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In this debut episode of Brighter Presence, Barbara Rozgonyi introduces the podcast’s next chapter—and why personal branding, executive presence, and thought leadership matter more than ever in an AI-driven world.
Formerly known as Growing Social Now, the show began five years ago during the height of COVID, when social media became an essential way to stay connected, support communities, and keep businesses moving forward. At that time, Barbara’s work centered on fractional CMO leadership, agency consulting, digital marketing, and strategic communications.
Today, the conversation has evolved.
From Visibility to Brighter PresenceAs AI accelerates content creation and reshapes how people discover experts, businesses, and ideas, simply being visible is no longer enough. The challenge is to be recognizable, credible, and trusted—both online and in the rooms where important decisions are made.
AI makes publishing easier, but it can also make voices blend together. Generic content, rapid-fire updates, shifting algorithms, and unpredictable AI search results can distort or dilute what people understand about your expertise.
That's where personal branding becomes a business asset rather than a vanity project.
Your brand must close the gap between:
Barbara brings a unique perspective to this work through her background in public relations, marketing, keynote speaking, and photography.
Like a photograph, a personal brand depends on the right exposure, focus, angle, resolution, and story. If any of those elements are off, your strongest qualities may be difficult for others to see clearly.
Future episodes will introduce the AURAS framework, a practical way to examine and strengthen your presence through:
This podcast will explore the changing intersection of personal branding, AI, public relations, visibility, executive presence, and keynote speaking.
Upcoming conversations and episodes will include:
Whether you lead a company, represent an organization, build a consulting practice, pursue speaking opportunities, or want to be more intentional about how people experience your work, Brighter Presence is designed to help you communicate with greater clarity and confidence.
Episode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by CoryWest Media, helping executives, founders, and experts elevate visibility, strengthen modern PR, and build magnetic personal brands for an AI-driven world.
CoryWest Media offers keynote speaking, corporate training, strategic communications support, and personal brand strategy audits for leaders who are ready to stand out for the right reasons.
Take the Mic CheckVisit Brighter Presence to learn more about the podcast and download the free Mic Check guide. Use it to evaluate your current digital footprint and audio-visual presence before your next important meeting, presentation, media appearance, or keynote.
Until next time, keep elevating your voice, sharpening your focus, and building your brighter presence.
Five years ago, I launched Growing Social Now to reconnect with friends, colleagues, and inspiring leaders during the isolation of COVID.
Along the way, something unexpected happened.
As I revisited more than 50 conversations with entrepreneurs, marketers, keynote speakers, authors, innovators, and business leaders, I realized the podcast had never really been about social media.
It had always been about presence.
In this first episode of Brighter Presence, I share the story behind the rebrand, why visibility today is about far more than marketing, and what you can expect from this next chapter.
If you're a CEO, executive, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, marketer, association leader, or business professional who wants to build greater visibility, credibility, influence, and trust in the age of AI, you're in the right place.
Together, we'll explore executive visibility, thought leadership, AI, public relations, marketing, branding, storytelling, leadership, communication, creativity, travel, photography, and the people shaping what's next.
I'm Barbara Rozgonyi, keynote speaker, marketing strategist, founder of Brighter Presence, and The Visibility Architect™. For more than three decades, I've helped leaders, organizations, and brands become easier to find, natural to trust, and impossible to ignore.
Follow the podcast and subscribe to the Brighter Presence newsletter for practical strategies, inspiring conversations, and fresh ideas to help you build a brighter presence—in your work, your community, and your life.
Welcome to Brighter Presence! I'm Barbara Rozgonyi, and I'm so glad you're here.
What you'll get:
Practical AI, PR, and marketing strategies to build visibility, credibility, influence, and trust.
Who it's for:
Leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, CMOs, keynote speakers, associations, and thought leaders ready to show up and stand out.
What it's about:
Exploring where AI, public relations, marketing, leadership, storytelling, and authentic human connection meet, and what that means for the future of business and leadership.
