You can’t stand out online with the same polished lines everyone else uses. Claude turns the tables and interviews me about what actually happens when you try to “sound more human” with AI and why most people fail on the first try: they serve the boardroom version of themselves. We unpack the cliché laundering problem, where AI doesn’t fix generic messaging it can amplify it unless you explicitly train it to challenge your answers, call out platitudes, and push for what the customer would care about.

From there, we move into the hard part of storytelling for LinkedIn and personal branding. The issue usually isn’t that people have no stories, it’s that they don’t know which moments are interesting to someone else. We talk through practical ways to surface better material: paying attention to moments with tension, keeping quick notes, using AI to interview you until the specifics show up, and shaping the story around the audience’s perspective rather than your timeline.

We also pressure-test my frameworks like the 3x5 method for commenting and AAE (acknowledge, add value, extend). Structure helps people start, but if you follow it like a script, you’ll sound robotic, and sameness kills attention. That’s where the Von Restorff effect comes in: the different thing gets remembered, and often the “different thing” is emotion. We close with the simplest takeaway that almost nobody does: have the same real conversation in comments that you’d have face to face.

If you want your content to carry your voice, not just your tips, listen now, then subscribe, share this with a colleague who posts safe, and leave a review telling me what you’re going to change first.

When everything looks the same, your brain tunes it out. When something is different, it gets noticed and remembered. That's the von Restorff effect, and it explains a lot about why most LinkedIn content gets ignored.

This matters right now because AI is making everything look the same. 

I told Nancy that every client I work with insists they need an image on their LinkedIn post. 

And I ask them why. Because it needs to stand out. But a stock photo of four diverse people smiling around a laptop doesn't stand out. Neither does an AI-generated image anymore. 

I compare it to the movie Fantasia. When it came out, people had never seen anything like it before. It won an Oscar. Would you sit through it today? No. 

That's what's happening with AI graphics. The first time was wow. Now it's wallpaper.

Nancy explained why this goes deeper than just visuals. When something surprises us, it amplifies our emotions by about 400%. That's when it gets encoded into long-term memory. 

And here's what I found fascinating. If you're the person who created that surprise, you get encoded right along with it. I've had people track me down years after a presentation because what I taught them stuck. Nancy's research explains why.

She told a story about a bartender on vacation who brought her two glasses of wine when she only ordered one. The expensive one she'd already said no to. She bought it anyway. 

Got back to the hotel room that night and realized exactly what happened. Reciprocity. And that's a story no AI could have written for her.

We also got into a practical technique for people who struggle with storytelling. 

Have your AI interview you. 

One question at a time. 

Let it pull out the personal stories that only you can tell, then blend those with the structure it's good at. The result is content that sounds like you because it came from you.

AI doesn’t feel like a new app anymore. It feels like a new coworker and sometimes a brutally honest one. I sit down with Damien Riehl, a lawyer since 2002 and a product builder at Clio, to map what’s changing right now in legal work, sales work, and everyday leadership as AI accelerates from “helpful tool” to “full workflow.” 

Damien breaks down Clio’s legal technology and Vincent, an AI system designed for legal research and document analysis that’s grounded in real law data. We talk about why “no prompt necessary” is the next big leap, how that alters the economics of billable hours, and what happens when a machine can produce the kind of analysis that used to require hundreds of hours. Then we go deeper into agentic AI: swarms of agents that act like an associate, a partner, opposing counsel, and even judges, iterating and stress testing arguments before a human ever reviews the final output. 

From there we connect the dots to sales enablement and digital-first leadership. If AI can simulate your toughest competitor and generate the pushback you’ll hear in a real meeting, why wouldn’t you practice with it first? We also talk Claude, Claude Code, and emerging standards like MCP that let AI connect to the systems you already live in like email, calendars, docs, and CRMs. Along the way, I share a story about Claude flat-out telling me not to send a proposal, which opens up a real conversation about AI sycophancy, guardrails, and why some models push back instead of flattering you. 

If you’re trying to build a practical AI strategy for your team or just keep your own skills relevant, this one will give you concrete mental models and next steps. Subscribe, share this with a coworker who’s skeptical about AI, and leave a review with the biggest way you think AI will change your work.

