Create Brand NV

Nicole Valentin Alicea
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Create Brand NV is your go-to podcast for bold business insights and smart marketing strategies. Whether I’m interviewing standout leaders or breaking things down solo, you’ll get real stories, proven tactics, and fresh ideas to help your business grow. If you’re building a brand, leading a team, or ready to level up—listen in. Learn, engage, and thrive. Learn more at https://www.createbrandnv.com

  1. 5d ago

    #47 How Podcast Interviews Build Authority and Personal Brand | Liz Brooks

    In this episode, Nicole sits down with Liz Brooks — a PR strategist with agency experience at some of the world's leading firms, now working at Interview Valet helping C-suite executives build authority through strategic podcast guesting. From working with major global brands in traditional PR to becoming an early champion of podcast interviews as a thought leadership tool, Liz has spent her career helping executives get discovered — and stay credible — in a crowded market. Liz breaks down the real difference between PR and advertising, why "bigger isn't better, better is better" when it comes to picking which podcasts to guest on, and how AI-driven search is changing what counts as a credible authority signal online. Whether you're weighing starting your own podcast versus guesting on other people's shows, or just trying to figure out how to stand out instead of blend in, this conversation lays out exactly what it takes to become what Liz calls a "category of one." This conversation will change how you think about PR, podcasting, and personal branding. What We Cover: The real difference between PR (earned) and advertising (paid) — and why PR is never guaranteedWhat Interview Valet looks for before placing a guest on a showHow to become a "category of one" instead of just another competitorWhen to add podcasting to your PR and marketing strategyOwn podcast vs. guesting on other shows — the real tradeoffsWhy AI and search platforms reward consistent, attributable expertise signalsWhy niche, well-matched shows can outperform big-name podcasts (the client case study inside)The farmers market vs. niche nightclub analogy for resonance over reachWhy the interview isn't the finish line — it's the input for a month of contentHow Interview Valet vets both guests and shows before making a match Connect with Liz: 🌐 Website: https://interviewvalet.com/liz/ Work with Nicole: https://calendly.com/nicolealicea Follow Create Brand NV: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createbrandnv LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolealicea Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createbrandnv If this episode sparked an idea, shifted your thinking, or gave you something to take into your business — think of it as buying me and the team a cup of coffee each month. It helps fuel the time and care that goes into producing these conversations, keeps new voices and new episodes coming your way, and helps us stay completely ad-free so you can stay focused on growing your business. Become a monthly supporter — thank you for being part of this community. https://donate.stripe.com/fZu14nblHeLLgtCf1x0Ny00

  2. Jun 8

    #46 What If AI Knew Your Business Better Than You Do? with Ravi Teja Bommireddipalli

    At 55, Ravi Teja Bommireddipalli walked away from a 30-year career leading global tech companies — including Robosoft Technologies, which built platforms for Warner Bros., Disney, ESPN, and McDonald's — to bootstrap his own AI startup from scratch. What he's building might change how your entire company operates. Ayatt AI is an agentic AI platform that goes far beyond ChatGPT. It observes your business across every system, predicts what's coming, recommends what to do — and with your permission, acts. Think of it as a digital chief of staff that never sleeps, never forgets, and knows your CRM, your finances, and your team performance in real time. In this episode we cover: — Why most businesses are only using 10% of what AI can actually do — What "agentic AI" means and how it's different from chatbots — Ayatt's 7-layer AI nervous system and its 5 levels of autonomy — How Ravi built his MVP with paying clients before raising a dollar in VC funding — The "digital chief of staff" — Matrix — and how it briefs CEOs every morning — How AI handles data privacy, hallucinations, and staying inside your organization — Why the companies that win in the next 2 years will be the ones that move fastest — What to tell young people entering the workforce right now Connect with Ravi: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raviteja-bommireddipalli Ayatt AI: https://www.ayatt.ai Work with Nicole: https://calendly.com/nicolealicea Follow Create Brand NV: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createbrandnv LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolealicea Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createbrandnv If this episode sparked an idea, shifted your thinking, or gave you something to take into your business — think of it as buying me and the team a cup of coffee each month. It helps fuel the time and care that goes into producing these conversations, keeps new voices and new episodes coming your way, and helps us stay completely ad-free so you can stay focused on growing your business. Become a monthly supporter — thank you for being part of this community. https://donate.stripe.com/fZu14nblHeLLgtCf1x0Ny00

    #46 What If AI Knew Your Business Better Than You Do? with Ravi Teja Bommireddipalli

  3. May 23

    #45 From Telemundo to School of Rock: Jayme Ribeiro Neto on Reinvention and Leadership

