Build Your Authority

The Future of Authority: Why Leaders Must Act Now in the Age of AI

This week Adam and Joe are joined by Rusty Shelton, co-author with Adam Witty of "Authority Marketing" and "The Authority Advantage." The conversation explores the evolving landscape of authority building in the digital age, with particular focus on how AI is reshaping the way leaders establish and maintain their thought leadership. Rusty shares valuable insights on the urgency for leaders to establish their digital presence before AI potentially becomes a new gatekeeper of information, the importance of authenticity in content creation, and how to effectively leverage tools like perplexity.ai to audit your personal brand. The discussion also covers the ethical considerations of authority building, the growing significance of podcasting in thought leadership, and how to successfully transition between different areas of expertise while maintaining credibility. Through their nine-year partnership, Adam and Rusty demonstrate how relationship-building remains central to effective authority building, even as digital tools and platforms continue to evolve.

The Authority Maturity Model: Your Roadmap from Expert to Industry Leader

In this episode, Adam and Joe welcome Advantage Media CMO Beth LaGuardia Cooper to discuss the Authority Maturity Model - a groundbreaking framework for measuring and developing professional authority. As the creator of this model, Beth breaks down its five key stages: Emerging, Tactical, Operational, Strategic, and Differentiated, explaining how leaders can progress from being knowledgeable experts to becoming recognized authorities in their fields.The conversation explores how the model helps business leaders strategically build their influence while measuring concrete results along the way. Beth shares practical insights about transitioning between stages, setting realistic goals, and balancing personal and corporate brands. The discussion also covers important milestones like book publishing, social media presence, and speaking engagements that mark progress along the authority journey. Whether you're just beginning to build your authority or looking to reach new heights of influence, this episode offers a clear roadmap for understanding where you are in your authority journey and what steps to take next. Adam Witty adds valuable perspective throughout, emphasizing that building authority is not just about reaching the top, but about the transformative journey and opportunities that emerge along the way.

Bold, Not Bashful: How a Martial Arts Master Builds Legacy-Driven Authority

In this powerhouse episode of Build Your Authority, join Adam and Joe as they sit down with Scott Manning—founder of Dental Success Today, martial arts master, and visionary business strategist. For over two decades, Scott has revolutionized dental practices, transforming them into purpose-driven empires that prioritize both profit and personal fulfillment. Discover how Scott’s martial arts discipline fuels his unique approach to leadership, blending relentless systems like his Practice Profit Blueprints with a philosophy of "bold, not bashful" confidence. Learn why niche mastery, empathetic influence, and "guilt-free success" are non-negotiables for standing out in crowded markets—and how to avoid the trap of ego while owning your authority. Whether you’re a dentist, CEO, or aspiring leader, Scott’s wisdom on marrying discipline with vision will redefine how you approach success. Tune in and learn why true authority isn’t about being the loudest—it’s about being unforgettable.

The Intersection of AI and Authority Building

Adam and Joe explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and thought leadership with Kerrie Ann Nauseda, Vice President of Publishing and Strategy Editorial at Advantage. Together, they dive into the ethical and practical implications of using AI in content creation, particularly in building authority and trust as a business leader. This episode highlights the risks of over-relying on AI tools, the importance of maintaining authenticity, and the need for transparency when integrating AI into your workflow. Kerrie Ann offers practical tips for leveraging AI to enhance your expertise without compromising credibility, while Adam emphasizes the role of trust and human creativity in establishing true authority. Packed with thought-provoking analogies, actionable advice, and predictions for the future of publishing and AI regulations, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating the rapidly evolving world of AI while staying true to your voice and values.

From Blank Page to Bestseller: How Book Architecture Transforms Entrepreneurial Ideas into Impactful Books

Director of Book Architecture Kristin Hackler joins Adam to explore the intricate process of transforming entrepreneurial ideas into impactful books. Known internally as the "Author Whisperer," Kristin reveals how she helps business leaders discover their unique perspective and create compelling narratives that resonate with specific audiences. The discussion covers essential aspects of book planning, from initial vision sessions to creating detailed structural blueprints before writing begins. Kristin shares valuable insights on crafting compelling narratives, explaining how different structural approaches can better serve various audiences and messages. The conversation addresses common challenges busy executives face when writing books, offering practical solutions like working with ghostwriters and using voice recordings to capture ideas. The episode concludes with an important discussion about creating lasting legacy through business books, emphasizing the need to focus on timeless principles rather than temporary trends.