Claim OwnershipAuthority Builder Podcast | Client-Winning Strategies for Coaches, Consultants, and Creatives Who Want to Lead With Authority.
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If you’re ready to stop being the industry’s best-kept secret, The Authority Builder Podcast is for you.
Hosted by Charlotte Ellis Maldari, founder of Kaffeen, this show is packed with client-attracting strategies for service-based business owners who want to lead with expertise and grow with ease.
Whether you’re refining your message, launching a lead magnet, or finally writing that book—this podcast will help you turn your brilliance into booked-out business, one smart move at a time.
144 Episodes
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In this episode, Tony Rulli flips the script and interviews Charlotte about the real value of building authority as a business owner. They dive into why starting a podcast can be a game-changer for consultants, coaches, and agency owners—especially those looking to grow without burning out. Charlotte shares practical tips on leveraging existing relationships, batching content, and using podcasts to stay front of mind with clients and prospects. They discuss the importance of...
In this special episode of the Authority Builder Podcast, Tony Ruilli of Intentional Spark flips the script and interviews Charlotte, founder of Kaffeen, about her Authority Builder programme and the art of building authority as a consultant, coach, or agency owner. The conversation dives into the challenges of moving beyond referrals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the emotional hurdles of stepping into an authority role. Charlotte shares practical strategies for creating an “...
Charlotte is joined by Patti Dayleg, MPH Leadership Coach and CEO of Malaya Solutions, to explore what care led leadership looks like when DEI is politicised, funding is uncertain, and mission driven teams are stretched thin. Patti shares how leaders can stay grounded, connected, and effective while navigating fear, secondary trauma, and constant change across the nonprofit and social impact landscape. They discuss why leadership stability matters, how burnout grows when people lose a ...
Megan Dowd, certified equity-centred coach and former classical actress, shares how she went from Pilates instructor to copywriter and brand language strategist, and what it really took to build authority. We talk about simplifying to one core offer, why “enthusiastic overthinkers” are her favourite clients, and how language that feels good in your brain and body leads to clearer marketing and better-fit leads. Megan also explains her “Burn It Down Day” process for rebuilding a busines...
Guesting, Growth, and the New Rules of Authority, with Tom Schwab In this episode, Charlotte welcomes Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet and pioneer of podcast interview marketing. Tom shares his journey from engineering and e-commerce to becoming a leading voice in authority building for consultants, coaches, and advisors. The conversation explores why authority—not attention—is the real differentiator for service providers, and how podcast guesting accelerates trust and business growth...
In this episode of the Authority Builder podcast, Charlotte is joined by her coach, Steph Crowder, a sales and strategy coach (and former Director of Sales Training at Groupon) who helps entrepreneurs sell with courage, clarity, and confidence. Steph shares why business growth is rarely about doing more, and almost always about doing the right money-making activities consistently, even when it feels repetitive. They unpack how to get out of your head and into action, including practica...
From Start-Up to Scale-Up: Mark Scrivener’s Guide to Sustainable Growth In this episode of the Authority Builder Podcast, Charlotte Ellis Maldari welcomes Mark Scrivener—board advisor, fractional COO/CXO, and strategic leader with over 15 years’ experience in scaling tech-driven businesses. Mark shares his journey from small digital agencies to leading large-scale teams, offering practical insights on adaptability, user empathy, and building cultures that thrive. Key topics include: - The e...
In this episode, we welcome physical therapist and strength coach Ramez Antoun, founder of Spine PT University. Ramez shares his journey from private concierge PT to building a thriving B2B education business, teaching sports physical therapists how to solve sciatica and progress patients back to the gym. He discusses the challenges of shifting from insurance-based to private pay models, the importance of refining messaging, and how listening to clients transformed his marketing. Key topics ...
In this episode, Charlotte interviews Holly Rustick, world-renowned grant writer, bestselling author, and business coach. Holly shares her journey from international nonprofit work to building a thriving, location-independent grant writing business from Guam. She reveals how her students have secured over $250 million in grants and $7.4 million in business revenue, all while championing a mission to reach $1 billion in funding by 2030. Key topics include: Holly’s unconventional start in gran...
