

Your Brand Amplified
Anika Jackson, Bleav
Welcome to Your Brand Amplified® – the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of successful businesses, exploring the minds of entrepreneurs, business leaders, marketers and sales experts. I'm thrilled to be your host, Anika Jackson, and I'm on a mission to uncover the stories, strategies, and secrets that have propelled these individuals to success.
Tune in to hear the captivating journeys of our guests. From humble beginnings to industry titans, each episode unravels the unique narrative of how these remarkable individuals navigated the world of entrepreneurship, small business, and marketing.
Gain exclusive insights into the strategies that drive success in the business world. Our guests share their tested and proven methods, offering you a wealth of knowledge to implement in your own entrepreneurial endeavors.
Delve into the world of marketing with our expert guests. Whether it's digital, content, or influencer marketing, we cover it all. Stay ahead of the curve and learn the latest trends and techniques to elevate your brand.
Public relations is a key component of any successful business. Learn from seasoned professionals about building and maintaining a positive public image, navigating crises, and leveraging PR to amplify your brand's voice.
Craft Your Business strategy is the backbone of sustainable growth. Our guests share their strategic insights, providing you with the tools and knowledge to formulate and execute effective business plans.
Elevate your business acumen, amplify your brand, and be inspired by the stories of those who have turned their visions into reality.
Tune in to hear the captivating journeys of our guests. From humble beginnings to industry titans, each episode unravels the unique narrative of how these remarkable individuals navigated the world of entrepreneurship, small business, and marketing.
Gain exclusive insights into the strategies that drive success in the business world. Our guests share their tested and proven methods, offering you a wealth of knowledge to implement in your own entrepreneurial endeavors.
Delve into the world of marketing with our expert guests. Whether it's digital, content, or influencer marketing, we cover it all. Stay ahead of the curve and learn the latest trends and techniques to elevate your brand.
Public relations is a key component of any successful business. Learn from seasoned professionals about building and maintaining a positive public image, navigating crises, and leveraging PR to amplify your brand's voice.
Craft Your Business strategy is the backbone of sustainable growth. Our guests share their strategic insights, providing you with the tools and knowledge to formulate and execute effective business plans.
Elevate your business acumen, amplify your brand, and be inspired by the stories of those who have turned their visions into reality.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 7, 2025 • 50min
From Biochemist to Red Cross Leader: Madelyn Mackie’s Journey of Career Reinvention
Madelyn Mackie’s journey from biochemistry researcher to professional theater expert and eventually a leader at the Red Cross exemplifies the power of career reinvention. Along the way, she discovered her passion for career coaching and professional speaking, helping others navigate their own career transitions. Through her diverse experiences, Mackie emphasizes the importance of following one's purpose, embracing change, and leveraging unique strengths to succeed in any field.
In her current role as a career coach, Mackie offers invaluable services to job seekers, including personalized resume writing and job search strategies. She focuses on the significance of aligning resumes with future career goals and staying ahead of industry trends, such as the increasing use of AI in resume optimization and the shift to video interviews. Mackie’s insights encourage professionals to be proactive in their career journeys, equipping them with the tools needed to stand out in a competitive job market.
For a limited time, Mackie is offering a 15% discount on all resume writing packages to friends and family. This special offer provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to invest in a professional resume tailored to their career aspirations. Whether you’re navigating a career transition or seeking new job opportunities, Mackie’s resume services ensure that your experience and skills are effectively communicated to potential employers. To take advantage of this offer, visit Madelyn Mackie's Resume Writing Services.
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Mar 6, 2025 • 34min
Achieving Financial Success: Al Jones on Credit Repair, Debt Negotiation, and Financial Education
We’re bringing back one of our favorite episodes packed with an inspiring journey of Al Jones, a personal finance author, game publisher, and service-disabled veteran, as he shares his transformative financial journey, which includes overcoming struggles with gambling and a low credit score during his military service. Growing up in an environment of financial instability, Al realized early on the importance of financial education. His military experience further exposed the gap in financial training, leaving many service members ill-prepared for managing their finances. Through persistence and education, Al eventually achieved an impressive 850 FICO score, using strategies like negotiating with creditors and improving his financial knowledge.