    In this episode of the Create Brand NV podcast, Nicole Alicea and Maria Daly sit down with Jayme Ribeiro Neto, longtime media executive and now franchise owner of School of Rock Clearwater, for a thoughtful conversation about reinvention, leadership, entrepreneurship, and building something meaningful after a major career transition. Jayme shares his journey from Brazil to the U.S., from an MTV internship to leadership roles with Telemundo, where he helped transform the Tampa station into one of the most profitable in the ZGS station group. After nearly 17 years in television and navigating the NBCUniversal acquisition, Jayme faced an unexpected layoff that forced him to rethink what the next chapter of his life could look like. That next chapter became School of Rock Clearwater — a performance-based music education franchise that blends private instruction, group collaboration, confidence-building, and real live performances. Jayme opens up about the risks of entrepreneurship, the discipline required to launch a brick-and-mortar business, the difference between corporate leadership and small business ownership, and why presence, work ethic, humility, and passion still matter at every level of success. This conversation is especially valuable for business owners, leaders, career changers, franchise seekers, and anyone wondering whether it is too late to start over with purpose. Enjoying the Create Brand NV Podcast? Say thank you with a Virtual Cup of Coffee! Subscribe to sending us a cup of coffee every month to help keep fueling this show. Thank you! https://donate.stripe.com/fZu14nblHeLLgtCf1x0Ny00

    #45 From Telemundo to School of Rock: Jayme Ribeiro Neto on Reinvention and Leadership

  4. May 13

    #44 Protect and Monetize Your Creative Work with IP and Marketing Law Attorney Sharon Toerek

    In this insightful interview, Sharon Toerek, a marketing and intellectual property attorney, shares guidance on protecting creative work, understanding intellectual property, and navigating the complexities of AI-generated content. Perfect for creative agency owners, brand leaders, and entrepreneurs looking to safeguard their innovations and monetize their IP effectively. Topics covered: Introduction to Intellectual Property and Its Importance Understanding Different Types of Intellectual Property The Role of Contracts in Protecting IP Ownership vs. Licensing: Key Considerations Navigating Client Relationships and Contracts The Importance of Clear Communication in ContractsMonetizing Creative Work: Ownership vs. Licensing Decisions The Lifelong Commitment to IP Protection Real-World Examples of IP Challenges The Impact of AI on Intellectual PropertyNavigating Copyright in the Age of AI The Complexities of Liability and ResponsibilityThe Intersection of AI and Creative Work Ethical Considerations in AI UsageThe Future of AI Legislation and Copyright Guest Information: Sharon Toerek, Legal and Creative www.legalandcreative.com linkedin.com/in/sharontoerek X: @SharonToerek IG: @sltoerek The Innovative Agency Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-innovative-agency/id1419747902

    #44 Protect and Monetize Your Creative Work with IP and Marketing Law Attorney Sharon Toerek

  5. Mar 16

    #43 Is SEO Dead in the Age of AI? The Real Question Business Owners Should Be Asking

    Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overviews are changing how people find information online. Instead of clicking through multiple websites, users increasingly receive summarized answers instantly. This has led many business owners to ask an important question: Is SEO dead? But the real issue isn’t whether search engine optimization still works. The real question is: If AI summarizes your expertise without sending users to your website, how does your business still win? In this episode of the Create Brand NV Podcast, Nicole Alicea, founder of Brand NV, addresses the elephant in the room that many marketers are avoiding. She explains why the future of visibility online is about building recognized authority. Nicole breaks down how artificial intelligence systems evaluate sources, why generic content is becoming less valuable, and how businesses can ensure their expertise remains tied to their identity as a trusted authority. She also shares a real-world case study from Brand NV showing how consistent thought leadership transformed a client with no online presence into a recognized industry voice with growing influence. You’ll learn: • Why AI is changing search behavior but not eliminating SEO • The biggest mistake businesses make when creating content today • How recognized authority protects your expertise from becoming anonymous information • How consistent thought leadership compounds influence over time If you're a business owner, executive, or industry leader wondering how to remain visible and credible in the age of AI-driven search, this episode will help you understand the strategic shift required to stay ahead. About Brand NV Brand NV is a marketing leadership firm that partners with established organizations to guide strategy, execute the work, and coordinate every moving part of their marketing so it supports business goals and long-term growth. Learn more or start a conversation: 🌐 https://createbrandnv.com

    #43 Is SEO Dead in the Age of AI? The Real Question Business Owners Should Be Asking

  6. Mar 9

    #42 When Announcements Backfire — Operational vs Brand Language

    Many organizations believe they are simply sharing updates with their audience. In reality, every announcement shapes perception. In this solo episode of the Create Brand NV Podcast, Nicole Alicea explores a critical but often overlooked marketing principle: the difference between operational language and brand language. A recent real-world example from a healthcare practice illustrates how a seemingly harmless announcement can unintentionally introduce doubt, anxiety, and confusion for patients. Operationally, the message was accurate. Strategically, it created risk. Nicole explains why strong organizations approach communication differently — evaluating messaging not just for accuracy, but for trust, leadership optics, and long-term brand perception. This episode will help business leaders, healthcare organizations, and multi-location brands better understand why marketing leadership matters in everyday communication decisions. In This Episode You'll Learn• The difference between operational language and brand language • Why small announcements can unintentionally damage trust • How messaging shapes perception — even when that isn't the intention • The questions strategic marketing leaders ask before sending communications • Why organizations benefit from evaluating communication from the outside in Key InsightMost organizations evaluate communication from the inside out. Strategic marketing evaluates communication from the outside in. Because from the inside, familiarity creates blind spots. From the outside looking in, patterns, risks, and unintended signals become much easier to see. Strong brands don't simply hope their message lands well. They engineer it to. About Brand NVBrand NV is a marketing leadership firm that partners with established organizations to guide strategy, execute the work, and coordinate every moving part of their marketing so it supports business goals and long-term growth. Learn more or start a conversation: 🌐 https://createbrandnv.com

