Do you struggle with the pressure to niche down, feeling like you’re supposed to be an expert in just one area? You’re not alone. Many high-level professionals wrestle with "expert syndrome," doubting their expertise and sticking to what feels safe.

Each episode of the Own Your Lane® Personal Branding Podcast highlights one of the four steps of the Own Your L.A.N.E. personal branding roadmap to help you gain clarity, confidence, and a clear path to growing your influence and impact.

L: Launch Your Vision – Lead with clear intention and purpose
A: Assert Your Difference – Define what uniquely sets you apart
N: Navigate Your Presence – Shape your personal brand foundation
E: Elevate Your Authority – Grow impact and influence with publicity

This week, we're detailing "A-Assert Your Difference" with host Michelle B Griffin and expert guest Humaira Akhter for a real-talk discussion where we debunk the myths that hold many of us back.

We'll share stories of leaders who grew from their focused beginnings into broad, influential figures. We’ll also address the challenges of "expert syndrome" and how you can harness your diverse skills and passions to build a unique and powerful personal brand.

Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your reach, this conversation will give you the insights and inspiration you need to claim your expertise confidently. Embrace the power of your multifaceted talents without being boxed in or held back by the cliche advice.

ABOUT MICHELLE B. GRIFFIN

Michelle is a personal branding speaker, author, and podcaster who empowers professionals—especially women in business—to become visible and top of mind with personal branding to Own Your Lane™ for next-level opportunities.

ABOUT HUMAIRA AKHTER

With over two decades of experience in corporate branding and marketing, Humaira Akhter is a seasoned Growth Strategist. From small startups to multi-million-dollar proposals, Humaira has honed her expertise in design, branding, and streamlining digital/print assets.

Humaira's Website
Connect With Humaira on LinkedIn

Michelle B. Griffin is a keynote speaker, personal brand and PR strategist, author, podcaster and LinkedIn® visibility expert who helps high-achieving professionals elevate their visibility and influence for business growth.

As the founder of Brand Leaders® Executive Branding and creator of the Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap, she helps B2B founders, leaders and industry experts position their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn + PR to grow influence, increase demand, and become top-of-mind authorities to accelerate business growth.

Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking, advising or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
EXECUTIVE BRANDING ADVISORY: Brand Leaders
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

There's no escaping this truth: People assume you're a leader when you're a strong communicator, speak well, and present well. And they're much likelier to listen to you and buy into your ideas when you're confident and compelling.

That's why honing your skills is critical to being confident on video — whether it's a presentation on Zoom, speaking on stage, on a virtual keynote, serving on a virtual panel, or recording an educational or promotional video for your website or social media feeds.

Each episode of the Own Your Lane® Personal Branding Podcast highlights one of the four steps of the Own Your L.A.N.E. personal branding roadmap to help you gain clarity, confidence, and a clear path to growing your influence and impact.

L: Launch Your Vision – Lead with clear intention and purpose
A: Assert Your Difference – Define what uniquely sets you apart
N: Navigate Your Presence – Shape your personal brand foundation
E: Elevate Your Authority – Grow impact and influence with publicity

This week, we're focusing on "N-Navigate Your Presence" with host Michelle B Griffin and expert guest Susan Siravo, a former TV anchor, reporter, and social media strategist, who will share her best industry secrets so you can go from feeling like a "deer in the headlights" to "dazzling on screen."

As Susan says, being confident on camera is "a skill that everyone should work to develop."

Susan has a free course for us, " Don't be a Deer in the Headlights" - Learn to Dazzle on Camera Instead! (In just over an hour, link below)

🎥  WATCH THE VIDEO INTERVIEW

LINKS
Connect with Susan Sivaro on LinkedIn
SusanSivaro.com
Susan's FREE Confident on Camera Course

Michelle B. Griffin is a keynote speaker, personal brand and PR strategist, author, podcaster and LinkedIn® visibility expert who helps high-achieving professionals elevate their visibility and influence for business growth.

As the founder of Brand Leaders® Executive Branding and creator of the Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap, she helps B2B founders, leaders and industry experts position their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn + PR to grow influence, increase demand, and become top-of-mind authorities to accelerate business growth.

Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking, advising or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
EXECUTIVE BRANDING ADVISORY: Brand Leaders
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode where we spotlight female experts, founders, and entrepreneurs who are building their visibility, personal brands and thought leadership.

Today, I'm highlighting one of my clients, Tanya Windman, who shares her journey of leaving corporate to launch her new consultancy, Windy & Co.

Like Tanya, you may be interested in launching your business or pursuing your creative endeavors, but what path should you take? With so many interests, ideas, and possibilities, how do you know what lights you up, what's most needed, and how to attract clients? 

Tanya faced these questions, and this episode details her journey and our work together. From our 'scientific' approach to uncovering your "golden thread" to Tanya's personal evolution framework to her brilliant "creative sandbox system," we share her story and how she attracted clients in her testing mode. 

