Real Personal Branding Podcast - Business Building for Keynote Speakers, Personal Brand, Personal Development, Coaches, Consultants, and Entrepreneurs

On today's episode of the REAL Personal Branding Podcast, international best-selling author, award-winning speaker, TEDx speaker, podcaster of a number 1 rated podcast, and online business owner Teresa Heath-Wareing shares her insights on personal branding, visibility strategy, and online business growth. A strategic marketing and business growth coach, she works with online business owners, course creators, membership owners, and coaches to grow their businesses to six- and seven-figure levels. In her conversation with Lauren, Teresa shares how she helps business owners increase their visibility and become the go-to expert in their field. She reveals strategies for defining your niche, pitching yourself confidently for podcasts and speaking engagements, and creating lead magnets that convert. Teresa also stresses why focusing on a smaller, engaged audience can produce better results than chasing large numbers. If you're an online business owner, course creator, or coach, don't miss this episode for actionable advice to build credibility, boost visibility, and turn your audience into loyal clients. Teresa explains how to grow your personal brand authentically, confidently share your expertise online and on stage, and avoid feeling pushy or overwhelmed. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Teresa Heath-Wareing here: https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fteresaheathwareing.com%2Fvisible https://www.instagram.com/teresa_heathwareing  

In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding Podcast, Lauren sits down with Kat Boogaard, a full-time freelance writer with over 10 years of experience. Kat specializes in long-form content for software clients in the "world of work" space and offers advice and resources for fellow freelancers through her newsletter, social media, and freelance shop. She shares her strategies for using data to book clients and secure speaking engagements, including leveraging content analytics, crafting pitches that get noticed, and attracting ideal clients via social media. Kat offers tips on personal branding, client acquisition, project-based pricing, recurring income, and scaling a freelance business without burnout. If you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or a professional navigating a career transition who wants to grow your brand and land more opportunities, don't miss this episode with Kat Boogaard. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Kat Boogaard here: https://katboogaard.com/subscribe  

In this solo episode of REAL Personal Branding, Lauren shares data-backed insights to help entrepreneurs and speakers book more speaking engagements and attract more clients. She breaks down statistics about consistent branding, emotional marketing, and brand loyalty and shows you how to apply them to your personal brand strategy. You'll learn how maintaining consistent brand elements across your website, social media, and speaking materials can increase revenue by over 20%. Lauren also uncovers why emotional connection builds deeper audience trust than discounts or promotions, and how authentic storytelling can grow your long-term visibility and impact. Through practical steps, Lauren helps you audit your brand presence, create content that resonates emotionally, and design systems that strengthen loyalty with your audience. If you're ready to build a recognizable, trusted brand that opens doors to new opportunities, this episode will help you turn data into meaningful growth. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative I believe in sharing where my insights come from, so every statistic and takeaway in this episode is supported by credible, recent research.  Sources include WebFX – Branding Statistics, Marq (Lucidpress) – The Impact of Brand Consistency, DesignRush – 35+ Branding Statistics, Blacksmith Agency – Top Branding Statistics, Funnel.io – Brand Consistency: Why It Matters, Fuel For Brands – The ROI of Branding, Exploding Topics – Branding Statistics, Cropink – Branding Statistics, Papirfly – Brand Consistency: The Ultimate Guide, Spinutech – Measuring the ROI of Branding, Bloomreach + eMarketer Study (2025) – Emotional Connections Drive Brand Loyalty in Today's Economy, Amra & Elma – Brand Consistency ROI Statistics 2025, and Amra & Elma – DTC Brand Loyalty Statistics 2025.  Each of these reports contributes to a fuller picture of how brand consistency, authenticity, and emotional connection influence visibility, trust, and long-term audience loyalty for entrepreneurial speakers.

Want to write emails people actually open and stories that sell without feeling salesy or sounding like paragraphs of ai? In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding Podcast, Lauren interviews award-winning copywriter, course creator, and author Laura Belgray about how conversational copywriting helps you connect, convert, and stand out online. Laura, founder of Talking Shrimp, co-creator of "The Copy Cure," and author of "Tough Titties," shares her best tips for finding your authentic voice, telling better stories, and writing words that make people say, "Oh my gosh, me too." If you've ever wondered how to write email subject lines that increase open rates, storytelling techniques for entrepreneurs, or how to build a brand voice that sells without sounding fake, this episode is packed with practical insights. Laura Belgray is the founder of Talking Shrimp, co-creator of "The Copy Cure," and author of "Tough Titties." She's an award-winning copywriter who's written for NBC, Bravo, HBO, and top online entrepreneurs, including Marie Forleo and Amy Porterfield. Laura teaches business owners how to write in their own voice so they can attract dream clients, grow their personal brands, and increase their revenue without sounding like anyone else. In this episode: How conversational copywriting connects more deeply and converts better than corporate jargon Boosting email performance with subject lines that increase open rates and build curiosity Transforming ordinary experiences into powerful stories using entrepreneurial storytelling techniques Selling through email with confidence and authenticity, and no pushy tactics required Avoiding common copywriting mistakes that weaken your message and lose your reader's attention Building trust and loyalty through authentic marketing that celebrates imperfection Strengthening your brand voice so every word sounds unmistakably like you Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Laura Belgray here: Laura's Website: talkingshrimp.com Buy her book: www.talkingshrimp.com/book The Copy Cure: thecopycure.com  

On today's episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Angus Nelson, executive coach, speaker, and author of the upcoming book "Confidence Comes Later." Angus helps high-performing leaders reclaim their clarity and purpose by reconnecting with who they truly are, not just what they've built. Angus shares his deeply personal journey through burnout, addiction, and divorce, and how those experiences helped him rebuild a more honest, grounded life. He and Lauren talk about how confidence often follows action, how to rewrite the internal stories that hold us back, and why slowing down can be your boldest move. Angus opens up about detaching identity from achievement, navigating impostor syndrome, and telling your story without oversharing. They explore how personal branding becomes more powerful when aligned with your inner truth. This episode is full of honest perspective, useful mindset shifts, and practical encouragement, especially for leaders in a season of change. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Angus Nelson here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angusnelson https://www.instagram.com/angusnelson

On today's REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren welcomes Samantha Hearne, a business coach, mentor, and former teacher who has built a thriving business centered around authentic sales and organic growth. In this conversation, Samantha reveals how she transitioned from the classroom to coaching, using her teaching background to create accessible, engaging sales strategies that work, without paid ads or complex funnels. Lauren and Samantha explore the mindset shifts that are essential for selling confidently and authentically. Samantha shares how embodying your role as the solution to your client's problem changes everything. They also discuss the importance of community building and how entrepreneurs can use content, collaboration, and consistent visibility to attract the right clients. This episode offers strategies for service-based business owners, coaches, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their personal brands. You'll learn how to better understand your audience, create lead magnets that actually convert, and build a sustainable business rooted in clarity, confidence, and connection. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Samantha Hearne here: https://www.samanthahearnecoaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_samanthahearne_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-hearne-b060b815a/ https://www.facebook.com/samanthahearnecoach/ https://www.pinterest.com/samanthahearnecoaching https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/be-bold-in-business/id1352570980  

If you've ever wondered whether speaking at an unpaid event is worth it—or how to make the most of every speaking opportunity—this solo episode is for you. Lauren breaks down a framework she's developed after speaking at (and attending) more than 100 events and hosting conferences herself. She explains why viewing gigs through a simple "paid vs. unpaid" lens can hold you back, and shares how to evaluate any opportunity for maximum impact. Lauren outlines three powerful categories to assess any speaking invitation: People and Platform, Perks and Promotion, and Proximity and Positioning. From evaluating audience alignment and email list growth to networking strategy and event values, she provides actionable questions that will help you determine if a speaking opportunity is right for you and how to turn it into long-term value for your brand and business. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just getting started, this episode will help you say "yes" to the right opportunities and confidently pass on the ones that don't serve your goals. Plus, get a sneak peek at Lauren's Memorable Personal Brand Mastermind, opening again in August for entrepreneurs who want to grow in community. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative https://forms.gle/nqi66YCKyXF1wBGH8  