  7. 12/21/2025

    #41 What Can Government Learn from Business? A Conversation with Bill Carlson

    In this episode, Nicole Alicea sits down with Tampa City Councilmember and Tucker Hall president Bill Carlson to explore the lessons government can draw from the business world. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the differences in financial management between the two sectors, the adversarial nature of politics, and the significance of relationships in governance. Carlson emphasizes the need for efficient government spending, the challenges of serving diverse communities, and the impact of rapid urban development on affordable housing. The discussion also highlights the role of entrepreneurship in empowering communities and the importance of the arts in economic development. Carlson shares insights from his transition from business to government and reflects on the future of artists in a changing economy. Keywords: Bill Carlson, government, business, entrepreneurship, Tampa, public service, community, economic development, affordable housing, mentorship

    #41 What Can Government Learn from Business? A Conversation with Bill Carlson

  8. 12/07/2025

    #40 If You Don’t Adapt, You’ll Lose Your Leadership Pipeline — Insights from Dr. Shane Combs

    In this conversation, Dr. Shane Combs discusses the importance of empowering young leaders, particularly from Gen Z, in the workforce. He emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt to the changing landscape by embracing divergent thinking, purpose-driven work, and mental health awareness. The discussion also covers the significance of work-life balance, career development expectations, and the impact of AI on entry-level roles. Dr. Combs provides examples of successful companies that engage Gen Z effectively and highlights the value of neurodiversity in fostering innovation. The conversation concludes with a call to action for businesses to redesign their practices to thrive in the future. Further Reading & Recommended Resources Below are the articles that Dr. Shane Combs recommended for listeners who want to go deeper into Gen Z hiring, workplace trends, and how AI is reshaping early-career opportunities: How to Attract and Retain Gen Z Talent (Forbes) 🔗 https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2025/09/21/how-to-attract-and-retain-gen-z-talent-with-8-proven-strategies/ The State of Gen Z in the Workplace 2025 (The Interview Guys) 🔗 https://blog.theinterviewguys.com/the-state-of-gen-z-in-the-workplace-2025/ Attracting, Hiring, and Retaining Gen Z: Modern Recruiting Strategies (The HR Digest) 🔗 https://www.thehrdigest.com/attracting-hiring-and-retaining-gen-z-modern-recruiting-strategies/ Attracting Gen Z Talent into U.S. Public Service (McKinsey) 🔗 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/attracting-gen-z-talent-into-us-public-service The Perils of Using AI to Replace Entry-Level Jobs (Harvard Business Review) 🔗 https://hbr.org/2025/09/the-perils-of-using-ai-to-replace-entry-level-jobs AI Is Shrinking Career Opportunities for Young Workers (Observer) 🔗 https://observer.com/2025/09/ai-shrinking-job-market-junior-workers-harvard-study/ Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) 🔗 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) 🔗 https://www.ebri.org/ Gen Z Is Reviving “Boring Jobs” — And Why That Matters (Yahoo Finance) 🔗 https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-z-reviving-boring-job-140916194.html Keywords Gen Z, leadership, divergent thinking, employee engagement, mental health, work-life balance, purpose-driven work, AI in the workplace, neurodiversity, career development 🎧 The Create Brand NV Podcast ◼️ Watch it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@createbrandnv ◼️ Subscribe to the Create Brand NV Podcast Newsletter – Get new episode updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and marketing tips: https://mailchi.mp/createbrandnv.com/subscribe-to-the-create-brand-nv-podcast-newsletter ◼️ Work With Nicole – Brand strategy, marketing consulting, and agency services: https://calendly.com/nicolealicea ◼️ Get Nicole’s Free Branding Playbook – From choosing a business name to getting your logo created: https://createbrandnv.com/lp/download-your-free-copy-of-branding-from-scratch/ ◼️ Follow Nicole on Social Media Instagram: https://instagram.com/createbrandnv LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolealicea/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/createbrandnv ◼️ Listen to More Episodes – https://createbrandnv.com/podcast/

    #40 If You Don’t Adapt, You’ll Lose Your Leadership Pipeline — Insights from Dr. Shane Combs
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Create Brand NV is your go-to podcast for bold business insights and smart marketing strategies. Whether I’m interviewing standout leaders or breaking things down solo, you’ll get real stories, proven tactics, and fresh ideas to help your business grow. If you’re building a brand, leading a team, or ready to level up—listen in. Learn, engage, and thrive. Learn more at https://www.createbrandnv.com

Information

  • Creator
    Nicole Valentin Alicea
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Nicole Valentin Alicea