Workfluencer: Personal Branding & Content Creation

At Transform 2026, I sat down with Rebecca Taylor to unpack what’s really holding HR and Talent leaders back from showing up online—and why that needs to change. We get into the real risks, the perceived risks, and the responsibility that comes with having a voice in HR. Because whether you’re posting or not, the narrative is being shaped—with or without you. Rebecca also shares a deeply personal career story that highlights how power, identity, and early decisions can shape everything that follows. If you’ve been hesitant to create content—or questioning whether it’s worth it—this conversation will challenge that thinking. What You'll Learn: Why most HR leaders think they’re restricted from posting online — and why they’re wrong How to navigate corporate constraints while building a personal brand in HR or TA The difference between using AI as a thought partner vs. letting it write your content Why using personal vs. enterprise AI tools matters when you handle sensitive company data How to stay consistent on 1–2 content pillars instead of posting on everything and standing for nothing How HR leaders can lead change initiatives they privately disagree with — and maintain credibility doing it How to create community space for HR voices that can’t post publicly — and why it matters Resources Mentioned If you've been wanting to post more consistently on LinkedIn, try Stanley for FREE - ⁠https://workfluencerpodcast.com/stanley  Listen to Rebecca's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hr-voices/id1833927442 Connect with us Connect with Rebecca - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccataylor2/ Connect with Rhona ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. personal brand, content creator, HR content creation, thought leadership, creator economy, professional content creator, HR professionals, TA content creation, LinkedIn content strategy, HR tech, employee relations, AI tools for content, content pillars, personal branding HR, HR creator, content creation at work, corporate content creation, B2B content creator, HR community, HR voices podcast, creating content when employed, HR leader content, employee relations platform, all voices, hr thought leadership, workforce content, recruiting content creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I just got back from Transform 2026 and had way too much time before my flight… so I made my own awards show. This is a fun, unfiltered recap of what stood out. The swag. The activations. The people. The random moments you don’t see in the polished LinkedIn posts. Some brands nailed it. Some tried. Some just gave out tote bags. If you were there, this will hit. If you weren’t, this is the version you actually want. In This Episode The best swag (yes, it matters) The activation I couldn’t ignore A few brands I hadn’t heard of… until now The people who made the event fun Completely unnecessary awards I made up Connect with me: Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that drive real results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most companies are still relying on employer branding to attract talent, and it’s not landing the way it used to. In this episode, Tracey Parsons breaks down why traditional employer branding is losing effectiveness, and what’s actually replacing it. We get into the growing trust gap between companies and candidates, why polished “day in the life” content falls flat, and how employee-driven content is becoming a more powerful way to build credibility, visibility, and influence. If you’re leading hiring, employer brand, or content strategy, this conversation will challenge how you think about reach, trust, and control. What You’ll Learn: Why employer branding alone is no longer enough The trust gap between brands and people Why “I love working here” content doesn’t convert The rise of employee-driven content What makes content actually useful (and effective) Why companies struggle to give up control Where the real distribution power lives now Resources Mentioned: Learn more about Flockity: https://www.flockity.com/  Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Connect With Us: Connect with Tracey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyparsons/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/  Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that drive real results. employee generated content, employee advocacy, EGC, recruitment marketing, employer brand, employer branding, employee influencers, creator economy, talent acquisition, recruiting strategy, personal brand, content creator, thought leadership, professional content creator, HR marketing, talent attraction, social recruiting, micro influencers, nano influencers, employee trust, internal influencers, external influencers, recruitment advertising, recruitment content, candidate experience, employee referral, trust marketing, influencer recruiting, Flockity, Linkity, B2B influencer marketing, HR content strategy, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most advice about LinkedIn content says the same thing: follow trends, post consistently, and play the algorithm. But what if that’s exactly why your content isn’t standing out? In this episode, leadership strategist Julia Rock breaks down how to stand out on LinkedIn without copying trends, chasing viral formats, or sounding like everyone else. She shares what actually drives meaningful engagement, how to build authority through content, and why authenticity matters more than ever in a crowded feed. You’ll also hear what it really costs to show up online while working a corporate job—including how Julia handled being reported at work for her content. If you’re trying to grow on LinkedIn, build a personal brand, or create content that actually makes an impact, this episode will change how you think about your strategy. What You'll Learn: How to stand out on LinkedIn without following trends Why most LinkedIn content sounds the same (and how to fix it) How to create content that builds real authority The risks of posting content while working a full-time job How to stay authentic without hurting your career What actually drives engagement on LinkedIn today