Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content Strategy

Rhona Pierce

5.0 (4)
MARKETING
UPDATED WEEKLY

Redefining how we talk about work. Hosted by Rhona Pierce, Workfluencer spotlights professionals using content to grow careers, build personal brands, and shape industries. From employee creators reshaping corporate culture to entrepreneurs turning side-hustles into businesses, we explore the real stories and strategies behind blending work, creativity, and influence in today’s world.

JAN 26

How to Create Content When You Don’t Feel Like It

What do you do when you’re supposed to post… and you just can’t? In this episode, Rhona Pierce sits down with Jeffrey Fermin for an honest conversation about creating content during moments of exhaustion, fear, and emotional overload. Not burnout. Not strategy hacks. Just real talk about what it feels like to show up online when the world feels heavy and your energy is gone. This isn’t an episode about forcing consistency. It’s about knowing when to pause, how to protect your energy, and how creators decide what not to post. What We Talk About Why creators go quiet even when they “have something to say” The pressure to post during chaotic news cycles Choosing silence as self-preservation Creating while working for a brand Avoiding performative content Doomscrolling and creative paralysis Resetting your algorithm to regain focus The unseen effort behind “simple” posts A must-listen for corporate creators, experienced professionals, and anyone navigating visibility when motivation is low. Resources Mentioned Dominican Sushi Chef (El Ninja) - https://www.instagram.com/el_ninja21/ Venezuelan Chinese Chef - https://www.instagram.com/elchinovenezolanovnzl/ Jeffrey’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fermintalkswork/ Connect With Us Connect with Jeffrey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfermin/ Connect with Rhona - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. content creation, creating content, content consistency, content motivation, creator fatigue, creator mindset, posting on LinkedIn, LinkedIn creators, corporate creators, professional content creation, creator pressure, creative blocks, content during hard times, showing up online, creator honesty, creator mental load, creator identity, HR content creators, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

50 min
JAN 19

Becoming a TEDx Speaker with Bobby McNeil

Becoming a TEDx speaker isn’t about a single moment on stage.It’s about the process that comes before it. In this episode, Bobby McNeil walks through what it actually takes to become a TEDx speaker while working full-time. From deciding to apply, to shaping the idea, to confronting the emotional and time demands most people underestimate. Bobby shares lessons from his first TEDx experience alongside the parallel journey of writing his first book, Cracking the Code. Not as a playbook. As lived experience. What You'll Learn: What happens before you ever get on a TEDx stage How the TEDx process differs from corporate or conference speaking Why mindset and identity matter more than performance The real time and emotional cost of becoming a speaker What surprised him most about visibility at this level If you’ve ever thought about applying for a TEDx, or wondered what becoming a speaker actually requires beyond confidence and polish, this episode gives you a grounded look at the reality. What You’ll Learn What it actually takes to become a TEDx speaker while working full-time The biggest differences between a TEDx talk and a normal keynote or panel How to shape one clear “idea worth sharing” (and cut what doesn’t fit) Why the TEDx prep process is so rigorous. And what to expect from coaching How to manage the time and emotional energy it takes to finish the process The most “unsexy” first step you can take today to get started Resources Mentioned Listen to Bobby’s TEDx Talk - https://youtu.be/6FzE0_PeQZU?si=g7mw6yB4ZXtwsWLd Buy Cracking the Code - https://amzn.to/458j9au Connect With Us Connect with Bobby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bmcneil/ Connect with Rhona https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. TEDx speaker, how to become a TEDx speaker, becoming a TEDx speaker, TEDx application process, TEDx talk preparation, public speaking career, professional speaking, thought leadership, personal brand, career visibility, working full time and speaking, content creation while employed, career storytelling, speaking opportunities, first TEDx talk, Workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

40 min
JAN 12

How to Build a Virtual Summit With No Team ft. Benjamin Mena

What if you could build real industry authority, grow your network, and create long-term leverage — without a team, a budget, or paid promotion? In this episode, Benjamin Mena breaks down how he built a 600+ person virtual summit completely solo, while still running a full recruiting desk. You’ll hear how he designed summits that actually attract the right people, why keeping live access free increases trust and engagement, and how curating other experts helped him build influence without putting himself front and center. This conversation is a practical playbook for anyone who wants to use content to build community, credibility, and inbound opportunities — without burning out or overengineering the process. What You’ll Learn How to use a virtual summit to grow authority in your niche Why “no team” can actually be an advantage How free live events drive higher engagement The systems Benjamin uses to run summits solo How podcasts create warm relationships at scale When community monetization actually makes sense Resources Mentioned: Register for the FREE 2026 Sales & Recruiter Summit - https://bd-sales-recruiter-2026.heysummit.com/ Check out Benjamin's Podcast - https://www.eliterecruiterpodcast.com/ Connect with us Connect with Benjamin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmena/ Connect with Rhona - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. workfluencer, virtual summit, virtual conference, online summit, community building, podcasting strategy, content marketing, audience growth, personal brand, thought leadership, creator economy, building community, podcast growth, authority building, event marketing, online events, no team business, solo creator, bootstrapped growth, recruiting industry, recruiter podcast, HR podcast, B2B podcast, professional creators Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

55 min
JAN 5

What Internal Comms Can Learn From Creators

Most internal comms get ignored. Deleted emails. Skimmed Slack posts. Zero follow-through. HR Leader, Lia Seth flipped that script. In this episode, we break down how she used memes, creator instincts, and vulnerability to get 100% employee open enrollment completed 24 hours early. Yes. Really. She wasn’t thinking like HR. She was thinking like a content creator. We get tactical. We get honest. And we talk about when this approach works, and when it absolutely doesn’t. What You’ll Learn Why traditional internal comms fail How memes drive real behavior change at work The cadence Lia used to sustain attention How to explain complex benefits simply When not to use humor or memes How vulnerability builds trust internally Accessibility tips for creative comms Tools Lia actually uses to make memes CONNECT WITH US Connect with Lia - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liaseth/ Connect with Rhona - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. internal comms, internal communications, employee communication, workplace communication, HR communications, people ops, HR leadership, employee engagement, content strategy, creator mindset, content creators at work, corporate communication, internal messaging, change management, employee experience, modern HR, workplace culture, internal content strategy, communication at work, HR best practices, workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

45 min
JAN 2 · BONUS

CEO Content: Smart Strategy or Cringe?

Is CEO content building trust, or just embarrassing the brand? CEOs are posting more than ever. But not all visibility builds trust. In this Workfluencer Trend Report, Rhona breaks down a recent CNBC article questioning whether CEOs trying to be influencers is smart leadership or pure cringe. Using real examples of executive backlash, this episode explores why some CEO content backfires, why others work, and how trust has become the most important currency in the AI era. This isn’t about telling leaders to stop posting. It’s about understanding what audiences will not tolerate anymore. What You’ll Learn Why CEO personal branding is accelerating, not slowing down The common mistake behind “cringe” executive content The difference between authentic vs unfiltered posting Why trust signals matter more as AI-generated content explodes How companies are operationalizing executive content the right way Connect with Rhona LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Substack - https://workfluencer.substack.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@RhonaBPierce Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rhonabpierce/ ------------------ If you’re a Founder or Executive figuring out this whole Founder-Led Marketing thing, I’ve got an invite-only newsletter where I go deeper on this stuff. Want in? Email me at hello@rhonapierce.com and I’ll add you to the list. ------------------- CEO content, CEO personal branding, executive content strategy, founder led marketing, leadership personal brand, CEO LinkedIn strategy, executive storytelling, CEO influencers, leadership trust, executive visibility, founder branding, thought leadership for CEOs, leadership communication, personal branding at work, Workfluencer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6 min
12/29/2025

