Info You Can Use: How to make money with your brand, accelerate growth, and brand strategy.

2025-02-19

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Raoul Davis. CEO branding expert and partner at Ascendant Group Branding: 🎙️ Interview Summary Guest: Raoul DavisFocus: CEO and executive branding, public relations, book deals, social media strategy, and personal brand development 🧭 Purpose of the Interview To explore how Raoul Davis helps CEOs, retired athletes, entertainers, and executive leaders increase their top-line revenue through strategic branding. The conversation dives into th...

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Raoul Davis.

CEO branding expert and partner at Ascendant Group Branding:

🎙️ Interview Summary

Guest: Raoul Davis
Focus: CEO and executive branding, public relations, book deals, social media strategy, and personal brand development

🧭 Purpose of the Interview

To explore how Raoul Davis helps CEOs, retired athletes, entertainers, and executive leaders increase their top-line revenue through strategic branding. The conversation dives into the mechanics of personal branding, book publishing, social media engagement, and the mindset needed to build long-term success.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. CEO & Executive Branding

Raoul’s firm specializes in human-to-human (H2H) branding, helping leaders become the “chief storytellers” of their businesses.
Branding is about authenticity and emotional connection, not ego or celebrity.
“You either get branded or you get labeled”—so take control of your narrative.

2. Speaking & Thought Leadership

Speaking should be part of a broader brand strategy, not just a revenue stream.
Good speakers focus on empathy and delivering 2–3 memorable takeaways.
Free speaking engagements can lead to high-value business opportunities.

3. Book Publishing Strategy

Traditional publishing offers the highest credibility, followed by hybrid models.
Self-publishing is oversaturated; 97% of books sell fewer than 500 copies.
A well-positioned book can be a powerful marketing tool and lead to seven-figure returns.

4. Social Media & Branding Do’s and Don’ts

Invest in professional photography and strong headlines.
Focus on one or two platforms where you’re most comfortable.
Use analytics and testing to refine your content strategy.
Understand platform demographics:
- Facebook: 30–65+ audience, best for product sales
- Instagram: 25–40, visual storytelling
- TikTok: younger or niche audiences, strong organic reach
- LinkedIn: B2B and strategic partnerships
- X (Twitter): real-time cultural engagement

5. Retired Athletes & Brand Equity

Athletes have built-in brand equity that can be leveraged post-career.
Raoul helps them transition into business ventures and thought leadership roles.

6. Personal Branding for Everyone

Start with a clear tagline or moniker that defines your expertise.
Know your audience and what they want to hear.
Practice strategic patience—success takes time and resilience.

💬 Notable Quotes

“You either get branded or you get labeled.”
“It’s not about ego—it’s about effectiveness.”
“Strategic patience is key. Optimists always win.”
“The two biggest reflections of who you are: how you spend your time and your money.”
“If you believe in your product, you should want people to know about it.”

📞 Contact Info