Your host:
Barbara Rozgonyi, The Visibility Architect™, keynote speaker, founder of Brighter Presence™ (formerly Growing Social Now), CoryWest Media, and WIRED PR Works, Fractional CMO, marketing and PR strategist, author, and photographer. I work with leaders who want to build trust, influence, and a brighter presence in an AI-powered world.
Need a keynote speaker or visibility strategist for your next event? Visit BarbaraRozgonyi.com.
Thanks for listening. I can't wait to continue the conversation with you.
BarbaraRozgonyi.com | LinkedIn: Barbara Rozgonyi | Newsletter + Podcast: Brighter Presence
Ready to revolutionize your marketing leadership - and your copywriting? Join Barbara Rozgonyi, host of Growing Social Now, fractional CMO, and marketing transformer, with special guest Dean Waye, host of the Fractional CMO 90 Day Win podcast and master of first-impression copywriting. Get the keys to unlock strategies that will change your marketing, your business, and your world!
🎯 Episode Highlights
💡 You'll Discover
Perfect for
🔑 Key Takeaways
Guest Expert: Dean Waye brings unique insights from his successful podcast focused on fractional CMOs and his expertise in crafting compelling first-contact materials that capture attention in today's noisy digital landscape.
This power-packed episode reveals the intersection of strategic marketing leadership and compelling copywriting - the combination that's helping today's fastest-growing companies win.
🎙️ Notable Quotes: "In today's market, you don't need a full-time CMO - you need full-time CMO thinking." "The first impression is everything - get it wrong, and nothing else matters."
Ready to transform your marketing strategy and leadership approach?
Connect with
#FractionalCMO #MarketingLeadership #Copywriting #GrowthStrategy
Subscribe to Growing Social Now wherever you get your podcasts and never miss an episode packed with actionable marketing insights.
Welcome to Brighter Presence! I'm Barbara Rozgonyi, and I'm so glad you're here.
What you'll get:
Practical AI, PR, and marketing strategies to build visibility, credibility, influence, and trust.
Who it's for:
Leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, CMOs, keynote speakers, associations, and thought leaders ready to show up and stand out.
What it's about:
Exploring where AI, public relations, marketing, leadership, storytelling, and authentic human connection meet, and what that means for the future of business and leadership.
Your host:
Barbara Rozgonyi, The Visibility Architect™, keynote speaker, founder of Brighter Presence™ (formerly Growing Social Now), CoryWest Media, and WIRED PR Works, Fractional CMO, marketing and PR strategist, author, and photographer. I work with leaders who want to build trust, influence, and a brighter presence in an AI-powered world.
Need a keynote speaker or visibility strategist for your next event? Visit BarbaraRozgonyi.com.
Thanks for listening. I can't wait to continue the conversation with you.
BarbaraRozgonyi.com | LinkedIn: Barbara Rozgonyi | Newsletter + Podcast: Brighter Presence
How can content marketing change your future fortunes?
In this episode of Growing Social Now, host Barbara Rozgonyi interviews Andy Crestodina, co-founder and CMO of Orbit Media, about the future of digital marketing, content strategy, and personal branding. With over 24 years of experience, Andy shares insights on blogging, AI in marketing, and strategies for standing out in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
Key Takeaways:
1. Original research and strong opinions are two content formats AI cannot replicate, making them valuable for differentiation.
2. AI should be used for research and performance improvement rather than just efficiency in content creation.
3. Blogging remains relevant, as it helps build a digital footprint necessary for AI recommendations in the future.
4. Personal branding through LinkedIn, newsletters, and in-person networking is crucial for thought leadership.
Surprising Moments:
1. Crestodina's stance on cream in coffee as an example of strong opinions AI can't replicate.
2. The revelation that even AI scientists don't fully understand AI, challenging the notion of "AI experts."
Tune in for the best 20 minutes you'll spend this week!
Thanks for listening and subscribing to Growing Social Now with Barbara Rozgonyi, produced by CoryWest Media.
Welcome to Brighter Presence! I'm Barbara Rozgonyi, and I'm so glad you're here.
What you'll get:
Practical AI, PR, and marketing strategies to build visibility, credibility, influence, and trust.
Who it's for:
Leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, CMOs, keynote speakers, associations, and thought leaders ready to show up and stand out.
What it's about:
Exploring where AI, public relations, marketing, leadership, storytelling, and authentic human connection meet, and what that means for the future of business and leadership.
Your host:
Barbara Rozgonyi, The Visibility Architect™, keynote speaker, founder of Brighter Presence™ (formerly Growing Social Now), CoryWest Media, and WIRED PR Works, Fractional CMO, marketing and PR strategist, author, and photographer. I work with leaders who want to build trust, influence, and a brighter presence in an AI-powered world.
Need a keynote speaker or visibility strategist for your next event? Visit BarbaraRozgonyi.com.
Thanks for listening. I can't wait to continue the conversation with you.
BarbaraRozgonyi.com | LinkedIn: Barbara Rozgonyi | Newsletter + Podcast: Brighter Presence
Where do you go to mine digital marketing gold? How about Charlotte, NC - the place where the gold rush started? Listen in as Barbara Rozgonyi, a fractional CMO and CEO of CoryWest Media, shares insights from DigiMarCon Southeast Atlantic in Charlotte where she presented "PR in the Digital Age: How to Amplify Your Brand's Voice Through Integrated Marketing."
You'll learn how to shift your perception of marketing from a cost center to a revenue generator by mastering the latest, and best, strategies for branding, customer experience, sustainability, and AI. DigiMarCon’s speaker lineup was exceptional, including Fernando Angulo, Austin Armstrong, Sunny Dublick, Christina Garnett, EMBA, Jedediah Jenk, Nisha Kashyap, Beth Magee, Lorenzo Morales, Julie Murphy, Chad Petersen, Barbara Rozgonyi, Michael Tucker, and Dennis Yu. This episode is packed with insights that will make your marketing shine like gold!!
Welcome to Brighter Presence! I'm Barbara Rozgonyi, and I'm so glad you're here. t7BjiHxPUn8XXimD9HdT
What you'll get:
Practical AI, PR, and marketing strategies to build visibility, credibility, influence, and trust.
Who it's for:
Leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, CMOs, keynote speakers, associations, and thought leaders ready to show up and stand out.
What it's about:
Exploring where AI, public relations, marketing, leadership, storytelling, and authentic human connection meet, and what that means for the future of business and leadership.
Your host:
Barbara Rozgonyi, The Visibility Architect™, keynote speaker, founder of Brighter Presence™ (formerly Growing Social Now), CoryWest Media, and WIRED PR Works, Fractional CMO, marketing and PR strategist, author, and photographer. I work with leaders who want to build trust, influence, and a brighter presence in an AI-powered world.
Need a keynote speaker or visibility strategist for your next event? Visit BarbaraRozgonyi.com.
Thanks for listening. I can't wait to continue the conversation with you.
BarbaraRozgonyi.com | LinkedIn: Barbara Rozgonyi | Newsletter + Podcast: Brighter Presence
Is the marketing world facing a hidden recession? Discover the truth behind the numbers with me, Barbara Rozgonyi, in this eye-opening episode of Growing Social Now News. Based on an exclusive survey by Bospar, CMO Huddles, and Redpoint, we uncover how 121 CMOs are grappling with budget cuts, extended deal cycles, and significant layoffs despite a flourishing stock market. Tune in to learn why 69% of these marketing leaders believe their industry is in recession.
Ever wondered how cutting media spending impacts sales? Hear fascinating statistics revealing an 18% sales drop for brands that reduce media budgets, contrasted with a 54% ROI for those maintaining or boosting their spend. We also tackle the extended deal cycles hitting startups especially hard and the severe personal and professional toll on CMOs. From the challenge of securing budget approvals amidst lackluster digital transformation to the troubling trend of marketing seen as a cost center, this episode provides essential insights and strategies for smart marketers navigating these turbulent times. Don't miss this compelling discussion!
Growing Social Now is produced by CoryWest Media and hosted by Barbara Rozgonyi.
