What does your leadership brand say about you when you’re not in the room? In this episode of Culture Secrets, Chellie Phillips sits down with business strategist, speaker, author, and personal branding expert Mike Kim for a practical and deeply human conversation about reputation, trust, storytelling, reinvention, and the leadership signals we send every day. Chellie first met Mike through one of his workshops while she was trying to figure out how to turn her books, ideas, and experiences into a business. What stood out then still stands out now: Mike is real-world, genuine, honest, and practical. He’s worked with some of the biggest voices and thought leaders out there, but remains humble, approachable, and refreshingly human. Together, Chellie and Mike explore why personal brand is not about becoming an influencer or chasing attention. It’s about reputation. It’s about values. It’s about how people experience you, how you communicate, and whether your actions match what you say matters. They also dig into the role of AI in today’s workplace. Mike shares why he sees AI as “a calculator for words” — a powerful tool, but not a replacement for human voice, lived experience, taste, empathy, or discernment. In a world where technology can help us create faster, this conversation is a reminder that leaders still have to do the deeply human work of building trust. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why every leader has a brand, whether they intentionally shape it or notThe difference between recognition and attentionHow values shape influence more than information aloneWhy storytelling is one of the most powerful tools leaders can use to connectHow leaders can become more aware of the signals they sendWhat AI can help with — and what it can never replaceWhy reinvention often starts by recognizing the skills and experiences you already carryHow to think about your reputation, voice, and leadership presence with more intentionMike also shares practical questions leaders can use to get clearer about what they stand for, including: What bothers you? What breaks your heart? And what problem are you trying to solve? If you’re a leader, communicator, entrepreneur, author, or professional trying to show up with more clarity and authenticity, this episode will help you think differently about your voice, your values, and the reputation you’re building every day. Because culture is shaped by trust — and trust is shaped by how we show up. Connect with Mike Kim You can learn more about Mike Kim and follow his work through his newsletter and LinkedIn. Newsletter: Mike publishes his newsletter every Tuesday. Sign up at mikekim.com/letter. LinkedIn: Connect with Mike on LinkedIn. His handle/screen name is realmikekimtv. Website: Visit mikekim.com to learn more about his books, speaking, workshops, and resources. Thanks for listening. Grab the book the original podcast is based on at https://mybook.to/culturesecrets . Want more quick leadership tips? Sign up for my FREE bi-weekly newsletter: Coffee, Culture and Common Sense. Check out my website www.chelliephillips.com for more great content. Follow me on LinkedIn.