On today's REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Jodi Wellman, founder of 4000 Mondays, speaker, author, and assistant instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Jodi's TEDx talk, "How Death Can Bring You Back to Life," has more than 1.3 million views, and her new book, You Only Die Once, was featured on Adam Grant's summer reading list and named a Next Big Idea Club must-read. In this thought-provoking and deeply human episode, Lauren and Jodi explore what it really means to make the most of our time. Jodi shares how losing her mother at 58 shaped her mission, why she believes the Grim Reaper is one of our greatest teachers, and how counting our remaining Mondays can jolt us out of autopilot. They talk about the difference between living and truly being alive, the importance of small moments, and how to create meaning without waiting for a major life event. Whether you're navigating a transition or simply wondering if you're using your time well, this episode will inspire you to live with intention—and fewer regrets. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Jodi Wellman here: https://www.4000mondays.com https://www.instagram.com/4000mondays

On today's REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren shares a special replay of her guest appearance on the Travis Makes Money podcast with her longtime friend, Travis Chappell. During their candid conversation, Lauren opens up about her journey from selling rocks as a kid to running a brick-and-mortar record store and ultimately growing a thriving personal brand business that allows her to work remotely while traveling full time. She and Travis talk about the evolution of her business, how impostor syndrome showed up at key moments, and why deep, genuine relationships are at the heart of everything she's built. Lauren shares how she transitioned from helping local businesses to coaching entrepreneurs and thought leaders around the world, and how consistency, trust, and staying true to her values have played a big role in that growth. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Travis Chappell here: https://travischappell.com/ https://linktr.ee/travischappell

In today's episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren welcomes Quynh Nguyen, the paper artist behind the brand Pink and Posey, who transformed her creative passion into a thriving business and personal brand. Lauren and Quynh explore Quynh's background, learn how she turned paper flower making into a full-fledged business, and share insights on building a brand within a creative niche. Quynh reveals her strategies for understanding your audience, effectively marketing your creative offerings, and adapting your business model to capitalize on new opportunities. Her story is inspirational for any creative entrepreneur looking to turn their passion into a sustainable career. With nearly a decade of experience, Quynh creates fine art installations that bring the beauty of nature to life through paper. Her journey with paper flowers led her to establish The Posey Box, an educational platform dedicated to teaching this delicate craft, and to co-found the Paper Talk Podcast. Quynh showcases how a niche creative hobby can become a successful community. She is also the author of "The New Art of Paper Flowers," a comprehensive guide to inspire paper artists at all levels. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Quynh Nguyen here: https://www.pinkandposey.com https://www.instagram.com/pinkandposey/?hl=en https://www.papertalkpodcast.com/ https://www.theposeybox.com/offers/FtMoZq2k/checkout  

On today's REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Phil Mershon, the CEO of Unforgettable Experiences and the Director of Experience at Social Media Examiner, on this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast. Phil is an expert in creating memorable events and experiences, having accumulated over 30,000 hours of experience in event planning. He shares his journey from leading a service with his siblings and stuffed animals as a child to becoming a renowned event planner, consultant, and author. Phil discusses his book "Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences" and the analogy of baking bread to explain the core elements of event planning, such as content, communication, and venue. He provides strategies for attracting the right audience, creating opportunities for connection, and delivering exceptional customer service. Phil also shares examples of innovative and memorable event elements, including incorporating unexpected performances and providing essential items for attendees. Throughout the conversation, Phil emphasizes understanding the audience's needs and creating a personalized, unforgettable experience, regardless of the event's size. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Phil Mershon here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmershon https://www.facebook.com/phil.mershon http://philmershon.com/bonus https://www.amazon.com/Unforgettable-Science-Creating-Memorable-Experiences/dp/1636981011

On this episode of the Real Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews several experienced speakers who attended the National Speakers Association (NSA) conference. The speakers include Mimi Brown, a motivational speaker and transformational leadership coach; Robbie Samuels, a book launch strategist, business growth coach, executive Zoom producer, event design consultant, speaker, emcee, and podcaster; Jodi Wellman, a keynote speaker and founder of 4000 Mondays; Gwen Navarrete Klapperich, a talent development leader in inclusion and accessible training; Dr. Genie Snyder, a speaker, emcee, executive advisor, certified speaking professional coach, and genius connector; Traci Ruiz, a high stakes leadership and international keynote speaker; Amber Swenor, a keynote speaker, business coach, team and leadership consultant, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author; Jamie Crosbie, a global keynote speaker helping people live fully with purpose; and Johanna Walker, a keynote speaker and storytelling coach. The speakers share their journeys into professional speaking, the topics they are passionate about, and practical advice for new speakers looking to build a successful speaking business. You'll hear the importance of authenticity, building connections, overcoming imposter syndrome, and focusing on solving problems for your audience. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Mimi Brown here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/motivationalleadershipspeaker https://www.ampupsuccess.com Connect with Robbie Samuels here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nomorebadzoom https://robbiesamuels.com Connect with Jodi Wellman here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fourthousandmondays Connect with Gwen Navarrete Klapperich here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwennavarreteklapperich https://www.kitaconsult.com Connect with Dr. Genie Snyder here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geniesnyderchamberlin Connect with Traci Ruiz here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruiz-consultants-llc Connect with Amber Swenor here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberswenor Connect with Jamie Crosbie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiecrosbie Connect with Johanna Walker here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannawalkerspeaking https://johannawalker.com  

