

Real Personal Branding Podcast - Business Building for Keynote Speakers, Personal Brand, Personal Development, Coaches, Consultants, and Entrepreneurs
Lauren V Davis
The Real Personal Branding podcast is your behind-the-scenes look at how thought-leaders, speakers, authors, and coaches have built their businesses, elevated their personal brands, and created lives that truly make them happy. My name is Lauren V. Davis and I am not interested in the fluff, I want to know everything it took to get there. The highs and lows, the celebrations and the messy middle. which is why I believe in bringing you honest conversations with the people I interview and the episodes I record myself.
I believe that transformation in your business starts with REAL relationships and communication as the foundation of your personal brand.
I believe there is an un-escapable power in building a personal brand that shows up for your people. It's an essential tool to your marketing, your personal development and success of your business.
For entrepreneurs who want to build their audience and leadership, there is no better way than through building and marketing your relationship-driven personal brand.
This podcast will show you how.
I believe that transformation in your business starts with REAL relationships and communication as the foundation of your personal brand.
I believe there is an un-escapable power in building a personal brand that shows up for your people. It's an essential tool to your marketing, your personal development and success of your business.
For entrepreneurs who want to build their audience and leadership, there is no better way than through building and marketing your relationship-driven personal brand.
This podcast will show you how.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 5, 2025 • 46min
Emails that Make Money and Actually Sound Like You with Best Selling Author Laura Belgray
Join Laura Belgray, award-winning copywriter and author of Tough Titties, as she shares her expert insights on writing engaging, conversational copy that truly resonates. Discover how to craft email subject lines that boost open rates and tell authentic stories from everyday life. Laura discusses avoiding common copy pitfalls and the importance of embracing imperfection in storytelling. Plus, learn why 'value' in emails goes beyond advice—entertainment and relatability count too! Get ready to enhance your brand voice.

Oct 29, 2025 • 50min
Confidence Through Identity Shifts with Angus Nelson
On today's episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Angus Nelson, executive coach, speaker, and author of the upcoming book "Confidence Comes Later." Angus helps high-performing leaders reclaim their clarity and purpose by reconnecting with who they truly are, not just what they've built. Angus shares his deeply personal journey through burnout, addiction, and divorce, and how those experiences helped him rebuild a more honest, grounded life. He and Lauren talk about how confidence often follows action, how to rewrite the internal stories that hold us back, and why slowing down can be your boldest move. Angus opens up about detaching identity from achievement, navigating impostor syndrome, and telling your story without oversharing. They explore how personal branding becomes more powerful when aligned with your inner truth. This episode is full of honest perspective, useful mindset shifts, and practical encouragement, especially for leaders in a season of change. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Angus Nelson here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angusnelson https://www.instagram.com/angusnelson

Jul 30, 2025 • 44min
Sales Strategy That Works with Samantha Hearne
On today's REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren welcomes Samantha Hearne, a business coach, mentor, and former teacher who has built a thriving business centered around authentic sales and organic growth. In this conversation, Samantha reveals how she transitioned from the classroom to coaching, using her teaching background to create accessible, engaging sales strategies that work, without paid ads or complex funnels. Lauren and Samantha explore the mindset shifts that are essential for selling confidently and authentically. Samantha shares how embodying your role as the solution to your client's problem changes everything. They also discuss the importance of community building and how entrepreneurs can use content, collaboration, and consistent visibility to attract the right clients. This episode offers strategies for service-based business owners, coaches, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their personal brands. You'll learn how to better understand your audience, create lead magnets that actually convert, and build a sustainable business rooted in clarity, confidence, and connection. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Samantha Hearne here: https://www.samanthahearnecoaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_samanthahearne_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-hearne-b060b815a/ https://www.facebook.com/samanthahearnecoach/ https://www.pinterest.com/samanthahearnecoaching https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/be-bold-in-business/id1352570980