Finding clarity and fulfillment is beautiful, but action is your best strategy and system. This is an empowering and actionable episode, especially for my emerging entrepreneurs.

LINKS
Tanya Windman @ WindyandCo.com
Connect with Tanya Windman On LinkedIn
Connect with Tanya Windman On Instagram

Michelle B. Griffin is a keynote speaker, personal brand and PR strategist, author, podcaster and LinkedIn® visibility expert who helps high-achieving professionals elevate their visibility and influence for business growth.

As the founder of Brand Leaders® Executive Branding and creator of the Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap, she helps B2B founders, leaders and industry experts position their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn + PR to grow influence, increase demand, and become top-of-mind authorities to accelerate business growth.

Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking, advising or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
EXECUTIVE BRANDING ADVISORY: Brand Leaders
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

Don't let being an "introvert" keep you from getting visible and marketing your business. News flash: it's a self-limiting belief that's stopping you from greater opportunities.

The good news is that many standout women experts and entrepreneurs are highly successful, and this doesn't stop them, including Brenda Meller, founder of Meller Marketing.

Join host Michelle B Griffin as Brenda shares her story of "owning her lane" and how she successfully markets and grows her LinkedIn coaching and training business as a self-described "introvert."

We'll share actionable tips for getting out there and leveraging your unique strengths to become visible while marketing yourself and your business.

LINKS
Connect With Brenda Meller on LinkedIn
Meller Marketing

Michelle B. Griffin is a keynote speaker, personal brand and PR strategist, author, podcaster and LinkedIn® visibility expert who helps high-achieving professionals elevate their visibility and influence for business growth.

As the founder of Brand Leaders® Executive Branding and creator of the Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap, she helps B2B founders, leaders and industry experts position their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn + PR to grow influence, increase demand, and become top-of-mind authorities to accelerate business growth.

Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking, advising or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
EXECUTIVE BRANDING ADVISORY: Brand Leaders
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

Is it hard to communicate what you do so the right people notice? Are you tired of missing out on opportunities and clients that you deserve?

Join host Michelle B Griffin and guest Natalie Hales, a brand strategist for financial advisors, for this deep dive on niche positioning your personal brand to stand out in a crowded field.

Learn how Natalie carved out her differentiation to be the ONLY brand strategist in her field and how you can do the same.

Two brand strategists walk you through the foundational steps to being noticed, known, and remembered. 

We'll chat about her story and how to:

🔍 Narrow Lane for More Visibility
🏆 Brand Yourself for Better Engagement
📈 Tell Your Stories for Optimal Conversions

Michelle B. Griffin is a keynote speaker, personal brand and PR strategist, author, podcaster and LinkedIn® visibility expert who helps high-achieving professionals elevate their visibility and influence for business growth.

As the founder of Brand Leaders® Executive Branding and creator of the Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap, she helps B2B founders, leaders and industry experts position their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn + PR to grow influence, increase demand, and become top-of-mind authorities to accelerate business growth.

Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking, advising or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
EXECUTIVE BRANDING ADVISORY: Brand Leaders
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode where we spotlight female experts, founders, and entrepreneurs who are building their visibility, personal brands, and thought leadership.

Today, I'm highlighting one of my clients, Shari Biery, who shares her journey to uplevel herself and her business by getting more premium positioned to set herself apart in the health and wellness coaching field.

Shari was ready to bet on herself with her It's Your Turn, published in October 2024; she knew her brand and professional story needed to better align with her new role as an author and keynote speaker.

Today, we'll chat about her journey of building her business, personal brand, and thought leadership, and she'll share her invaluable tips and insights I know you'll find empowering and actionable.

LINKS
ShariBiery.com
It's Your Turn Book - publishing September 2024

Michelle B. Griffin is a keynote speaker, personal brand and PR strategist, author, podcaster and LinkedIn® visibility expert who helps high-achieving professionals elevate their visibility and influence for business growth.

As the founder of Brand Leaders® Executive Branding and creator of the Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap, she helps B2B founders, leaders and industry experts position their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn + PR to grow influence, increase demand, and become top-of-mind authorities to accelerate business growth.

Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking, advising or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
EXECUTIVE BRANDING ADVISORY: Brand Leaders
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

Guesting on LinkedIn livestream shows is one of the fastest ways to skyrocket your visibility and authority on the business platform of a billion professionals.

It's an untapped publicity channel with numerous benefits and opportunities that can boost your brand and business. This week's episode will walk you through the do's and don'ts and fast-track you to landing your first guest spot.
 
Join host Michelle B Griffin and Gillian Whitney, 4x author, LinkedIn Live strategist, and Business Book Coach, on pitching yourself as a guest on LinkedIn Live shows.

Gillan’s new book, "LinkedIn® Live Guest Mastery," shares her best secrets for leveraging the power of LinkedIn Live to grow your business so you can confidently make a lasting impact on your audience.