A key theme in Al’s story is the urgent need for better financial literacy, particularly within the military and schools. Al emphasizes that many people, especially young adults, lack the essential skills to navigate personal finance, which often leads to poor financial decisions. By sharing his own struggles and triumphs, Al advocates for comprehensive financial education that equips individuals with the tools to manage their money, improve their credit, and make informed financial decisions. His journey reflects the emotional toll of financial mismanagement, underscoring the need for financial knowledge in every aspect of life.
Al is committed to making a difference by offering financial literacy education to the younger generation. Through his advice column, Dear Father Al, and by developing educational materials, he actively engages with his community to promote financial empowerment. If you are ready to take control of your financial future, Al encourages you to start learning about credit management, debt negotiation, and effective money management. By empowering yourself with financial knowledge, you can improve your financial standing and build a more secure future. Join Al in his mission to make financial education accessible to all.
This is a replay of our Giving Kredit Podcast, and we’re thrilled to share it again with you!
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Mar 5, 2025 • 29min
Asheli Atkins on Women’s Wealth, Black Entrepreneurship, and Genuine Corporate Diversity
Join us and be inspired in this replay episode from Women Acquiring Assets, featuring Asheli Atkins, a PhD in race and ethnic relations and an MBA who focuses on the intersection of growing wealth among women, particularly women of color, and the implications for legacy and financial empowerment. She highlights the rapid growth of women’s wealth, emphasizing the importance of providing access to financial education, coaching, and products tailored to their needs. This growing wealth has the potential to reshape how legacy is built, but Asheli stresses that businesses must recognize and engage authentically with women and Black communities to support this transformation.
A key aspect of Asheli's work is her critique of performative allyship in corporate diversity initiatives. She argues that many organizations make surface-level statements about diversity and inclusion without implementing meaningful, long-term changes. Asheli calls for companies to go beyond symbolic actions and ensure consistent engagement with marginalized communities, particularly Black businesses, and to build genuine, ongoing relationships. She emphasizes the importance of diversity across various aspects, including race, gender, and sexuality, and believes that companies must reflect the communities they serve in their leadership and practices.
Asheli is also deeply involved in supporting Black entrepreneurs and marginalized groups, including through initiatives like Black Restaurant Week, which connects Black farmers and restaurateurs to promote economic empowerment. She advocates for intentional efforts to expand networks and engage with diverse individuals, encouraging organizations to invest in long-term, authentic relationships. Ultimately, Asheli's work is driven by the belief that true diversity and inclusivity require sustained commitment, self-reflection, and the willingness to foster real change across communities and industries.
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Mar 4, 2025 • 30min
Shaping Digital Transformation and Tech Leadership at HackTech with Mariam Chtchyan
Mariam Chtchyan's journey from linguistics to becoming the CEO of HackTech is a testament to the power of adaptability, continuous learning, and leadership in the tech industry. Her transition from project management to leading a company providing dedicated software development teams showcases her commitment to embracing new challenges and technologies, such as AI, to maximize productivity. Mariam’s leadership at HackTech focuses on creating a culture of learning and innovation, where both personal and professional growth are equally prioritized, and where team collaboration and trust are central to success.
Mariam is also passionate about improving the representation of women in tech, with HackTech employing 51% women in its workforce. She encourages women entering the tech field to build confidence, leverage transferable skills, and embrace the opportunities that come with being part of a traditionally male-dominated industry. Through her role as a mentor and agile coach, she has demonstrated the importance of fostering talent, creating strong client relationships, and managing projects in ways that align with modern agile methodologies.
To continue exploring Mariam's insights on leadership, digital transformation, and the future of tech, visit HackTech and learn more about how she is driving innovation and empowering the next generation of tech leaders.