Jun 24, 2025 • 16min
Optimize Your Speaking Opportunities (Paid or Free, Big or Small)
If you've ever wondered whether speaking at an unpaid event is worth it—or how to make the most of every speaking opportunity—this solo episode is for you. Lauren breaks down a framework she's developed after speaking at (and attending) more than 100 events and hosting conferences herself. She explains why viewing gigs through a simple "paid vs. unpaid" lens can hold you back, and shares how to evaluate any opportunity for maximum impact. Lauren outlines three powerful categories to assess any speaking invitation: People and Platform, Perks and Promotion, and Proximity and Positioning. From evaluating audience alignment and email list growth to networking strategy and event values, she provides actionable questions that will help you determine if a speaking opportunity is right for you and how to turn it into long-term value for your brand and business. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just getting started, this episode will help you say "yes" to the right opportunities and confidently pass on the ones that don't serve your goals. Plus, get a sneak peek at Lauren's Memorable Personal Brand Mastermind, opening again in August for entrepreneurs who want to grow in community. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative https://forms.gle/nqi66YCKyXF1wBGH8

Jun 11, 2025 • 52min
You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End With No Regrets With Best-Selling Author Jodi Wellman
On today's REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Jodi Wellman, founder of 4000 Mondays, speaker, author, and assistant instructor in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Jodi's TEDx talk, "How Death Can Bring You Back to Life," has more than 1.3 million views, and her new book, You Only Die Once, was featured on Adam Grant's summer reading list and named a Next Big Idea Club must-read. In this thought-provoking and deeply human episode, Lauren and Jodi explore what it really means to make the most of our time. Jodi shares how losing her mother at 58 shaped her mission, why she believes the Grim Reaper is one of our greatest teachers, and how counting our remaining Mondays can jolt us out of autopilot. They talk about the difference between living and truly being alive, the importance of small moments, and how to create meaning without waiting for a major life event. Whether you're navigating a transition or simply wondering if you're using your time well, this episode will inspire you to live with intention—and fewer regrets. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Jodi Wellman here: https://www.4000mondays.com https://www.instagram.com/4000mondays

May 19, 2025 • 28min
Lauren V. Davis is Interviewed by Travis Chappell for the Travis Makes Money Podcast
On today's REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren shares a special replay of her guest appearance on the Travis Makes Money podcast with her longtime friend, Travis Chappell. During their candid conversation, Lauren opens up about her journey from selling rocks as a kid to running a brick-and-mortar record store and ultimately growing a thriving personal brand business that allows her to work remotely while traveling full time. She and Travis talk about the evolution of her business, how impostor syndrome showed up at key moments, and why deep, genuine relationships are at the heart of everything she's built. Lauren shares how she transitioned from helping local businesses to coaching entrepreneurs and thought leaders around the world, and how consistency, trust, and staying true to her values have played a big role in that growth. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Travis Chappell here: https://travischappell.com/ https://linktr.ee/travischappell

Apr 9, 2025 • 44min
Turn a Niche Creative Passion into a Thriving Business and Community with Quynh Nguyen - Author of the New Art of Paper Flowers
In today's episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren welcomes Quynh Nguyen, the paper artist behind the brand Pink and Posey, who transformed her creative passion into a thriving business and personal brand. Lauren and Quynh explore Quynh's background, learn how she turned paper flower making into a full-fledged business, and share insights on building a brand within a creative niche. Quynh reveals her strategies for understanding your audience, effectively marketing your creative offerings, and adapting your business model to capitalize on new opportunities. Her story is inspirational for any creative entrepreneur looking to turn their passion into a sustainable career. With nearly a decade of experience, Quynh creates fine art installations that bring the beauty of nature to life through paper. Her journey with paper flowers led her to establish The Posey Box, an educational platform dedicated to teaching this delicate craft, and to co-found the Paper Talk Podcast. Quynh showcases how a niche creative hobby can become a successful community. She is also the author of "The New Art of Paper Flowers," a comprehensive guide to inspire paper artists at all levels. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Quynh Nguyen here: https://www.pinkandposey.com https://www.instagram.com/pinkandposey/?hl=en https://www.papertalkpodcast.com/ https://www.theposeybox.com/offers/FtMoZq2k/checkout

