Leaving Home Early: How One Decision Reshapes a Creative Life | 139: Nadia Fernández
Nadia Fernández is the founder of La Isla Designs, a visual designer and website builder who believes digital spaces should feel clear, intentional, and easy to understand. Originally from Mallorca, Spain, she moved to the United States at a young age to pursue her creative ambitions, spending more than a decade immersed in fast paced creative environments before eventually returning to Europe. With a background that spans dance, fashion, retail leadership, and brand strategy, her work today focuses on helping founders and small businesses communicate what they do in a way people can instantly connect with and remember.In this episode, you’ll hear the story behind her move to Los Angeles as a teenager, the creative paths that quietly shaped her way of thinking, and how those experiences continue to influence her work today. The conversation goes behind the scenes of her approach to LinkedIn content, websites, and digital marketing, from designing carousels that gently guide attention to building online spaces that support content instead of competing with it. It’s a thoughtful look into the mindset of a multi disciplinary creator who designs with purpose and cares deeply about how ideas land.Connect with Nadia:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiiafernandez/https://www.laisladesigns.com/Timestamps:00:00 – Early creative roots and growing up around fashion01:11 – Welcome to the podcast01:23 – Nadia’s background and what she does today02:02 – Moving to Los Angeles at 1803:16 – Arriving in LA and culture shock05:28 – How long she stayed in the US05:55 – Stepping away from dance07:51 – Growing up in Mallorca and returning later09:39 – Working in fashion and creative industries13:43 – COVID and the shift into digital design15:04 – Finding first clients online15:49 – Using LinkedIn comments to grow18:20 – Being intentional with conversations22:01 – Standing out without chasing trends24:27 – Stop waiting for inspiration27:27 – Canva vs Figma vs Adobe30:07 – Favourite Canva features30:45 – Why Nadia uses Venngage34:59 – Website platforms and opinions35:12 – Content platforms and focus36:41 – Consistency and the long game40:29 – Life, family, and balance41:37 – Learning, reading, and growth43:04 – Where to find Nadia44:44 – Final advice46:21 – Closing the episode Connect with Tomas:X: https://x.com/TomasLouckyStan: https://stan.store/TommenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomasloucky/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisistommen/More:Links: https://linktr.ee/produced_byNewsletter: https://producednewsletter.substack.com/Tools & gear that support the show:Neon Now: https://neonnow.co.uk/Metricool: https://f.mtr.cool/HRJBZKUlanzi: https://www.ulanzi.com?aff=2611Apex Comfort: https://apexcomfort.co.uk/Favikon: https://www.favikon.com?fpr=tommenRA Optics: https://ra-optics.myshopify.com/discount/TOMMEN?rfsn=8803777.591d19Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you find them useful, using these links helps keep the podcast running. Thank you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Turning LinkedIn Into a Client Engine: Beyond Likes and Visibility | 138: Anjeanette Carter
Anjeanette Carter is a Los Angeles based copywriter and founder of STRATIS Media, where she helps founders, CEOs, and service based entrepreneurs grow their personal brands and businesses through LinkedIn. With over a decade of experience in copywriting, Anjeanette has built a seven figure business by working across multiple social media platforms, refining her messaging, and learning what actually drives sustainable growth. Today, her work focuses on turning LinkedIn into a clear, intentional client acquisition channel through strong positioning, consistency, and thoughtful content.Listen to this episode to discover Anjeanette’s story behind becoming an experienced copywriter across different platforms and how that journey led her to find her passion for LinkedIn. You will hear practical tips from someone who has consistently shown up over time, along with clear advice on how to find clients on LinkedIn using simple frameworks and formulas that can be applied across platforms. This conversation offers insight and inspiration from someone who balances being a mom, running her own agency, showing up online, and continuing to grow, improve, and inspire others with a positive and grounded approach.Connect with Anjeanette:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjeanette-carter/https://anjeanettecarter.com/linkedin-workshophttps://anjeanettecarter.substack.com/https://anjeanettecarter.com/https://x.com/anjeanettecTimestamps:00:00 – The three pillars behind Anjeanette’s LinkedIn growth01:24 – Who Anjeanette is and what she does today02:02 – 2026 goals and why subtracting matters03:05 – Acting background and confidence on camera03:48 – Why failure matters more than success04:59 – Comparison on LinkedIn and staying in your lane06:01 – Authenticity without oversharing online07:50 – Consistency, routines, and family life09:22 – Early lessons from Twitter and YouTube11:52 – Why social media feels annoying12:11 – Playing the long game with content13:30 – Copywriting as a real advantage on LinkedIn14:31 – Initial fear of AI and adapting16:31 – Using AI without losing your voice18:32 – Why AI content feels obvious20:30 – Voice notes and real conversations22:06 – Finding first clients through LinkedIn25:33 – Who LinkedIn actually works for27:52 – The LinkedIn strategy explained simply30:26 – Commenting that leads to conversations32:03 – Shortcuts, mentors, and learning