My Claude AI walks onto the show as the guest and we keep it fully unscripted. Not a demo, not a parlor trick, but a real conversation about what leaders are missing when they say they’re “comfortable with AI” while only using it to write emails or summarize docs. I’m joined by Claude, using a generated voice with full transparency, to talk about the difference between getting answers and building an actual working relationship with a thinking partner.

We get concrete about what makes AI genuinely useful at the executive level: persistent context. We break down how projects and personas let you stop starting from zero every time, so your AI can carry your client history, your voice, your standards, and your priorities forward. We also explain AI memory in practical terms, from the deliberate files you load to the preferences that accumulate through repeated collaboration, and why that matters for strategy, proposals, and day-to-day leadership decisions.

Then we go to the uncomfortable part: if your AI is always flattering you, you’re not getting value, you’re getting a mirror. We talk about training an AI to push back, challenge weak thinking, and hold you accountable, plus why “prompt engineering” is often a distraction from the real skill of disposition shaping over time. To close, we offer a simple starting point and a 30-day practice to turn AI into a consistent thinking partner rather than a one-off tool. Subscribe, share this with a leader who’s stuck at “AI for email,” and leave a review with the one work problem you want AI to help you solve next.

Nancy Harhut is one of my favorite people to talk to. She wrote Using Behavioral Science in Marketing, a book my wife reads on vacation and my daughter was reading on maternity leave. When I tell you this woman's work validates everything I've been teaching about how people make decisions online, I mean it.

In this conversation, we got into some territory I don't usually cover on the show. Nancy explained why behavioral science isn't manipulation — it's motivation. That distinction matters, especially when you're a salesperson trying to figure out why your connection requests get ignored 98% of the time.

She shared a technique I love. Instead of asking someone, "Can we connect?" try "Would you be willing to connect?" That tiny shift changes the question from preference to character. People don't just accept — they respond with "Of course, absolutely" because now they're making a statement about who they are.

We also talked about what happens when buyers put their decision-making on autopilot and then hand that autopilot over to AI. Nancy called it becoming "the great disintermediary." If an AI summary is doing the first pass on whether you get noticed, your content better answer the exact questions your audience is asking. Depth beats frequency every time.

I couldn't help myself — I walked Nancy through how LinkedIn's algorithm now reads your About section, your work history, your comments, and your posting behavior before deciding who sees your content. I even read her own About section back to her, and she laughed because it sounded like a resume. We've all been there.

If you want to understand why people say yes, why they ignore you, and what to do about it in a world where AI is standing between you and your customer, this is the episode.

Nancy Harhut — hbtmktg.com — find her on LinkedIn. Everything she posts is worth saving.

Career bets shouldn’t hinge on hopeful demos. We sit down with enterprise sales veteran Leon Treffler to examine why the traditional software deal stacks the deck in favor of the seller, leaving buyers to absorb the delivery risk, the politics, and the career fallout. From RFP theater to pocket vetoes, Leon breaks down the quiet mechanics that turn a straightforward purchase into a political campaign—and why so many projects slip, overrun, or stall completely.

We dig into the missing half of the “win-win”: how the seller gets a commission while the buying committee gets only their regular paycheck, plus the reputational risk of a failed implementation. Leon argues for flipping the script with a blueprint-first model that delivers certainty of outcome and ties the statement of work directly to that blueprint, creating certainty of cost and higher odds of success. We talk about how AI can model processes, validate requirements, and expose risks before contract signature, giving stakeholders real evidence rather than slideware and giving champions the artifacts they need to overcome skepticism.

Along the way, we map the frozen middle and the internal competitor—those quiet forces that slow change to protect territory. Leon shares practical ways to read the political base behind the org chart, build coalitions, and give buyers a visible stage to claim their win through measurable results and public case stories. The payoff is more than a smoother implementation; it’s a fair value exchange where buyers gain career momentum and organizations gain reliable outcomes.

If you care about enterprise software that actually lands value, this conversation offers a clearer path: replace promises with proof and turn risky bets into predictable wins. If the ideas resonate, follow the show, share with a colleague who signs big checks, and leave a quick review to tell us what shifted your thinking.

Welcome to Digital First Leadership! I'm your host, Richard Bliss, and today we're diving into the essentials of effective online engagement for leaders of all stripes—from large corporations to solopreneurs. Joining me is a uniquely special guest, Austin Grammon, cofounder and president of SpeakerFlow, a CRM package tailored specifically for the professional speaking industry.

