Voice of a Leader

Lanisa Farnsworth & Brand of a Leader
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Voice of a Leader

What legacy will you leave behind? What do you hope your name might stand for? If you could leave one message behind with the world long after you’re gone, what would it be? At Voice of a Leader, a signature podcast by Brand of a Leader, we explore the answers to that profound question through the voices of today's preeminent entrepreneurs and leaders. Worldwide. Each episode dives deep into their stories, journeys, and insights, uncovering the "why" behind their ambition, the challenges they've overcome, and the wisdom they've gained. It's "Business Therapy" — raw, authentic conversations revealing the complexities of leadership and inspiring you to realize your own potential. Join us as we explore what the voice of a true leader sounds like. Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

  1. Minisode #7: Personal Branding is Not About What You Do, It's About Who You Are

    APR 17

    Minisode #7: Personal Branding is Not About What You Do, It's About Who You Are

    In this reflective minisode, Brand of a Leader co-founders Marina Byezhanova and Stefano Faustini discuss the transformative personal branding journey of Sun Ah Brock, founder of a leading interior design studio. They explore how Sun Ah evolved from someone deeply resistant to personal branding to embracing her authentic voice and creating meaningful impact. Marina and Stefano share insights about Sun Ah's unique story as a Korean adoptee and how her exploration of identity became central to her personal brand. They discuss her journey from questioning "why would anyone listen to me?" to confidently taking the stage and moving audiences with her story. The co-founders highlight how Sun Ah's personal philosophy of "feelings over things" has not only shaped her personal brand but revolutionized her business approach in an industry typically focused on surfaces and aesthetics. Takeaways Personal branding is fundamentally about identity rather than profession Resistance to personal branding often stems from questioning one's worthiness The most personal stories are often the most powerful to share A well-developed personal brand can transform not just personal visibility but entire business models Effective personal branding requires not just storytelling but a clear message and purpose Sound Bites "Personal branding is not about what you do. It is about who you are." "The inner story, the story of identity, the story of who we are... those are the things that need to come out." "The journey of personal branding is ongoing and kind of a forever thing." "In addition to telling our story, be clear on what is the message for others." "Feelings over things." Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Sun Ah Brock's Story 01:30 - From Resistance to Embracing Personal Branding 03:10 - The Connection Between Identity and Personal Branding 04:45 - Witnessing Sun Ah's Transformation 06:10 - The Importance of Message Beyond Story 08:15 - How Personal Brand Transformed Sun Ah's Business

    11 min
  2. Episode #9 Sun Ah Brock: Surface to Substance - The Interior Design Entrepreneur Who Found Her Voice Through Authenticity

    APR 1

    Episode #9 Sun Ah Brock: Surface to Substance - The Interior Design Entrepreneur Who Found Her Voice Through Authenticity

    Sun Ah Brock shares her remarkable journey from founding LUX Decor in her kitchen in 2019 to building what is on-track to become North America's largest interior design community. As a Korean adoptee who was abandoned at the age of four, Sun Ah explores how her personal journey of identity discovery profoundly influences her approach to design and business. In this powerful episode, Sun Ah shares her moving story of self-discovery and the ongoing exploration of her identity. She discusses her transformation from someone deeply resistant to personal branding and questioning "why would anyone listen to me?" to embracing her unique voice and perspective. The conversation reveals how her personal philosophy of "feelings over things" and concept of "interiority" have not only shaped her personal brand but revolutionized her approach to business. Sun Ah's journey includes reconnecting with her biological family in South Korea and taking the courageous step to share her story publicly for the first time. Her experience demonstrates how personal branding isn't about what you do, but who you are—a philosophy that has allowed her to create a distinctive approach in an industry typically focused on surfaces and aesthetics. Sun Ah also shares her vision for Maru, her design community that embodies connection, vulnerability, and belonging—values she discovered were missing in her own life. Through authentic leadership and storytelling, she demonstrates how embracing one's true identity can create deeper connections both personally and professionally.This episode beautifully illustrates how embracing your authentic story and developing a clear message can create meaningful impact that extends beyond personal visibility to transform an entire business approach. Key Takeaways: Imposter syndrome often manifests as questioning whether you deserve "a spot at the table" or if people want to hear your voice The difference between "fitting in" (changing parts of yourself) and "belonging" (arriving as yourself and being accepted) Creating a sense of home for others can become a powerful purpose, especially for those who never felt it themselves True connection requires both giving and receiving—sharing deeply, not just listening to others Communities provide belonging, support, and opportunities for vulnerability that fuel both personal and professional growth Entrepreneurial focus is critical—energy should be directed to 1-2 priorities rather than trying to do everything at once Authentic leadership involves being vulnerable first, which inspires others to do the same Sound Bites: "I want to create a sense of home for others that I never really felt like I had." "Fitting in is changing parts of yourself to belong, but truly belonging is arriving as yourself and being accepted." "If you can really live authentically, you just live a richer life." "Focus on less and do it really well." "If the inner story is something burning within you, it is most likely time for it to come out." "Live your life as you." Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Imposter Syndrome07:00 - Turning Houses into Homes13:56 - The Adoption Journey and Korean Heritage20:06 - Reconnecting with Biological Family26:05 - Building Communities and Authentic Living28:28 - Vulnerable Leadership33:34 - From Fitting In to Belonging40:06 - The Entrepreneur's Challenge of Focus49:16 - Authentic Networking and Being "Perfectly Imperfect"