Why Employer Content Matters More Than Job Posts

Candidates don’t decide to trust your company when they read a job post. They decide long before that. In this episode, recruitment advertising veteran Lance Christensen explains how employer content has quietly replaced job descriptions as the real trust signal in hiring. We dig into how candidates research companies in 2025, why Reddit and AI search amplify reputation gaps, and how content now functions as targeting, not just awareness. If your job posts sound good but your pipeline says otherwise, this conversation explains exactly why. What You’ll Learn Why job posts no longer drive candidate trust How employer content shapes decisions before someone applies What candidates actually research first Why content voids get filled with complaints How AI search changes employer brand risk Where TA and employer brand teams should start fixing trust RESOURCES MENTIONED: Get Lance's Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-monday-minute-7018683347497299968/ Get Rhona's Newsletter: https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw CONNECT WITH US: Connect with Lance: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christensenlance/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. workfluencer, employer content, employer branding, recruitment marketing, candidate trust, talent acquisition, hiring strategy, employee generated content, recruiting content, recruitment advertising, EVP, employer reputation, hiring in 2026, content strategy for recruiting, employer brand trust, recruitment trends, talent marketing, employer brand content, candidate experience, hiring content strategy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

40 min
12/22/2025

Using Content Creation for a Career Transition

Most people go quiet during a career transition. Laci McKinney did the opposite. In this episode of the Workfluencer Podcast, Laci breaks down how she used content to make her transferable skills visible, pivot into organizational development, and earn three promotions in three years. We talk about documenting your learning in public, building a dual personal + professional brand, navigating imposter syndrome, and why content isn’t self-promotion. It’s career leverage. If you’re considering a pivot, growing influence while employed, or trying to connect content to real career outcomes, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn Why waiting to be “picked” is the fastest way to stall your career How documenting your learning builds credibility before you feel “ready” The dual-brand strategy that makes career pivots feel natural How to choose content topics you actually have permission to speak on A simple way to show your day-to-day work without oversharing How content translated into promotions, consulting, and podcast invites Why imposter syndrome never goes away. And why that’s normal What leaders get wrong about internal mobility and career development How organizations benefit when content is treated as development, not ego RESOURCES MENTIONED Laci's Website: https://www.lacimckinney.com/ Free Download - Are you AI replaceable or AI proof? Discover Your Strategic Positioning in the Age of AI and Get Your Personalized Action Plan. https://www.lacimckinney.com/aiassessment Get Rhona's Newsletter - https://link.rhonapierce.com/YZEviw CONNECT WITH US Connect with Laci: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacimckinney/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. workfluencer, career transition, career change, content creation, personal branding, career development, professional content creation, building a personal brand, career growth, thought leadership, career advancement, content strategy, career visibility, career reinvention, career storytelling, employee content creation, corporate content creator, career pivots, professional branding, workplace influence, creator economy at work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

46 min
12/18/2025 · BONUS

Why Storytelling Is Becoming a Real Job in 2026

Storytelling isn’t a “soft skill” anymore. It’s becoming a core business function. In this Workfluencer Trend Report, Rhona breaks down why companies are actively hiring for storytelling roles, not as PR rebrands, but as strategic hires tied to trust, hiring, and growth. From Google and Microsoft to Notion restructuring entire teams around narrative, this episode explains what’s actually driving the demand and why AI has accelerated it, not replaced it. If you work in employer branding, HR, internal comms, content, or you’ve been building an audience quietly on the side, this trend matters more than you think. What You’ll Learn Why “storyteller” job titles are exploding across tech and HR How shrinking media and AI content overload changed the rules What Notion’s storytelling team signals about the future of brand orgs Why trust is now the most valuable brand asset How employee-generated content connects employer and consumer branding Why storytelling roles aren’t limited to journalists How creators and HR professionals already have these skills What separates signal from noise in a content-saturated world Mentioned In This Episode Wall Street Journal article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-are-desperately-seeking-storytellers-7b79f54e Want to turn your team into storytellers? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that build trust with clients and candidates. storytelling jobs, corporate storytelling, employer branding, HR content, employee generated content, creator economy at work, brand trust, AI content, internal communications, Workfluencer podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 min

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

Redefining how we talk about work. Hosted by Rhona Pierce, Workfluencer spotlights professionals using content to grow careers, build personal brands, and shape industries. From employee creators reshaping corporate culture to entrepreneurs turning side-hustles into businesses, we explore the real stories and strategies behind blending work, creativity, and influence in today’s world.

Creator

Rhona Pierce
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

77
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2025 Rhona Pierce
Show Website

Workfluencer: Personal Branding, Authority & Content Strategy