You'll learn how to:

• Choose the right shows to showcase your expertise
• Prepare for your interviews like a pro
• Engage with the host and audience in real-time
• Repurpose your appearances into valuable content
• Build lasting relationships with hosts and fellow guests
• And so much more

LINKS
Connect with Gillian Whitney on LinkedIn
Gillian's LinkedIn Live Stream Guest Mastery Book
Find LinkedIn Livestream Shows

Michelle B. Griffin is a keynote speaker, personal brand and PR strategist, author, podcaster and LinkedIn® visibility expert who helps high-achieving professionals elevate their visibility and influence for business growth.

As the founder of Brand Leaders® Executive Branding and creator of the Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap, she helps B2B founders, leaders and industry experts position their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn + PR to grow influence, increase demand, and become top-of-mind authorities to accelerate business growth.

Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking, advising or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
EXECUTIVE BRANDING ADVISORY: Brand Leaders
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

Are you considering launching a podcast to boost your visibility, brand, and thought leadership?

What high-level considerations, trends, and updates are needed before you launch?

Join host Michelle B Griffin and podcast expert Traci DeForge, founder of Produce. Your Podcast, as we discuss what's needed to launch your show and what's not in the critical age of AI and attention spans at an all-time low.

She'll share all the industry gems so you can get out there and start building your podcast soon, plus grab her newsletter for industry tips and resources.

LINKS
Connect with Traci Deforge on LinkedIn
Produce Your Podcast Website

Michelle B. Griffin is a keynote speaker, personal brand and PR strategist, author, podcaster and LinkedIn® visibility expert who helps high-achieving professionals elevate their visibility and influence for business growth.

As the founder of Brand Leaders® Executive Branding and creator of the Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap, she helps B2B founders, leaders and industry experts position their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn + PR to grow influence, increase demand, and become top-of-mind authorities to accelerate business growth.

Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking, advising or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
EXECUTIVE BRANDING ADVISORY: Brand Leaders
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

Here's a hard truth:  Women Entrepreneurs >>> You are underpaid... it’s time to charge your value.

Those are the exact words from this week's guest, Chella Diaz,  who's on the same mission: to help women entrepreneurs become visible, get highly paid, and create the businesses and lives they desire and deserve.

Learn the 3 Steps to Increase Your Fees Confidently
(𝘴𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩)on how to know, charge, and raise your fees as a woman in business.

I've also been there many times and have learned so much from Chella, who believes that women overthink things, undervalue our service, and give away too much.

It's time to put ourselves at the top of the list.

LINKS
Connect with Chella Diaz on LinkedIn
Listen to Chella on my recent LinkedIn Audio Event 

Michelle B. Griffin is a keynote speaker, personal brand and PR strategist, author, podcaster and LinkedIn® visibility expert who helps high-achieving professionals elevate their visibility and influence for business growth.

As the founder of Brand Leaders® Executive Branding and creator of the Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap, she helps B2B founders, leaders and industry experts position their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn + PR to grow influence, increase demand, and become top-of-mind authorities to accelerate business growth.

Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking, advising or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
EXECUTIVE BRANDING ADVISORY: Brand Leaders
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

Welcome to another episode where we spotlight female experts, founders, and entrepreneurs who are building their visibility, personal brands and thought leadership.

Today, I'm highlighting one of my clients, Brittany Perez, a nurse practitioner with a doctorate in clinical nursing, who shares her journey of launching two successful businesses and growing a dedicated team.

This month marks the one-year anniversary of her latest venture, MELA Medical Spa, which has seen phenomenal growth thanks to her go-getter drive and commitment to betting on herself. 

Today, we'll chat about her journey of building a personal brand, business brand, and thought leadership, and she'll share her invaluable tips and insights.

Takeaways:

• Action-Oriented Mindset: How her drive and goal-setting have been crucial to her success.
• Building Confidence: Stepping out of her comfort zone helped her build the confidence needed to succeed.
• Collaboration: Networking and supporting others in the industry are vital for growth.
• Personal Branding: Using social media effectively, blending professional achievements with her personality.
• Vision for Growth: Aim for ten locations in ten years with the right team and processes in place.
• Balancing Roles: Managing multiple roles with a clear plan to avoid burnout.
• PR and Publicity: Clear messaging and positioning for national recognition through podcasts and media mentions.
• Believing in Yourself: Encourages women to believe in themselves, take action, and seek mentorship for continuous learning.

Enjoy this episode on Brittany's inspiring journey and actionable tips for building a successful personal brand and business.

LINKS
Brittany Perez on Instagram
MELA Medical Spa
Method Aesthetics Academy

Michelle B. Griffin is a keynote speaker, personal brand and PR strategist, author, podcaster and LinkedIn® visibility expert who helps high-achieving professionals elevate their visibility and influence for business growth.

As the founder of Brand Leaders® Executive Branding and creator of the Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap, she helps B2B founders, leaders and industry experts position their personal brands and leverage LinkedIn + PR to grow influence, increase demand, and become top-of-mind authorities to accelerate business growth.

Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking, advising or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
EXECUTIVE BRANDING ADVISORY: Brand Leaders
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn