You Are The Brand - podcast cover

You Are The Brand

Mike Kimmikekim.com
You Are The Brand with Mike Kim is designed to help you showcase your unique expertise and build a highly profitable, personally fulfilling business. Mike Kim is a brand strategist for business thought leaders, coaches, and authors who want to create an impact with their ideas and get their message heard. Mike’s refreshing approach has made him a sought-after speaker, online educator, and consultant for top thought leaders. Mike’s clients include New York Times bestselling authors and other experts featured on PBS, TED, CNN, and Fox. Mike has been featured in and written for Inc., Entrepreneur, and The Huffington Post. Mike is the author of the Wall Street Journal best-selling book, You Are the Brand: The 8-Step Blueprint to Showcase Your Unique Expertise and Build a Highly Profitable, Personally Fulfilling Business. He has spoken at industry-leading events including Social Media Marketing World, Tribe Conference, and Podcast Movement. He has been a guest on leading podcasts like Smart Passive Income, Entrepreneurs on Fire, and Read to Lead. Themes: Personal Branding, Marketing, Copywriting, Consulting, Business, Coaching
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Episodes

465 - Starting Over After Losing the Life You Imagined (I'm Back)

As solopreneurs, so much of what we build is deeply personal. Our businesses are often born from the gaps in our own stories. In this solo episode, I reflect on the recent death of my father and the quiet grief that followed for the connection we never fully had. It made me confront how much of my business drive was rooted in fear and pain. This isn’t a business episode in the traditional sense, but it’s a human one. If you’ve ever built something to feel safe, seen, or in control, I think you’l...

Jul 02, 202516 min

464 - How I Reconciled My Relationship with My Father, My Past, My Pain

Watch this talk on YouTube » Entrepreneurs and high achievers like to talk a lot about how to rewrite their life story, especially in the context of their external accomplishments. I've found that growth more happens in the unseen moments - the times of pain, heartache, and the decisions we face that require courage, forgiveness, and presence. When I got the call that my dad was dying, I knew I had to share this story—our story. This is a talk I gave at Growth Now Summit Live, and with special p...

May 29, 202525 min

A personal update...

There's been a lot going on lately, so I thought I'd pop in and give you an update. Sorry I've been missing my podcasts...

May 20, 20255 min

463 - Persuasion for One-Person Brands - Lessons from Fortune 500 Insider Ellin Sidell

If you’re a solopreneur, you already wear every hat: marketing, sales, content, client delivery. But there’s one skill that ties it all together –– persuasion. In this episode, I sit down with Ellin Sidell, Fortune 500 leader-turned-author of The Influence Advantage. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why persuasion is a skill you can master—even if you're introverted or uncomfortable with sales How Ellen got her boss to complete her overdue review using nothing but humor and a fake invoice (true...

Apr 29, 202531 min

462 - Rich Relationships - How to Create a Million-Dollar Network for Your Business with Selena Soo

Want to build a network that actually works for you — without faking extroversion or burning out? Today, Selena Soo joins me to talk about what it really takes to build a million-dollar network in today’s world. From defining your inner circle to learning how to ask for help, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and hard-won insight. Why introverts can often be great relationship builders—and how Selena leveraged this to create a thriving network The 3-phase framework of building Ri...

Apr 22, 202541 min

461 - Why Being Nice is Keeping Your Clients from their Best Results with Jay Ferrugia

Jay Ferrugia has spent over 25 years transforming lives through strength — but not just in the gym. In this episode, we dive into the mindset, discipline, and raw honesty it takes to create real results in any field. Jay shares why playing nice often holds your clients back, how to build trust without people-pleasing, and why authenticity isn’t a brand strategy — it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re in fitness, business, or the expert space, this conversation will challenge the way you lead and deli...

Apr 15, 202551 min

460 - Think Like a Millionaire - Heidi DeCoux’s Top 6 Money + Mindset Shifts

Heidi DeCoux is an entrepreneur, tech innovator, and financial literacy advocate. Heidi has successfully built and scaled four businesses with 50%+ profit margins and sold three of them, one of which resulted in a 7-figure exit. In this conversation, Heidi shares some of the most important principles for success. Her latest adventure is launching the tech startup, Cashflowy.ai — a bookkeeping, client invoicing, and cash-flow management smart AI software for small businesses that eliminates the n...

