Amanda's Playbook

If They Don’t Feel It, They Won’t Follow: Influence Equation Series

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0000

This Week’s Playbook: The Move That Actually Builds Trust

You can write the best mission statement in the world.
Design the perfect deck. Nail the speech.

And still — no one moves.
Because people don’t follow words.
They follow evidence — the kind they can feel.

If you’ve been following this series, you know the equation:
Influence = Attention + Trust

Attention might open the door.
But trust is the multiplier.
It’s what moves people to act.

And the clearest signal of trust?
Not charisma. Not clarity. Not even credibility.
It’s time.

A Case You Should Study

A mid-sized B2B company. Revenue tanking. Attrition spiking.One team lost 80% of its people in a year.Burnout had calcified into apathy.The culture? The walking dead.

Then came a new CEO.

Not loud. Not glossy. No all-hands declarations.He just started showing up.

Not in boardrooms — in living rooms.

He got in a car and visited employees. Warehouse staff. Junior admins. Custodial crew.Played with toddlers. Met aging parents. Sat on fraying couches. Drank bad coffee. Stayed for more than five minutes.

“He knew my daughter’s name before my manager did.”

“He listened to my father talk about immigrating to America.”

Nothing changed on the P&L that quarter.But everything changed in the building.

Because trust doesn’t start with a slide —It starts when people feel you.

Why Time Is the Ultimate Trust Signal

You can’t fake time.
You can’t scale it. You can’t automate it.
And once it’s gone — it’s gone.

That’s what makes it so powerful.

When leaders spend time — not as theater, but as truth — it sends a signal louder than any keynote:

“I’m here. With you. When I don’t have to be.”

That’s what accelerates trust.
And trust is what makes influence real.

What Real Leaders Spend Time On

• A hospital administrator pulled night shifts with nurses during COVID — not to fix anything, but to understand.

• A VP spent hours coaching underperformers others had written off — because development wasn’t a reward, it was the job.

• That CEO? He didn’t outsource empathy. He embodied it.

Leadership isn’t about scale.

It’s about signal.
“I choose to be here.”

This Episode Goes Deeper: The Quiet Move That Makes Influence Inevitable

You can be the smartest person in the room.

But if no one feels you?

They won’t follow you.

🟣A Soft Challenge This Week

Give someone your time.
Not a tweet. Not a comment.

Actual time.

Because that’s where trust begins.

And when trust is real —

influence is inevitable.

📚 ABOUT THE SERIES: This is Episode 5 of The Influence Equation—a framework for building authentic influence without faking it. We’ve covered trust and influence. Now we’re diving into the foundation: trust.

Previous episodes: Episode 4- The Hidden Power of Being Underestimated.
Amanda’s Playbook is a weekly insight series for ambitious professionals and influential thinkers.

p.s. I would love to hear your experience and perspectives

The Hidden Power of Being Underestimated

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:05:00 -0000

YouTube Girl Walks Into a Boardroom.

There’s a certain kind of moment you don’t forget.

Mine happened in a sleek conference room at one of the top business schools in the world—right as I was stepping into a leadership role for a new MBA program.

Big moment. Bigger opportunity.

One of the senior faculty members looked across the table and said,

“We weren’t sure how to prepare for this meeting… should we have done jumping jacks before you arrived?”

That wasn’t curiosity. That was condescension.

To him, I was the “YouTube workout girl.”

Just a label — and a reductive one.

They Labeled Me Wrong. Here’s What I Did Next.

What he didn’t know was the backstory:

That the business he was referencing started as my MBA thesis.

That it became one of the first paid fitness subscription platforms for women.

That it grew into a digital agency, eventually acquired by a PE firm.

That I’d already built and taught curriculum at another top-tier school.

But none of that mattered if the room couldn’t see it.

And that’s when I realized something I wish someone had told me earlier:

When someone underestimates you, you don’t win by explaining harder.

You win by speaking a language they already trust.

The Room Wasn’t Ready for Me — But I Was

What shifted that room wasn’t confidence. It was context.

Not defensiveness.

Not overcompensation.

Just a quiet, grounded translation of value — from my lens into theirs.

DON’T EXPLAIN YOURSELF

TRANSLATE YOURSELF

“Validation” gets a bad rap in the empowerment era.

But when done strategically, it’s not about seeking approval.

It’s about meeting someone in the logic system they already live in — so you can shift it, from the inside.

This Week’s Real Playbook

🟣 When someone doubts you, don’t panic — pause.
What’s the lens they’re using? What do they already respect? Start there.

🟣 Borrow trust, but translate it.
Not to perform, but to bridge. The goal isn’t to impress — it’s to connect.

🟣 Resist the urge to “prove.”
Often, the more you explain, the more fragile it sounds.
Let the substance speak through the right signal.

Because when someone reduces you to a label, your job isn’t to argue the label.
It’s to reveal the layers behind it — in a language they can actually hear.

📚 ABOUT THE SERIES: This is Episode 4 of The Influence Equation—a framework for building authentic influence without faking it. We’ve covered trust and influence. Now we’re diving into the foundation: trust.

Previous episodes: Episode 3- Trusted Voices Win.
Amanda’s Playbook is a weekly insight series for ambitious professionals and influential thinkers.

Trusted Voices Win. Here’s Why You’re Not One Yet.

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 21:17:00 -0000

You can be brilliant, confident, even right—and still not be trusted. I learned this the hard way. Early in my career, I assumed that working harder, knowing more, and delivering results would automatically earn trust. People respected my competence, but they didn't always follow me. They didn't open up. And sometimes, they didn't stay. That's because trust isn't built on expertise alone. It's built on three layers—and the most powerful one is the one nobody talks about. In this episode of Amanda's Playbook, I break down: ✓ Competence – Why being smart gets you admired, but not always trusted ✓ Character – How consistency (not perfection) builds believability ✓ Clarity – Why confusion kills trust, even when your ideas are genius ✓ Benevolence – The overlooked layer that overrides credentials every time Chapters: 0:00 – Intro: When Being Smart Isn't Enough 0:39 – Level 1: Competence (Do You Know What You're Doing?) 1:05 – Level 2: Character (Who are you as a person?) 1:34 – Level 3: Clarity 2:15 – 3 Layers of Trust Explained The truth: People don't just need to know you're capable. They need to believe you have their best interests at heart. That's relationship capital—and it's the real engine of influence. Whether you're building a personal brand, leading a team, or trying to earn trust in a new space, this framework will change how you show up. 🎯 KEY TAKEAWAYS: → How to signal competence without over-explaining → How to demonstrate character in high-stakes moments → How to build trust when you haven't earned it yet (borrow trust, admit the gap, offer value anyway) → Why benevolence beats credentials in the trust equation 📚 ABOUT THE SERIES: This is Episode 3 of The Influence Equation—a framework for building authentic influence without faking it. We've covered charisma and influence. Now we're diving into the foundation: trust. Previous episodes: Episode 1: Charisma → https://youtu.be/51s6DczcSjo?si=vWN0e2ZCJ3Ti9by9 Episode 2: Influence → https://youtu.be/lTlVW3sfNTs?si=z5KcfS79ocAGb6eT Next up: Episode 4 explores "Hero’s Journey for Thought Leaders". 👤 ABOUT AMANDA RUSSELL: I'm a faculty member at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, where I co-direct the world's first accredited influencer marketing program. I'm also a 2x founder and exit CEO, author of The Influencer Code, and board advisor to Lamborghini and the Andy Roddick Foundation. I built my career at the intersection of academia and entrepreneurship—teaching what actually works because I've built it first. 🔗 CONNECT WITH ME: Website: https://www.amandarussell.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/profamandarussell Instagram: @amandarussellfss Book: The Influencer Code – https://www.amandarussell.co/the-influencer-code/ 💬 LET'S TALK: Drop a comment: Who's someone you admire but don't fully trust? (And why do you think that is?) 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for weekly insights on influence, leadership, and authentic brand-building. Charisma gets attention. Trust gets loyalty. Let's build both.