    57 min
  3. Minisode #6 Beyond the Family Name: Building Personal Brands Within Legacy Businesses

    MAR 18

    Minisode #6 Beyond the Family Name: Building Personal Brands Within Legacy Businesses

    In this reflective minisode, Brand of a Leader co-founders Marina Byezhanova and Stefano Faustini explore the unique challenges faced by leaders of family businesses. Inspired by their conversations with Steven Short and James Ricci, they discuss the complex dynamics of preserving legacy while carving out one's unique identity as a second or third-generation business leader. The co-founders examine the distinct form of imposter syndrome experienced by family business leaders - the pressure of measuring up to established legacies while simultaneously driving innovation and growth. Marina shares her own contrasting perspective as a first-generation entrepreneur, noting how she once felt inadequate next to those running larger, established family businesses before understanding their unique challenges. Stefano and Marina highlight how personal branding becomes especially valuable for family business leaders seeking to differentiate themselves while honoring their heritage. They discuss how modern leaders in family businesses can leverage the established equity of their corporate brands while still creating their own identity and bringing fresh perspectives that often revitalize and "save" family businesses that might otherwise become obsolete. Key Takeaways:- Family business leaders face a unique form of imposter syndrome- There's a delicate balance between preserving legacy and driving innovation- Personal branding helps clarify individual identity within the family business context- Modern leadership often requires being the public face of a traditionally behind-the-scenes family enterprise- Family businesses have the advantage of established brand equity when launching personal branding initiatives Sound Bites:- "How can you leave a lasting mark within an organization that has been around for so long?"- "You not only have the pressure of scaling a business and innovating, but you also have somebody else's legacy to preserve."- "It's really identity work."- "Building our own personal brand helps us build our own legacy."- "It's usually those second, third, fourth generation guys and gals that save the family business." Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Family Business Challenges 01:20 - The Unique Imposter Syndrome of Family Business Leaders 02:50 - Personal Identity Within Family Business Context 04:30 - Balancing Family Dynamics and Business Challenges 06:16 - Perspectives on Starting vs. Inheriting Businesses 08:38 - Leveraging Legacy for Future Success

    10 min
  4. Episode #8 Doug Adlam: The Serial Entrepreneur Inspiring a Life of Exponential Growth Through Setbacks

    MAR 4

    Episode #8 Doug Adlam: The Serial Entrepreneur Inspiring a Life of Exponential Growth Through Setbacks

    Doug Adlam is a serial entrepreneur and exponential growth expert whose journey spans the mortgage, fintech, and wealth management sectors. After scaling his parents' mortgage business by 40X and co-founding Finmo, a technology company that fundamentally transformed Canada's mortgage process, Doug discovered his passion for driving exponential growth through innovation and disruption across multiple ventures. In this episode, Doug opens up about his fascinating transition from high-stakes sports officiating to serial entrepreneurship. Drawing from his experience of nearly 800 games as a hockey official, he shares how early lessons in performing under pressure and managing conflict on the ice shaped his approach to scaling businesses. Doug discusses his pivotal career redirection when his NHL officiating dreams ended, and how this moment became a catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey. As an active member of Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and graduate of the Global Speakers Academy, Doug brings a unique perspective that combines high-performance sports psychology with business acumen. He shares compelling insights about challenging industry monopolies, navigating near-bankruptcy experiences, and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship – including a dramatic "22 minutes from bankruptcy" story that showcases the real challenges of scaling ventures. With an engaging storytelling style and authentic vulnerability, Doug inspires listeners to embrace challenges as opportunities and pursue what he calls an "exponential life" – one that exceeds the limitations we place on ourselves. Key Takeaways:- Failure can be a powerful catalyst for growth and redirection- True disruption requires courage to challenge established industry norms- Business success often comes from identifying and improving existing solutions rather than reinventing everything- The entrepreneurial journey involves managing both personal and investor expectations- Learning from cross-industry experiences can provide valuable insights and solutionsSound Bites:- "You don't always need to reinvent the wheel - you can learn from others who have done things before you."- "Just because an industry has always done something doesn't mean there isn't a better way to do it."- "You have a choice to live subpar in mediocrity or exponentially."- "We can unlock levels of fulfillment that we literally can't imagine exist or possible."Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Early Career Aspirations03:15 - The NHL Dream and First Major Redirection17:40 - Building a Mortgage Business25:04 - Challenging Industry Status Quo32:42 - The 22 Minutes from Bankruptcy Story45:11 - Cross-Industry Innovation and Learning52:13 - Overcoming Challenges and Imposter Syndrome57:19 - Lessons Learned and Living Exponentially01:00:36 - Final Thoughts on Entrepreneurship and Growth

    1h 5m
  5. Minisode #5 The Immigrant Experience in Personal Branding: From Challenge to Superpower

    FEB 11

    Minisode #5 The Immigrant Experience in Personal Branding: From Challenge to Superpower

    Inspired by their full-length episode with entrepreneur Jenny Feterovich, co-founders Marina Byezhanova and Stefano Faustini explore the complex relationship between immigration, identity, and personal branding. Marina shares her personal journey from wanting to hide her immigrant identity to proudly wearing it as part of her brand, while they discuss how the immigrant experience—though challenging—can become a powerful differentiator in building an authentic personal brand.Drawing insights from Jenny's remarkable story of transformation, from fleeing her home country to becoming an Emmy-nominated professional, they examine how immigrants navigate the delicate balance of standing out while fitting in. The conversation reveals why imposter syndrome, though a Western concept, often resonates deeply with immigrant experiences, and how embracing one's unique background can become a catalyst for connection and success.Key Takeaways- The immigrant experience can be transformed from a perceived weakness into a powerful brand differentiator- Personal branding requires authentic storytelling that resonates from within- Repetition is crucial in building strong brand associations- The journey from hiding to embracing one's immigrant identity varies for each person- Imposter syndrome manifests differently in immigrant experiences- Authentic stories that are "burning within" create the most impact- Personal brand building requires balancing assimilation with maintaining uniqueness Chapters00:00 Introduction and Jenny's Story02:56 Imposter Syndrome as a Western Concept05:50 The Journey from Hiding to Embracing Identity08:55 Strategic Storytelling in Personal Branding

    11 min
  6. Episode #7 Stephen Shortt: The Career Strategist Redefining Happiness in Business

    JAN 23

    Episode #7 Stephen Shortt: The Career Strategist Redefining Happiness in Business

    Stephen Shortt is a serial entrepreneur and career strategist with a passion for helping people find fulfilling and rewarding careers. Drawing on his experiences growing up in two family businesses, Stephen shares candid insights into the unique challenges of legacy leadership and how these shaped his approach to entrepreneurship and talent development. In this episode, Stephen opens up about his battles with imposter syndrome and how he turned those challenges into opportunities for growth. He discusses his Successful Succession framework, which helps family businesses thrive without losing sight of relationships, and the universal importance of aligning career choices with personal values. Stephen’s work extends across several ventures, including ETC Consult and CareerFit, where he combines strategic planning with talent assessment to help individuals and organisations achieve their goals. Beyond his professional endeavors, Stephen’s role as a former Global Chair of the GSEA competition highlights his commitment to fostering young entrepreneurs, even earning him the title of "Disney Princess" on LinkedIn for his appearance in the Disney+/National Geographic documentary Own The Room. With an infectious energy and a knack for storytelling, Stephen inspires listeners to navigate their own career paths with authenticity, curiosity, and purpose. Key Takeaways- Imposter syndrome is a universal experience, but it can be managed by challenging self-doubt and focusing on growth.- Leading a family business brings unique challenges, including balancing legacy with innovation.- Success is deeply personal and should align with one’s values and sense of fulfillment.- Building a strong team is about trust, communication, and empowering others to excel.- Personal branding is a continuous journey that involves self-awareness and authenticity. Sound Bites- “Leadership is about listening, learning, and empowering your team to thrive.”- “Imposter syndrome isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a signal to reflect and grow.”- “In a family business, you’re not just inheriting a company—you’re inheriting a story.”- “Success isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about living in alignment with your values.” Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Scene04:15 - Growing Up in a Family Business12:48 - Understanding and Navigating Imposter Syndrome27:35 - Defining Personal Success42:10 - Building and Leading High-Performing Teams57:22 - Aligning Career Choices with Values01:10:08 - Closing Thoughts and Key Takeaways

    59 min
  7. Minisode #4 The Art of Branding for Generalists: Finding Your Angle

    12/26/2024

    Minisode #4 The Art of Branding for Generalists: Finding Your Angle

    In this fourth minisode of our podcast, co-founders Stefano Faustini and Marina Byezhanova tackle a big question: How do you build a personal brand when you’re a generalist—someone without one clear area of expertise? The answer? Your personal brand isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you are. Stefano and Marina break down how to position yourself authentically, showcase your expertise, and avoid being, well, boring. They explore the power of combining hard expertise with humanization and share why defining your goals and content pillars is the first step to success. Whether you’re trying to stand out as a leader, attract top talent, or become a thought leader in unexpected spaces, this episode will show you how to build a brand that’s as real as it is impactful. Key Takeaways- Building a personal brand is possible, even as a generalist.- Your brand angle should reflect who you are, not just what you do.- Combining expertise with a humanizing element prevents your brand from being boring.- Clear goals and content pillars are essential for effective personal branding.- You can position yourself as an expert in areas beyond your primary industry.- A strong personal brand can attract higher-caliber talent to your organization.Chapters00:00 Navigating Personal Branding as a Generalist02:56 The Importance of Brand Positioning06:04 Balancing Expertise and Humanization in Branding08:56 Defining Goals for Personal Branding

    11 min
  8. Episode #6 Jenny Feterovich - The DJ-Entrepreneur Who Beat Imposter Syndrome and Built a Creative Empire

    12/10/2024

    Episode #6 Jenny Feterovich - The DJ-Entrepreneur Who Beat Imposter Syndrome and Built a Creative Empire

    Jenny Feterovich is a DJ turned entrepreneur and creative innovator who's making waves at the intersection of art, music, and technology. Her journey as a first-generation immigrant has shaped her into a fascinating entrepreneur and atypical thinker who inspires others to push beyond their comfort zones.After arriving from the Soviet Union, Jenny embraced the challenges of building a new life in America. Her entrepreneurial journey started in the music scene as a DJ, eventually expanding into multiple successful ventures including a party promotion business, production company, and gym.Throughout her career, Jenny has been refreshingly candid about her battles with imposter syndrome while continuing to break new ground in every new endeavour she embarks on - all of which she approaches with a remarkable sense of courage and creative liberty. Her story includes both triumphs and setbacks - including a concert that flopped but taught her invaluable lessons about resilience and failing forward.Jenny truly holds a unique approach to business, blending creativity with disciplined execution in what is a rare balance. Above all, it was her success metrics we found particularly resonant - two simple but powerful metrics: the impact she creates in the world and the freedom she has in her life.Today, Jenny crafts extraordinary experiences for brands and artists, pushing boundaries in creative technology. She's become a mentor and speaker who encourages others to dream bigger and look past conventional expectations.Key Takeaways- True success comes from creating impact and achieving personal freedom- Imposter syndrome can be overcome through persistence and self-belief- Setbacks and failures are valuable stepping stones in the entrepreneurial journey- Ideas need execution to become reality- It's okay to chart your own path beyond societal expectations- Building a supportive network is crucial for personal growth Sound Bites"I have a Japanese toilet with a heated seat. That's when I made it.""You can have excuses or can have results.""Coupling your purpose with your passion and execution, no doubt you're gonna be successful.""You have to be a little bit delusional in a sense to believe that you can push through."Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Colorful Fashion09:23 - From Soviet Union to America19:17 - First Entrepreneurial Ventures22:04 - Starting a DJ Career25:04 - Lessons from Failure29:33 - Defining Success32:42 - Creating Impact and Finding Freedom45:11 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Believing in Yourself54:05 - Creating Extraordinary Experiences in Art, Music, and Technology01:07:03 - Following Your Passion01:11:25 - Being Delusional and Pushing Through01:15:14 - The Journey to Parenthood01:17:21 - Finding Answers Within01:20:21 - Being True to Yourself01:23:24 - Operating from a Place of Love01:27:15 - Making a Positive Impact

    1h 33m
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About

What legacy will you leave behind? What do you hope your name might stand for? If you could leave one message behind with the world long after you’re gone, what would it be? At Voice of a Leader, a signature podcast by Brand of a Leader, we explore the answers to that profound question through the voices of today's preeminent entrepreneurs and leaders. Worldwide. Each episode dives deep into their stories, journeys, and insights, uncovering the "why" behind their ambition, the challenges they've overcome, and the wisdom they've gained. It's "Business Therapy" — raw, authentic conversations revealing the complexities of leadership and inspiring you to realize your own potential. Join us as we explore what the voice of a true leader sounds like. Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.

Information

  • Creator
    Lanisa Farnsworth & Brand of a Leader
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Voice of a Leader

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