July 09, 2026

INTERVIEW | Make Money by Building a Personal Brand That Lasts

26 minutes

This compilation episode features three accomplished creator-entrepreneurs who have each built thriving careers by leaning into authenticity, expertise, and community. Travis highlights conversations with Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something and bestselling author; Mike Kim, personal branding expert and author of You Are the Brand; and Erin McGoff, filmmaker, career educator, and creator of The Secret Language of Work. Together, they share practical insights on building an audience, creating meaningful work, and turning your unique strengths into long-term income.

On this episode we talk about:

Why building an audience is one of the most valuable skills in today's AI-driven economy

How personal branding creates opportunities long before you know what you'll eventually sell

Why authenticity is becoming more valuable as AI-generated content becomes more common

The mindset shifts needed to create additional income beyond your day job

Lessons from writing books, building communities, and creating work with lasting impact

Top 3 Takeaways

Build your audience before you build your product—attention creates opportunities, and your audience will tell you what they need.

Your salary should be viewed as the floor, not the ceiling, for your earning potential. Develop skills and assets that create additional income streams.

In a world increasingly filled with AI-generated content, authentic stories, genuine expertise, and real human connection will continue to stand out.

Notable Quotes

"Build an audience when you don't know what to sell."

"Your salary is not the ceiling of what you can make—it's the floor."

"In a world of AI slop, the only thing that breaks through is authenticity and community."

Connect with the Guests:

Amanda Litman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalitman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandalitm/

Website: https://runforsomething.net

Mike Kim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekimtv/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikekimtv/

Website: https://mikekim.com

Erin McGoff

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmcgoff/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advicewitherin/

Website: https://www.advicewitherin.com

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By Travis Chappell

4.3

384384 ratings