How do you evolve your reputation when your industry still sees you as the “old version” of yourself?

In this episode of Bridging Generations in Sales and Outreach, host Butch Nicholson sits down with Jeff Watts, a veteran media executive whose career spans Fortune Magazine, ABC, Disney, and ESPN. Once known exclusively as a "linear TV guy," Jeff realized post-COVID that if he didn’t proactively reshape how the market perceived him, he’d be boxed in and left behind.

Rather than chase viral status or become an online influencer, Jeff built a simple, sustainable digital presence rooted in credibility. His one-minute LinkedIn videos tackled real questions about digital advertising —from DSPs and SSPs to second-screen attribution— and positioned him as a relevant, modern expert in a space undergoing rapid change.

Whether you’re a CEO, founder, or seasoned sales leader, Jeff’s story is a masterclass in practical reinvention. It’s not about throwing away what made you successful, it’s about reintroducing yourself to today’s business world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🔹 Why perception is the real brand you need to manage
Jeff explains how being great at your job isn’t enough, if people still see you through an outdated lens, you won’t be top of mind when opportunities come up. He shares how one strategic decision helped reshape his personal brand without abandoning his legacy experience.

🔹 The power of short-form, value-first content
You don’t need a studio or a production team to make an impact. Jeff breaks down how one-minute videos focused on explaining key digital concepts helped him gain visibility, build credibility, and attract inbound interest from both clients and employers.

🔹 Why LinkedIn is your modern Rolodex
Instead of chasing new leads, Jeff saw LinkedIn as a curated list of everyone who’d ever bought from him. By staying top-of-mind with that specific audience, he positioned himself as a trusted voice in their feed, no cold outreach required.

🔹 How to retool your skills without breaking the bank
Jeff used free online certifications (from Google, Trade Desk, and others) to deepen his digital knowledge. No degrees, no $5K courses just time, discipline, and curiosity.

🔹 Overcoming the “I don’t have time” objection
The real hurdle isn’t time it’s discomfort. Jeff and Butch unpack the fear many senior professionals feel about putting themselves on video, and how to move past it by focusing on value instead of perfection.

The Bottom Line: You don’t have to be an influencer, a tech wizard, or a 20-something content creator to build credibility online. Jeff’s story proves that by offering real value, targeting the right audience, and being consistent —even in small ways— you can stay relevant, respected, and in demand.

🎧 Tune in to hear how seasoned professionals can take the lead in digital prospecting without losing the relationship-driven mindset that built their careers.

👉 Listen now and start reshaping how your market sees you before someone else defines it for you.

Bridging Generations in Sales and Outreach is hosted by Robert (BUTCH) NICHOLSON and produced by Fist Bump

Helping Gen X and Baby Boomer leaders turn their reputation into revenue—without losing the human touch.

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