In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames chats with Clair Sidman, VP of Marketing at Collective Voice, about what it really means to be a creator-first brand in 2025. Clair unpacks why trust is outperforming virality, how creators can stop chasing trends and start building true impact, and how platforms like Collective Voice are empowering historically overlooked voices to turn influence into ownership.

Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or marketing leader, this episode offers practical strategies for staying relevant, visible, and authentic in a crowded digital space.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why creators should stop chasing algorithms and start building authority


• How Collective Voice is helping creators monetize authentically and inclusively


• What “creator-first” actually means from a platform perspective


• How AI and automation can support creator workflows (without killing the vibe)


• Tips for multi-passionate entrepreneurs to stay clear and visible without shrinking their message


• Why Gen Z is redefining influence—and what your brand can learn from them

Clair also shares:

• Her journey into the creator economy


• The one action every creator should take this week to clarify their story


• The biggest red flag when evaluating creator partnerships


• Her go-to KPI and favorite resource for staying ahead in marketing

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Collective Voice


• Follow Clair Sidman on LinkedIn


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  Read: The Creator Pay Deep Dive featuring Michelle Thames

  
  

Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:

• Instagram: @michellelthames


• Threads: @michellelthames


• LinkedIn: Michelle L Thames


• YouTube: Michelle L Thames


• Podcast: Social Media Decoded

creator economy 2025, collective voice marketing, creator-first strategy, monetization tips for influencers, brand storytelling, authentic content marketing, inclusive creator tools, social media myths 2025, marketing trends, creator brand strategy, AI and creators, Clair Sidman interview, Gen Z influence, platform-led growth, Collective Voice podcast, Michelle Thames