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The 5 Types of Charisma

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 23:53:00 -0000

Not all charisma looks the same. Learn the five types and how to use yours with intention — without turning it into performance.

Last week, we split the atom between charisma and influence — how one gets you in the room, but the other moves it.

This week, we go deeper. Because when someone calls a person “charismatic,” they rarely ask: what kind?

Charisma isn’t a personality. It’s a lever — and there’s more than one way to pull it.

In this episode, Amanda breaks down the five types of charisma that show up across industries and leaders — plus how to identify which one you naturally use, and when to switch gears.

You’ll learn:

The difference between High Conviction and Authentic charisma
Why Disarming Humor works better than trying to be funny
How Empathetic charisma drives influence one conversation at a time
What makes Energetic charisma contagious (and what kills it)
How to use charisma as a channel — not a mask

🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Charisma vs Influence
01:32 – The myth of “born charisma”
02:40 – Type 1: High Conviction
04:25 – Type 2: Authentic
06:00 – Type 3: Disarming Humor
07:40 – Type 4: Empathetic
09:10 – Type 5: Energetic
11:00 – How to use your charisma intentionally
12:30 – The Unspoken Layer: From performance to power
13:30 – Coming Next: The Trust Gap — Why Being Smart Isn’t Enough

📩 Subscribe to Amanda’s Playbook:
https://www.amandarussell.co/newsletter/— for weekly strategy and insight drops.

📺 Watch the full video version:
https://youtu.be/lTlVW3sfNTs?si=Q44hFDLrxePAFvGm

🧠 Read the full blog post:
https://www.amandarussell.co/the-5-types-of-charisma-and-how-to-use-yours-without-losing-yourself/

💬 Share this episode:
Send it to someone who leads, teaches, or builds things.

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Busy ≠ Successful: Why Reliability Wins Every Time

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:40:00 -0000

We need to talk about the cult of “busy.” Because being “too slammed” to reply, treating your inbox like a graveyard, and ghosting deadlines doesn’t make you important. It makes you replaceable. Here’s the truth: busy ≠ successful. The people I bet on aren’t performing overwhelm — they’re the ones who follow through, keep their word, and close loops without making chaos everyone else’s problem. In this video, I break down: 📌 Why “busy” is the biggest liability in business 📌 The 48-hour rule that separates leaders from pretenders 📌 Why trust and consistency are the ultimate competitive advantage Your response patterns aren’t about your calendar. They’re about your character. If you want to build influence, don’t get busier. Get reliable. Because trust compounds faster than attention. And follow-through? That’s the real flex.

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The Polo Lesson Every Brand Needs to Hear

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:36:00 -0000

You can’t always buy your way into influence. This summer in Sotogrande, Spain — one of the world capitals of polo — I witnessed how brands engineer desire without a single ad, hashtag, or ticket link. The most talked-about spot at the Gold Cup wasn’t on the program, and you couldn’t find it online. From the outside? Just a plain white tent. From the inside? The only place everyone wanted to be. In this episode of Amanda’s Playbook, I break down: -How exclusivity fuels influence -Why the best experiences aren’t advertised — they’re whispered about -Multi-sensory branding that makes you remember a brand long after the event Brands that master this don’t just get attention — they become unforgettable. 🔔 Subscribe for more weekly episodes on marketing, influence, and building brands people can’t stop talking about.

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The Word That Drives Me Crazy

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:33:00 -0000

The word influencer built my career — and now, I hate it. Here’s the truth: what most people call “influencer marketing” is just advertising in a social media costume. Follower counts. Engagement rates. Cost-per-post. None of that is real influence. Real influence is the ability to cause action. It’s awareness + ability. It’s Oprah’s Book Club sticker, Sequoia’s stamp, Michelin’s stars. The smartest brands don’t buy followers. They build proximity to trust. In this episode, I’ll break down the big misconception about influence, why brands are wasting millions chasing the wrong thing, and how to shift from transactions to relationship architecture. If you want to stop chasing metrics and start creating gravity, this one’s for you.

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The 5 A.M. Lesson That Changed How I Think About Community

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:29:00 -0000

Community has become a buzzword. But you can’t swipe a credit card and call it connection. The strongest communities I’ve ever seen weren’t bought. They were built through shared effort, trust, and time. In this episode, I share the story of how a 5 a.m. cycling group changed the trajectory of my career—and why the same principle applies to any brand trying to cut through the noise.

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How to Stay Everywhere… Even If You Stop Posting

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 13:51:00 -0000

Most brands think visibility comes from more content. The truth? It comes from better placement—being seen in the right ways, in the right places. In this episode of Amanda’s Playbook, I’m sharing 3 strategies to grow your reach without becoming a full-time creator: 1️⃣ Brand the Background – Turn your space into visual storytelling that naturally integrates your brand. 2️⃣ Incentivize Mentions – Reward the organic tags and shoutouts you’re already getting. 3️⃣ Co-Produce for Control – Collaborate with creators so your brand gets high-quality, on-message content—without you doing all the work. Forget trying to outpost your competitors. This is about out-positioning them—so your brand stays visible without burning out.

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Why Content Isn’t the Strategy—and What Actually Moves the Needle

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:43:00 -0000

You don’t need to become a content creator. You just need a smarter way to show up. In this episode of Amanda’s Playbook, I’m flipping the script on what visibility really requires in 2025. If you’re exhausted by the content treadmill—and secretly allergic to hustle culture—this one's for you. Inside, you’ll learn: Why “just post more” is not a strategy—it’s a burnout spiral How to borrow visibility instead of building it from scratch The #1 reason most content isn’t converting 3 plug-and-play ways to turn your physical space into a content magnet (Yes, even if it’s a boring B2B office or that spare room in your house) You’ll walk away with tangible strategies to amplify your brand—without filming a single video, writing a single caption, or syncing to stock audio. 👇 Drop a comment or DM me a photo of your office space and I’ll help you brainstorm how to make it work for you. 🔔 Subscribe to Amanda’s Playbook for more brand strategies that feel less like rocket science and more like cheating on a test.

