Produced By

Trust Before Transactions: Building Credibility at Scale | 142: Mariam Gogidze

After 150+ podcast episodes, I realised recording is the easy part. Clarity and good tools make the real difference. That’s why I record my podcast with Riverside. Try Riverside here: https://creators.riverside.com/TomasLoucky Mariam Gogidze is a personal branding strategist and executive coach helping C-level professionals, founders, and dealmakers build authority and category-of-one positioning online. Originally from Georgia, Mariam moved to London at a young age and built her career by combining writing, storytelling, and strategic positioning to translate offline credibility into a strong and trusted LinkedIn presence. Her work focuses on clarity, long-term thinking, and building reputation before reach. In this episode, we explore Mariam’s journey from Georgia to London and the mindset behind how she builds authority in regulated and competitive industries. We talk about growing on LinkedIn in a sustainable way, attracting the right opportunities rather than chasing clients, and discovering your niche by starting wide and refining over time. This conversation is for professionals who want to move beyond referrals, communicate their value with clarity, and play the long game of authority with intention and consistency.Connect with Mariam:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariam-gogidze/https://www.instagram.com/linkedinac/Timestamps: 00:00 - Give value before expecting anything back 01:10 - Introduction 01:25 - Who is Mariam and what she does 02:00 - Moving from Georgia to London at 16 03:31 - Culture shock and building independence 06:34 - Expectations vs reality of London 09:00 - Early ambition and dream career 10:44 - Discovering copywriting through Lidl 11:58 - Midroll: Riverside 12:29 - Writing in a second language 14:21 - How LinkedIn first came into her life 17:07 - How long it really takes to grow 18:22 - The first client that changed everything 20:52 - The power of networking on LinkedIn 23:25 - Why LinkedIn is becoming more human 25:20 - Should you niche down or start wide 28:58 - Why financial services became the focus 31:04 - How to get your first clients 33:21 - Stop overthinking and just execute 34:37 - How to actually grow on LinkedIn 36:27 - Why you should share value freely 37:45 - Life outside work 39:47 - Book recommendation 41:02 - Future plans and diversifying the brand 42:49 - Final thoughts 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.

Psychology In Practice: How People Decide Who To Trust | 141: Ciara O'Neil

Ciara O’Neil is the founder of Brandfulness and a psychology led personal branding strategist helping founders, executives, and teams build real authority on LinkedIn and beyond. With an academic background in psychology, Ciara focuses on trust, reputation, and consistency as the foundations of strong personal brands. Her work goes beyond content creation and platforms and centres on shaping how people are perceived, remembered, and trusted across their career, business, and professional relationships. In this episode, Ciara shares her journey from law to psychology to personal branding, and how she grew her LinkedIn presence from zero to over 18,000 followers in a year. She explains what it truly means to apply psychology to personal branding in a practical way, from showing up with clarity and intention to building authority that earns trust over time. This conversation also explores growth mindset, career pivots, and how to attract aligned clients and opportunities without burning out or chasing visibility for the sake of it.Connect with Ciara:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaraoneil/https://bio.site/brandfulnesshttps://brandfulness.co.uk/Timestamps: 00:00 - Psychology as a buzzword vs real understanding 01:10 - Welcome to the podcast 01:22 - Who Ciara O’Neil is and what she does 02:52 - From law to psychology to personal branding 04:40 - Why changing careers isn’t failure 05:58 - Why trying and pivoting matters 06:55 - Going back to study and building credibility 07:33 - Studying AI, motivation and human behaviour 09:17 - How AI has evolved since her research 10:10 - Using AI as a tool, not a replacement 10:37 - Why psychology is Ciara’s competitive edge 12:37 - What people get wrong about “psychology in content” 13:27 - How Ciara rediscovered LinkedIn 14:49 - Intentional growth vs trial and error 15:31 - The truth behind “overnight” LinkedIn growth 16:50 - Why highlight reels distort reality 17:27 - How to grow consistently without going viral 19:00 - Defining your goal on LinkedIn 20:01 - Why chasing trends leads to burnout 21:23 - Consistency as a trust-building tool 22:40 - How to find your first clients 24:14 - Why conversations compound over time 25:28 - Why personal branding is a long game 28:24 - The most common personal branding mistakes 29:54 - Repurposing content without burnout 31:12 - The story behind Brandfulness 32:31 - Introducing the Authority Collective 33:57 - Launch timeline and testing digital products 34:50 - The psychology behind green branding 36:03 - LinkedIn vs Instagram vs Substack 37:19 - Milestones, growth and intentional slowing down 38:35 - Digital products and future plans 39:42 - Running, hobbies and switching off 42:04 - Book recommendations and Start With Why 43:58 - Where to find Ciara 44:38 - Final thoughts 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.

From Doctor to Content Creator: Building Credibility in a Noisy Space | 140: Sarah Rav

Sarah Rav is a former medical doctor turned Positioning & Content Strategist. Born in Malaysia and raised in Australia, she has spent over a decade building an audience of more than three million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. After years in medicine and consulting, Sarah stepped away from traditional career paths to focus on helping professionals scale their business through content, positioning, and personal brand strategy.In this episode, we explore Sarah’s bold journey from medicine to content creation, the behind the scenes reality of building and rebuilding an audience, and how she recognised LinkedIn’s potential early. Sarah shares practical insights on growing a personal brand that attracts the right clients, building credibility as a professional, and creating content that feels aligned, even within a short time frame on the platform, without pretending to be someone you’re not.Connect with Sarah:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-rav/https://www.instagram.com/sarahrav/Timestamps:00:00 – Writing content people actually care about01:15 – Introducing Sarah and her background02:14 – Growing up between Malaysia and Australia03:50 – Life in Melbourne04:28 – Why she chose medicine05:49 – The emotional reality of being a doctor06:39 – Interest in psychiatry and mental health08:26 – Why content did not feel like a real career09:56 – Choosing passion over a safe path11:04 – Early days of content creation13:11 – Rebranding, losing engagement, rebuilding14:57 – AI content and standing out16:31 – Why LinkedIn became the focus17:42 – Growing on LinkedIn in a short time18:32 – Adapting content across platforms20:30 – How she splits time between platforms22:07 – Creating content alongside full-time work23:51 – Finding repeatable content formats25:06 – Personal branding for professionals26:02 – Writing hooks that make people care27:52 – Why CTAs matter more than you think30:06 – Injecting personality into writing31:14 – Simple tools and content systems33:36 – How Sarah actually uses AI35:53 – Inspirations and community on LinkedIn37:37 – Music, family, and life outside content39:02 – Why she does not read many books40:30 – Big goals, legacy, and giving back42:12 – Launching a new LinkedIn offer44:09 – Where to find and follow Sarah45:06 – 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.

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.