Apr 08, 202533 min

459 - If You're a Coach Scared of AI, Listen to This (2025)

🧰 Get my book, You Are the Brand: https://amzn.to/40Ntc2O If you're a coach worried that AI is replacing human connection or will steal your clients, this is for you. There are two perspectives to what I'm sharing: From me to you, coach to coach: These are five reasons AI cannot replace you as a coach. From you to your clients: Use and adapt these points in your marketing to show why coaching can't be replaced by AI. This will help you position yourself stronger in your market—without giving aw...

Apr 01, 202513 min

458 - The Harsh Truth About AI Taking Over Coaching Industry

AI isn’t coming — it’s already here, reshaping the coaching, consulting, and expert industry at a speed that’s catching many off guard. In this episode, I share an unfiltered look at how AI is changing the personal brand space and what you must do right now to stay relevant, trusted, and in demand. This isn’t a tech tutorial — it’s a wake-up call. You don’t need to fear AI… but you do need a plan. 0:57 - Connection is the differentiator 2:25 - The viral AI YouTuber who lost my trust 5:07 - The m...

Mar 25, 202513 min

457 - 5 Big Mistakes When Trying to Monetize with a Small Audience

Turning your expertise into real income doesn’t require a massive audience—yet so many people get stuck believing they need one. In this episode, I break down the five biggest mistakes people make when trying to monetize their skills, and I’ll share the simple shifts that can unlock your true earning potential. 0:50 - The single biggest mistake: pricing too low from the start 1:50 - The "traffic from hell" model for pricing 6:08 - Success Hack: always assume people want to work with you 10:05 - ...

Mar 18, 202529 min

456 - 92% of Solopreneurs We Surveyed Said This… And It Explains Why They're Stuck

Robby Fowler is back to join me on the show and we've got some interesting insights to share. During a recent launch, we surveyed solopreneurs—coaches, consultants, and service-based experts—and 92% admitted to making a critical mistake that’s keeping them from consistent clients and revenue. The good news? Once you fix this, everything changes. In this episode, we break down: What 92% of solopreneurs are missing—and why it’s costing them clients. The biggest myth about growing your brand (and w...

Mar 04, 202524 min

455: Behind-the-Scenes of My Private Talk in Uganda - The Power of Asking Better Questions

In this episode, I’m bringing you a rare, behind-the-scenes leadership talk I gave for Ugandan Water Project , covering life transitions, unlearning old beliefs, and how asking better questions leads to better answers. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering What am I going to do with my life? , this episode will challenge you to rethink success, identity, and purpose. I share the pivotal moments that shaped my journey—from the expectations placed on me by my culture and faith, to my personal tu...

Feb 25, 202535 min

454: Why I Went to Uganda and What it Revealed About My Business and Life

What happens when you step outside your comfort zone and immerse yourself in something bigger than yourself? Fresh from a great trip to Uganda, I’m grappling with deep questions about work, meaning, and the unexpected ways life pulls us forward. This episode is a raw, unfiltered reflection on what I experienced—and how it’s shifting my perspective. 🔹 The real reason I said yes to this trip after years of saying no 🔹 How doing work on the ground changed my relationship with my own expertise 🔹 ...

Feb 18, 202523 min

453: Why successful people feel empty after achieving their goals with James Beng Lee

Today I talk with James Beng Lee to rethink success. Whether it’s hitting a financial goal, publishing books, or building a business, many people reach a point where they ask: What now? James has worked with top performers across various industries and has seen firsthand how success can often feel hollow when it’s not defined correctly. We discuss the phases when people start questioning their definition of success, how the fear of not enough keeps us stuck in achievement cycles, and why true tr...

Feb 11, 202547 min

452: Never-before-told personal stories that shaped my life as a bestselling author

In this episode, my friend Nick Cavuoto flips the script and puts me in the hot seat. We cover everything from my childhood dreams of becoming a comic book artist to the lessons I’ve learned from my parents, my entrepreneurial journey, and why books have become my personal legacy. I also open up about my relationship with my father—how we went nearly a decade without speaking, the wild stories from his past (including an actual CIA job offer!), and how reconnecting with him shifted my perspectiv...

Feb 04, 202533 min

451: Building a Unicorn Team to Make Big Things Happen with Jen Kem

If you’ve ever felt stuck doing everything yourself, this episode is for you. In this episode I sit down with Jen Kem to talk about her new book, Unicorn Team , and how it changed the way I think about building a team, managing ideas, and stepping into my own role as a leader. We share the hard truths about why working harder isn’t the answer and the mindset shifts that make all the difference. Why your next level requires a mindset shift from “donkey work” to “unicorn thinking” How to identify ...

Jan 28, 202538 min

450: Life Beyond Business - Why I’m Taking a (Hopefully) Life-Changing Trip to Africa

In this episode, I open up about my decision to travel to Uganda—a trip that’s less about adventure and more about reconnecting with what truly matters. After more than a decade in an industry that glorifies success and appearances, I’ve found myself searching for deeper meaning and alignment in life and work. This journey represents a step away from “life as usual” and into the unknown. Why a decade of success left me craving something deeper—and how I’m answering that call. The surprising less...

Jan 21, 202514 min

449: The Director’s Cut of My Book: A Fresh Look at 'You Are the Brand'

What if you could breathe new life into your book and connect with readers in a fresh, personal way? In this episode, I share a simple but powerful strategy I’ve started using: creating a “director’s cut” of your book. This approach not only gives your book a second life but also doubles as a standout marketing strategy on YouTube. Tune in to hear why this works, how I approached it for You Are the Brand , and how you can easily create your own director’s cut. What You’ll Learn: Why YouTube is t...

Jan 14, 202537 min

448: 7 Lessons from a Decade in Full-Time Business for Myself

In this first episode of 2025, I reflect on a decade of being in business full-time (I went full time in August of 2015). This is an honest look at what it truly takes to build a life and business that align with your values. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned entrepreneur, I hope these stories and insights will inspire you to live and work with greater intention. The 7 Lessons: Pain Pushes Until the Vision Pulls Honor Your Convictions and Make Decisions You'll be Proud of Later Sh*t...

Jan 07, 202524 min

447: How I Matched My Day Job Income—and Left Corporate Life Behind

If you’re dreaming about leaving your 9-to-5 to build a business, but you’re unsure where to start, I get it. Nearly 10 years ago, I was in your shoes—working long hours as a CMO, feeling unfulfilled, and wondering how I could create a life on my terms. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how I made the leap to full-time entrepreneurship, including the hard lessons I learned along the way and the strategies that worked. If you’re ready to start making moves toward freedom, this episode will giv...

Dec 03, 202418 min

446: What Pro Wrestling Taught Me About Breaking the Hustle Cycle

In this episode, we explore the drawbacks of hustle culture and the importance of integrating rest into our lives for sustainability. Through my experience with professional wrestling, I learned how relentless work without breaks can lead to burnout. The episode encourages listeners to rethink their approach to work by simulating urgent scenarios to practice delegation and task management. By prioritizing relationships and commitments that truly matter, the episode advocates for a balanced lifes...

Nov 26, 20249 minEp. 446

445: When the Life You Thought You’d Have Isn’t the Life You End Up With

In today’s episode, I get real about how my life hasn’t turned out the way I expected—and how that’s okay. I’ve spent a lot of time questioning the “standard” path of success and realizing that it’s not always the one we’re meant to walk. I f you’ve ever felt like your life isn’t going as planned, or if you’ve wondered if you’re climbing the right mountain, this episode is for you. I’ll share how I came to embrace my unique journey and why not giving up, even when it’s hard, is the key to findin...