Resources Mentioned: If you've been wanting to post more consistently on LinkedIn, try Stanley for FREE - https://workfluencerpodcast.com/stanley Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Connect With Us: Connect with Julia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-rock/ Connect with Rhona - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/⁠ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. LinkedIn content, linkedin content strategy, personal branding, content strategy, LinkedIn growth, thought leadership, creating content, professional brand, personal branding for professionals, corporate content creation, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building a consulting business through content sounds simple. In reality, it requires clarity, conviction, and a willingness to say things others avoid. In this episode of Workfluencer, talent, culture, and DEI consultant Dani Herrera shares how LinkedIn content became the engine behind her consulting business. Dani didn’t start posting to become a creator. She started out of necessity while navigating the U.S. immigration system and needing to prove visibility in her field. What began as a practical move eventually turned into a pipeline for clients, speaking opportunities, and workshops. Together, Rhona and Dani unpack what it actually looks like when content becomes your vetting mechanism for clients. They also discuss the tension between authenticity and strategy, why viral posts don’t matter for consultants, and how speaking openly online can filter out the wrong opportunities before they ever reach your inbox. What You’ll Learn: Why LinkedIn content is a powerful client acquisition tool How consultants can share expertise without “giving everything away” The difference between posting to an audience vs speaking with your audience Why small, relevant audiences often outperform viral reach How Dani turns workplace experiences into daily content The role of content in pre-qualifying clients and opportunities Why HR and talent professionals can’t afford to stay silent online If you’ve been playing it safe with your content, this conversation will challenge how you think about visibility, credibility, and building a personal brand that actually drives work. Resources Mentioned If you've been wanting to post more consistently on LinkedIn, try Stanley for FREE - https://stanley.stan.store/?ref=rhonabarnettpierce Visit Dani’s Website: https://www.deibydani.com Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Connect with us Connect with Dani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielagherrera/ Connect with Rhona - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/⁠ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. linkedin content strategy, personal branding for consultants, linkedin thought leadership, content marketing for consultants, building a consulting business online, HR content creators, DEI thought leadership, linkedin visibility for consultants, consulting business development, personal brand for HR professionals, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Personal branding for women over 40 who feel invisible is rarely about a lack of expertise. It's about two decades of keeping your head down, taking care of everyone else, and forgetting to tell the world what you know. In this episode, Monica Rivera breaks down what it actually takes to stop hiding and step into the visibility you've already earned.   Together, Rhona Pierce and Monica unpack why experienced women, especially women over 40, feel invisible even after 20 years of building skills, leading teams, and delivering results. They dig into what it actually takes to stop hiding and step into visible leadership.   You'll hear an honest conversation about imposter syndrome, the myth of the career ladder, how to get on stages, and why building a personal brand as a woman over 40 requires a completely different mindset than 'just start posting'. What You'll Learn Why your personal brand already exists whether you manage it or not The real reason experienced women stay invisible despite deep expertise Three types of stages and how to access all of them without waiting for an invitation A four-step framework to go from hidden to visible How 90-day experiments replace the pressure of picking a permanent identity Why thought leadership requires a distinct perspective, not just having opinions The mindset shift that makes self-promotion feel like service Resources Mentioned Visit Monica's website: https://youwannadowhat.com Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Connect With Us Connect with Monica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamrivera/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. personal brand, personal brand for women, personal brand women over 40, personal branding, personal branding over 40, visible leadership, women over 40 career, women in leadership, thought leadership, content creation, professional content creator, corporate content creator, personal branding strategy, career transition, executive presence, professional development women, female entrepreneur, speaker coaching, creator economy, side hustle professional, women 40 plus, career reinvention, workplace visibility, content strategy, building a personal brand, HR leadership development, employer branding, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Content creation burnout is real, and most professionals don’t realize they’re heading toward it until it’s too late. In this episode, Rhona sits down with internal communications and employee experience consultant Jo Coxhill to talk about content creation burnout, chasing the LinkedIn algorithm, and what happens when that same pressure shows up inside employee advocacy programs. If you’re building a personal brand while running a business, or leading employee-generated content (EGC) strategy,  this conversation will challenge how you think about visibility, consistency, and workplace culture. What You’ll Learn Why creator burnout is hard to spot until it’s too late The mental toll of chasing the algorithm When “showing up” starts doing real damage How EGC programs can unintentionally create pressure The difference between healthy advocacy and forced content Why culture must come before content How leaders can build content cultures without burning people out When to step back instead of pushing through Resources Mentioned If you've been wanting to post more consistently on LinkedIn, try Stanley for FREE - https://stanley.stan.store/?ref=rhonabarnettpierce  Connect with us Connect with Jo -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocoxhill/ Connect with Rhona ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/⁠ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. content creator burnout, creator burnout, LinkedIn burnout, posting on LinkedIn, staying visible at work, employee generated content, EGC programs, employee advocacy, workplace content creation, content creation pressure, creator mental health, burnout at work, internal communications, employer branding, personal branding at work, building in public, content culture, creator economy at work, professional creators, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting a podcast while working full-time requires a different strategy than the usual “quit and go all in” advice. In this episode, Lee Cage Jr. shares how he built and monetized a podcast while working full-time as a Director at BDO, serving in the National Guard, and speaking at conferences. Together, Rhona and Lee break down what it actually takes to start a podcast while employed — from choosing a short-form format to attracting sponsors without obsessing over download numbers. This conversation covers podcast monetization, corporate visibility, and how to build influence without compromising your career. If you’re a corporate professional or side-hustler wondering how to start a podcast while working full-time, this episode offers a practical framework. What You’ll Learn How to start a podcast while working full-time Why short-form podcasting can outperform long-form What sponsors care about beyond downloads How to think about podcast monetization strategically The risks and rewards of building a personal brand while employed Resources Mentioned: Listen to 15 min with: https://leecagejr.com/#podcast Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: ⁠https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2⁠ Connect With Us: Connect with Lee: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecage/ Connect with Rhona: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/⁠ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. starting a podcast while working full-time, how to start a podcast while employed, build a podcast with a full-time job, podcast monetization strategy, podcast sponsorship strategy, short form podcasting, corporate content creator, personal brand while employed, podcast for professionals, side hustle podcast, creative entrepreneur podcast, influencer workplace advice, podcast growth strategy, leadership podcast interview, workfluencer podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to build a personal brand as a Black woman in corporate America? In this episode of Workfluencer, I sit down with Keirsten Greggs, founder of Trap Recruiter, to talk about visibility, authority, and what happens when you stop editing yourself. We discuss: Being told not to name her brand “Trap Recruiter” — and building it anyway. The moment she stopped editing herself to make others comfortable What happens when your brand starts to eclipse your personal identity Walking into rooms where people still look for the white man in charge Why being featured in major outlets doesn’t automatically change how you’re treated The reality of brand deals that don’t want to pay Black creators Breaking down jobs reports and layoffs through a data lens most people ignore This is a conversation about influence, respect, corporate power dynamics, and building authority without shrinking yourself. If you’re building a personal brand while navigating corporate spaces, this episode is for you. CONNECT WITH US: Connect with Keirsten: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traprecruiter/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. personal branding for women, building a personal brand, Black women in corporate America, personal branding at work, workplace visibility, building influence at work, women in leadership, corporate power dynamics, professional authority, creator economy professionals, content creation for professionals, navigating corporate America, brand partnerships for creators, jobs report analysis, DEI rollbacks, Workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building a creator career after corporate layoffs comes with pressure most people don’t talk about. In this episode, Madison Butler breaks down what it really means to build a creator career after corporate when content becomes your income, not your hobby. Together, Rhona and Madison unpack what happens when professionals—especially Black women—are pushed out of corporate roles and forced to build visibility, stability, and leverage online in real time. This isn’t about going viral. It’s about survival, grief, monetization, and staying honest when the algorithm doesn’t play fair. You’ll hear a raw conversation about job loss, biased platforms, parasocial pressure, and why building a creator career after corporate requires a very different mindset than “just post more.” What You’ll Learn Why content creation feels different when your income depends on it The grief that comes with a forced career pivot How algorithms reward different creators differently Why a small, loyal audience beats a massive following The hidden cost of being “authentic” online How Madison thinks about monetization vs. visibility Why comparison destroys joy in creator careers Resources Mentioned: Buy Madison's Book: https://amzn.to/4rBrUlY Join The Black Speakers Collection: https://blackspeakersco.com/ Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Connect With Us: Connect with Madison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bluehairedunicorn/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit⁠ ⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. creator career, creator economy, content creation career, career after corporate layoffs, leaving corporate, post layoff career, career