In this episode, Charlotte welcomes Tony Rulli, CEO and Lead Growth Strategist at Intentional Spark, for a candid conversation about scaling online businesses, the realities of running ads, and building authority as a creator. Tony shares his journey from corporate banking to digital marketing, the lessons learned from launching a subscription spice box, and how those experiences shaped his approach to growth strategy. Key topics include: - The importance of testing offers organically before...
In this episode, Charlotte Ellis Maldari welcomes Heather Hammell, renowned MFR coach, author, and podcaster, to discuss building authority and finding clients in the highly specialised field of myofascial release (MFR). Heather shares her journey from struggling MFR therapist to successful business coach, highlighting the importance of niching down, community-building, and charging what you’re worth. Key topics include: - What myofascial release is and how it differs from other therapies - ...
In this episode, Charlotte welcomes offer strategy coach Ceels Lockley to discuss the realities of agency life, imposter syndrome, and building offers that truly align with your expertise and values. Ceels shares her journey from agency leadership to mentoring female service providers, highlighting the challenges of pivoting careers, especially after starting a family. Key topics include: - The addictive nature of agency work and the turning points that lead to change - How imposter syndrome...
In this episode, Joel Derksen, founder of the agency Otherness, joins the Authority Builder Podcast to share his journey from freelancer to agency owner, operating between the Netherlands and the US. Joel discusses the evolution of Otherness, its focus on brand design, and why the agency thrives at the intersection of categories—where brands defy traditional industry boundaries. Key topics include: - The importance of strategy and creative partnership in brand building - How Otherness helps ...
Make It Weirder: Adam Graff on Art, Integrity, and Finding Clients Through Human Connection In this episode, award-winning London illustrator and educator Adam Graff shares his journey from commercial illustration to a more authentic, personal practice. Adam discusses redefining success, moving away from the pressure of constant commissions, and embracing his unique, playful style—despite being told to “tone down the weirdness.” He delves into the power of creative collectives, specifically ...
In this episode, Charlotte welcomes personal brand strategist Zayna Rose to explore the real work behind building authority and visibility. Zayna shares insights from over 20 years of helping founders and leaders develop a “profitable presence” through intentional authenticity and image intelligence. The conversation dives into the challenges of identifying your authentic self, the power of visual presence, and why authority is rooted in self-knowledge and consistency—not just surface-level m...
In this episode, Charlotte Ellis Maldari sits down with Roberto Max Salas, co-founder of Young Hero, to explore how creative agencies can stay nimble, relevant, and impactful in a rapidly evolving industry. Roberto shares Young Hero’s origin story, the shift from influencer marketing to a creator-led, storytelling-driven model, and the adoption of the “showrunner” approach for long-term brand narratives. The conversation covers the importance of collaboration without ego, adapting to in...
In this episode, Charlotte Ellis Maldari welcomes Jessica Abel, founder of Autonomous Creative, to discuss how mid-career creatives can reshape their client work into sustainable, profitable businesses that align with real life. Jessica shares her journey from graphic novelist and professor to business coach, highlighting the challenges creatives face in balancing client work, marketing, and personal fulfilment. Key topics include: - The pitfalls of underpricing and overdelivering, and how t...
In this episode, we explore why content alone won’t save your consulting agency or coaching business. While posting boosts visibility, it rarely translates directly into paying clients—especially when you’re at the mercy of ever-changing algorithms. We discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on social media, the burnout that comes from constant posting, and the frustration of seeing little return on your efforts. Key topics include: - The difference between visibility and revenue - Real-life ...
In this episode, we dive into the “referral trap” that keeps coaches, agency owners, and service providers stuck in a cycle of waiting for work to come to them. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience, our host explores why referrals feel safe but aren’t truly secure—especially after the challenges of 2024, when many businesses saw their referral streams dry up. Key topics include: - Why relying solely on referrals is risky and reactive, not reliable - The difference between feeling safe an...
In this episode, I share a serendipitous moment sparked by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s book, highlighting the power of authenticity in marketing. Too often, business owners struggle with marketing because they’re trying to craft a “perfect” or “unique” voice, rather than simply being themselves. Drawing from real client conversations, I explain how the most effective content comes from genuine experiences and actual pain points — not from forced formulas. Key topics covered: - The imp...
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