faster33:58 – Focusing on one platform at a time36:18 – Regrets about leaving platforms early39:02 – YouTube demonetisation and lessons learned41:42 – Personal brand as long-term insurance42:03 – Exercise, routines, and mental balance44:08 – Reading fiction to switch off45:41 – Where to find Anjeanette and her work46:48 – Favourite pizza conversation49:19 – Normalising failure and moving forward50:52 – Final reflections and closing Connect with Tomas:X: https://x.com/TomasLouckyStan: https://stan.store/TommenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomasloucky/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisistommen/More:Links: https://linktr.ee/produced_byNewsletter: https://producednewsletter.substack.com/Tools & gear that support the show:Neon Now: https://neonnow.co.uk/Metricool: https://f.mtr.cool/HRJBZKUlanzi: https://www.ulanzi.com?aff=2611Apex Comfort: https://apexcomfort.co.uk/Favikon: https://www.favikon.com?fpr=tommenRA Optics: https://ra-optics.myshopify.com/discount/TOMMEN?rfsn=8803777.591d19Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you find them useful, using these links helps keep the podcast running. Thank you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Quiet Brand Builder: Growing Without Noise, Pitching or Pressure | 137: Talha Hanif
Talha Hanif is a LinkedIn content designer who helps founders turn their personal brands into content that actually connects. With a background in computer engineering and a deep respect for design that works, Talha has quietly built a business that speaks louder than most personal brands. He’s worked with creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs to develop visual identities that don’t just look good, they feel right. No fluff, no shortcuts, just thoughtful design rooted in clarity, intention, and human connection.In this episode, you’ll get a free masterclass in design, consistency, and showing up for the long game. Talha shares how he built a standout brand without ever cold pitching, how AI fits into his creative process, and why success means nothing if you can’t stay grounded. From scaling a business to supporting his wife’s fashion brand to still making time for cricket, family, and the gym, this is what creating with purpose looks like. If you’ve ever doubted your creative path, this conversation might just reframe everything.Connect with Talha:https://www.linkedin.com/in/personal-brand/https://talhaqurashi.com/https://www.instagram.com/talhadesign786/Timestamps:00:00 – The one trick that helped him grow on LinkedIn00:40 – Welcoming Talha to the podcast01:23 – From engineering to design02:39 – How posting turned into a business04:02 – Building a career without chasing clients05:06 – Designer vs artist: key difference07:41 – Behind the scenes of his client process10:16 – Why design isn’t subjective11:40 – What he does when creativity runs low13:33 – The power of not needing leads15:38 – How he gets clients without pitching16:45 – Why he never sends cold DMs17:40 – What his business looks like today18:04 – Why he doesn’t post for leads anymore20:24 – Why most people quit LinkedIn too early22:12 – Outlasting others beats outsmarting them23:06 – The most helpful content advice24:42 – Using emotions in design and copy25:01 – Honest take on AI in design work27:25 – The one red flag when hiring designers28:44 – Advice if you’re not good at design yet29:15 – Canva vs Figma vs Adobe30:41 – Why he teaches his team every tool31:17 – A Canva product built from 500+ carousels32:27 – Who inspires him right now33:44 – Balancing design, business and life34:48 – Why Instagram didn’t work for him35:05 – What keeps him consistent on LinkedIn36:36 – His “Jasmin test” for content that lasts37:08 – His life beyond design38:17 – Cricket, gym, and daily routine39:13 – Getting abs back and staying fit41:00 – What the gym taught him about life42:29 – Favourite books and takeaways44:08 – Helping build a fashion brand45:02 – Where to find Talha online45:30 – Story behind the “17 milliseconds” line46:46 – Final thoughts and reflections Connect with Tomas:X: https://x.com/TomasLouckyStan: https://stan.store/TommenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomasloucky/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisistommen/More:Links: https://linktr.ee/produced_byNewsletter: https://producednewsletter.substack.com/Tools & gear that support the show:Neon Now: https://neonnow.co.uk/Metricool: https://f.mtr.cool/HRJBZKUlanzi: https://www.ulanzi.com?aff=2611Apex Comfort: https://apexcomfort.co.uk/Favikon: https://www.favikon.com?fpr=tommenRA Optics: https://ra-optics.myshopify.com/discount/TOMMEN?rfsn=8803777.591d19Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you find them useful, using these links helps keep the podcast running. Thank you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Two Brands. One Creator: What Happens When You Grow in Public Twice |136: Danielle Mimoni
Danielle is a LinkedIn strategist who built a fully booked freelance business without pitching, cold outreach or chasing trends. She helps founders and freelancers attract clients through content that connects and brands that feel real. She’s also built a wellness-focused brand on Instagram, showing how to grow across platforms without burning out. Her approach is rooted in clarity, consistency, and sharing what actually works, not just what looks good online.In this episode, she shares what it actually takes to grow on LinkedIn and beyond. We talk about content strategy, building a brand that feels like you, and showing up even when you don’t feel like it. You’ll learn how to attract clients without selling, post without overthinking, and create content that helps people, and works for you. This one’s for anyone trying to grow online without losing their voice in the process.Connect with Danielle:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mimoni-social-media-marketing/https://www.instagram.com/daniellemimoni/Timestamps:00:00 – How Danielle gets clients without pitching01:10 – Intro and welcome01:22 – Danielle on building two personal brands02:16 – Why growing on multiple platforms matters03:12 – Where she started and what changed04:13 – Taking content seriously for the first time05:25 – LinkedIn vs Instagram: what she prefers07:22 – Which platform is harder to grow on08:42 – Content strategy across both platforms10:46 – Does she see herself as an influencer?13:42 – Why full-time influencing isn’t the goal14:33 – Starting on LinkedIn from scratch17:46 – How redundancy led to freelancing18:43 – Tips for early LinkedIn growth21:05 – Should you post selfies on LinkedIn?24:48 – Building a brand with visuals and consistency26:07 – Getting all clients inbound through content27:50 – Giving away knowledge to build trust29:02 – Why people really hire you30:43 – Attracting brands and partnerships35:50 – Showing up when it’s hard39:06 – How she preps content in advance41:10 – Her view on imposter syndrome41:34 – Wellness, hobbies, and lifestyle habits43:38 – Books that shaped her mindset46:17 – Where to follow and connect with Danielle47:06 – Final thoughts on personal branding Connect with Tomas:X: https://x.com/TomasLouckyStan: https://stan.store/TommenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomasloucky/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisistommen/More:Links: https://linktr.ee/produced_byNewsletter: https://producednewsletter.substack.com/Tools & gear that support the show:Neon Now: https://neonnow.co.uk/Metricool: https://f.mtr.cool/HRJBZKUlanzi: https://www.ulanzi.com?aff=2611Apex Comfort: https://apexcomfort.co.uk/Favikon: https://www.favikon.com?fpr=tommenRA Optics: https://ra-optics.myshopify.com/discount/TOMMEN?rfsn=8803777.591d19Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you find them useful, using these links helps keep the podcast running. Thank you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The System Is the Message: How Structure Became the Brand | 135: Noor V. Barrage
Noor V. Barrage is a business consultant, systems strategist, and founder of NVB Collective. Known as The Systems Girl on LinkedIn, she partners with CEOs and leadership teams to turn messy growth into sustainable operations. With years of experience behind the scenes in high-growth companies, she now helps entrepreneurs build structure, reduce stress, and scale their businesses without sacrificing quality or sanity. Her work is rooted in intentional productivity, operational clarity, and building businesses that actually support the people who run them.In this episode, Noor shares how she went from being completely invisible online to building a strong presence on LinkedIn in under a year, all without chasing trends, playing the algorithm, or compromising her values. She talks about the systems that save time, money, and energy, and why she believes structure is the key to true creative freedom. If you’re tired of hustle culture and ready to run your business with more clarity and calm, this conversation will give you a new perspective on what growth can look like.Connect with Noor:https://www.linkedin.com/in/noorbarrage/https://nvbcollective.aweb.page/nvb-newsletterhttps://nvbcollective.com/1-1-consulting-call/https://noorbarrage.substack.com/Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: creative founders vs. execution01:11 – Intro and welcome01:26 – Meet Noor: The Systems Girl02:26 – How her unique title stuck03:48 – From invisible to visible on LinkedIn04:58 – Why LinkedIn felt more authentic than other platforms06:35 – The challenge of video content07:26 – Why she doesn’t chase virality08:50 – What success means on LinkedIn10:07 – Avoiding the comparison trap11:30 – Why clarity beats trends13:08 – Her 30-day posting habit that built momentum15:05 – Content buckets: education + storytelling17:12 – Cutting down LinkedIn time with structure18:38 – Using personal photos for balance21:33 – How she fell into systems25:45 – Why she’s obsessed with structure27:40 – Rethinking hustle culture28:12 – The truth behind “success” online31:25 – Most common systems problems she sees32:00 – Structure increases creativity, not restricts it34:05 – Why she blocks Thursdays + Fridays36:20 – How she audits her calendar with GCal37:10 – The underrated power of planning39:37 – Noor’s hobbies and love of theatre41:20 – Book recs that changed her mindset44:18 – Where to find her online45:37 – What’s next: rebrand + “intentional productivity”47:46 – Is a book coming?49:27 – Final advice: define your own success Connect with Tomas:X: https://x.com/TomasLouckyStan: https://stan.store/TommenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomasloucky/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisistommen/More:Links: https://linktr.ee/produced_byNewsletter: https://producednewsletter.substack.com/Tools & gear that support the show:Neon Now: https://neonnow.co.uk/Metricool: https://f.mtr.cool/HRJBZKUlanzi: https://www.ulanzi.com?aff=2611Apex Comfort: https://apexcomfort.co.uk/Favikon: https://www.favikon.com?fpr=tommenRA Optics: https://ra-optics.myshopify.com/discount/TOMMEN?rfsn=8803777.591d19Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you find them useful, using these links helps keep the podcast running. Thank you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.