pivot, building a creator business, monetizing content, professional creators, creator income, content creation as a career, personal brand after layoff, LinkedIn creators, Black creators, Black women in corporate, workplace inequality, algorithm bias, creator burnout, job loss recovery, creator monetization strategies, thought leadership content, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when you’re supposed to post… and you just can’t? In this episode, Rhona Pierce sits down with Jeffrey Fermin for an honest conversation about creating content during moments of exhaustion, fear, and emotional overload. Not burnout. Not strategy hacks. Just real talk about what it feels like to show up online when the world feels heavy and your energy is gone. This isn’t an episode about forcing consistency. It’s about knowing when to pause, how to protect your energy, and how creators decide what not to post. What We Talk About Why creators go quiet even when they “have something to say” The pressure to post during chaotic news cycles Choosing silence as self-preservation Creating while working for a brand Avoiding performative content Doomscrolling and creative paralysis Resetting your algorithm to regain focus The unseen effort behind “simple” posts A must-listen for corporate creators, experienced professionals, and anyone navigating visibility when motivation is low. Resources Mentioned Dominican Sushi Chef (El Ninja) - https://www.instagram.com/el_ninja21/ Venezuelan Chinese Chef - https://www.instagram.com/elchinovenezolanovnzl/  Jeffrey’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fermintalkswork/  Connect With Us Connect with  Jeffrey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfermin/  Connect with Rhona - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. content creation, creating content, content consistency, content motivation, creator fatigue, creator mindset, posting on LinkedIn, LinkedIn creators, corporate creators, professional content creation, creator pressure, creative blocks, content during hard times, showing up online, creator honesty, creator mental load, creator identity, HR content creators, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Becoming a TEDx speaker isn’t about a single moment on stage.It’s about the process that comes before it. In this episode, Bobby McNeil walks through what it actually takes to become a TEDx speaker while working full-time. From deciding to apply, to shaping the idea, to confronting the emotional and time demands most people underestimate. Bobby shares lessons from his first TEDx experience alongside the parallel journey of writing his first book, Cracking the Code. Not as a playbook. As lived experience. What You'll Learn: What happens before you ever get on a TEDx stage How the TEDx process differs from corporate or conference speaking Why mindset and identity matter more than performance The real time and emotional cost of becoming a speaker What surprised him most about visibility at this level If you’ve ever thought about applying for a TEDx, or wondered what becoming a speaker actually requires beyond confidence and polish, this episode gives you a grounded look at the reality.  What You’ll Learn What it actually takes to become a TEDx speaker while working full-time The biggest differences between a TEDx talk and a normal keynote or panel How to shape one clear “idea worth sharing” (and cut what doesn’t fit) Why the TEDx prep process is so rigorous. And what to expect from coaching How to manage the time and emotional energy it takes to finish the process The most “unsexy” first step you can take today to get started  Resources Mentioned Listen to Bobby’s TEDx Talk - https://youtu.be/6FzE0_PeQZU?si=g7mw6yB4ZXtwsWLd Buy Cracking the Code - https://amzn.to/458j9au Connect With Us Connect with  Bobby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmcneil/  Connect with Rhona https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. TEDx speaker, how to become a TEDx speaker, becoming a TEDx speaker, TEDx application process, TEDx talk preparation, public speaking career, professional speaking, thought leadership, personal brand, career visibility, working full time and speaking, content creation while employed, career storytelling, speaking opportunities, first TEDx talk, Workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could build real industry authority, grow your network, and create long-term leverage — without a team, a budget, or paid promotion? In this episode, Benjamin Mena breaks down how he built a 600+ person virtual summit completely solo, while still running a full recruiting desk. You’ll hear how he designed summits that actually attract the right people, why keeping live access free increases trust and engagement, and how curating other experts helped him build influence without putting himself front and center. This conversation is a practical playbook for anyone who wants to use content to build community, credibility, and inbound opportunities — without burning out or overengineering the process. What You’ll Learn How to use a virtual summit to grow authority in your niche Why “no team” can actually be an advantage How free live events drive higher engagement The systems Benjamin uses to run summits solo How podcasts create warm relationships at scale When community monetization actually makes sense Resources Mentioned: Register for the FREE 2026 Sales & Recruiter Summit - https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ Check out Benjamin's Podcast - https://www.eliterecruiterpodcast.com/ Connect with us Connect with Benjamin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Connect with Rhona - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. workfluencer, virtual summit, virtual conference, online summit, community building, podcasting strategy, content marketing, audience growth, personal brand, thought leadership, creator economy, building community, podcast growth, authority building, event marketing, online events, no team business, solo creator, bootstrapped growth, recruiting industry, recruiter podcast, HR podcast, B2B podcast, professional creators Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most internal comms get ignored. Deleted