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Mar 3, 2025 • 35min
Passion-Driven Learning: Kirk Spahn's Mission to Inspire Youth Through Education
Kirk Spahn’s insights on leadership and education emphasize the importance of empowering youth to create meaningful change. His journey is shaped by the values of education, entrepreneurship, and mentorship, instilled in him by his family. Through his work, Kirk advocates for a balanced approach to learning—combining traditional educational elements with modern, personalized methods. He believes that a holistic approach, focused on both academic achievement and character development, is key to preparing young people for a rapidly changing world.
Central to Kirk’s philosophy is the power of mentorship and peer-to-peer learning. He sees mentorship not just as a way to provide guidance, but as a tool to foster leadership, resilience, and social responsibility. He also highlights the importance of communication skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, urging that these qualities will be essential for future generations to succeed in an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable world.
Kirk’s vision encourages a future where youth are equipped with the skills, values, and mindset to lead with purpose. To support this mission, consider getting involved with the ICL Foundation through mentorship or donations. Visit The ICL Foundation to learn more and be part of empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
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For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod?Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar

Feb 28, 2025 • 18min
Zen Power Program: Exploring Tibetan Resilience and Inner Fitness
The pursuit of inner fitness and self-care is essential for building resilience and overall well-being. Drawing inspiration from Tibetan culture, which emphasizes mindfulness and spiritual practices, individuals can strengthen their mental and emotional health. Meditation, prayer, and a commitment to spiritual growth provide valuable tools for enhancing one’s inner fitness, fostering peace, clarity, and balance in life.
Allan Knight, a former Zen Monk, along with Anika Jackson, Zen Power Coach in Training, guide individuals through this process in the Zen Activation Program.
In times of illness or personal hardship, self-care becomes even more critical. Prioritizing self-love, self-acceptance, and emotional healing is a vital part of the recovery process. By practicing compassion toward oneself and acknowledging the importance of taking time to heal, individuals can emerge stronger and more aligned with their true selves. Self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for long-term wellness and growth.
Now is the time to embrace inner fitness and holistic well-being. Start by incorporating simple practices like meditation and mindfulness into your daily routine, and make self-care a priority in your life. If you’re looking for a transformative path, explore programs and resources that guide you toward building resilience, fostering inner peace, and achieving lasting personal growth. Take action today to enhance your overall well-being and align with your highest potential.
Share your feedback and submit questions for future episodes.
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Feb 27, 2025 • 32min
Financial Literacy Advocacy in the African American Community by Ann-Marie Anderson and Sabrina Williams
We’re bringing back one of our favorite episodes packed with an inspiring journey of Ann-Marie Anderson and Sabrina Williams, dedicated advocates for financial literacy, particularly within the African American community. Their shared mission is to empower individuals and families with the knowledge needed to break free from financial struggles and build lasting wealth. Both women draw from personal experiences of financial missteps to emphasize the importance of teaching financial literacy early, especially to children, in order to prevent the cycle of poverty and financial instability from continuing.
They advocate for practical financial strategies, such as using the snowball method for debt repayment and investing in life insurance to build generational wealth. Their insights stress the importance of managing debt, creating budgets, and making informed financial decisions that can lead to long-term success. They also encourage parents to take proactive steps in educating their children about money management, which will serve as a foundation for future financial independence.
Now is the time to take action. Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or someone looking to improve your own financial knowledge, start by learning more about budgeting, debt repayment, and wealth-building strategies. Empower yourself and your family with the tools needed to secure a brighter financial future. Start today by exploring resources, like Sabrina’s book A Dollar a Day Makes a Millionaire Someday, and commit to making financial literacy a priority in your life.
This is a replay of our Giving Kredit Podcast, and we’re thrilled to share it again with you!
We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod?
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Start your trial on Simplified.
