Authority Builder Podcast | Client-Winning Strategies for Coaches, Consultants, and Creatives Who Want to Lead With Authority.

In this special episode of the Authority Builder Podcast, Tony Ruilli of Intentional Spark flips the script and interviews Charlotte, founder of Kaffeen, about her Authority Builder programme and the art of building authority as a consultant, coach, or agency owner. 

The conversation dives into the challenges of moving beyond referrals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the emotional hurdles of stepping into an authority role. 

Charlotte shares practical strategies for creating an “authority platform”—from hosting podcasts and writing books to leveraging existing content and sales call transcripts. 

The episode also explores the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and being genuinely helpful, rather than self-promotional or salesy. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to start building authority in a way that feels ethical, approachable, and sustainable, with tips for repurposing content and developing a consistent marketing system. 

Key topics include mindset shifts, content creation hacks, and the value of sharing expertise generously.

Entering the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards? I’ve written DEA entries for 16 years, with a 95%+ win rate.

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Charlotte is joined by Patti Dayleg, MPH Leadership Coach and CEO of Malaya Solutions, to explore what care led leadership looks like when DEI is politicised, funding is uncertain, and mission driven teams are stretched thin. 

Patti shares how leaders can stay grounded, connected, and effective while navigating fear, secondary trauma, and constant change across the nonprofit and social impact landscape.

They discuss why leadership stability matters, how burnout grows when people lose a sense of impact, and why evidence of outcomes helps leaders stay focused. Patti also breaks down her relationship led approach to business development, including why one email and one Instagram post reactivated her network, and what she would do if starting again from scratch.

Key topics covered
- DEI backlash and real world impact on nonprofits and communities 
- Healing leadership, somatics, and staying grounded under pressure 
- Leadership turnover, team protection, and organisational stability 
- Defining success in mission based work versus growth driven models 
- Funding shifts, coalition funding, and collaboration in philanthropy 
- Relationship based business development without the online hustle 

Links and resources
Podcast: https://malayasolutions.com/podcast 
Email list: https://malayasolutions.com/email-opt-in

Entering the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards? I’ve written DEA entries for 16 years, with a 95%+ win rate.

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Megan Dowd, certified equity-centred coach and former classical actress, shares how she went from Pilates instructor to copywriter and brand language strategist, and what it really took to build authority. 

We talk about simplifying to one core offer, why “enthusiastic overthinkers” are her favourite clients, and how language that feels good in your brain and body leads to clearer marketing and better-fit leads.

Megan also explains her “Burn It Down Day” process for rebuilding a business around what’s true in your current season of life, plus the practical shift that changed everything: confidently asking for referrals.

Key topics covered:
- From Pilates to brand language and copywriting 
- Building authority by focusing on one offer and 10 clients’ worth of data 
- Neurodivergence, overthinking, and finding words that feel true 
- Burn It Down Day: resetting your business without guilt or sunk cost 
- Ordinary stories, human-first marketing, and attracting aligned clients 
- Referrals as a sustainable growth strategy

Resources mentioned:
- Burn It Down Day Workshop Info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ok5mqT9t-WAy266ExTzvtrssmedCM8-0bMruGF4hX8Y/edit?usp=sharing 

- Diagnose the Disconnect quiz: https://withmegandowd.com/quiz  

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withmegandowd/

Entering the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards? I’ve written DEA entries for 16 years, with a 95%+ win rate.

Not sure your project is a contender? Tell me about it and get a free verdict

Got a serious contender, or re-entering? Book a call

Guesting, Growth, and the New Rules of Authority, with Tom Schwab

In this episode, Charlotte welcomes Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet and pioneer of podcast interview marketing. Tom shares his journey from engineering and e-commerce to becoming a leading voice in authority building for consultants, coaches, and advisors. The conversation explores why authority—not attention—is the real differentiator for service providers, and how podcast guesting accelerates trust and business growth.

Key topics include:

• Tom’s origin story and the evolution of podcast interview marketing
• The difference between attention and true authority
• How AI is now a major referral source, and why podcasts are favoured by AI engines
• Practical strategies for leveraging podcast interviews to build authority and generate leads
• The compounding effect of consistent guesting versus hosting your own show
• The importance of authenticity, niching, and the “heck yes or no” client filter
• Actionable steps for founders to start building authority in 30 days

Tom also shares tips on repurposing podcast content, nurturing prospects, and why consistency trumps chasing shiny objects.

Entering the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards? I’ve written DEA entries for 16 years, with a 95%+ win rate.

Not sure your project is a contender? Tell me about it and get a free verdict

Got a serious contender, or re-entering? Book a call

In this episode of the Authority Builder podcast, Charlotte is joined by her coach, Steph Crowder, a sales and strategy coach (and former Director of Sales Training at Groupon) who helps entrepreneurs sell with courage, clarity, and confidence. 

Steph shares why business growth is rarely about doing more, and almost always about doing the right money-making activities consistently, even when it feels repetitive.

They unpack how to get out of your head and into action, including practical ways to reduce overwhelm, build sales momentum, and stop chasing novelty. Steph explains her BuzzBlitz framework for repeatable sales campaigns, plus why trust and frequency matter more than perfection in today’s noisy market. 

You will also hear why podcasts and other voice-led content are powerful authority builders in 2025 to 2026, especially for high-ticket offers.

Key topics covered:
- Prioritisation and the myth of being “done”
- Repetition, habits, and daily money-making activities
- Warm invitations and reactivating your network
- BuzzBlitz, webinars, and sustainable launches
- Authority building through podcasts, audio, and video

Entering the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards? I’ve written DEA entries for 16 years, with a 95%+ win rate.

Not sure your project is a contender? Tell me about it and get a free verdict

Got a serious contender, or re-entering? Book a call

From Start-Up to Scale-Up: Mark Scrivener’s Guide to Sustainable Growth

In this episode of the Authority Builder Podcast, Charlotte Ellis Maldari welcomes Mark Scrivener—board advisor, fractional COO/CXO, and strategic leader with over 15 years’ experience in scaling tech-driven businesses. Mark shares his journey from small digital agencies to leading large-scale teams, offering practical insights on adaptability, user empathy, and building cultures that thrive.

Key topics include:
- The evolution from start-up to scale-up, and the systems that matter most at each stage
- How to avoid bottlenecks by empowering teams and sharing responsibility
- The myth of the “superstar” employee and the importance of delegation
- Embracing failure as a learning and marketing opportunity
- When to stabilise versus when to pursue growth
- The role of automation and AI in scaling efficiently
- The enduring value of human connection and transparent communication

Mark also discusses “transitional design” and how purposeful leadership can drive real-world impact. Whether you’re a founder, agency leader, or scaling enterprise, this episode is packed with actionable advice for sustainable growth.

Entering the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards? I’ve written DEA entries for 16 years, with a 95%+ win rate.

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Got a serious contender, or re-entering? Book a call

In this episode, we welcome physical therapist and strength coach Ramez Antoun, founder of Spine PT University. Ramez shares his journey from private concierge PT to building a thriving B2B education business, teaching sports physical therapists how to solve sciatica and progress patients back to the gym. He discusses the challenges of shifting from insurance-based to private pay models, the importance of refining messaging, and how listening to clients transformed his marketing.

Key topics include:
- The evolution of Spine PT University and responding to market demand
- Balancing clinical work, business growth, and family life
- The power of customer listening and using client language in marketing
- Lessons learned from a failed launch and the value of embracing mistakes
- The founder’s role in marketing and messaging
- Overcoming self-doubt, rejection sensitivity, and the impact of therapy
- Practical tips for content creation, handling trolls, and building authority

Connect with Ramez on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/spine_pt_university/) or visit spineptuniversity.com. This episode is a must-listen for clinicians and entrepreneurs navigating business growth and personal development.

Entering the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards? I’ve written DEA entries for 16 years, with a 95%+ win rate.

