: Carol Gaffney on Archetypes, Burnout & Building Authority

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. ---------------------------------------- ✨ TAKEAWAYS * Burnout 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. ---------------------------------------- ⏱️ CHAPTERS * Intro + 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.com [http://carolgaffney.com] * Instagram: @carol.gaffney [https://instagram.com/carol.gaffney] * LinkedIn: Carol Gaffney on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-gaffney] ---------------------------------------- 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED: * The Child in You by Stefanie Stahl * Carl Jung’s Brand Archetypes framework * Branded From Within (Carol’s program) * AI Personal Stylist tool ---------------------------------------- 💬 STAY CONNECTED WITH ROBERTA: * Instagram: @designbyroberta [https://instagram.com/designbyroberta] & @corenandformdesign [https://instagram.com/corenandformdesign] * LinkedIn: Roberta Rechena [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertarechena] * Website: coreandformdesign.com [http://coreandformdesign.com] * Book a Free Discovery Call [https://hub.coreandformdesign.com/public/appointment-scheduler/67507ecbea2d9b003ab8aa5f/schedule]

Ep 27 - Let’s Talk Money: A Chat with Sanja Trajkoski

Summary In 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. Takeaways * Sanja 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." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sanja Trajkoski 04:51 Sanja's Journey into Finance 11:06 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 15:04 The Importance of Financial Security 18:25 Practical Tips for Financial Management 26:03 Teaching Financial Literacy to Children 36:11 Future Aspirations and Self-Care Stay connected with Roberta: * Follow on Instagram: ⁠@designbyroberta [https://instagram.com/designbyroberta]⁠ and ⁠@coreandformdesign [https://www.instagram.com/coreandformdesign]⁠ * Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠: Roberta Rechena [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertarechena/] * Subscribe to the Core Letters newsletter for updates * Visit the ⁠Core and Form website⁠ [https://coreandformdesign.com/] * Book a Free Discovery Call [https://hub.coreandformdesign.com/public/appointment-scheduler/67507ecbea2d9b003ab8aa5f/schedule] if you’re interested in collaborating! Stay connected with Sanja: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjatrajkoski/] * Sanja’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sanja_trajkoski/] - Money tips for families * BTS Accounting Services Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/bts_accounting_services/] - Accounting & Financial Consulting * Website [https://www.btsaccountingservices.com/]