Brilliantly Branded Podcast

In industries driven by speed and scalability, other ways of building often remain unseen.In this episode No. 124 of the Brilliantly Branded Podcast, María Lucia Romero speaks with Ase Elvebakk, Cofounder of Natural Nuance, about building a circular luxury brand while working with time-intensive processes, artisans, and long-term thinking.Ase shares her transition from tech and innovation into product creation, how motherhood influenced the questions she asks as an entrepreneur, and why clarity of direction matters before empowerment can take place.The conversation touches on vision, responsibility, and the practical realities of creating inside the luxury industry without following the pace of fast fashion.

You don’t suddenly lose motivation at work.It usually happens little by little.You feel drained.Less engaged.Less recognised.In this episode of The Brilliantly Branded Podcast, María Lucia Romero speaks with Raphael H Cohen, professor and leadership expert, about toxic behaviors in organisations and how abuse of power impacts people, teams, and performance.Professor Cohen explains how these behaviors can be recognised by their impact. Feeling diminished, de-energised, unmotivated, and not recognised. He also explains why organisations often tolerate this behavior, how some people manage to shine upward while creating damage below, and why the real cost often stays invisible.During the conversation, he shares a free tool that allows organisations to observe engagement levels and understand how managers influence people’s desire to give their best.👉 Access the free Employee Appreciation Score (EAS) tool here:https://www.eazymirror.com/EAS?c=BBfriendThis episode gives words to experiences many professionals already live.And offers a concrete way to observe what is happening inside teams.

Networking is often misunderstood.For many people, it feels uncomfortable, forced, or even exhausting.In this episode of the Brilliantly Branded Podcast, I welcome Caroline Durand, entrepreneur and corporate trainer, for a conversation about what networking truly means.We talk about why traditional networking approaches often fail, how mindset shapes the quality of our connections, and why building relationships based on service and shared values creates stronger, more sustainable opportunities.Caroline shares practical reflections on:• Why networking is not about selling• How to approach conversations without pressure• The importance of purpose, values, and follow-up• How to build an ecosystem of trusted professionals over time• Where AI can support networking without replacing authenticityThis episode is an invitation to rethink networking as a human experience rather than a transactional one.If networking has ever felt heavy or unnatural for you, this conversation will help you see it from a new perspective.

In this episode of the Brilliantly Branded Podcast, we talk about something many professionals recognise but rarely name. Masking to fit.Bruno Wozniak, digital innovation consultant and now author of The Reinvention Playbook, shares how years of adapting to corporate expectations slowly muted his real self. From reading the room and softening opinions, to constantly changing his behaviour to match what others wanted, he built a solid career but felt his energy and curiosity fade over time.Our conversation starts with a simple question. What happens when we stop managing appearances and start showing up as real in our work, our leadership and our life. Bruno explains how the concept of “masking” entered his vocabulary through a course on neurodiversity, and how he suddenly realised that he had been doing the same thing for years. Not lying, but letting situations decide who he was.We talk about.• The difference between healthy adaptation and losing yourself to please the room.• The subtle signals that you are disappearing behind a professional mask, even if your career looks good from outside.• How authenticity changed his teaching style, his consulting work and the level of trust he builds with clients.• Why saying “I don’t know, let us figure it out together” can create more authority and connection, not less.• How a period without a job became the starting point for his book The Reinvention Playbook, and the five part process he developed to rebuild identity, direction and confidence after a job ends.If you feel you are performing a version of yourself at work, if you are in a transition after leaving a role, or if you want to lead with more humanity without losing respect, this episode will speak to you.Listen in to explore how to use masks intentionally when you need them, how to stop wearing them all the time, and how to reconnect with the parts of you that bring real energy, creativity and impact to your work.You can get Bruno’s book through the link.:https://a.co/d/cWnNiFK