In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren sits down with Liz Wilcox, known as the Fresh Princess of Email Marketing. Liz has a remarkable track record, having grown and sold a successful blog, been bought out of her second company, and built her third into a multiple six-figure business. She's the creator of the 20-minute newsletter technique and the email staircase framework, which she has taught to tens of thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide. Liz shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from living in an RV and starting a blog to building multiple successful businesses. She provides practical, actionable advice on consistently writing engaging emails in under 20 minutes per week, effectively monetizing email lists, and creating a profitable business model using micro products or memberships. Liz also offers a glimpse into her experience as a cast member of the popular TV show "Survivor" and how it shaped her perspective on resilience and risk-taking. Lauren and Liz's conversation is packed with Liz's signature blend of expertise, personality, and real-world experience to help listeners master email marketing and build their personal brands. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Liz Wilcox here: Free Mega Email Swipe File The Email Sound Booth  

Victoria Bennion is the founder of the Best Podcast Guest booking agency and co-host of the Best Guest podcast. She's on a mission to help entrepreneurs and authors leverage podcast interviews to amplify their message and grow their businesses. Victoria has a wealth of experience in this area and is here to share her insider tips and strategies. In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, you'll learn how to craft the perfect pitch that gets you booked on the right podcasts, the surprising benefits of podcast guesting beyond just download numbers, and best practices for being a guest that hosts and listeners love. Victoria also busts some common myths about podcast guesting and shares a long-term strategy for using it to build your personal brand. Whether you're a podcast pro or just starting, this conversation is packed with useful tips. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Victoria Bennion here: The Best Podcast Guest Instagram

Dr. C. Shanté Cofield, known as the Movement Maestro, is Lauren's guest on this episode of the REAL Personal Branding Podcast. Shanté's journey from physical therapist to sought-after entrepreneur is a masterclass in personal branding. She's the force behind a top-rated podcast and a social media-based company that's changing the game for health and fitness professionals. In this no-nonsense discussion, Shanté shares practical insights on creating content that truly connects with your target audience, navigating the ever-changing social media algorithms, and developing a sustainable content strategy that fits your life and business. If you're ready to take your business's messaging to the next level, this is the conversation you need to hear. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Dr. Shanté Cofield here: Website Instagram Podcast  

This episode of the Real Personal Branding Podcast features insights from one of Lauren's mastermind groups and some of her closest friends. They share how they approach the transition from one year to the next. Lauren leads a discussion on closing out the year with intention, letting go of what no longer serves you, and setting meaningful goals for the new year. The guests include Valerie Morris, Alex Curtis, Joseph Bojang, Andy Storch, Pete Everitt, and Philip VanDusen. These guests share their personal and professional year-end rituals, from building something tangible during the holiday break to revisiting quarterly goals every month. They also reflect on the best and worst business advice they've received, underscoring the importance of aligning strategies with your unique strengths and client needs. Throughout the conversation, themes of permission, flexibility, and the power of giving freely emerge. Learn how to approach the new year with clarity, shedding the crud that's been holding you back to make space for what you most want to invite in. Don't miss this refreshing perspective on goal-setting and a roadmap for closing out the year with intention from veteran entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative  