Nov 19, 202417 min

444: The Big 5 Every Business Should Prepare For - Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, and Retirement

In this episode, Robby and I explore essential strategies for strengthening both business and personal relationships. We emphasize the importance of preparing for the "big five" challenges — death, disability, divorce, disagreement, and retirement — by having effective contingency plans in place. Drawing from the wisdom of mentor Marissa Nielsen and real-life examples, we underscore the value of trust, perseverance, and a supportive network when facing life's unpredictable challenges. Listeners ...

Nov 12, 202426 minEp. 444

443: Atmospheric Re-Entry - A Tiny Hack to Completely Change Your Post-Travel Blues

Travel can be exhilarating, but what happens when the excitement fades, and you're left with the quiet solitude of home? In this episode, we delve into "atmospheric re-entry," a process of easing back into daily life after the highs of travel. Learn how to make coming home just as fulfilling as the journey itself with these insightful strategies. Explore the concept of "atmospheric re-entry" and why it’s more common than we think. Find out why a simple Amazon order can be the secret to a smoothe...

Nov 05, 20247 min

442: Why Live Events are the Secret Weapon to Highly Engaged Coaching Programs and Communities

In this episode, Robby and I discuss the art of creating unforgettable live community events. We explore the power of in-person gatherings, highlighting their ability to foster stronger community connections and energize participants. From the strategic integration of events early in a program's lifecycle to planning successful standalone gatherings, we share tips on managing costs, maintaining engagement, and adding value. The discussion also covers the dynamics of hybrid events and the importa...

Oct 29, 202430 minEp. 442

441: The Only 3 Ways to Make More Money in Your Personal Brand Business

Listen in to a discussion on maximizing your business's revenue while fostering genuine community connections. This episode explores strategic methods for boosting profits through smart pricing, the significance of personal branding, and the art of creating meaningful relationships beyond mainstream platforms. Learn how to navigate the complexities of a diverse product suite and focus on authentic engagement to elevate your business. Join us for an in-depth look into business strategy and commun...

Oct 22, 202418 minEp. 441

440: Post-Mastermind Live Reflection from Effingham - Lessons Earned and Learned

In this episode, I share how our mastermind gatherings have evolved from focusing on content to fostering genuine connections and community. Join Lauren Davis, Jeremy Bielawski, and me as we explore the magic of intimate settings and unique activities that create meaningful experiences. We discuss self-reflection, acceptance, and the pursuit of joy beyond traditional business norms. This episode provides information on building authentic relationships, embracing personal growth, and celebrating ...

Oct 15, 202425 minEp. 440

439: My Simple Hack for Booking More High-Quality Leads at My Conference Booth

In this episode, I discuss strategies that can turn your convention booth into a lead-generating powerhouse. Drawing from my recent experience at JJ Virgin's Mindshare Conference, I share techniques like text-to-opt-in features and the strategic use of Calendly links to create meaningful connections with event attendees. Alongside booth strategies, I also share travel hacks to help you stay energized and well-rested throughout events. From cloud backups to magnesium gummies, discover how these t...

Oct 08, 202412 minEp. 439

438: From Random Emails to Newsletters - Why It Might Be Time to Shift Your Email Marketing

In this episode, Robby and I discuss the art and science behind crafting consistent and engaging newsletters. Robby shares his journey of maintaining his "Four Wins" newsletter for 180 consecutive weeks, providing insights for solopreneurs, consultants, and coaches. You'll discover how a structured format and the 'Five Cs' framework can revolutionize your content creation process. We also discuss the importance of embracing personal and current content, even when it feels uncomfortable, and how ...

Oct 01, 202431 minEp. 438

437: My Strategy for Building a Thought Leadership Brand From Scratch

Join us as we discuss the intricacies of building a thought leadership brand from scratch. This episode is packed with actionable insights on leveraging personal branding, forming strategic partnerships, and meticulously planning book launches. Discover how platforms like TikTok can be pivotal in career growth and learn from real-world examples of branding powerhouses like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. If you’re looking to elevate your corporate presence and master the art of strategic book launches...

Sep 24, 202435 minEp. 437
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