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Got a serious contender, or re-entering? Book a call

In this episode, Charlotte interviews Holly Rustick, world-renowned grant writer, bestselling author, and business coach. Holly shares her journey from international nonprofit work to building a thriving, location-independent grant writing business from Guam. She reveals how her students have secured over $250 million in grants and $7.4 million in business revenue, all while championing a mission to reach $1 billion in funding by 2030.

Key topics include:

• Holly’s unconventional start in grant writing and her global, remote work lifestyle
• The evolution from agency work to launching the Freelance Grant Writer Academy and Grant Professional Mentorship
• The power of tracking results with Airtable and celebrating student wins
• Building authority through podcasting and publishing a bestselling book
• The importance of literal branding and clear messaging
• Strategies for scaling, including productising services and running live trainings
• Empowering women in the nonprofit sector and creating a movement for change

Tune in for actionable insights on niching down, building authority, and creating impact-driven business growth.

Links Holly has shared

• Free Grant Writing Class: How to Write a Winning Grant in 7 Steps - https://grantwritingandfunding.com/free-grant-writing-class
• Freelance Grant Writer Checklist: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/5-steps-to-become-a-freelance-grant-writer
• Write Grants, Get Paid Newsletter: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/write-grants-get-paid-newsletter
• Private Podcast - Master Grant Template Downloadable and 5 part Private Podcast Series: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/private-podcast

Entering the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards? I’ve written DEA entries for 16 years, with a 95%+ win rate.

Not sure your project is a contender? Tell me about it and get a free verdict

Got a serious contender, or re-entering? Book a call

In this episode, Charlotte welcomes Tony Rulli, CEO and Lead Growth Strategist at Intentional Spark, for a candid conversation about scaling online businesses, the realities of running ads, and building authority as a creator. Tony shares his journey from corporate banking to digital marketing, the lessons learned from launching a subscription spice box, and how those experiences shaped his approach to growth strategy.

Key topics include:
- The importance of testing offers organically before investing in ads
- Why a “growth partner” mindset goes beyond traditional ad management
- The value of group programmes for creators not yet ready for full agency support
- How to design funnels that attract leads who actually buy
- The difference between ad creative and organic content—and why “messy” video often wins
- Practical tips for tracking the right metrics and avoiding low-quality leads
- Why every business owner should understand the basics of ads, even if they plan to outsource

Tony’s advice is honest, actionable, and rooted in real-world experience—perfect for creators and business owners ready to scale with integrity.

[email protected]
www.intentionalspark.com/kaffeen

Entering the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards? I’ve written DEA entries for 16 years, with a 95%+ win rate.

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Got a serious contender, or re-entering? Book a call

In this episode, Charlotte Ellis Maldari welcomes Heather Hammell, renowned MFR coach, author, and podcaster, to discuss building authority and finding clients in the highly specialised field of myofascial release (MFR). Heather shares her journey from struggling MFR therapist to successful business coach, highlighting the importance of niching down, community-building, and charging what you’re worth.

Key topics include:
- What myofascial release is and how it differs from other therapies
- The global spread and training challenges of MFR
- The power and trade-offs of micro-niching
- Building authority through books, podcasts, and seminars
- Creative marketing strategies, including affiliate programmes and branded swag
- Overcoming mindset blocks, imposter syndrome, and the importance of modelling success
- Retention strategies and balancing mindset coaching with practical business advice

Heather’s story is a masterclass in leveraging expertise, community, and personal branding to create a thriving business in a niche market. 

Find out more at

www.themfrcoach.com/foundation

https://themfrcoach.com/beyond-100k

https://themfrcoach.com/podcast/

https://themfrcoach.com/toolbox

www.themfrcoach.com/webinar (monthly free live trainings)

Entering the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards? I’ve written DEA entries for 16 years, with a 95%+ win rate.

Not sure your project is a contender? Tell me about it and get a free verdict

Got a serious contender, or re-entering? Book a call