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Why People Still Buy Rolexes (And Wait Years for a Birkin Bag)

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:39:00 -0000

Rolex isn’t selling time. Hermès isn’t selling handbags. And De Beers? They turned shiny rocks into a ritual of forever. This episode is about how the world’s most iconic brands create desire—on purpose. Not through ads. Through identity engineering. You’ll see how: – Rolex broke $10B not by selling accuracy—but achievement – Hermès made waiting the luxury – De Beers scripted scarcity into “forever” These brands don’t just price high. They build meaning. They make you feel like you earned it. So if you're building something premium—ask yourself: What does owning it say about someone? And how do you make that message feel deserved? Because people don’t buy with their wallets. They buy with identity. — Amanda #AmandasPlaybook #InfluenceByDesign #BrandStrategy #LuxuryMarketing #StatusSignals #Rolex #Hermès #birkinbag #DeBeers #PsychologyOfDesire #MarketingThatMoves

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Why Emotional Design Is the Real Luxury

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:52:00 -0000

This isn’t a story about nightlife. It’s a story about emotion—and what people are really buying when they pay for exclusivity. Back in 2008, with no budget and no celebrity backing, Daniel Koch and his brother Derek launched a brunch party in New York City. They didn’t build hype. They built feeling. What started as Day & Night became something more: – A curated crowd, not a pay-to-play model – Word-of-mouth as the north star metric – Emotional design that made people feel chosen The real luxury? Wasn’t access. It was memory. Today, that same emotional architecture is being used to build modern members clubs, high-trust spaces, and brands that feel magnetic—not because of what they charge, but because of how they land. Watch the full conversation to see how exclusivity is evolving— And what it looks like to build something people never stop talking about. #Exclusivity #EmotionalDesign #AmandaNorenWest #DanielKoch #BrandBuilding #CulturalStrategy #Amanda’sPlaybook

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What Wine, Painkillers, and Pricing Taught Me About Influence

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 02:14:00 -0000

What do wine tastings, painkillers, and pricing psychology all have in common? More than you think. In this episode of Amanda’s Playbook, I break down two surprisingly simple studies that reveal how price shapes perception, how it influences expectation, and why this matters more than ever for anyone building a premium brand, product, or service. You’ll learn: ✔️ Why pricing isn't just financial—it's emotional ✔️ The psychological principle behind “premium perception” ✔️ How to use price as a storytelling tool, not just a revenue lever ✔️ What happens when your experience doesn’t match your price ✔️ How to build trust and desire through intentional pricing If you're a creator, founder, marketer, or service provider who wants to raise your rates without losing trust, this one's for you. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment (I LOVE responding to comments) if this shifted something for you. #pricingstrategy #luxurybranding #influence #marketingpsychology #brandstorytelling #amandasplaybook

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The One Question that Creates Real Influence

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:23:00 -0000

What if the most powerful thing you could offer… was a question?

This week on Amanda’s Playbook, I’m sharing a story I’ll never forget — one that completely changed how I think about leadership, influence, and solving real-world problems.

It’s about Gloria Steinem.
A village in Zambia.
And the unexpected solution that stopped sex trafficking:
👉 An electric fence.

Not education.
Not policy.
A fence — because families were starving, and girls were leaving just to survive.

This episode is a masterclass in relationship capital — how real influence isn’t about showing up with answers… it’s about showing up with empathy.

Inside, we’ll break down:
🔹 Why expertise alone can blind you
🔹 The shift from telling to listening with intent
🔹 How co-creation leads to lasting change

If you lead a team, build a brand, or want to have greater impact — this story is for you.

👇 I’d love to hear your thoughts — drop a comment and let me know:
What’s one question you need to ask before trying to solve the problem in front of you?

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Influence ≠ Ice Baths + Ego

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 16:30:00 -0000

Everyone’s selling cold plunges, $14 matcha, and 4AM alarms as the secret to success. I’m not buying it. And I’m definitely not waking up early for it. This week on Amanda’s Playbook, I’m breaking down the Cold Plunge Lies—the performative routines we’ve started worshipping as gospel. I share my own obsessive history with extreme discipline, how it held me back more than it helped, and what actually drives long-term results: reliability, clarity, and resonance. This one’s for anyone tired of pretending their morning routine is a spiritual awakening. Let’s cut through the noise and build lives that work—not just look good on camera. 👇 Watch + let me know in the comments: what’s one “should” you’re ready to stop doing?

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Communication Is Your Brand. Here’s How People Blow It.

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:17:00 -0000

Most people think reputation is built in the big moments—killer decks, polished launches, loud wins. But in reality? It’s built (and lost) in silence. In this episode of Amanda’s Playbook, I share a story that’s more common than we want to admit: a warm intro, a missed moment, and a reputation quietly eroded by lack of follow-through. If you’ve ever been ghosted after putting in the effort—or worse, accidentally ghosted someone yourself—this is your reminder: Communication is your business. 💬 Leave a comment if you’ve had something like this happen to you. I read every one. ➤ Subscribe for more episodes like this: / @amandarussell

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Want the Meeting? Say You’re in Town.

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 22:20:00 -0000

Most people trying to connect with high-profile people make the same mistake: They lead with their goals, their pitch, their calendar. But what if the real strategy… was anchoring yourself in their world? In this short episode, I share the simple (but powerful) tactic that earned me a meeting with OG YouTube star @shaycarl —and turned a cold message into a real collaboration. This isn’t about being sneaky—it’s about showing up with relevance. 👉 Try this strategy and let us know how it goes—we just might feature your story next.

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Invisible Excellence: Why Brilliance Isn’t Enough Without Influence

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:35:00 -0000

Let’s be real: The world doesn’t reward the best. It rewards the most visible. The most trusted. The most strategically influential. In this week’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why your brilliance might still be overlooked — and how to stop playing a rigged game. If you’re tired of working hard with nothing to show for it... If you’re done being invisible... If you’re ready to shift from being excellent to being seen... This one’s for you. 👇 Want the free 5-Step Starter Guide to Strategic Influence? Comment “INFLUENCE” below and I’ll send it directly to you. No pitch. No pretty bow. Just what actually works. — #StrategicInfluence#InfluenceOverExcellence#VisibilityMatters#InvisibleBrilliance#RiggedGame#InfluenceIsStrategy#ThoughtLeadership#PersonalBranding#ModernMarketing#ContentThatConverts

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Luxury Redefined: What the Best Brands Understand Now

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:40:00 -0000

We used to define luxury by price tags, silence, and formality. But that version of luxury? It’s outdated. Today, the most magnetic brands understand one thing: real luxury is about experience. It's not about white tablecloths and bow ties — it's about how you make someone feel. In this episode of Amanda’s Playbook, we explore how smart operators are rethinking exclusivity, experience design, and emotional connection — and why the brands that embrace this shift are winning. What You'll learn: – Why traditional luxury is becoming irrelevant – How modern consumers define premium experiences – What it takes to build connection-driven brand loyalty Tell me in the comments: What’s a brand that felt like luxury to you — even if it wasn’t the most expensive? Subscribe for more strategy, insight, and weekly deep dives at Amanda’s Playbook. #LuxuryRedefined #BrandExperience #ModernLuxury #MarketingStrategy #BusinessStrategy #AmandasPlaybook

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How Mark Wahlberg Made $200M Without Acting

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:28:00 -0000

Most people take the check. Mark Wahlberg didn’t — and walked away with $200 million instead. In this episode of Amanda’s Playbook, I’m breaking down one of the smartest plays in the game — and why it has nothing to do with acting and everything to do with how you use your influence. It’s not about celebrity. It’s not about followers. It’s about leverage. And if you get this right, it can change the entire way you grow a brand, close a deal, or build long-term wealth. This one’s personal — because I’ve done this (without even realizing it at first). And you might have too. 🎯 Watch 'til the end — I’ll leave you with a question that might change how you look at your next opportunity. 👇 Let’s keep the convo going — drop your thoughts in the comments. I read every one. 🎬 Subscribe for weekly drops 📱 Follow @amandasplaybook on all platforms #MarkWahlberg #InfluenceStrategy #BrandEquity #AmandasPlaybook

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Why Constructive Conflict Is Your Competitive Edge

