What makes someone trust you enough to follow you, buy from you, or even just listen? In the noisy world of personal branding, it's easy to assume you need a slick image or a viral strategy to break through. But that's not what people are looking for. They want someone who feels real and honest. But how much is too much to share? And how do you stay grounded when your face becomes your brand? These are the questions that haunt creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike. So how do you strike the right balance?

In this week's episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed sit down with bestselling author and speaker Annie F. Downs, who's built a deeply human, wildly successful personal brand rooted in hope and honesty. They unpack how Annie shaped her brand over the years, how she discovered her "controlling idea," and why she's leaned into the very things she used to avoid. You'll learn the role of consistency, why timing matters more than transparency, and how to craft a message that's strategic and soul-aligned. Listen in for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a personal brand that lasts.

Click HERE to check out Annie F Downs' website and HERE for here "That Sounds Fun" pocast!

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Breaking the China

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