Are you ready to move from being great at what you do… to being known for how you think?
In this powerful conversation, Finola Howard is joined by personal brand strategist and fellow podcaster Shelley Rostlund to unpack “The Big Leap” — the transformation from subject matter expert to thought-leading visionary.
With 86% of roles predicted to change in the next five years, Shelley shares why your human uniqueness, critical thinking, and personal brand are more valuable than ever. Finola reflects on her own leap toward building a joyful million-euro business — and what it t...
Are you ready to move from being great at what you do… to being known for how you think?
In this powerful conversation, Finola Howard is joined by personal brand strategist and fellow podcaster Shelley Rostlund to unpack “The Big Leap” — the transformation from subject matter expert to thought-leading visionary.
With 86% of roles predicted to change in the next five years, Shelley shares why your human uniqueness, critical thinking, and personal brand are more valuable than ever. Finola reflects on her own leap toward building a joyful million-euro business — and what it takes to scale with purpose, not pressure.
Expect clear frameworks, vulnerable stories, and Shelley’s Thought Leader’s Toolbox: five powerful tools every visionary needs to grow with integrity.
If you know you’re ready for your next level—but you’re not sure how to rise without burning out—this episode is your sign.
Key Takeaways:
- Why being an expert is no longer enough — and what sets visionaries apart in today’s world
- The role of personal branding in the age of AI — and how to protect your relevance
- How to define your unique marketable value (beyond your skills list)
- What it really takes to be seen as a thought leader (hint: it's not self-proclaimed)
- Five tools every visionary needs to grow with clarity and resilience
“You can't call yourself a thought leader—someone else has to say it first.”
– Shelley Rostlund
Chapters & Timestamps:
00:00 – Reinvention Is Coming
Why 86% of us will need to rethink how we work
02:20 – Expert or Visionary?
Shelley breaks down the difference and why humility is key
06:30 – Personal Brand is the New Moat
Why branding your humanity matters more than ever
10:40 – AI + Awareness: A Real-World Story
How teaching AI your voice can backfire—or elevate you
13:00 – Context Is Your Superpower
The human advantage AI can’t replicate
14:50 – The Bluetooth vs Mobile Network Metaphor
Understanding scale in thought leadership
17:30 – Hiring Visionaries
When to look beyond the expert to move your business forward
20:00 – Cross-Pollination Sparks Brilliance
How unrelated industries inspire genius
22:30 – Visibility as a Thought Leadership Metric
Why hiding behind “enough” limits your impact
27:00 – The Joyful Million Declaration
Finola’s personal leap—and what made it click
32:00 – What Makes You Truly Marketable?
Shelley’s powerful lens for defining your unique value
38:00 – The Thought Leader’s Toolbox
5 essential tools to lead with insight and resilience
44:30 – Why This Shift Matters Right Now
The coming business wave—and how to ride it with intention
Resources & Links
💡 Shelley's article:
When Are You a Thought Leader?
📖 The Joyful Million Playbook
A behind-the-scenes, unfiltered look at what it really takes to build a €1 Million Euro Business without the Burnout!
👉 Subscribe Here
🚀 SOAR: Build a Marketing Engine That Works Year After Year
Finola’s signature program for values-led entrepreneurs who want to stop settling and start scaling with purpose.
👉 Join SOAR
🤝 Connect with Shelley Rostlund
Website: shelleyrostlund.com/
LinkedIn: @shelleyrostlund
Podcast: The Brand Compass
🤝 Connect with Finola Howard
Website: finolahoward.com
Instagram: @thisisfinolahoward
LinkedIn: @finolahoward
Podcast: Your Truth Shared
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