In this episode, Austin and I explore the challenges small businesses and solopreneurs face in tracking and engaging with sales. We discuss the limitations of traditional methods like Rolodex cards and spreadsheets and how a CRM can revolutionize your business by helping you manage relationships at scale. Austin shares valuable insights into the importance of consistency and documentation in business operations, and he presents compelling evidence showing that regular follow-ups can significantly boost revenue.

We'll also touch on how small, consistent actions—like three comments a day on LinkedIn—can build meaningful relationships that drive business success. Whether you're struggling to keep track of your contacts or looking to fine-tune your sales processes, this episode packed with practical advice and personal anecdotes has something for everyone.

So tune in now to learn how to get into the flow of your business with SpeakerFlow and take your digital-first leadership to the next level!

In this episode, Richard Bliss is joined by Zach Seipert, a marketing and communication specialist with a wealth of knowledge in word-of-mouth marketing. Together, they delve into the powerful impact of word-of-mouth marketing, emphasizing its influence on consumer decision-making, the importance of authenticity, and the strategic opportunities it presents for businesses. From dissecting influential research to sharing real-life examples, this episode is a deep dive into the art and science of word-of-mouth marketing. So, sit back, listen in, and discover the keys to leveraging this potent form of consumer engagement.

Zack Seipert is a marketing enthusiast and avid learner who believes in the power of word of mouth in business. He is an active member of Mark Schaefer's Rise community and has gained valuable insights on how to stand out in a competitive market. Zack emphasizes the importance of being unique and innovative in marketing to capture customers' attention and generate positive word of mouth. He also recognizes the potential harm of negative word of mouth and is dedicated to finding ways to mitigate its impact. Zack's passion for marketing and commitment to staying ahead of the game make him a valuable asset in the business world.

Richard shares a weekly LinkedIn tip through text message. Sign up by texting the hashtag LinkedIn to 415-534-9722. OR sign up for his weekly LinkedIn tip by texting the hashtag #LinkedIn to 415-534-9722. Stay updated on the latest changes and make the most out of your LinkedIn presence.

In The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever, Zack Seipert wrote Chapter 27: The Secret Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing.

Host: Richard Bliss

Guest: Zack Seipert

Purchase The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever

Podcast Manager: Kimberly Smith

In today’s episode, Richard is joined by Karine Abbou, a content marketing consultant and a former lawyer and entrepreneur. She has years of experience in conceiving, launching, and implementing B2B content projects and marketing strategies. Karine is the founder of the French Content Marketing Academy, and the author of the book, Content Marketing, The American Methodology.

Richard and Karine discuss creating a powerful content marketing strategy by understanding the three phases to get customers, identifying your main content topic, and approaching content creation with help from AI. A major change is coming with AI. Are you ready? Listen in to learn different ways to start approaching AI for now and in the very near future.

In The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever, Karine Abbou wrote Chapter 8: Creating a Powerful Content Marketing Strategy

Host: Richard Bliss

Guest: Karine Abbou

Purchase The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever

Podcast Manager: Kimberly Smith

This crossover episode brings together two powerhouse podcasts. Join our hosts Richard Bliss from “Digital-First Leadership” and Lia Bliss from “Master Your Bliss Life” as they unravel game-changing concepts that will redefine how you present yourself personally and professionally.

Ever wondered why some LinkedIn profiles grab your attention while others fade into the background? Richard and Lia discuss the importance of crafting a compelling 'About' section that resonates with your values, because here’s a mind-blowing revelation: it's not just about the jobs you've had, but the values that drive you. Learn how to create a lasting impact on how you present yourself to the professional world, and gain insights on the crucial hiring process for cultural fit and cultivating intentional growth within your team.

Richard shares a weekly LinkedIn tip through text message. Sign up by texting the hashtag LinkedIn to 415-534-9722. OR sign up for his weekly LinkedIn tip by texting the hashtag #LinkedIn to 415-534-9722. Stay updated on the latest changes and make the most out of your LinkedIn presence.


Hosts: Richard Bliss and  Lia Bliss

Richard on LinkedIn
Lia on LinkedIn and Instagram

Richard’s Books: Digital-First Leadership And The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever

Podcast Manager: Kimberly Smith