Fri, 30 May 2025 21:04:00 -0000

"The most dangerous person in your business isn’t your competitor. It’s the friend who never challenges your thinking." In this episode, I share why conflict is the exact friction you need to sharpen your thinking, elevate your strategy, and build genuine influence. We’ll cover: ✔️ The mindset shift that helped me stop fearing critique ✔️ Why advisory boards and diverse perspectives are crucial even when you’re small ✔️ A simple challenge that will instantly upgrade your decision-making process This is what I call the Iron Sharpens Iron Approach — and it’s uncomfortable by design. Because real leaders aren’t built in echo chambers. 👉 WATCH NOW And comment below: Who’s the one person in your life that challenges your thinking the most? #leadership #conflictresolution #growthmindset #strategy #ironsharpensiron

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Don’t Wait for the Invite—Build the Room | The Power of Connection Currency

Wed, 14 May 2025 21:35:00 -0000

We’ve all been told to “network.” To ask for the job. Pitch ourselves. Wait for the invite. But what if the real power lies in flipping that script? In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story that completely shifted how I think about building influence, relationships, and opportunity. It starts with one book, a bold email, and ends in an unexpected real-world connection. Let’s talk about creating your own momentum—and why that’s what draws people in. 👇 What’s one connection in your life that started unexpectedly but made a lasting impact? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Create the Job. Create the Moment. 00:22 – A Book That Sparked It All 00:53 – Why Influence Has No Direct ROI 01:21 – The Full-Circle Email That Led to Coffee 01:57 – What I Asked (and What I Learned) 02:38 – How to Leapfrog Into Board Roles 03:18 – My First "Keynote" Was in a Basement 03:52 – The Truth About Energy and Influence 04:30 – Become the Person of Influence #amandasplaybook #ConnectionCurrency #Influence #BuildYourOwnStage #RelationshipCapital #CreateTheRoom

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The Fatal Flaw in Marketing Right Now

Thu, 08 May 2025 18:27:00 -0000

Two people. Same income. Same education. Same lifestyle. Only one of them will buy from you. This is the fatal flaw in marketing today: we're still defining audiences by who they appear to be instead of what they actually need. In this episode, I break down: ✅ Why demographic targeting is misleading ✅ The rise of needs-based marketing ✅ How to truly understand who your real audience is Whether you're running a global brand or building a personal one, this shift could change everything. See you back here next week, — Amanda 💬 Share in the comments: Have you ever realized your “ideal customer” wasn’t the one buying? 📩 Get deeper dives weekly: https://amandasplaybook.substack.com/ 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday Music I Use: https://www.bensound.com/free-music-for-videos License code: R3TGE3XX7RG2KZYW

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The Power Move Everyone Gets Wrong: Empathy

Thu, 01 May 2025 23:53:00 -0000

Everyone keeps talking about empathy like it’s the golden key to influence. And they’re not wrong — but they’re not quite right either. Empathy isn’t dumping your trauma on the table and calling it connection. Real empathy — the kind that moves people and builds brands — is presence. It’s making space. It’s being so attuned to the moment that someone else feels seen, not overshadowed. In this episode, I share the story of one of the most quietly powerful CMOs I’ve ever met — a woman who launched a super sports SUV and redefined what influence really looks like. She didn’t lead with stats, features, or even her incredible personal story. She led with curiosity. If you want to understand the actual art of influence — the kind that doesn’t just sell products, but earns loyalty — this is where we start. In this episode: -The real difference between sharing and showing up -Why performance vulnerability is killing connection -A behind-the-scenes look at how one woman built a brand movement without saying a word about herself -And why empathy — actual empathy — might be the most misunderstood power move in modern leadership Let’s be honest — have you ever shared something thinking it was empathy, but later realized you made it about you? I have. We all have. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s have a real conversation.

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The REAL Reason People Choose Brands

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:58:00 -0000

In this week's video, we explore why even the most prestigious and established brands are struggling to maintain their edge in an ever-changing market. Elite brands once relied on their name, exclusivity, and reputation—but in today’s world, that's no longer enough. People are looking for more than just a product; they want to connect with brands that offer a sense of belonging and community.

We dive into how top-tier brands are facing challenges in reaching the next generation of affluent consumers and what they can do to regain their influence. From traditional wealth management firms to luxury fashion, the shift from simply selling products to creating experiences is real—and it’s something every brand needs to understand.

Join the conversation: What are some of the luxury or elite brands you’ve remained loyal to, even when cheaper alternatives were available? Why do you choose them? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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How I Got The Plaza Hotel With ZERO Budget

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:30:00 -0000

I didn’t have a budget. Or connections. Or even a fully-formed plan.

What I did have was an idea—and a camera in the corner of a one-bedroom apartment.

This episode unpacks a defining moment from my early YouTube days: how I went from filming solo workouts in my NYC apartment to partnering with one of the most iconic luxury landmarks in Manhattan—The Plaza Hotel. No money exchanged. No backdoor connections. Just a different kind of value.

It’s a story that challenges the traditional playbook:

How do you earn trust… before you have credibility?

How do you create opportunity… when no one’s opening doors?

It turns out, the answer had nothing to do with pitching—and everything to do with perspective.

I stopped asking what I needed, and started solving for them.

That shift became the foundation of what would later become a global curriculum on influence.

Key Reflections from the Episode:

💡 Real influence isn’t bought—it’s built through value exchange

💡 “No budget” can be your greatest creative superpower

💡 Influence starts when you stop leading with your ask

💡 The best partnerships often begin with a problem you didn’t know they had

Let’s open the conversation:

Is paying for posts really “influencer marketing”? Or just modern-day ad spend?

Share your thoughts—I’m listening.

📍Next up: Why Creating Community Trumps Selling Products (Hint: Even Wall Street's Elite Are Changing The Game)

#InfluenceRedefined #BrandStrategy #NoBudgetBigMoves #ThePlaza #AmandaRussell #ContentWithPurpose #MarketingThatMatters

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The Influence Paradox: What Our Experiment Revealed

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:08:00 -0000

I didn’t set out to disrupt how we measure influence—but that’s exactly what happened.

When I launched this community experiment, I wasn’t just testing engagement. I was testing a principle I’ve spent years exploring: real influence isn’t about followers or flashy credentials—it’s about meaningful connection and lasting impact.

And you proved it beautifully.

Our experiment revealed something powerful that goes against what most marketing “experts” preach. The most influential voices weren’t the first to comment, the most credentialed, or the loudest. They were the ones who created value that transcended the algorithm.

They did it through:

-Thoughtful vulnerability in sharing real challenges

-Genuine generosity in offering perspective to others

-Resonant connection that amplified everyone’s understanding

This is what I call the Value-Connection Matrix of influence—where the quality of your contribution meets the depth of your engagement.

Let me introduce our Three Strong Members who embodied this kind of influence:

🥇 Erin @erinbreitenbach4362 — You didn’t try to have all the answers. You asked better questions. Your presence invited deeper exploration and elevated our conversations.

🥈 Kana @kanalivolsi7124 — You named the tension between performance and authenticity in a way that gave voice to what so many of us feel. Your words created clarity and connection.

🥉 Allan @allanlxn1— You modeled influence as evolution, not perfection. Your willingness to refine your thinking publicly made a lasting impact.

Real influence isn’t about performance. It’s about presence.

If you've ever questioned your impact in the noise of social media—this is for you. This isn't just content. It’s a learning lab in motion. And you’re a crucial part of it.

Join the next chapter:

1. Share a moment from your week when something or someone influenced your thinking or decision.

2. Offer perspective on two other community members' experiences.

The real masterpiece isn’t what we build online—it’s how we create value for each other.

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Why Some Leaders Cut Through the Noise While Others Go Unheard

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 21:57:00 -0000

Nothing teaches you the power of influence more than when you don't have it. This realization didn't come from books or experts—it emerged from those humbling moments when visibility didn't translate to impact.

