In this episode of Expert In You, Ann Carden is joined by Lea Woodford to explore the evolving landscape of strategic marketing and luxury branding as we move toward 2025. Lea offers valuable insights into the resilience and unique advantages of the luxury market, highlighting the power of social media in gaining a strategic edge. The discussion delves into the importance of taking calculated risks, distinguishing between branding and marketing, and attracting premium clients through effective branding strategies. They emphasize the value of consistency, confidence, and building aligned business partnerships for long-term success. The episode concludes with exciting details about the upcoming Celebrity CEO Retreat and an invitation to a workshop, encouraging listeners to invest in their personal and professional growth.

Lea Woodford: Visionary Leader, Speaker, and Digital Marketing Expert
Lea Woodford is the dynamic CEO and founder of SmartFem Media Group, a full-service digital marketing and advertising agency. With years of experience as a publicist, columnist, and Radio & TV personality on ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, Lea has mastered the art of connecting brands with audiences. Her popular radio show, “Looking for Love with Lea,” showcased her natural charisma and ability to engage.
As an international speaker since 2007, Lea has inspired audiences worldwide by sharing her entrepreneurial journey, turning a digital magazine into a thriving business. Her talks focus on relationships, innovation, and change, empowering audiences to think bigger, act bolder, and find their unique voice.
Lea’s expertise in online marketing and social media trends provides businesses with actionable strategies to thrive in an ever-evolving digital world. Her authentic stories of success and resilience resonate deeply, leaving audiences motivated and equipped to elevate their brands.
Key Achievements
• Named "Dynamic Woman of the Year" by Phoenix Business Journal
• Host of an Amazon Prime TV Talk Show
• Creator of the SmartFem Success Summit
• International Speaker and Corporate Event Planner
Lea’s energy, insights, and humor make her a top speaker and thought leader. Book Lea for your next event, and let her inspire your team to achieve extraordinary results.

(0:00 ) Introduction to the podcast and guest Leah Woodford
(1:05 ) Market shifts and strategic marketing outlook for 2025
(1:42 ) Leah Woodford's expertise and impact of luxury branding
(5:18 ) Resilience and benefits of the luxury market
(7:34 ) Leveraging social media for strategic advantage
(9:23 ) Playing a bigger game: opportunities and lifestyle benefits
(12:00 ) Taking calculated risks and the importance of branding
(14:01 ) Branding vs. marketing: strategies and misconceptions
(17:38 ) Attracting premium clients through effective branding
(19:52 ) Consistency and confidence in branding
(22:37 ) Sponsor: Expert in You Magazine
(23:30 ) Brand quality perception and targeting the luxury market
(25:15 ) Business partnerships and aligned values
(26:43 ) Announcement of the celebrity CEO retreat
(28:22 ) Benefits and importance of the celebrity CEO retreat
(31:18 ) The bigger "why" in business
(33:10 ) Investing in personal and professional growth
(35:07 ) Recap: Playing a bigger game and its impact
(36:20 ) Show wrap-up and next workshop promotion