For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod?Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar

Feb 26, 2025 • 41min
Align by Design: Helping Women Transition into Entrepreneurship with Lilyvette Rodriguez
Join us and be inspired in this replay episode from Women Acquiring Assets, featuring Lilyvette Rodriguez's entrepreneurial journey. Deeply rooted in her commitment to empowering women, she founded Align by Design - an initiative designed to support women who aspire to transition into entrepreneurship, offering them the tools and guidance needed to succeed in today’s business world. At the core of Align by Design is the emphasis on personal branding and digital marketing, crucial elements for building a successful business. Lilyvette highlights the importance of crafting a unique and authentic brand that resonates with audiences, enabling women to stand out in a competitive market. By helping women harness the power of these modern business strategies, the program provides a blueprint for entrepreneurial success.
Lilyvette stresses the importance of building multiple income streams as a means of ensuring long-term financial stability. She has always been a proponent of diversification, encouraging women to explore different ways of generating income beyond their primary business ventures. This is particularly important in an ever-changing economy, where relying on one income stream can be risky. By diversifying, women can create more financial security for themselves and their families, while also fostering entrepreneurial resilience. Lilyvette herself exemplifies this philosophy, continuously seeking new ways to innovate and grow her business ventures.
For women ready to take control of their financial future and embark on a path to entrepreneurship, Align by Design is the perfect starting point. Whether you're looking to build a personal brand, expand your income streams, or gain the tools to create a lasting business, this program offers invaluable support. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—take action today and join a community of empowered women ready to achieve their dreams and transform their entrepreneurial aspirations into reality.
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For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod?Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar

Feb 25, 2025 • 39min
Servant Leadership and Mentorship: Oakland McCulloch's Approach to Empowering Future Leaders
Oakland McCulloch’s leadership philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, mentorship, and the importance of developing future leaders. Drawing from his extensive experience, McCulloch emphasizes that leadership is not about personal gain, but about empowering others and leaving a lasting impact. Through mentorship, leaders can foster growth, inspire others, and create a sustainable legacy within their organizations. McCulloch’s insights encourage leaders to focus on selfless service and continuous development, while also stressing the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders.
McCulloch's commitment to professional development and leadership training has transformed organizations, helping them retain talent and cultivate effective leaders. He believes that leadership development programs are key to ensuring the long-term success of both individuals and organizations. His vision extends to writing a second book focused on success and personal development, which will provide valuable tools for aspiring and current leaders alike.
To learn more about Oakland McCulloch's leadership insights, book him for a keynote talk, or get a copy of his book, visit his website. Empower yourself and your organization by embracing the principles of servant leadership and mentorship, and start building a legacy of impactful leadership today.
We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod?
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For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod?Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar

Feb 24, 2025 • 42min
Mastering Email Marketing: Tanya Brody's Guide to Building Relationships & Driving Growth
Email marketing is a crucial tool for building lasting relationships with customers and driving business growth. Tanya Brody emphasizes the importance of starting your email marketing efforts, even imperfectly, to learn and adapt along the way. With a strong focus on consistency, engagement, and authenticity, Tanya’s insights provide businesses with the strategies they need to create meaningful communication that resonates with their audience.
To help you get started, Tanya offers a powerful resource: a free lead magnet with 30 subject lines designed to boost open rates and engage your subscribers. Crafting compelling subject lines is one of the most critical aspects of email marketing, and Tanya’s expertly curated list will help ensure your emails are opened, read, and acted upon.
Don't miss out on this valuable resource! Download the 30 Subject Lines to Keep Your Subscribers Opening and Reading Every Email today, start improving your email marketing strategy and take your email campaigns to the next level.
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For the accessible version of the podcast, go to our Ziotag gallery.We’re happy you’re here! Like the pod?Support the podcast and receive discounts from our sponsors: https://yourbrandamplified.codeadx.me/Leave a rating and review on your favorite platformFollow @yourbrandamplified on the socialsTalk to my digital avatar