I've spent years navigating the tension between what we're told influence is and what actually moves people to action. What I've discovered challenges everything we've been conditioned to measure and celebrate.

There's a deceptively simple truth about influence that changed everything for me—a missing piece that explains why some voices cut through while others, equally qualified, go unheard.

We're not the purely logical beings we pretend to be in boardrooms and strategy sessions. This isn't just theory—it's the difference between campaigns that look successful on paper but fail to drive action, and those quieter moments that create seismic shifts in behavior.

Watch to discover the equation that will transform how you build influence in business and life.

#AmandasPlaybook #Influence #TrustBuilding #AuthenticLeadership

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Breaking Free From The Status Paradox That's Limiting Your Growth

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 22:55:00 -0000

What happens when achievement becomes the very thing stopping you from growing? After my recent Amanda's Playbook launch event, I received this refreshingly direct feedback: "Great event, but I'm still not entirely sure what Amanda's Playbook is all about."

The truth? The ambiguity isn't a failure—it's intentional.

In this episode, I reveal:

-Why established success paradoxically makes us MORE risk-averse at the precise moment we should be innovating

-How my journey from competitive runner to fitness entrepreneur to academic taught me the danger of "first place paralysis"

-The unexpected reason I returned to YouTube after years in academia and corporate consulting

-Why learning together creates stronger connections than presenting perfectly polished ideas

JOIN THIS WEEK'S EXPERIMENT:

Make your way over to my YouTube video and comment your biggest influence challenge (personal or professional), then respond to at least two other community members.

Next week, I'll highlight the three most influential contributors who share meaningful challenges and thoughtful responses.

This isn't just content to consume—it's an invitation to build something together.

Amanda's Playbook is a living laboratory where we'll test what actually works now, not what worked years ago.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly experiments, strategies, and insights on building real influence in 2025 and beyond.

#TheStatusParadox #BuildingInfluence #AmandaRussell #MarketingStrategy #LeadershipChallenge #InfluencerMarketing #CommunityBuilding

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I Built a Fitness Empire... Then I Disappeared. Here's Why I'm Back.

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0000

After walking away from YouTube years ago and vowing never to return, I'm back—with a revelation that ironically explains exactly why I left.

My journey since those early fitness videos has transformed me in ways I never anticipated. It's led me through building subscription businesses, selling a production company, publishing a book, and ultimately into the halls of prestigious business schools who’s mission is to “shape how business and marketing is taught to future leaders”.

But something profound happened that compelled me to break my "never returning to YouTube" promise.

This isn't just another comeback story or content creation venture—it's a response to a critical disconnect I've witnessed firsthand, one that affects anyone trying to build something meaningful in today's digital landscape.

Each week, I'll be sharing a revolving mix of insights, examples & real-time experiments that bridge the gap between theory and implementation. This isn't just content for you to consume—you're essential to the process as we discover what actually works in 2025 (not 2010).

To my original fitness community who've witnessed every pivot of this journey—thank you for your unwavering support. The authenticity we built together remains at the heart of this new chapter.

Watch or listen to discover why I believe we need to revolutionize marketing education and how we'll do it together.

📍 New episodes weekly

📍 Join the community testing real strategies in real-time

📍 First experiment launches next week

📍 Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more! @amandasplaybook

#AmandasPlaybook #MarketingRevolution #MarketingEducation #TheoryToPractice #DigitalMarketing #RealTimeMarketing #MarketingCommunity #2025Marketing

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Unsexy to Unstoppable: How YETI Became A $300 Status Symbol

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:52:00 -0000

Discover how an ordinary water cooler transformed into a $300 status symbol without being different OR unique. In this episode, I break down YETI's extraordinary influence strategy that turned customers into brand evangelists.

I reveal the three key principles behind YETI's massive success:

Identity Over Innovation- Why YETI sells who you become, not what you buy

Community Over Commodity- How they created an exclusive club people pay to join

Movement Over Marketing- The genius of having customers pay to advertise for you

As someone who's built a career studying influence and developed MBA curriculum at institutions like Kellogg School of Management and Bocconi University, I share practical insights on what makes brands truly influential.

YETI didn't try to stand out from the crowd - they became the crowd everyone wanted to stand in.

Learn the difference between attention and true influence, and why emotional connection trumps rational features every time. Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or just curious about brand influence, this case study offers valuable lessons on creating movements instead of just marketing products.

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41: Unlocking and Unleashing LinkedIn Influence for Yourself - and Your Company

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 20:00:00 -0000

When we talk about influence in social media, we tend to dwell on consumer-centric sites such as Instagram and TikTok. But what about influencing the world through your creation of a robust personal brand? Or perhaps leveraging your employees to yield more influence for your brand through social media? Are Instagram and TikTok still the ideal places to invest time and energy? Of course not, and this is something today's guest, Sandra Long, has been speaking and writing about for nearly a decade, including her definitive work "LinkedIn for Personal Branding." When you and your company are ready to influence the influential demographic that is on LinkedIn, listen in as Sandra uncovers both how to improve our personal branding and influence on LinkedIn as well as how brands can leverage the influence of their employees on the unique and often misunderstood social network that is LinkedIn. For more information: •Sandra Long on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/longsandra/ •LinkedIn for Personal Branding on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/LinkedIn-Personal-Branding-Ultimate-Guide/dp/B08VCQWRQ8/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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40: The Methodology behind Turning CEO's, Executives and Corporate Leaders into Global Thought Leaders

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Why is it that some companies have rockstar founders and CEOs? Why does EVERYONE know the name of say Steve Jobs, but few know the names of his successors or partners for that matter? Why do some leaders get all the glory, and some none at all? Donnetta Campbell, Founder of TheSocialArchitects, LLC (www.thesocialarchitects.co), has created a unique social media architecture and methodology that delivers authentic social engagement for brands, institutions, and senior leaders. She developed and orchestrates a powerful "peer-to-peer" influencer leadership, specializing in "earned-influence" personal brand building and guiding corporate digital platforms through her #SocialPR™. She fuels her eco-system with over 300 top influencers and offers clients an influential reach into social's key networks. Brand partners, including SAP, NASDAQ, A+E Networks, Bloomberg Images, Innovation Enterprise, Power Shift Forum, Crowe Horwath and The Harry Walker Speakers Agency are embracing her unique models, SocialPR™, SocialDolby™, and SocialHR™ to optimize their impact. To date, Donnetta's strategic initiatives have generated over 8.7 billion impressions for more than 350 personal brands and 100 events. She is passionate about educating groups regarding Social Influencer Models and opens 'Innovation Enterprises Brand Innovation Summits' around the globe. She has spoken at SMW; Crowe Horwath; SAP'S Global Offices, HR and Executive Leadership Groups; Digital Summit for National Retail Federation; Advertising Club of NY; Georgetown University; Oxford University; Tribeca Disruption Innovation Awards; UCONN Business School; and CUNY Social Media Weekend. She was chosen as the Social Media Disruptor in Residence for Harvard's and Tribeca's Disruptor Foundation. For more information: •Donnetta Campbell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnettacampbell •The Social Architects: www.TheSocialArchitects.co •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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39: The Intersection of Social Media, Sales, Employee Advocacy, and Influence

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Smart organizations have realized the incredible influence that key employees can and have yielded online. Timothy Hughes, CEO and Co Founder of DLA ignite, has been at the forefront of this movement of helping companies large and small transform their organizations digitally through both Social Selling and Smarketing, which are also the names of two books Timothy has written. Listen in as Timothy breaks down the steps you should take to ensure you digitally transform your business and tap into the opportunities and influence that await. For more information: •Timothy Hughes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyhughessocialselling/ •DLA ignite: https://dlaignite.com/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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38: What is the Deal with NFTs, And is There a Way to Use Them to Market and Grow our Brand?

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 20:00:00 -0000

One topic of conversation we haven't really discussed on the show is regarding the subject of NFTs - a topic that mystifies even the most forward thinking marketers and brand executives. Even if we understand the general concept, few of us really grasp how can they be used for brand marketing.Yet, it is undeniably the future and to compete the brands who are leveraging this are coming out ahead - just look at the likes of Dior and Louis Vuitton, not to mention small startups now sky rocketing thanks to their use of NFTs. Ok ok, so we understand the potential power, but where do you even? begin? Most of us are not technology platforms, nor do we have endless pockets to shell out. In this episode, Doug Neil, ex Universal EVP Doug Neil was named Marketing, Brand Chief At NFT Platform Chronicle breaks it down for us, and gives us the way of the land, alongside actionable insight on how you may want to use NFTs and what you can do to get started. For more information: •Chronicle: https://www.chronicle.io/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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37: The Case for B2B Influencer Marketing - and B2B Influencer Marketplaces

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 18:00:00 -0000

While most think of influencer marketing in terms of social media users representing consumer brands, what if you are a B2B company. Does influencer marketing translate well in a B2B paradigm? We are joined by Tim Williams, CEO of Onalytica, whose company has been helping B2B brands generate results with influencer marketing for nearly decade. He also explains the rationale behind their recent launch of the world's largest influencer marketplace - for B2B! For more information: •Onalytica: https://onalytica.com •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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36: How to Build an Influential Network and Community to Grow Your Dream Career

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0000

After spending 10 years over-working and burning out while building a credit card processing company into 38 states and a networking events company for over 30,000 people (which she later sold), she learned the wrong way to do it, and then discovered that there was a better way. Darrah Brustein has both inspired and influenced millions to reach higher and dream bigger. Having worked with Shaq, Deepak Chopra, Seth Godin, Bobbi Brown, Jillian Michaels, Adam Grant, Robert Herjavec, Nastia Liukin, Cam Newton, and the list goes on as well as brands like Chase, Visa, Toyota and FedEx, she digs into what it takes to build true influence, and it has nothing to do with 'following a passion' or taking great Instagram photos. We were riveted by this episode, a must listen! For more information: •Darrah Brustein: https://darrah.co/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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35: The Benefits of Treating Customers Like Influencers with Customer Experience Marketing

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Most CMOs accept that with intense global competition and increased commoditization of products and services, the final frontier in differentiation is in the customer experience. This is the basis of what customer experience marketing is all about, and today we have the world's leading expert on the subject, Dan Gingiss, who just wrote the definitive book on the subject, The Experience Maker. In our conversation we take customer experience marketing one step further to unpack the natural intersection it has with influencer marketing, and how companies can begin to treat their customers as influencers and encourage them to incite word-of-mouth marketing. For more information: •Dan Gingiss: https://dangingiss.com •The Experience Maker: https://dangingiss.com/the-experience-maker-book/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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34: How to Achieve OFFLINE Influence and Thought Leadership

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0000

A huge focus of this podcast is about showcasing brands and people who have achieved incredible levels of true influence in their space, and that is very different from simply having a social media following. In fact, some of the most powerful examples hapen completely offline. Dr Curtis Crane's episode will give you goosebumps, not only has he literally saved lives and created new ones becoming one of the most influential people in the space of transgender surgery, BUT he has done so entirely OFFLINE. So what does this mean? We talk about how to go about achieving real influence, and Dr Crane gets candid about cutting his teeth on the use of online to grow that influence and the movement! For more information: •Dr. Curtis Crane: https://cranects.com/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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33: You Don't Know What is Influencing You: Cracking the Code to Understand the Influence of Your Subconscious Mind

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Roger Dooley is one of the true thought leaders in the field of neuromarketing. He has focused his work on understanding unconscious influence, and has written a best-selling and authoritative book (Brainfluence) and has a podcast of the same name. If we are trying to figure out what influences people, and 95% of what influences people is in the subconscious, what tools do we have to better understand influence? Listen in as Roger shares his wealth of knowledge and experience on the subject with us. For more information: •Roger Dooley: https://rogerdooley.com •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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32: How to Leverage Influencers to Become an Award Winning Beauty Brand - and Lead an Industry Movement

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 20:00:00 -0000

How do you launch a beauty brand and get the biggest celebrities and A-listers on the planet to endorse you without having to shell out the big $$$ (or any $$$)? How do you win investors with no beauty-brand experience? How do you get on the shelves of conglomerates like Target in one of the most hyper competitive industries? Nyakio Grieco not only founded and sold the award winning skincare brand, Nyakio Beauty, with all but no resources and experiences, but she hustled her way to the top and is now leading a movement to give influence and expertise to other founders. This is the story of true influence and how to leverage it to build an empire and a movement for the greater good of the world. For more information: •Nyakio Beauty: https://www.nyakio.com/us/en •Thirteen Lune: https://thirteenlune.com/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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31: The FUTURE of Influence is Here with Neuromarketing

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 00:00:00 -0000

Pranav Yadav is one of those brilliant people in the industry I respect a lot who I've wanted to have on the show because I think he brings something so incredibly valuable (plus he's witty)! He's the founder/CEO of Neuro-Insight, a key player in building the neuromarketing industry, and he has changed how brands and customers communicate for the better. He has also been on every 'top of the top' list worth mentioning in our industry including Ad Age 40 Under 40, AMA 4 Under 40, Ad People of the Year, Forbes 30 Under 30, and Forbes Under 30 All-Star Alumni. This conversation literally takes all the guess work out of the future of marketing. He's one of the smartest and influential people among the neuromarketing industry, so having him on the show to learn from is a big pleasure! For more information: •Neuro-Insight: https://www.neuro-insight.com/ •Pranav Yadav on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranavyadavpy •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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30: How to Build Influence through the Power of Human Connection

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 08:00:00 -0000

In every episode we dig in to find out their actionable secrets and strategies to command real influence, and in this episode Kanika Chadda Gupta, former CNN journalist and top rated podcaster who is also a master of creating connections with high profile individuals, explains how she was able to get some of the most influential women in the world, including Rebecca Minkoff, Bobbi Brown, Natalie Morales and many more to stand behind her when she changed careers and quickly built what is now one of the top rated podcasts for working women. Whether it's securing lucrative sponsorships, solidifying dream clients, or building a lead magnet, Kanika divulges some brilliant concepts and ways to think about influence marketing that might just inspire you to raise your own bar. For more information: •Kronologie Agency: https://www.kronologieagency.com/ •That's Total Mom Sense Podcast: https://kanikachaddagupta.com/podcast/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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29: How to Launch a Successful Brand Using Influencers in a Hyper-Competitive Industry

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 08:15:00 -0000

Many would say you'd be crazy to try and compete with the L'Oreal's and Estee Lauder's of the world to launch a beauty brand, especially with no experience in the beauty space. That didn't stop Divya Gugnani, a former Goldman Saks executive, to defy the odds, successfully launching what is now one of the most beloved all natural cosmetics brands in the world: Wander Beauty. She discusses how she broke through with stars like Heidi Klum, Emma Roberts, and Sarah Jessica Parker spreading the word for her. Add to that, the company has been featured in many notable media outlets, such as Vanity Fair, Allure, and Marie Claire, and has won over 30 beauty awards, including multiple Allure "Best of Beauty" awards. Neal and Amanda catch up with Divya to dig deep into how she did it, from launch to retention. This 20 minutes packs so much wisdom, you will want to grab a pen and paper to take notes! For more information: •Divya Gugnani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divya-gugnani-6ba98 •Wander Beauty: https://wanderbeauty.com •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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28: How to Build A YouTube Following for Your Business - at Any Age - in Any Industry!

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 08:15:00 -0000

This episode is proof that any one at any age can use social media to build their brand, cultivate a global community, and ultimately transform their life! We interview the most famous plumber, YES plumber, in the world, Roger Wakefield, and learn how this man started a YouTube channel to gain more clients and how he grew it to make 7 figures annually JUST from YouTube! Roger discusses how he came to be an influencer and why, what his experience has been collaborating with brands, and he gives sound advice for those out there looking to build their own influencer platforms.This show isn't just informative, it's inspiring and will move you to action - GUARANTEED! For more information: •Roger Wakefield on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGIMKh92vaL0_Yc0u4GYhHA •The Trades Academy: https://www.thetradesacademy.com/gittnow •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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27: The Relationship Between Innovation and Influence

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Businesses that innovate yield unparalleled influence. But how does an organization or ourselves innovate? Author of the newly published RE:Think INNOVATION, Carla Johnson, argues that people make innovation much harder than it has to be. She also says that coming up with great ideas isn't a talent one is born with or a skill that takes years to learn. Are you ready to innovate to influence? Listen in for an inspiring episode guaranteed to get you started innovating! For more information: •Carla Johnson: https://carlajohnson.co •RE:Think INNOVATION on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hPmW31 (affiliate) •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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26: How to Build Influence through Content

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 21:00:00 -0000

Content is the currency of digital media, but its more than that: Smart businesspeople are becoming content entrepreneurs and launching businesses from their content. New media companies are being born every day. Learn how to build influence through content from the #1 authority on content marketing, best-selling author and founder of Content Marketing Institute AND Content Marketing World, Joe Pulizzi. For more information: •Joe Pulizzi: https://thetilt.com •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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25: How to Gain INFLUENCE by Playing BIG

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 08:00:00 -0000

The king of sports marketing, Brandon Steiner, breaks down his approach to building influence in a unique way, with incredible unique and inspiring examples of how he did it, not just with some of the biggest athletes of our time, but to create and scale his influence into so many ventures. This podcast took an expected twist and provided priceless value that will leave you inspired! For more information: •Brandon Steiner: https://brandonsteiner.com/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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24: Why and How Every Executive and Entrepreneur Can Increase Their Influence

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Most business leaders misunderstand influencer marketing to be just about selfies and vanity metrics. The core concept of influence marketing, creating and tapping into influence, has been around way before social media. It is also equally applicable to businesses as it is to consumers. Listen in to Amanda and Neal's advice for those of you that want to achieve more with your business or career through building influence inside and outside of social media. For more information: •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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23: How a World Class Athlete Took a Flywheel Approach to Building Influence Across Broadcasting Platforms and Social Media

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 00:30:00 -0000

What does it take to become one of the most respected influencers in the highly competitive space of fitness? Caroline Pearce has done it all, from world class athlete to the host across some of the biggest broadcasting platforms for sports (ESPN and SKY), to being the face and chief educator of several top equipment and nutrition brands - and they all work and support each other. Caroline had to take a major pivot with the rise of social media. How was she to stay relevant in world where instagram followers was valued more than expertise, credentials and training? Well, she has mastered it! And been able to combine both traditional and social media, and forge partnerships worthy of 'best of' case studies. Find out how she did it, and how you can too. This episode is so inspiring, you won't want to miss it! For more information: •Caroline Pearce on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinepearce/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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22: Hollywood Entertainment Host and Reporter Jezlan Moyet on the Celebrity Influencer

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Host of Good Morning LA LA Land and Fanvestor Report talks about the hustle to garner the mainstream spotlight in traditional media. For more information: •Jezlan Moyet's Moyet Rose Wine: https://blendtique.com/moyetrose/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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21: How to Grow Your Audience: I Have a Great Idea, and All the Expertise, Now How Do I Get the World to Know?

Wed, 26 May 2021 08:00:00 -0000

This week Neal and Amanda do something a little different! They speak to renowned Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Stanford Continuing Studies Instructor Dr. Allan Mishra, who has been working to grow his side hustle into a full-fledged business. Dr Mishra asks Neal and Amanda for advice. If you are an entrepreneur, or just looking for guidance on how to grow your audience, this is the episode for you. For more information: •Dr. Allan Mishra's Dare to Be Vital: http://daretobevital.com/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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20: The King of Hollywood's Take on Influence with Founder of E! Entertainment Larry Namer

Wed, 19 May 2021 21:00:00 -0000

This is the man that created the $4 billion television network E! which pioneered the entertainment of mainstream celebrities. But what many don't know are the bigger ventures he's scaled all over the world, from China to Russia - there are few people that hold more influence than Larry Namer. In this candid interview, we ask Larry about what he's learned about influence, who has it, how to achieve it, and his strategies for observing popular cultures anywhere in the world and then being able to create content that is relevant in that country. For more information: •Fanvestor: https://www.fanvestor.com/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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19: Ann Handley on Building Influence through Content

Fri, 14 May 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Ann Handley, co-founder of MarketingProfs, began her career as a journalist, and her roots in storytelling and understanding the needs of her audience helped her launch a media business which has since evolved into becoming the premiere destination for professionals and educators to learn and get training for marketing, The best-selling author of two books, The Content Code and Everybody Writes, Ann continues to trail blaze the path forward for enterprises and professionals on how to create content that connects in a deep way. Learn all about how Ann built her influence through and content and how you and your company can as well. For more information: •Ann Handley: https://annhandley.com •MarketingProfs: https://marketingprofs.com •Ann Handley's Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ann-Handley/e/B003OSWOGS •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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18: The Future of Online Influence: Virtual Influencers, Memes and what EVERY business needs to know about it.

Wed, 05 May 2021 16:00:00 -0000

When Mark Cuban calls YOU ask for an investment in your company, you know you have a pulse on influencer marketing, not to mention a truly influential company! But when you look at what Shep and his company have accomplished in just 3 short years, it's no surprise. He has spearheaded the growth of cult-like communities for some of the world's fastest-growing brands, known for creating the most unique and sought-after campaigns which have driven actionable engagement, billions of impressions, and sparked massive trends across social media. There is so much value in every minute of this interview you may want to grab a pen and takes notes. No matter what you are currently doing, you will benefit from this perspective because this future is already upon on. For more information: •Shep Ogden [Offbeat Media Group]: https://www.omg.media/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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17: What is Influencer Management - and What Brands Need to Know About It!

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:00:00 -0000

The world of talent management is very confusing - even people who do it have trouble explaining it. And if you've ever reached out to a celebrity or social media star, chances are you may have been passed along to some agent or manager. In my experience, this is often where the buck stops, as many marketers get turned off. But having had a talent manager myself back when I (Amanda Russell) was in the fitness world, the power of a great one can be a game changer for both the brands and the influencer . It doesn't necessarily mean the influencer is going to cost you a fortune, or that you cannot form a real and personal relationship, quite the opposite is true. The key comes to navigating how to get through what I like to call the golden gatekeeper. To do this you need to understand their role and how to connect with them first. Johanna Voss represents a number of highly successful influencers ranging in categories from lifestyle to finance, and she gives perspective on how to navigate the waters of managers and agents, and what marketers need to know about working with them. For more information: •Johanna Voss: https://www.johannavoss.com/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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16: Miri Rodriguez on Building Influence Company-Wide through Storytelling

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Miri Rodriguez went from a Community Manager to becoming one of Microsoft's top influencers and Storytellers. Now she is the author of Brand Storytelling and advises other companies how to bring out the stories from their employees. Listen in as Miri teaches you about the unique connection between storytelling and influence. For more information: •Miri Rodriguez: https://mirirod.com/en/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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15: Dave Kerpen on the Importance of Building Likeable Influence

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 20:00:00 -0000

New York Times Best-Selling author Dave Kerpen emerged as a major marketing influencer out of nowhere with his Likeable brand, books, and successful agency. Dave explains the importance of branding and relationships in building and sustaining influence. For more information: •Dave Kerpen: https://davekerpen.com/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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14: Rand Fishkin, Founder of MOZ and CEO of SparkToro, on Building Influence through Building Technology to Help People

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Rand Fishkin did not wake up one day and decided he was going to build one of the leading SEO software platforms. He has been on a mission to help people, whether it is search engine optimization with MOZ or making market research accessible to everyone through SparkToro. Rand shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey and is a living testament that nice guys don't always finish last. For more information: •SparkToro: https://sparktoro.com •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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13: Serial Founder/Investor of PELOTON and ACTIVE, Dave Alberga, on Silent Influence and How to Leverage It for Astronomical Business Impact

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 17:26:00 -0000

Whether it's A-list celebrities looking to launch their own brands or successful entrepreneurs looking for advice, there is one person they call: Dave Alberga. Dave is the silent and humble influence behind many of the biggest brands you know. It seems as if anything he touches turns to success, and for the first time ever, he opens up about the factors he believe have led to this. His answers will surprise and delight you.

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12: How Plastic Surgeon Dr. John Layke Became an Entrepreneur and Industry Influencer

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 17:00:00 -0000

In business, ambitious people either aspire to become an influential leader in their industry, or grow a company into greatness, Dr John Layke managed to do both, and he is far from stopping. What has been his formula to translate influence across categories? Find out in this riveting interview. Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group: https://www.beverlyhillsplasticsurgerygroup.com/johnlayke/ Beverly Hills MD: https://beverlyhillsmd.com/ Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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11: Founder of 'Women in Influencer Marketing' (WIIM) Gives Her Thoughts on Influencer Marketing

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Jessy Grossman not only manages influencer talent, she also founded the rapidly growing community of women marketers. Her view of influencer marketing comes from the lens of influencers as social media content creators. Women In Influencer Marketing: https://iamwiim.com/ Jessy Grossman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessygrossman/ Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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10: John Lee Dumas: The Common Path to Uncommon Success

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0000

How does one become an influencer in a crowded online space and launch a successful business? John Lee Dumas began as a podcaster and now generates 7 figures from a variety of digital and physical products. His Entrepreneurs on Fire podcast is one of the most popular business podcasts of all time. JLD shares what he has learned on his entrepreneurial journey and a culmination of his analysis with his new book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success. Reference Links •The Common Path to Uncommon Success on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3csHfAC (affiliate) •John Lee Dumas Website: https://www.eofire.com/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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09: Barry's Bootcamp CEO Joey Gonzalez Explains the Human Science of Influence

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Barry's Bootcamp CEO Joey Gonzalez explains the human science that enabled them to influence the way people work out, and got celebrities flocking to them! Joey shares how Barry's Bootcamp changed the game for fitness and created a cult-like following with an audience that includes Hollywood's top A-list celebrities flocking to them and bragging about it. Not an easy feat, but Joey reveals exactly how they did it, starting with building the infrastructure. Reference Links •Connect with Joey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gonzalezjoey •Join Barry's Bootcamp! https://www.barrys.com/country-select/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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08: Shane Vitaly, Founder, Vitaly: Breaking the Rules to Build a Mini Empire - and Influence a New Category of Brand

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0000

The motorcycle-driving, tattoo loving classic 'bad boy look' that Shane Vitaly had rocked since his anti-authoritarian childhood was not a likely candidate to create a global jewelry brand...for men! And yet by age 34 he boasts an 8 figure (and vastly growing) empire. In addition to the complete story of how he built his kingdom, he talks about identifying influencers early on and the role it has played in scaling his business. •Connect with Shane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaneforan1/ •Shop Vitaly Design! https://www.vitalydesign.com/

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07: Jen Groover: Think You Know How to Influence? Think Again

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0000

In the professional and private spheres, we are constantly searching for ways to maximize our influence. In this interview, Jen Groover challenges the old persuasion styles of marketing that hold most people and business back from actualizing their growth potential. She argues that influence is something that can be learned but it starts with a transformation in how we think. Reference Links •Jen Groover's The More Method: https://amzn.to/2NrsYv7 (affiliate) •Jen Groover's Website: https://jengroover.com/

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06: Carmax Co-Founder Austin Ligon on The Gold Standard of Branding

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Austin Ligon has demonstrated influence at the highest level, the ability to not simply launch a new product, but an entirely new concept, in an industry peppered with skepticism: buying cars. Our conversation with him covers his time as cofounder of CarMax from its inception to his retirement in 2006. Since then, we discuss his key roles in other ventures as director of Redfin, Rev.com, CarTrade and Startup Angels. He continues to influence aspiring leaders by serving on the board of St. John College, Yale School of Management and University of Texas, Plan II Honors Program. As one of the inaugural members of the UT Texas Fellows, 2018, he mentors others who aspire to new heights in their own roles as influencers. His perspective of leadership and active engagement is inspiring to all.

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05: Nigel Barker: America's Next Top Influencer

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0000

The man who literally broke the 'model' for what it means to be a fashion photographer. Having worked with every major iconic face of our time, Nigel not only understands influence, he has amassed what can be considered industry-changing influence - from prime time reality shows to furniture collections, clothing labels and gyms, the man knows what it takes to grow one's brand, no matter the space. Reference Links • Nigel Barker: http://www.nigelbarker.tv/ • Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co • Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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04: Zico Coconut Water Founder Mark Rampolla on Deep and Narrow Influence

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -0000

We often think of influence as being about individuals with large followings, but Rampolla makes the case for leveraging all stakeholders as strategic key influencers. Rather than large followings, he argues the value of going deep and narrow with influencer engagement. Reference Links • Mark Rampolla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla • Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co • Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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03: Lamborghini CMO Katia Bassi on the Brand as Influencer

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Lamborghini CMO Katia Bassi has paved a new way of defining influence from her leadership. Learn why "Brands should inspire to expand people's cultural horizons". Reference Links • Katia Bassi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katia-bassi-6692655/ • Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co • Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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02: Jesse Itzler on How to Build an Influential Life Resume

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Jesse Itzler on what it REALLY takes to achieve INFLUENCE (and it's NOT experience). Reference Links • Jessie Itzler: https://jesseitzler.com • Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co • Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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01: Andy Roddick on Influence

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Andy Roddick talks about no longer cringing at the word 'influencer', and how to leverage fame to create greater social good influence. Reference Links •Andy Roddick Foundation: https://www.arfoundation.org/ •Amanda Russell: https://amandarussell.co •Neal Schaffer: https://nealschaffer.com

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00: Introducing The School of Influence Podcast [Trailer]

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 03:18:00 -0000

Listen to influencer marketing authors and professors Amanda Russell and Neal Schaffer talk about why they are launching The School of Influence podcast and why you should be excited enough to hit the subscription button and listen in!

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