Welcome to Brighter Presence! I'm Barbara Rozgonyi, and I'm so glad you're here.
What you'll get:
Practical AI, PR, and marketing strategies to build visibility, credibility, influence, and trust.
Who it's for:
Leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, CMOs, keynote speakers, associations, and thought leaders ready to show up and stand out.
What it's about:
Exploring where AI, public relations, marketing, leadership, storytelling, and authentic human connection meet, and what that means for the future of business and leadership.
Your host:
Barbara Rozgonyi, The Visibility Architect™, keynote speaker, founder of Brighter Presence™ (formerly Growing Social Now), CoryWest Media, and WIRED PR Works, Fractional CMO, marketing and PR strategist, author, and photographer. I work with leaders who want to build trust, influence, and a brighter presence in an AI-powered world.
Need a keynote speaker or visibility strategist for your next event? Visit BarbaraRozgonyi.com.
Thanks for listening. I can't wait to continue the conversation with you.
BarbaraRozgonyi.com | LinkedIn: Barbara Rozgonyi | Newsletter + Podcast: Brighter Presence
Fresh from visiting the future of marketing at AMA Chicago's BrandSmart 2024, your Growing Social Now Host Barbara Rozgonyi, dissects the revolutionary ideas and trends reshaping our industry. Expect to hear about the seismic shifts AI is causing in our field, not just in terms of efficiency but as a catalyst for creativity and connection.
We'll reflect on the power of storytelling in brand identity, the evolution of B2B marketing, and the ways AI is reshaping the advertising landscape. This episode isn't just a recap; it's an invitation to be part of a bold new era where marketing is as much about innovation and audacity as it is about understanding and engaging with the stories we all share. At one hour, THE longest Growing Social Now News episode ever is power-packed with insights and takeaways to transport you to the future. Thanks for listening, subscribing, and sharing!
#BrandSmart2024 #barbararozgonyi #2024marketingtrends #b2bmarketing #b2cmarketing #dtcmarketing #fractionalcmo #amachicago #americanmarketingassocation #podcast #marketingpodcast #podcasthost
Mentioned in this episode
Leslie Marshall Chief Marketing Officer, Mesmerise Group, former AMA Chicago President, as an excellent #BrandSmart2024 Emcee; and Chris McGuire, AMA Chicago President, Director Of Client Growth and Engagement, McGuffin Creative Group, Inc., and an engaging game show host!!
Thanks to AMA Chicago for hosting and these smart speakers for sharing their brilliance:
Staying Grounded While Launching an Out-of-this-World Brand
Sheila Hamilton, Marketing and Menu Lead - New Business Ventures, McDonald’s
Embracing A.I. and Maintaining the Human Touch
Jennifer Polk, Chief Marketing and Digital Experience Officer, Feeding America
Beyond the Game: Crafting Unforgettable Brand Experience Journeys Through Sports
Linden White, Head of Account Management and Integrated Solutions, rEvolution
Lisa Nucci, CMO, Choose Chicago
Dan Moriarty, CMO, Chicago Fire FC
Branding in the Narrative Economy: The Psychology of Consumer Experiences
Kristian A. Alomá, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Threadline
Ask Me Anything Panel of Experts
Shannon Lee, Senior VP of Creative, StudioNorth
Pepper Miller, President, The Hunter-Miller Group
Lindsay Gash, Creative Innovation Lead, NA Agency, Meta
Andy Crestodina, Co-founder & CMO, Orbit Media Studios
Innovation as Creativity
Meghan Hurley, Vice-President of Global Brand Marketing, Claire's
Bronco Boost: Generative AI’s Marketing Journey Goes from Zero to 60
Joe Grigsby, Panel Moderator, VML
Jen Swanstrom, US Retail & Shopper Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company
Chris Scuro, VP/Director of Digital Business at Platforms, Ford at GTB
David Chan, Digital Strategist, Ford at GTB
Architecting Your Future
Jennifer Wesley, Managing Director Talent and Strategy Development, Google
Welcome to Brighter Presence! I'm Barbara Rozgonyi, and I'm so glad you're here.
What you'll get:
Practical AI, PR, and marketing strategies to build visibility, credibility, influence, and trust.
Who it's for:
Leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, CMOs, keynote speakers, associations, and thought leaders ready to show up and stand out.
What it's about:
Exploring where AI, public relations, marketing, leadership, storytelling, and authentic human connection meet, and what that means for the future of business and leadership.
Your host:
Barbara Rozgonyi, The Visibility Architect™, keynote speaker, founder of Brighter Presence™ (formerly Growing Social Now), CoryWest Media, and WIRED PR Works, Fractional CMO, marketing and PR strategist, author, and photographer. I work with leaders who want to build trust, influence, and a brighter presence in an AI-powered world.
Need a keynote speaker or visibility strategist for your next event? Visit BarbaraRozgonyi.com.
Thanks for listening. I can't wait to continue the conversation with you.
BarbaraRozgonyi.com | LinkedIn: Barbara Rozgonyi | Newsletter + Podcast: Brighter Presence
Welcome to Brighter Presence! I'm Barbara Rozgonyi, and I'm so glad you're here.
What you'll get:
Practical AI, PR, and marketing strategies to build visibility, credibility, influence, and trust.
Who it's for:
Leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, CMOs, keynote speakers, associations, and thought leaders ready to show up and stand out.
What it's about:
Exploring where AI, public relations, marketing, leadership, storytelling, and authentic human connection meet, and what that means for the future of business and leadership.
Your host:
Barbara Rozgonyi, The Visibility Architect™, keynote speaker, founder of Brighter Presence™ (formerly Growing Social Now), CoryWest Media, and WIRED PR Works, Fractional CMO, marketing and PR strategist, author, and photographer. I work with leaders who want to build trust, influence, and a brighter presence in an AI-powered world.
Need a keynote speaker or visibility strategist for your next event? Visit BarbaraRozgonyi.com.
Thanks for listening. I can't wait to continue the conversation with you.
BarbaraRozgonyi.com | LinkedIn: Barbara Rozgonyi | Newsletter + Podcast: Brighter Presence
Podcasting is the new king of the hill, and we've got the numbers to prove it! With 100 million Americans tuning into podcasts every week, the latest Edison Research Infinite Dial Report for 2024 reveals that podcasting isn't just for the tech-savvy or trendsetters anymore—it's a widespread phenomenon. This episode shines a light on the incredible surge in female listeners, who are now almost as likely to hit play on a podcast as their male counterparts. And get this, the once yawning gender gap in listenership is nearly a thing of the past. We're talking about a seismic shift in media consumption that's rewriting the playbook for brands and marketers, emphasizing the absolute must that is integrating podcasts into advertising strategies and content marketing. Buckle up and get ready to navigate the bustling highway of digital media with this latest episode!
Download the Edison Research 2024 Infinite Dial Report
https://www.edisonresearch.com/the-infinite-dial-2024/
About Barbara Rozgonyi and Growing Social Now
Barbara Rozgonyi, a leading authority in social media and digital marketing, hosts the dynamic Growing Social Now Network and publishes the top PR blog, wiredPRworks. Through insightful interviews and thought-provoking discussions, Barbara empowers brands, marketers, and entrepreneurs to harness the full potential of digital media for business growth and community engagement. With a finger on the pulse of emerging trends and technologies, Barbara’s platform serves as a valuable resource for navigating the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape with high-level marketing intelligence.
Work with Leading Podcast Influencer & Producer Barbara Rozgonyi
Barbara Rozgonyi is a visionary thought leadership voice in podcasting, social media marketing and digital growth strategies. Having produced three podcasts and hosted shows in multiple categories, she offers unmatched expertise to help brands effectively tap into the podcast boom through:
With podcasting rapidly becoming a must-play for brands, there's no better guide than Barbara to claim your brand's audio territory and drive business results.
Reach out to explore having Barbara as your podcast influencer or producer today!
Site: BarbaraRozgonyi.com
Barbara Rozgonyi on LinkedIn
https://linkedin.com/in/barbararozgonyi
Welcome to Brighter Presence! I'm Barbara Rozgonyi, and I'm so glad you're here.
