Authority Builder Podcast | Client-Winning Strategies for Coaches, Consultants, and Creatives Who Want to Lead With Authority

Charlotte Ellis Maldari
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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.

  1. 3D AGO

    Simplify Your Offer and Attract Better Clients, with Megan Dowd

    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 business around what’s true in your current season of life, plus the practical shift that changed everything: confidently asking for referrals. Key topics covered: - From Pilates to brand language and copywriting  - Building authority by focusing on one offer and 10 clients’ worth of data  - Neurodivergence, overthinking, and finding words that feel true  - Burn It Down Day: resetting your business without guilt or sunk cost  - Ordinary stories, human-first marketing, and attracting aligned clients  - Referrals as a sustainable growth strategy Resources mentioned: - Burn It Down Day Workshop Info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ok5mqT9t-WAy266ExTzvtrssmedCM8-0bMruGF4hX8Y/edit?usp=sharing  - Diagnose the Disconnect quiz: https://withmegandowd.com/quiz   - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withmegandowd/ ***FREE TRAINING*** On Tuesday 24th February, I’m running a free live training: Attract 100 Perfect-Fit Prospects Every Week: 3X Your Visibility & Create 18 Months of Marketing in 12 Weeks WITHOUT Burnout 8:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM EST / 4:00 PM GMT Register here: https://kaffeen.co/free-workshop

    36 min

  2. FEB 9

    Guesting, Growth, and the New Rules of Authority, with Tom Schwab

    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. Key topics include: Tom’s origin story and the evolution of podcast interview marketingThe difference between attention and true authorityHow AI is now a major referral source, and why podcasts are favoured by AI enginesPractical strategies for leveraging podcast interviews to build authority and generate leadsThe compounding effect of consistent guesting versus hosting your own showThe importance of authenticity, niching, and the “heck yes or no” client filterActionable steps for founders to start building authority in 30 daysTom also shares tips on repurposing podcast content, nurturing prospects, and why consistency trumps chasing shiny objects. ***FREE TRAINING*** On Tuesday 24th February, I’m running a free live training: Attract 100 Perfect-Fit Prospects Every Week: 3X Your Visibility & Create 18 Months of Marketing in 12 Weeks WITHOUT Burnout 8:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM EST / 4:00 PM GMT Register here: https://kaffeen.co/free-workshop

    52 min

  3. FEB 2

    From Overwhelm to Authority: Steph Crowder’s Sales Strategies

    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 practical ways to reduce overwhelm, build sales momentum, and stop chasing novelty. Steph explains her BuzzBlitz framework for repeatable sales campaigns, plus why trust and frequency matter more than perfection in today’s noisy market.  You will also hear why podcasts and other voice-led content are powerful authority builders in 2025 to 2026, especially for high-ticket offers. Key topics covered: - Prioritisation and the myth of being “done” - Repetition, habits, and daily money-making activities - Warm invitations and reactivating your network - BuzzBlitz, webinars, and sustainable launches - Authority building through podcasts, audio, and video ***FREE TRAINING*** On Tuesday 24th February, I’m running a free live training: Attract 100 Perfect-Fit Prospects Every Week: 3X Your Visibility & Create 18 Months of Marketing in 12 Weeks WITHOUT Burnout 8:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM EST / 4:00 PM GMT Register here: https://kaffeen.co/free-workshop

    50 min

  4. JAN 26

    From Start-Up to Scale-Up: Mark Scrivener’s Guide to Sustainable Growth

    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 evolution from start-up to scale-up, and the systems that matter most at each stage - How to avoid bottlenecks by empowering teams and sharing responsibility - The myth of the “superstar” employee and the importance of delegation - Embracing failure as a learning and marketing opportunity - When to stabilise versus when to pursue growth - The role of automation and AI in scaling efficiently - The enduring value of human connection and transparent communication Mark also discusses “transitional design” and how purposeful leadership can drive real-world impact. Whether you’re a founder, agency leader, or scaling enterprise, this episode is packed with actionable advice for sustainable growth. ***FREE TRAINING*** On Tuesday 24th February, I’m running a free live training: Attract 100 Perfect-Fit Prospects Every Week: 3X Your Visibility & Create 18 Months of Marketing in 12 Weeks WITHOUT Burnout 8:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM EST / 4:00 PM GMT Register here: https://kaffeen.co/free-workshop

    52 min

  5. JAN 19

    Ramez Antoun on Growing a Specialist Business and Attracting Clients

    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 include: - The evolution of Spine PT University and responding to market demand - Balancing clinical work, business growth, and family life - The power of customer listening and using client language in marketing - Lessons learned from a failed launch and the value of embracing mistakes - The founder’s role in marketing and messaging - Overcoming self-doubt, rejection sensitivity, and the impact of therapy - Practical tips for content creation, handling trolls, and building authority Connect with Ramez on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/spine_pt_university/) or visit spineptuniversity.com. This episode is a must-listen for clinicians and entrepreneurs navigating business growth and personal development. ***FREE TRAINING*** On Tuesday 24th February, I’m running a free live training: Attract 100 Perfect-Fit Prospects Every Week: 3X Your Visibility & Create 18 Months of Marketing in 12 Weeks WITHOUT Burnout 8:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM EST / 4:00 PM GMT Register here: https://kaffeen.co/free-workshop

    1h 1m

  6. JAN 12

    From Many Offers to One Engine: How Focus 10x’d a Grant Writing Business with Holly Rustick

    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 grant writing and her global, remote work lifestyleThe evolution from agency work to launching the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional MentorshipThe power of tracking results with Airtable and celebrating student winsBuilding authority through podcasting and publishing a bestselling bookThe importance of literal branding and clear messagingStrategies for scaling, including productising services and running live trainingsEmpowering women in the nonprofit sector and creating a movement for change Tune in for actionable insights on niching down, building authority, and creating impact-driven business growth. Links Holly has shared Free Grant Writing Class: How to Write a Winning Grant in 7 Steps - https://grantwritingandfunding.com/free-grant-writing-classFreelance Grant Writer Checklist: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/5-steps-to-become-a-freelance-grant-writerWrite Grants, Get Paid Newsletter: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/write-grants-get-paid-newsletterPrivate Podcast - Master Grant Template Downloadable and 5 part Private Podcast Series: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast***FREE TRAINING*** On Tuesday 24th February, I’m running a free live training: Attract 100 Perfect-Fit Prospects Every Week: 3X Your Visibility & Create 18 Months of Marketing in 12 Weeks WITHOUT Burnout 8:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM EST / 4:00 PM GMT Register here: https://kaffeen.co/free-workshop

    1 hr

  7. JAN 5

    Building Authority and Visibility with Tony Rulli

    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 investing in ads - Why a “growth partner” mindset goes beyond traditional ad management - The value of group programmes for creators not yet ready for full agency support - How to design funnels that attract leads who actually buy - The difference between ad creative and organic content—and why “messy” video often wins - Practical tips for tracking the right metrics and avoiding low-quality leads - Why every business owner should understand the basics of ads, even if they plan to outsource Tony’s advice is honest, actionable, and rooted in real-world experience—perfect for creators and business owners ready to scale with integrity. tony@intentionalspark.com www.intentionalspark.com/kaffeen ***FREE TRAINING*** On Tuesday 24th February, I’m running a free live training: Attract 100 Perfect-Fit Prospects Every Week: 3X Your Visibility & Create 18 Months of Marketing in 12 Weeks WITHOUT Burnout 8:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM EST / 4:00 PM GMT Register here: https://kaffeen.co/free-workshop

    57 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    Building Authority in a Niche: Heather Hammell on MFR Business Growth

    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 - The global spread and training challenges of MFR - The power and trade-offs of micro-niching - Building authority through books, podcasts, and seminars - Creative marketing strategies, including affiliate programmes and branded swag - Overcoming mindset blocks, imposter syndrome, and the importance of modelling success - Retention strategies and balancing mindset coaching with practical business advice Heather’s story is a masterclass in leveraging expertise, community, and personal branding to create a thriving business in a niche market.  Find out more at www.themfrcoach.com/foundation https://themfrcoach.com/beyond-100k https://themfrcoach.com/podcast/ https://themfrcoach.com/toolbox www.themfrcoach.com/webinar (monthly free live trainings) ***FREE TRAINING*** On Tuesday 24th February, I’m running a free live training: Attract 100 Perfect-Fit Prospects Every Week: 3X Your Visibility & Create 18 Months of Marketing in 12 Weeks WITHOUT Burnout 8:00 AM Pacific / 11:00 AM EST / 4:00 PM GMT Register here: https://kaffeen.co/free-workshop

    1 hr
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About

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.

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