Mar 26, 2025 • 41min
Hosting Unforgettable Events with Phil Mershon, Co-creator of Social Media Marketing World
On today's REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews Phil Mershon, the CEO of Unforgettable Experiences and the Director of Experience at Social Media Examiner, on this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast. Phil is an expert in creating memorable events and experiences, having accumulated over 30,000 hours of experience in event planning. He shares his journey from leading a service with his siblings and stuffed animals as a child to becoming a renowned event planner, consultant, and author. Phil discusses his book "Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences" and the analogy of baking bread to explain the core elements of event planning, such as content, communication, and venue. He provides strategies for attracting the right audience, creating opportunities for connection, and delivering exceptional customer service. Phil also shares examples of innovative and memorable event elements, including incorporating unexpected performances and providing essential items for attendees. Throughout the conversation, Phil emphasizes understanding the audience's needs and creating a personalized, unforgettable experience, regardless of the event's size. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Phil Mershon here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmershon https://www.facebook.com/phil.mershon http://philmershon.com/bonus https://www.amazon.com/Unforgettable-Science-Creating-Memorable-Experiences/dp/1636981011

Mar 5, 2025 • 48min
Want to speak more? Experts weigh in at National Speaker Association Conference
On this episode of the Real Personal Branding podcast, Lauren interviews several experienced speakers who attended the National Speakers Association (NSA) conference. The speakers include Mimi Brown, a motivational speaker and transformational leadership coach; Robbie Samuels, a book launch strategist, business growth coach, executive Zoom producer, event design consultant, speaker, emcee, and podcaster; Jodi Wellman, a keynote speaker and founder of 4000 Mondays; Gwen Navarrete Klapperich, a talent development leader in inclusion and accessible training; Dr. Genie Snyder, a speaker, emcee, executive advisor, certified speaking professional coach, and genius connector; Traci Ruiz, a high stakes leadership and international keynote speaker; Amber Swenor, a keynote speaker, business coach, team and leadership consultant, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author; Jamie Crosbie, a global keynote speaker helping people live fully with purpose; and Johanna Walker, a keynote speaker and storytelling coach. The speakers share their journeys into professional speaking, the topics they are passionate about, and practical advice for new speakers looking to build a successful speaking business. You'll hear the importance of authenticity, building connections, overcoming imposter syndrome, and focusing on solving problems for your audience. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Mimi Brown here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/motivationalleadershipspeaker https://www.ampupsuccess.com Connect with Robbie Samuels here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nomorebadzoom https://robbiesamuels.com Connect with Jodi Wellman here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fourthousandmondays Connect with Gwen Navarrete Klapperich here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwennavarreteklapperich https://www.kitaconsult.com Connect with Dr. Genie Snyder here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geniesnyderchamberlin Connect with Traci Ruiz here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruiz-consultants-llc Connect with Amber Swenor here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberswenor Connect with Jamie Crosbie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiecrosbie Connect with Johanna Walker here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannawalkerspeaking https://johannawalker.com

Feb 19, 2025 • 57min
Email Marketing Secrets That Make Money with Liz Wilcox
In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren sits down with Liz Wilcox, known as the Fresh Princess of Email Marketing. Liz has a remarkable track record, having grown and sold a successful blog, been bought out of her second company, and built her third into a multiple six-figure business. She's the creator of the 20-minute newsletter technique and the email staircase framework, which she has taught to tens of thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide. Liz shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from living in an RV and starting a blog to building multiple successful businesses. She provides practical, actionable advice on consistently writing engaging emails in under 20 minutes per week, effectively monetizing email lists, and creating a profitable business model using micro products or memberships. Liz also offers a glimpse into her experience as a cast member of the popular TV show "Survivor" and how it shaped her perspective on resilience and risk-taking. Lauren and Liz's conversation is packed with Liz's signature blend of expertise, personality, and real-world experience to help listeners master email marketing and build their personal brands. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Liz Wilcox here: Free Mega Email Swipe File The Email Sound Booth


