EP670: Alan McLaren - How To Create A Powerful Personal Brand

"Trust is not a campaign. Trust is making deposits, planting seeds, giving of yourself and your knowledge and your perspectives without expectation of return, and then return happens.”

“The human heart is all you have left. AI is coming.”

In today’s noisy world, trust is the new currency—and your personal brand is the vault. Building a personal brand isn’t about ego or fancy marketing campaigns; it’s about being deeply intentional, showing up authentically, and connecting through values, stories, and service. True influence starts with a clear message, delivered consistently and with heart.

Alan McLaren shares hard-won insights from decades of experience across leadership, marketing, and sales. He breaks down the shift from hiding behind logos to leading with personality and purpose. Whether you’re a solo coach or a CEO, it’s not enough to market—you must build trust at scale. Thought leadership isn’t optional anymore; it’s your only defense in a world racing toward AI and automation.

Alan McLaren is the co-founder of Strata Originals and a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience in sales, leadership, and brand development. With a passion for helping entrepreneurs become visible and trusted, he works with his business partner Leanne to guide leaders through the transformational journey of building authentic personal brands.

Expert action steps:

1. Intentionality in networking:

“Networking doesn’t happen by accident. Systematize the people in your life that you want to stay connected to… If you’re trying to sell, if you’re trying to market… be positive when you do that, don’t try to sell anybody.”

1. Celebrate others on LinkedIn to build visibility and trust:

“Go on LinkedIn and celebrate others… say something insightful… you’re now spreading audience when you’re doing it.”

1. Get over your fear of posting content—it’s no longer optional:

“This is not a luxury anymore… AI is coming for you and the only thing that’s going to differentiate you is you… the human heart is all we have left.”

Lean more & connect:

https://strataoriginals.com/. Where Alan and his business partner Leanne help CEO’s, entrepreneurs, founders and executive teams build authority and influence with clarity, conviction and authenticity

Reach out to Alan on LinkedIn and tell him you’d like a copy of his personal branding worksheet.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanmclaren/

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.