Ready to elevate your authority? Click the URL for a free digital copy of The Authority Advantage, available now for Covert Code listeners:

https://books.forbes.com/free-resources/the-authority-advantage/?rpaname=annacovert

In this episode of Authority as a Growth Strategy, a Forbes Books series presented by The Covert Code, Anna Covert sits down with Natalie Mazzarella, Vice President of Authority Brand Building at Advantage Media, to explore why personal brand is now a leadership mandate.

If 2026 is the Year of Authority, leaders can no longer afford to hide behind their company logo.

Natalie shares:

- Why CEOs must become the face of their brand

- The trust gap between corporations and consumers

- How AI is prioritizing earned media in search results

- Why authority is recognized — not claimed

- Simple actions leaders can take today to build visibility

- How authorship transforms expertise into legacy

One of the most powerful takeaways?

Your personal brand already exists — whether you build it intentionally or not.

LinkedIn says something.

Google says something.

AI says something.

The only question is: Are you shaping that narrative?

We also discuss:

- The power of earned media (and why it isn’t truly “free”)

- The importance of imperfect, authentic content

- Why books remain the most powerful authority signal

- The Forbes Books Blueprint process for building long-term credibility

Authority isn’t ego.

It’s service.

And the best time to start building it is now

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

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✨ CONNECT WITH NATALIE MAZZARELLA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-mazzarella-6678452a

Advantage Media: https://advantagemedia.com/author/nmazzarella/

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

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📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT:

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

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