What you'll get:
Practical AI, PR, and marketing strategies to build visibility, credibility, influence, and trust.
Who it's for:
Leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, CMOs, keynote speakers, associations, and thought leaders ready to show up and stand out.
What it's about:
Exploring where AI, public relations, marketing, leadership, storytelling, and authentic human connection meet, and what that means for the future of business and leadership.
Your host:
Barbara Rozgonyi, The Visibility Architect™, keynote speaker, founder of Brighter Presence™ (formerly Growing Social Now), CoryWest Media, and WIRED PR Works, Fractional CMO, marketing and PR strategist, author, and photographer. I work with leaders who want to build trust, influence, and a brighter presence in an AI-powered world.
Need a keynote speaker or visibility strategist for your next event? Visit BarbaraRozgonyi.com.
Thanks for listening. I can't wait to continue the conversation with you.
BarbaraRozgonyi.com | LinkedIn: Barbara Rozgonyi | Newsletter + Podcast: Brighter Presence
95% of B2B buyers aren't actively hunting for new solutions. How can a marketer get their attention? From white papers to webinars, this episode explores how an hour per week of strategic content consumption is swaying decisions . Plus, we'll expose why a staggering 70% of executives are ditching traditional marketing for the credibility of thought leadership.
Get Key Takeaways for B2B Marketers from 2024 B2B Thought Leadership Impact Report, Reaching Beyond the Ready: Thought Leader's Impact on Engaging Out of Market B2B Buyers, a collaborative effort by Edelman and LinkedIn
Welcome to Growing Social Now, the podcast where we explore the latest trends, strategies, and insights in social media, PR, and digital marketing. Hosted by Barbara Rozgonyi, a seasoned marketing expert, and thought leader, this show is your go-to resource for unlocking growth opportunities in today's dynamic digital landscape.
Discover how thought leadership can elevate your brand's credibility, attract new prospects, retain loyal customers, and maximize profitability on every deal.
Download 2024 B2B Marketing Thought Leadership Report from Edelman and LinkedIn.
Whether you're a seasoned marketer looking to refine your strategy or a business leader seeking innovative ways to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to grow your social presence and unlock new opportunities with Growing Social Now!
Don't forget to subscribe for weekly episodes packed with actionable insights and expert interviews. Join us on the journey to mastering marketing and driving real results for your business. Welcome to Growing Social Now - let's grow together!
About Barbara Rozgonyi and Growing Social Now
Barbara Rozgonyi, a leading authority in social media and digital marketing, hosts the dynamic Growing Social Now Network and publishes the top PR blog, wiredPRworks. Through insightful interviews and thought-provoking discussions, Barbara empowers brands, marketers, and entrepreneurs to harness the full potential of digital media for business growth and community engagement. With a finger on the pulse of emerging trends and technologies, Barbara’s platform serves as a valuable resource for navigating the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape with high-level marketing intelligence.
Welcome to Brighter Presence! I'm Barbara Rozgonyi, and I'm so glad you're here.
What you'll get:
Practical AI, PR, and marketing strategies to build visibility, credibility, influence, and trust.
Who it's for:
Leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, CMOs, keynote speakers, associations, and thought leaders ready to show up and stand out.
What it's about:
Exploring where AI, public relations, marketing, leadership, storytelling, and authentic human connection meet, and what that means for the future of business and leadership.
Your host:
Barbara Rozgonyi, The Visibility Architect™, keynote speaker, founder of Brighter Presence™ (formerly Growing Social Now), CoryWest Media, and WIRED PR Works, Fractional CMO, marketing and PR strategist, author, and photographer. I work with leaders who want to build trust, influence, and a brighter presence in an AI-powered world.
Need a keynote speaker or visibility strategist for your next event? Visit BarbaraRozgonyi.com.
Thanks for listening. I can't wait to continue the conversation with you.
BarbaraRozgonyi.com | LinkedIn: Barbara Rozgonyi | Newsletter + Podcast: Brighter Presence
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