When you look at athletes at the highest level, you often see the results.You rarely see what happens inside. The pressure. The identity. The fear of failing publicly.In this episode I sit with Adrien Plavsic, former Olympian and NHL player, to explore the mental side of high performance. Our conversation was about the beliefs that shape us, the discomfort we avoid, and the mindset traps that appear when you measure yourself only by outcomes.Adrien speaks about:• What happens when your identity becomes tied to results• Why failure is part of growth and not a threat to your value• The shift from forcing success to performing in flow• How discomfort can open clarity when you allow yourself to stay with it• The mindset behind resilience and emotional strength• How reframing stress can change performance and wellbeing• What it really means to build a strong sense of self and personal brand• The importance of trusting yourself when pressure risesThis conversation is especially meaningful if you carry the weight of always “getting it right”.You will understand high performance through a more human lens, and see how identity, mindset and self trust influence the way you show up in your life and work.Press play, and take what you need today.

Andrea Toucinho entered the payments world without a finance background. She was young, surrounded by men, and navigating an industry that can feel intimidating even for experienced professionals.What changed her path was her determination to learn, stay curious, and build her voice one step at a time.In this episode we talk about what it really takes for a woman to create authority in finance.How to start from zero and still position yourself with confidence.How personal study becomes credibility.How sharing your insights helps you build a recognisable voice.And how staying true to yourself can open doors even in the most technical industries.We also touch on the value of networking, visibility, and speaking opportunities for women who want to stand out in payments and finance.This conversation is simple, honest, and full of practical lessons for anyone who is building their own space in an industry that wasn’t designed for them.

In this conversation, María Lucia Romero talks with Aelia Kos about bringing spirituality back into the world of business.Aelia shares how her life once looked perfect from the outside — global stages, achievements, and recognition — but inside she felt completely disconnected. That moment became an awakening.They talk about the idea of “spirituality in the closet,” the leaders who hide their inner life, and how to reconnect with meaning without giving up ambition. Some of the key conversation topics:• How purpose is not something to find, but something to remember• The difference between an obstacle and a test• The balance between masculine structure and feminine creativity• What changes when you lead and build from awarenessThis conversation is about slowing down, listening, and remembering that success and spirituality can grow together.Connect with Aelia Kos on LinkedIn or through her website https://www.aeliakos.com/Brilliantly Branded Podcast are stories and voices that help us remember who we truly are.

This episode offers a clear, practical guide to setting up a business in Luxembourg without losing time, energy, or patience.My guest, Tanyth Blackler, founder of Do Your Thing, helps individuals and small businesses move from idea to structure with clarity and confidence.We talk about what really happens behind the scenes, the real timeline for company setup, and how to prepare before you start. Tanyth explains the five key steps every founder should follow from permits and registrations to avoiding common administrative traps.We also touch on what makes the Luxembourg process unique, including the cultural detail that can unexpectedly make the process easier.And beyond the logistics, Tanyth shares a message especially for women who hesitate to take that first step:start with courage, not perfection.This episode feels like a mix of masterclass and inspiration — perfect for anyone who wants to build a business with less stress and more structure.🎧 Listen and subscribe to The Brilliantly Branded Podcast on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.Contact Tanyth at https://www.doyourthing.lu/

Can we really expand our brain capacity by up to 75%?The answer might be simpler than you think.In this episode of The Brilliantly Branded Podcast, María Lucia Romero has a meaningful conversation with Swier Miedema, coach and author of Being Resilient.Swier explains how understanding our thoughts can completely change the way we experience life.You will learn about,• The meaning of “non-helping thoughts” and how to recognise them.• A simple daily practice to quiet the inner noise.• How negative thought patterns drain mental energy and limit clarity.• The connection between thought, feeling, and awareness.• Why letting go of certain thoughts can increase brain capacity by 30 to 75 percent.Tune in and reflect on one thought you can release today.Get in contact with Swier Miedema here:https://swiermiedema.com/

LinkedIn feels different lately. Impressions are down, posts are showing up late, and the algorithm has shifted. Many of us feel like ducks: calm on the surface but paddling like crazy underneath. 🦆In this episode of the Brilliantly Branded Podcast, I share what’s really happening on LinkedIn right now and why this matters for your visibility. More importantly, I walk you through simple, practical steps you can use to protect your strategy so you don’t depend on just one platform.Here’s what you’ll take away:✨ What has changed on LinkedIn and how it affects you✨ Why chasing likes and impressions is the wrong game✨ How to create clarity in your communication with the Power Wheel✨ Why having a home base (podcast, newsletter, website) matters more than ever✨ How to connect online and offline to build real trustWhether you’re a founder, coach, or executive, this episode will help you rethink how you show up and make sure your brand momentum doesn’t rely only on algorithms.📥 Free Resource: Download the Power Wheel PDF here → https://brilliantlybranded.com🎓 Learn More: Discover the Brilliantly Branded Academy → https://thebrilliantacademy.thinkific.com/products/courses/Brilliantacademy

Being great at what you do is not enough if no one sees it.In this solo episode, I, María Lucia Romero, share my personal journey from feeling invisible in the corporate world to creating my own brand as an entrepreneur. I also introduce the Power Wheel methodology, a practical tool that helps leaders and entrepreneurs shift from hidden experts to visible authorities.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:Why results alone don’t guarantee visibility or influence.The 6 areas of the Power Wheel that keep your brand rolling.How to avoid “flat tires” that stall your momentum.Real examples of leaders losing opportunities due to invisibility.Practical steps to align your voice, story, and brand identity.✨ Resources I mentioned in this episode:Download the free Power Wheel Scorecard PDF: www.brilliantlybranded.comExplore courses inside the Brilliantly  Academy: https://thebrilliantacademy.thinkific.com/products/courses/Brilliantacademy and Start with the course Brilliant From Within.Tune in to discover how you can move from invisible expert to visible leader. Subscribe to the podcast and share your reflections with me—I’d love to hear your story.

The mic flips, the story deepens.Guest: María Lucia Romero, founder of Brilliantly Branded and host of this podcast, steps into the guest seat. Guest host: Bárbara Daroca. She leads a candid conversation on voice, courage, and building a purpose-driven brand.What you’ll learn:How “better done than perfect” actually works in real lifeFOPO, fear of other people’s opinions, and how to stop itThe pivot from corporate golden cage to creative freedomWhy branding is emotional connection, not just visualsCommunity, live events, and what’s next after 100 episodesTune in, subscribe, and tell us your takeaway. Your story matters. Share it with us and come to be part of the brilliant Community.Join us here: https://subscribepage.io/BrilliantCommunity

Finding your purpose starts with understanding your emotions.In this episode of the Brilliantly Branded Podcast, I sit down with Andrea Isaacs, founder of the Emotional and Life Mastery Institute, to explore how emotional mastery, embodiment, and neuroscience can help us reconnect with our true selves.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to rediscover your purpose when life feels unclearWhy listening to your body changes the way you make decisionsThe Emotional Mastery Blueprint and how it worksThe SNOW method to shift emotions in real timePractical tools to build confidence and clarity in your personal brand

In this Capsule, I sat down with Mourad Brooks Founder & CEO at The Nine, to talk about what it really takes to empower more women to step into tech. Georgia reminds us that it’s not just about creating opportunities—it’s about encouragement, positive imagery, role models, and demystifying what tech truly is. She also shares practical advice for women curious about STEAM: take the first step, reach out, and connect. Sometimes one message can change your path.

In this Capsule of the Brilliantly Branded Podcast, Olivia De Bie, COO of Campus 19 (42 Network), shares how we can inspire, attract, and empower more women to step into tech. From breaking the belief that “tech isn’t for me” to showing the power of female role models, Olivia reminds us that tech is open, diverse, and ready for more women’s voices. Her message is clear: We all have our place in tech. A conversation filled with inspiration, practical ideas, and a call to welcome more women into STEAM.

In this Capsule episode of the Brilliantly Branded Podcast, we spotlight Isabelle Deliège, a coach specialised in neurodiversity at work. Isabelle shares an honest and powerful perspective on how women – especially those who are neurodivergent – often experience “double exceptionality” in STEAM fields.Her message is clear:“Your singularity is your treasure. It’s an asset.”This conversation invites us to reframe difference as strength and make the tech world more inclusive by design. Join us in this mini-series where we amplify the voices of women who are shaping the future of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics – not just through skill, but through empathy and bold individuality.

In this episode, My guest is Lindsay Whitby. A somatic coach, father of three, and former aviation leader.We had a raw and powerful conversation about emotional healing, masculinity, and spiritual intelligence.Lindsay opens up about his journey from disconnection to self-integration, why shame is the silent destroyer of men, and how healing the father wound can transform the way we lead and relate, at home, at work, and with ourselves.We also explore:What it means to lead from a healed placeHow somatic awareness can unlock emotional intelligenceWhy men and women need each other to create true empowermentLindsay’s story is vulnerable, grounded, and deeply inspiring. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or someone on your own journey of healing, this episode offers something real to hold onto.🎧 Tune in. Reflect. And ask yourself: where am I still disconnected?🔔 Subscribe for more honest, empowering conversations and connect with Lindsay here:https://www.lyndsaycoaching.com/

Welcome to the 100th episode of the Brilliantly Branded Podcast and this time, it’s different. We’re LIVE, in front of an audience in Luxembourg, where I stepped off the host’s chair and became the guest of my own journey.This is the story behind the stories.Where the ironing board meets the spotlight.Where vulnerability becomes power.And where community turns into action.In this episode, you’ll hear:* My journey from invisible voice to community leader* Behind-the-scenes truths of podcasting, purpose, and self-doubt* Five extraordinary women who stepped up, spoke out, and lit up the room* The launch of The Brilliant Community — and the mission to support girls’ education in rural Colombia* Why doing things imperfectly still gets you to where you want to be🎯 Key Takeaways:✔️ Why connection matters more than polish✔️ How to build community from scratch✔️ The emotional truth behind every personal brand✔️ What it really means to “support women”✔️ The power of showing up — even when it’s messy🎥 Special Credits & Gratitude:The beautiful footage from Colombia that touched so many hearts during this event was produced by 4K Films by Adnan and Elmundocondani.Thank you for capturing the beautiful videos of my country. Your work gave our purpose a powerful voice.💛 Join us. Support the cause. Share the episode.And most importantly — believe that your voice matters.🔗 Learn more about The Brilliant Community and our mission at the next link:https://subscribepage.io/BrilliantCommunity

In this episode of the Brilliantly Branded Podcast, we sit down with Gayle Terzis—executive coach, career strategist, and founder of Brand Boost Up Coaching.After more than a decade in banking across Paris, London, and Beirut, Gayle made a bold move: she left behind the corporate world to empower women through coaching. Her mission? Help ambitious women overcome limiting beliefs and take control of their professional lives with confidence.We talk about:✨ How to recognize the signs it’s time to make a career change✨ The most common mindset blocks women in finance face✨ The Career Dashboard: a tool to gain clarity and direction✨ The role of intuition in navigating big decisions✨ How to self-promote with intention and confidenceThis is an honest, heartfelt, and practical conversation full of empowering takeaways.🎙 Listen now and share with someone ready to take their next bold step.

In this episode of Capsule, we bring you 4 women shaping tech through creativity, education, and cultural innovation — recorded at the Invisible Festival, where art meets AI and heritage meets innovation.💡 These voices go beyond code to tell stories that move us forward:✨ Géraldine Bueken – “Start being not only passive users of tech, but test it, improve it, and create the balance between human and digital intelligence.”✨ Valérie Zapico – “Technology is a way to use our voice and become visible in society.”✨ Aurélie Romper – “Tech isn't only about coding — it's about shaping the future with tools that reflect our diversity.”✨ Samia Chelbi – “Believe in your potential. Think agile. See opportunity.”Thanks to Women in Tech® Global, Women in Tech® Belgium, and Women in Tech® Luxembourg for making this space possible.#womenintech #STEAM #digitalheritage #aiart #brilliantlybranded #techforgood #capsuleminiseries