On today's REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren explores the Super-Agers phenomenon: people aged 80 and above who have the memory capabilities of those 20 to 30 years younger. Using a recent New York Times article by Dana G. Smith, Lauren shares the research that reveals some of the secrets of cognitive longevity. With many Super Agers in her family, Lauren shares her quest to maintain mental sharpness despite life's challenges and transitions. The one familiar chord Super Agers have isn't their diet, exercise, or even whether or not they smoked. It's their social relationships. Hear the impact of community on Lauren's life and business and the five ways you can build stronger relationships in your life. If you're ready to grow your network and relationships, you won't want to miss this episode. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Psychological well-being in elderly adults with extraordinary episodic memory Join the Mastermind Interest list! Get the social media class replay  

On today's Real Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Chip Conley about rebranding midlife and his new book, Learning to Love Midlife. After disrupting the hospitality industry twice, Chip co-founded MEA (Modern Elder Academy) in January 2018 in Baja California, Mexico. MEA is the world's first "midlife wisdom school," with a campus opening on a 2,600-acre regenerative horse ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico in April 2024. Dedicated to reframing aging, MEA supports students to navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. A New York Times bestselling author, Chip's seventh book, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age, is about rebranding midlife to help people understand the upside of this often-misunderstood life stage. Chip also gave a 2023 TED talk on the "midlife chrysalis." Lauren and Chip begin their conversation by discussing the shift from seeing midlife as a crisis to a chrysalis of personal growth. He reflects on selling his business and joining Airbnb, gaining a new perspective on life's later stages. Chip found research showing happiness increases with age due to the growth of emotional skills like self-awareness and resilience. Chip points out that cultivating curiosity is vital to staying engaged through life. He notes nurturing relationships and community are critical for health and well-being as people age. Chip shares tips, including practicing friendship like a muscle and finding shared interests. Chip and Lauren stress how intergenerational collaboration benefits people of all generations. Finally, Chip busts myths about older workers being unwilling to learn. He shares how he became an AI expert in his mid-60s. Aging can be inspiring, and Chip Conley is passionate about embracing curiosity and nurturing relationships to make the later stages of life fulfilling through personal growth and creating a positive legacy. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Chip Conley here: https://chipconley.com https://www.meawisdom.com/ https://www.facebook.com/modernelderacademy https://www.instagram.com/meawisdom https://www.linkedin.com/school/modernelderacademy https://www.instagram.com/chipconley https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipconleysf  

On today's episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews her friend Andy Storch. Andy is an author, keynote speaker, community builder, and podcast host. His book, Own Your Career, Own Your Life, helps corporate professionals stop drifting and take control of their futures. Andy regularly speaks inside organizations to teach and inspire employees to create their own careers. He is also the founder and host of the Talent Development Think Tank Conference and membership community. Andy is a husband, father, and friend on a mission to get the most out of life and inspire others to do the same. During their conversation, Lauren and Andy explore the creation of his successful corporate-speaking business, overcoming testicular cancer, and maintaining positivity while overcoming big personal challenges. Andy shares what prompted him and his wife to move to Barcelona and start a new life, his background in the corporate world, and how he discovered a natural gift for speaking in front of a crowd. You'll hear Andy's advice for building a speaking career and becoming an authority figure on your topic, the personal growth he's had since starting his business, and taking advantage of your network to build connections that can help your career progress. Andy also offers virtual speaking engagements and shares how he engages those audiences, just like in person. Additionally, you'll learn how to build a personal brand in the corporate world, why giving without expectation creates good karma, and why goal-setting is essential for success in any venture—personal or professional. Andy Storch's positivity is contagious, and his positive attitude surrounding learning from your failures and mistakes is something we can all learn from. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Andy Storch here: https://ownyourcareerownyourlife.com/bonus https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch  

In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren shares how valuable personal traditions and celebrations can be to our well-being.  Growing up, Lauren saw the joy created by honoring traditions like making summer solstice cheese and enjoying her grandpa's homemade "red drink." After becoming an adult and starting businesses, she became consumed by pursuing success at the expense of her well-being. It wasn't until Lauren experienced burnout, health issues, and personal struggles that she realized the importance of slowing down, acknowledging her achievements, and self-celebration. You'll hear why Lauren created an airport tradition for herself every time she travels, what it means to her to create that moment every time she flies, and why you should create special traditions for yourself. Lauren also shares a new opportunity for personal and professional growth – her personal brand mastermind. Designed to provide guidance, support, and community for entrepreneurs, authors, and business owners, it offers a space for collaboration, learning, and transformation. Let's honor our achievements, cultivate joy, and create meaningful connections that enrich our lives and businesses. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative