Category: Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Victoria Bennion is the founder of the Best Podcast Guest booking agency and co-host of the Best Guest podcast. She’s on a mission to help entrepreneurs and authors leverage podcast interviews to amplify their message and grow their businesses. Victoria has a wealth of experience in this area and is here to share her insider tips and strategies.

In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, you’ll learn how to craft the perfect pitch that gets you booked on the right podcasts, the surprising benefits of podcast guesting beyond just download numbers, and best practices for being a guest that hosts and listeners love. Victoria also busts some common myths about podcast guesting and shares a long-term strategy for using it to build your personal brand. Whether you’re a podcast pro or just starting, this conversation is packed with useful tips.

Connect with Lauren V. Davis here:

https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative

Connect with Victoria Bennion here:

The Best Podcast Guest

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Dr. C. Shanté Cofield, known as the Movement Maestro, is Lauren’s guest on this episode of the REAL Personal Branding Podcast. Shanté’s journey from physical therapist to sought-after entrepreneur is a masterclass in personal branding. She’s the force behind a top-rated podcast and a social media-based company that’s changing the game for health and fitness professionals.

In this no-nonsense discussion, Shanté shares practical insights on creating content that truly connects with your target audience, navigating the ever-changing social media algorithms, and developing a sustainable content strategy that fits your life and business. If you’re ready to take your business’s messaging to the next level, this is the conversation you need to hear.

Connect with Lauren V. Davis here:

https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative

Connect with Dr. Shanté Cofield here:

Website

Instagram

Podcast

This episode of the Real Personal Branding Podcast features insights from one of Lauren’s mastermind groups and some of her closest friends. They share how they approach the transition from one year to the next. Lauren leads a discussion on closing out the year with intention, letting go of what no longer serves you, and setting meaningful goals for the new year.

The guests include Valerie Morris, Alex Curtis, Joseph Bojang, Andy Storch, Pete Everitt, and Philip VanDusen. These guests share their personal and professional year-end rituals, from building something tangible during the holiday break to revisiting quarterly goals every month. They also reflect on the best and worst business advice they’ve received, underscoring the importance of aligning strategies with your unique strengths and client needs.

Throughout the conversation, themes of permission, flexibility, and the power of giving freely emerge. Learn how to approach the new year with clarity, shedding the crud that’s been holding you back to make space for what you most want to invite in.

Don’t miss this refreshing perspective on goal-setting and a roadmap for closing out the year with intention from veteran entrepreneurs and thought leaders.

Connect with Lauren V. Davis here:

https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative