A Category of One

If you’ve ever felt the tension between who you really are and who you think you’re supposed to be in business, this podcast is for you.

In this short introduction, Leslie Silverman shares why she created A Category of One — a podcast built around deep, honest conversations with entrepreneurs about authenticity, identity, and the courage to do things differently.

Each week, Leslie sits down with founders, creatives, and business leaders to explore what it really looks like to show up as the truest version of yourself both personally and professionally.

Because when we let our light shine, we give others permission to do the same.

Subscribe and join the conversation.

In this episode of A Category of One, Leslie Silverman sits down with copywriter and messaging strategist Rachael Johnson, founder of Rachael Johnson Creative, to talk about authentic messaging and what it really takes to build a brand that stands out.

Rachael shares her approach to copywriting through brand voice clarity, messaging strategy, and deep customer research. Instead of trying to sound like everyone else in an industry, she explains how leaning into personality can transform the way entrepreneurs communicate and attract the right clients.

Leslie and Rachael also dive into email marketing and why an email list remains one of the most valuable assets a business owner can build. They discuss how thoughtful messaging creates deeper connections with audiences and how AI can support the writing process without replacing the human voice behind great copy.

In this conversation, you will hear about:

• Finding and owning your brand voice  
• Why personality is a competitive advantage in business  
• The long-term value of email marketing  
• How to use AI without losing authenticity  
• Allowing your business and identity to evolve over time  

At its core, this episode is about trusting your instincts and having the courage to communicate in a way that genuinely reflects who you are.

Because the entrepreneurs who stand out are not the ones trying hardest to fit their industry’s mold. They are the ones who become a category of one.

Connect with Rachael Johnson:
IG: www.instagram.com/rachaelwritingcopy

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-johnson-copywriter/ 

Website: www.rj-creative.com

Skool community: https://www.skool.com/copy-confidence-club-8280/about 

Connect with Leslie Silverman:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/lesliesilverman/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-silverman-hive180/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/leslie.a.silverman

Website: https://lesliesilverman.com

Hive180 Branding Agency: https://hive180.com

00:00 Introduction to Rachael Johnson

02:16 The Unique Approach to Copywriting

04:37 Embracing Personality in Business

08:34 Launching the Copy Confidence Club

13:04 The Role of AI in Copywriting

18:45 Writing Authentic Emails

23:14 Building an Email List

29:56 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change

34:51 OUTRO