emails. Skimmed Slack posts. Zero follow-through. HR Leader, Lia Seth flipped that script. In this episode, we break down how she used memes, creator instincts, and vulnerability to get 100% employee open enrollment completed 24 hours early. Yes. Really. She wasn’t thinking like HR. She was thinking like a content creator. We get tactical. We get honest. And we talk about when this approach works, and when it absolutely doesn’t. What You’ll Learn Why traditional internal comms fail How memes drive real behavior change at work The cadence Lia used to sustain attention How to explain complex benefits simply When not to use humor or memes How vulnerability builds trust internally Accessibility tips for creative comms Tools Lia actually uses to make memes CONNECT WITH US Connect with Lia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liaseth/ Connect with Rhona - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. internal comms, internal communications, employee communication, workplace communication, HR communications, people ops, HR leadership, employee engagement, content strategy, creator mindset, content creators at work, corporate communication, internal messaging, change management, employee experience, modern HR, workplace culture, internal content strategy, communication at work, HR best practices, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is CEO content building trust, or just embarrassing the brand? CEOs are posting more than ever. But not all visibility builds trust. In this Workfluencer Trend Report, Rhona breaks down a recent CNBC article questioning whether CEOs trying to be influencers is smart leadership or pure cringe. Using real examples of executive backlash, this episode explores why some CEO content backfires, why others work, and how trust has become the most important currency in the AI era. This isn’t about telling leaders to stop posting. It’s about understanding what audiences will not tolerate anymore. What You’ll Learn Why CEO personal branding is accelerating, not slowing down The common mistake behind “cringe” executive content The difference between authentic vs unfiltered posting Why trust signals matter more as AI-generated content explodes How companies are operationalizing executive content the right way Connect with Rhona LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Substack - https://workfluencer.substack.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RhonaBPierce Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/ ------------------ If you’re a Founder or Executive figuring out this whole Founder-Led Marketing thing, I’ve got an invite-only newsletter where I go deeper on this stuff. Want in? Email me at hello@rhonapierce.com and I’ll add you to the list. ------------------- CEO content, CEO personal branding, executive content strategy, founder led marketing, leadership personal brand, CEO LinkedIn strategy, executive storytelling, CEO influencers, leadership trust, executive visibility, founder branding, thought leadership for CEOs, leadership communication, personal branding at work, Workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Candidates don’t decide to trust your company when they read a job post. They decide long before that. In this episode, recruitment advertising veteran Lance Christensen explains how employer content has quietly replaced job descriptions as the real trust signal in hiring. We dig into how candidates research companies in 2025, why Reddit and AI search amplify reputation gaps, and how content now functions as targeting, not just awareness. If your job posts sound good but your pipeline says otherwise, this conversation explains exactly why. What You’ll Learn Why job posts no longer drive candidate trust How employer content shapes decisions before someone applies What candidates actually research first Why content voids get filled with complaints How AI search changes employer brand risk Where TA and employer brand teams should start fixing trust RESOURCES MENTIONED: Get Lance's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-monday-minute-7018683347497299968/ Get Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw CONNECT WITH US: Connect with Lance: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christensenlance/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. workfluencer, employer content, employer branding, recruitment marketing, candidate trust, talent acquisition, hiring strategy, employee generated content, recruiting content, recruitment advertising, EVP, employer reputation, hiring in 2026, content strategy for recruiting, employer brand trust, recruitment trends, talent marketing, employer brand content, candidate experience, hiring content strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people go quiet during a career transition. Laci McKinney did the opposite. In this episode of the Workfluencer Podcast, Laci breaks down how she used content to make her transferable skills visible, pivot into organizational development, and earn three promotions in three years. We talk about documenting your learning in public, building a dual personal + professional brand, navigating imposter syndrome, and why content isn’t self-promotion. It’s career leverage. If you’re considering a pivot, growing influence while employed, or trying to connect content to real career outcomes, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn Why waiting to be “picked” is the fastest way to stall your career How documenting your learning builds credibility before you feel “ready” The dual-brand strategy that makes career pivots feel natural How to choose content topics you actually have permission to speak on A simple way to show your day-to-day work without oversharing How content translated into promotions, consulting, and podcast invites Why imposter syndrome never goes away. And why that’s normal What leaders get wrong about internal mobility and career development How organizations benefit when content is treated as development, not ego RESOURCES MENTIONED Laci's Website: https://www.lacimckinney.com/ Free Download - Are you AI replaceable or AI proof? Discover Your Strategic Positioning in the Age of AI and Get Your Personalized Action Plan. https://www.lacimckinney.com/aiassessment  Get Rhona's Newsletter - https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw CONNECT WITH US Connect with Laci: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacimckinney/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. workfluencer, career transition, career change, content creation, personal branding, career development, professional content creation, building a personal brand, career growth, thought leadership, career advancement, content strategy, career visibility, career reinvention, career storytelling, employee content creation, corporate content creator, career pivots, professional branding, workplace influence, creator economy at work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Storytelling isn’t a “soft skill” anymore. It’s becoming a core business function. In this Workfluencer Trend Report, Rhona breaks down why companies are actively hiring for storytelling roles, not as PR rebrands, but as strategic hires tied to trust, hiring, and growth. From Google and Microsoft to Notion restructuring entire teams around narrative, this episode explains what’s actually driving the demand and why AI has accelerated it, not replaced it. If you work in employer branding, HR, internal comms, content, or you’ve been building an audience quietly on the side, this trend matters more than you think. What You’ll Learn Why “storyteller” job titles are exploding across tech and HR How shrinking media and AI content overload changed the rules What Notion’s storytelling team signals about the future of brand orgs Why trust is now the most valuable brand asset How employee-generated content connects employer and consumer branding Why storytelling roles aren’t limited to journalists How creators and HR professionals already have these skills What separates signal from noise in a content-saturated world Mentioned In This Episode Wall Street Journal article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-are-desperately-seeking-storytellers-7b79f54e Want to turn your team into storytellers? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that build trust with clients and candidates. storytelling jobs, corporate storytelling, employer branding, HR content, employee generated content, creator economy at work, brand trust, AI content, internal communications, Workfluencer podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writing a book isn’t just a creative goal. It’s a credibility move. In this episode of Workfluencer, bestselling author and leadership coach Hady Méndez breaks down the real process of turning lived experience into a book that builds professional authority. We go behind the scenes of writing Calladita No More. What stories made it in. What she intentionally left out. And how the act of writing forced clarity around voice, boundaries, and visibility at work. This conversation is for professionals who want to write a book without turning it into a personal overshare. And who want their ideas to translate into influence, not just attention. If you’re thinking about writing a book, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Hady turned lived experience into a bestselling book The behind-the-scenes process of shaping raw stories into a clear message What she chose to leave out — and why restraint matters in personal storytelling How writing the book forced her to confront her own visibility gaps The role confidence and boundaries played during the writing process How content, authorship, and voice reinforce professional authority Why not every story belongs online, even when it’s true How creators can use long-form work to build credibility without oversharing RESOURCES MENTIONED: Buy Calladita No More: https://www.calladitanomore.com Get Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw CONNECT WITH US: Connect with Hady: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadymendez/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. how to write a book, writing a book, book writing process, becoming an author, professional authority, thought leadership, personal branding, content creation, career growth, speaking up at work, leadership development, women in leadership, creators at work, building credibility, writing nonfiction, storytelling for professionals, content strategy, career visibility, author journey, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Posner didn’t just build a podcast — he built a revenue engine. With 475+ episodes and 1.8M downloads, his show drives the majority of his recruiting business and lands long-term, five-figure brand deals. In this episode, we break down how he did it: using his podcast as a Trojan horse for business development, building trust with sponsors, creating event content that brands actually care about, and designing systems that keep the show running even when life forces you to step back. We also get into the personal side — including how he navigated cancer while running a dual-revenue business and why controlling your narrative matters more than ever. What You’ll Learn How a podcast can quietly drive 60–70% of your business The difference between “content for fun” and a content business Why early barters beat chasing big sponsorships too early How to pitch brands without selling out your integrity The production systems that keep Adam 7–10 weeks ahead What sponsors actually want from creators How he kept his business growing during cancer treatment Listen If You’re Curious About Monetizing a podcast Landing brand deals Building authority through content Content systems + production workflows Balancing real life with a content-driven business RESOURCES MENTIONED Listen to the POZcast: https://www.thepozcast.com/ CONNECT WITH US Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjposner/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. Adam Posner, podcast monetization, podcast growth, brand partnerships, creator business, content strategy, recruiting industry, business development, content systems, podcast sponsorships, creator economy, Workfluencer Podcast, revenue-driving podcast, personal brand growth, content workflows, event content, talent acquisition, HR tech creators Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices