Your Brand Amplified

Anika Jackson, Bleav

Welcome to Your Brand Amplified® – the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of successful businesses, exploring the minds of entrepreneurs, business leaders, marketers and sales experts. I'm thrilled to be your host, Anika Jackson, and I'm on a mission to uncover the stories, strategies, and secrets that have propelled these individuals to success. Tune in to hear the captivating journeys of our guests. From humble beginnings to industry titans, each episode unravels the unique narrative of how these remarkable individuals navigated the world of entrepreneurship, small business, and marketing. Gain exclusive insights into the strategies that drive success in the business world. Our guests share their tested and proven methods, offering you a wealth of knowledge to implement in your own entrepreneurial endeavors. Delve into the world of marketing with our expert guests. Whether it's digital, content, or influencer marketing, we cover it all. Stay ahead of the curve and learn the latest trends and techniques to elevate your brand. Public relations is a key component of any successful business. Learn from seasoned professionals about building and maintaining a positive public image, navigating crises, and leveraging PR to amplify your brand's voice. Craft Your Business strategy is the backbone of sustainable growth. Our guests share their strategic insights, providing you with the tools and knowledge to formulate and execute effective business plans. Elevate your business acumen, amplify your brand, and be inspired by the stories of those who have turned their visions into reality.

  1. The Accidental Entrepreneur: Benas Leonavicius on Niche Specialization and Client Selection

    1D AGO

    The Accidental Entrepreneur: Benas Leonavicius on Niche Specialization and Client Selection

    Beginning as an accidental entrepreneur who discovered SEO while writing articles during university, Benas Leonavicius built a six-figure freelance agency with an 80% profit margin—a feat most believe requires massive teams and complex systems. His breakthrough came when he identified keynote speakers as his ideal client niche, realizing their simpler SEO needs and exceptional referral networks allowed him to generate substantial income while working just five hours per week per client. Beyond his core agency work, Benas built a personal brand through YouTube by sharing his freelancing journey and entrepreneurial experiences rather than directly targeting clients. His HVAC faceless YouTube channel further illustrates his experimental philosophy: he created a completely automated revenue stream by hiring subject matter experts, recording audio, and delegating editing, proving that you never know which venture will unexpectedly become significant. The philosophy underlying Benas's mission challenges conventional business wisdom: sustainable success requires neither massive teams nor complex systems, but rather deep specialization, relentless focus, and the courage to say no to misaligned opportunities. If you're ready to build your freelancing practice with clarity and purpose, visit Benas's YouTube channel where he shares actionable strategies, real freelancing insights, and guidance to help you launch and scale your own venture—proving that the future belongs to those who do one thing extraordinarily well for the people who value it most. For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery. We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod? Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    46 min
  2. Strategic Clarity Meets AI: Loic Potjes' Next-Generation Coaching Framework

    3D AGO

    Strategic Clarity Meets AI: Loic Potjes' Next-Generation Coaching Framework

    Loic Potjes has built his career on a transformative principle: success in leadership comes from discovering and leveraging inherent talents, not forcing oneself into unnatural roles. Central to his philosophy is understanding that imposter syndrome is a resistance to self-belief that unconsciously repels opportunity. When leaders authentically embrace their genuine capabilities and project that conviction, they naturally attract talent, resources, and momentum. Loic's most actionable insight is that eighty percent of business scalability comes from two factors: hiring for potential three steps ahead and building teams with complementary superpowers. Rather than developing people in areas where they lack natural talent, he surrounds himself with individuals whose strengths offset his weaknesses—a strategy that produces dramatically superior results. His concept of a disruptive leap distinguishes exponential growth from incremental improvement, requiring fundamental business model transformation and alignment across unique selling proposition, product-market fit, and organizational structure. Loic Potjes' coaching approach has produced extraordinary results, from a West African entrepreneur who closed five ventures and tripled performance by applying strict portfolio criteria, to CEOs across twenty-five countries who discover that fundamental human challenges and leadership dynamics transcend culture and geography. For scale-up entrepreneurs and CEOs of businesses from $5 million to $500 million ready to unlock disruptive growth through clarity, strategic focus, and complementary team dynamics, get in touch with Loic here. For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery. We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod? Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min
  3. Redefining Nonprofit Leadership: Lee Wochner on Moving Beyond Conventional Thinking

    5D AGO

    Redefining Nonprofit Leadership: Lee Wochner on Moving Beyond Conventional Thinking

    Lee Wochner bridges art and business strategy by recognizing that both disciplines move people through storytelling. He founded Counterintuity on a transformative premise: nonprofit leaders possess authentic passion and deep cause expertise but often lack exposure to business practices that exponentially expand impact. Rather than viewing corporate strategy as mission-incompatible, Lee helps organizations understand that clarity around goals, audience understanding, and intentional messaging are not distractions but essential accelerants. Lee's core conviction is that strategy must precede all tactical execution. His campaigns prove that strategic thinking translates directly into measurable results. He also leverages artificial intelligence strategically, using it to free nonprofit leaders from administrative burdens so they can focus on irreplaceable human work. His three non-negotiables with clients—genuine open-mindedness, clear approval processes, and commitment to meaningful impact—ensure that strategy serves real change, not mere activity. Lee Wochner believes the world contains both profound need and untapped opportunity, where even ten percent improvement in any challenge creates transformation. If your nonprofit is ready to break through conventional thinking and unlock its potential, visit counterintuity.com to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with personalized follow-up strategy and advice. Discover what becomes possible when human energy focuses intentionally and resources deploy strategically. For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery. We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod? Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min
  4. AI as Augmentation, Not Automation: Brenda Wilkerson on Serving People Over Profit

    JAN 28

    AI as Augmentation, Not Automation: Brenda Wilkerson on Serving People Over Profit

    Brenda Darden Wilkerson's journey from pre-med student to computer science pioneer reveals how systemic inequities are created by human choice and can therefore be unmade by human action. When she discovered Chicago's third-largest school district had no computer science curriculum, she recognized this was not an educational gap but deliberate exclusion—a policy decision that robbed marginalized communities and the entire innovation ecosystem of untapped talent and perspective. Her founding of Computer Science for All, which inspired the Obama administration's national initiative, proved that incremental changes generate momentum for systemic transformation. At AnitaB.org, Wilkerson applies rigorous data-driven insights that challenge corporate inaction. Decades of research prove diverse teams reach profitability faster and innovate more effectively, yet companies ignore these facts because equity feels like surrendering power. From women's health innovations to AI bias, Wilkerson demonstrates that systemic inequities operate through power structures that determine whose needs warrant resources and attention, making the inclusion of diverse perspectives a practical necessity for innovation, not merely a moral imperative. Brenda Wilkerson's mission across education, technology, healthcare, and algorithmic justice reflects her conviction that meaningful change requires confronting biases and building coordinated efforts across institutions. To engage with her work and connect with a global community of women in technology driving systemic change, visit AnitaB.org or connect with Brenda directly on LinkedIn. Her persistent advocacy proves that equity cannot be achieved in isolation—it requires people willing to ask difficult questions and challenge assumptions in pursuit of systems that genuinely serve everyone. For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery. We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod? Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min
  5. The Full Stack Advantage: Chris Rodriguez on Authenticity Over Algorithm Changes

    JAN 26

    The Full Stack Advantage: Chris Rodriguez on Authenticity Over Algorithm Changes

    A transformative realization in the music industry—discovering his passion lay in the mechanics of promotion rather than the artists themselves—became the catalyst for Chris Rodriguez's two-decade digital marketing career. This insight shaped his philosophy of gritty determination and authentic hustle, enabling him to build an agency that navigates seamlessly from startup environments to established organizations while delivering genuine value through personal authenticity and deep expertise rooted in the 10,000-hour principle. Chris's full stack demand generation approach combines organic and paid tactics across every channel, but authenticity remains his most powerful weapon—particularly through LinkedIn personal outreach with genuine, unpolished video content that creates real connections. As AI and algorithmic shifts reshape digital platforms, he advocates for nimble adaptation without losing focus, optimizing through technical SEO while maintaining disciplined execution. Chris Rodriguez's mission centers on a fundamental belief: the real competitive advantage isn't tactics or platforms, but a mindset of continuous learning, authentic connection, and unwavering commitment to excellence. If you're ready to evaluate your digital marketing strategy with an expert who delivers results, iExcel is offering free digital audits for qualified companies. Visit their website to discover how their full stack demand generation approach can transform your marketing funnel and drive authentic business growth. For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery. We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod? Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min
  6. Beyond Paralysis: Rob Genovesi’s Fear-Proof Brand Strategy (Part 2)

    JAN 23

    Beyond Paralysis: Rob Genovesi’s Fear-Proof Brand Strategy (Part 2)

    Rob Genovesi's journey from poverty to profitable entrepreneurship reveals that business success hinges on overcoming fear through conviction, not fearlessness. He fundamentally reframes professionalism—it's not about how you dress but the results you deliver. His core insight is that personal branding is non-negotiable business strategy: while companies can fail, a strong personal brand cannot be taken away and becomes your greatest asset for future opportunities. T Rob exposes how most business communication fails through sameness. His solution is ruthlessly specific: use distinctive language that conveys the same meaning but cannot be replicated, creating what he calls a splinter in people's mind. The counterintuitive truth he shares is that taking a polarizing stand rooted in genuine conviction attracts passionate followers and repels detractors, which is safer and more effective than attempting universal appeal that pleases no one. Rob Genovesi's mission democratizes brand strategy by proving it's accessible to anyone willing to do authentic self-work and show up genuinely. Discover what it truly takes to build a strong brand that attracts your ideal clients with a complimentary copy of his book: Don't Fear The Brand: The Art of Building a Strong Brand That Attracts here. For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery. We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod? Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    30 min
  7. Rob Genovesi's Fear-Proof Brand Strategy: Turning Paralysis Into Profitability

    JAN 21

    Rob Genovesi's Fear-Proof Brand Strategy: Turning Paralysis Into Profitability

    After two layoffs forced him to launch a website design business, Rob Genovesi discovered the real differentiator was not design but strategy—a realization crystallized when a painting contractor's business exploded after receiving strategic brand work rather than just a website. His genuine breakthrough came when he dismantled his corporate mask and rebuilt his entire identity around authentic values. Rob's critical distinction reveals that before any social media presence or visibility strategy matters, you must complete deep internal strategic work—defining mission, vision, core values, ideal clients, and authentic positioning. His radical insight cuts through paralysis: when you build a strong brand according to your authentic values, competition becomes irrelevant because you've created an entirely different playing field where no one else can compete—not because they're weaker, but because they're not playing your game. Rob Genovesi's mission democratizes brand strategy by proving it's not reserved for corporations but available to anyone willing to do genuine self-work and show up authentically. Get the raw truth about what it takes to build a strong brand with a complimentary copy of Rob's new book: Don't Fear The Brand: The Art of Building a Strong Brand That Attracts here. For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery. We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod? Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    30 min
  8. Energy Management Mastery with Adam Barney: Scale Smarter, Not Harder

    JAN 19

    Energy Management Mastery with Adam Barney: Scale Smarter, Not Harder

    Adam Barney's twenty-year corporate career managing $100 million in ad spend exposed a critical flaw in traditional success: the system rewards exhaustion. Promoted for availability and praised for pushing through, Adam recognized that burnout is not personal weakness but a systems problem—people operate with the wrong operating system for their actual lives. His breakthrough came on a flight from Mexico when he realized optimizing for someone else's definition of success meant losing himself entirely. Rather than expensive apps or programs, Adam believes that the real tools are deceptively simple: strategic phone settings, stepping outside, hydration, movement. The profound insight is that answers arrive during a fifteen-minute walk more readily than during hours of email—clarity emerges from strategic rest, not relentless grinding. He models this philosophy himself, evolving his work from paid advertising expertise toward broader questions about meaningful leadership and human potential, demonstrating that permission to change is itself transformative. Adam Barney's mission democratizes access to sustainable success frameworks, particularly for those historically denied the confidence privilege provides. For listeners ready to reclaim their leadership energy and identify where it is leaking, Barney offers the free EnergyOS Blueprint—a self-assessment tool revealing exactly how to recover lost energy and build meaningful work without losing yourself. Visit his website to access this transformative resource and begin building something meaningful while remaining fully alive. For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery. We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod? Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
5
out of 5
123 Ratings

About

Welcome to Your Brand Amplified® – the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of successful businesses, exploring the minds of entrepreneurs, business leaders, marketers and sales experts. I'm thrilled to be your host, Anika Jackson, and I'm on a mission to uncover the stories, strategies, and secrets that have propelled these individuals to success. Tune in to hear the captivating journeys of our guests. From humble beginnings to industry titans, each episode unravels the unique narrative of how these remarkable individuals navigated the world of entrepreneurship, small business, and marketing. Gain exclusive insights into the strategies that drive success in the business world. Our guests share their tested and proven methods, offering you a wealth of knowledge to implement in your own entrepreneurial endeavors. Delve into the world of marketing with our expert guests. Whether it's digital, content, or influencer marketing, we cover it all. Stay ahead of the curve and learn the latest trends and techniques to elevate your brand. Public relations is a key component of any successful business. Learn from seasoned professionals about building and maintaining a positive public image, navigating crises, and leveraging PR to amplify your brand's voice. Craft Your Business strategy is the backbone of sustainable growth. Our guests share their strategic insights, providing you with the tools and knowledge to formulate and execute effective business plans. Elevate your business acumen, amplify your brand, and be inspired by the stories of those who have turned their visions into reality.

You Might Also Like