The Covert Code

Ready to elevate your authority?

Click the URL for a free digital copy of The Authority Advantage, available now for Covert Code listeners:

https://books.forbes.com/free-resources/the-authority-advantage/?rpaname=annacovert

In this episode of Authority as a Growth Strategy, a Forbes Books series presented by The Covert Code, Anna Covert sits down with Beth LaGuardia Cooper, President and CMO of Forbes Books, to explore the big picture of authority and brand leadership in the age of AI.

As buying behavior rapidly shifts and answer engines reshape how leaders are discovered, one thing remains constant: trust is the ultimate differentiator.

Beth shares:

- How AI is transforming buying behavior

- Why earned media matters more than ever

- The rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)

- Why leaders must become visible guides, not silent operators

- How a book serves as the ultimate authority accelerant

- How the Authority Maturity Model helps leaders assess and scale their impact

- If 2026 is the Year of Authority, this conversation is your blueprint.

Authority isn’t about being louder. It’s about being trusted.

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

✨ CONNECT WITH BETH LAGUARDIA COOPER

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-laguardia-cooper/

https://advantagemedia.com/author/blaguardia/

Forbes Books: https://forbesbooks.com/

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT:

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them at no additional cost to you. We only recommend resources we genuinely believe in and personally support.

-Ready to elevate your authority?

Click the URL for a free digital copy of The Authority Advantage, available now for Covert Code listeners:

https://books.forbes.com/free-resources/the-authority-advantage/?rpaname=annacovert

In this final episode of Authority as a Growth Strategy, a Forbes Books series presented by The Covert Code, Anna Covert sits down with Terry Stanton, Director of Integrated Strategy at Forbes Books, to discuss how real authority is designed — not stumbled upon.

If the Year of Authority 2026 is about separation through credibility, this conversation is the blueprint.

Terry shares:

- Why authority must start with long-term impact

- How to reverse engineer your visibility strategy

- The difference between attention and trust

- Why mission clarity filters every strategic decision

- How to define success before writing a book

- Why vulnerability strengthens credibility

- The importance of niche positioning

- When a book is the right step — and when it isn’t

One of the most powerful takeaways?

Authority is not about being louder.

It’s about being trusted.

Terry’s background spans public radio, broadcast journalism, SEO, e-commerce, public relations, and integrated strategy. She has worked with iconic brands including Ashley Home Store, Nabisco, and AT&T — and now helps executives reverse engineer authority journeys that align with purpose.

This episode closes the Forbes Books partnership series with one core truth:

- Authority is intentional.

- Clarity drives strategy.

- Strategy drives visibility.

- Visibility builds trust.

- Trust creates long-term influence.

If you are serious about building a personal brand that lasts beyond trends, algorithms, and platforms — this episode is your starting point.

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

✨ CONNECT WITH TERRY STANTON

https://books.forbes.com/our-team/terry-stanton/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrystanton1/

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT:

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them at no additional cost to you. We only recommend resources we genuinely believe in and personally support.

Ready to elevate your authority?

Click the URL for a free digital copy of The Authority Advantage, available now for Covert Code listeners:

https://books.forbes.com/free-resources/the-authority-advantage/?rpaname=annacovert

In Episode 3 of Authority as a Growth Strategy, a Forbes Books series presented by The Covert Code, Anna Covert sits down with Tyler LeBleu, senior publishing leader at Forbes Books and Advantage Authority Publishing, to demystify the publishing process and accelerate your authority journey.

If you’ve ever said: “I want to write a book someday…”

This episode turns that someday into a strategy.

Tyler breaks down:

- The 3 main publishing paths (Traditional, Self-Publishing, Hybrid)

- How Print-on-Demand (POD) really works

- Why most CEOs underestimate the time required to self-publish

- The ideal word count for a business book (45–50K words)

- Why clarity fuels commitment

- How to choose the right publishing partner

- The real role of ghostwriters (and why 80% of leaders use them)

- Why AI is a tool — not a replacement for your voice

One of the biggest takeaways?

Authority isn’t built by publishing fast.

It’s built by publishing well.

We also unpack a critical truth for 2026:

In a world flooded with AI-generated content,

your lived experience is your competitive advantage.

AI can assist.

It cannot replace authenticity.

If you’re serious about using a book as leverage — for speaking, media, clients, or legacy — this conversation will save you time, money, and frustration.

And it sets the stage for our final episode in the series:

Starting with the End in Mind.

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

✨ CONNECT WITH Tyler LeBleu

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerlebleu

https://tylerlebleu.com/

https://advantagemedia.com/author/tlebleu/

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT:

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them at no additional cost to you. We only recommend resources we genuinely believe in and personally support.

Ready to elevate your authority? Click the URL for a free digital copy of The Authority Advantage, available now for Covert Code listeners:

https://books.forbes.com/free-resources/the-authority-advantage/?rpaname=annacovert

In this episode of Authority as a Growth Strategy, a Forbes Books series presented by The Covert Code, Anna Covert sits down with Natalie Mazzarella, Vice President of Authority Brand Building at Advantage Media, to explore why personal brand is now a leadership mandate.

If 2026 is the Year of Authority, leaders can no longer afford to hide behind their company logo.

Natalie shares:

- Why CEOs must become the face of their brand

- The trust gap between corporations and consumers

- How AI is prioritizing earned media in search results

- Why authority is recognized — not claimed

- Simple actions leaders can take today to build visibility

- How authorship transforms expertise into legacy

One of the most powerful takeaways?

Your personal brand already exists — whether you build it intentionally or not.

LinkedIn says something.

Google says something.

AI says something.

The only question is: Are you shaping that narrative?

We also discuss:

- The power of earned media (and why it isn’t truly “free”)

- The importance of imperfect, authentic content

- Why books remain the most powerful authority signal

- The Forbes Books Blueprint process for building long-term credibility

Authority isn’t ego.

It’s service.

And the best time to start building it is now

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

✨ CONNECT WITH NATALIE MAZZARELLA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-mazzarella-6678452a

Advantage Media: https://advantagemedia.com/author/nmazzarella/

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT:

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer:

Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them at no additional cost to you. We only recommend resources we genuinely believe in and personally support.

What if your team’s biggest communication issues aren’t visible?

In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, Anna Covert sits down with Maria Garaitonandia, leadership coach, communication strategist, and author of Untangling Communication, to explore how communication breaks down before anyone notices.

With over 20 years of experience working with global teams across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe, Maria helps leaders restore clarity, trust, and alignment before small misalignments become major problems.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why communication can feel “off” even when nothing is broken

• Where communication breakdowns quietly begin

• Why leaders avoid difficult conversations

• How misalignment shows up before it’s spoken

• The hidden cost of communication drift

• How to rebuild trust and clarity in teams

If you’re leading a team or scaling an organization, this conversation will change how you think about communication.

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

✨ CONNECT WITH MARIA GARAITONANDIA

Website: https://www.mariagaraitonandia.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MariaGaraitonandia

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

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

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

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency.

Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna interviews industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success.

ANNA'S WEBSITES

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

What if your business could give you more freedom—not less?

In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, Anna Covert sits down with Michael Walsh, founder of Walsh Business Growth Institute and author of Freedom by Design, to break down how to build a business that actually works for you.

With over 30 years of experience helping companies scale across North America and Europe, Michael shares the three types of freedom every business owner should be building toward—and why most never get there.

In this episode we discuss:

• The three types of business freedom

• Why every growth stage is a different business

• The real reason most companies get stuck

• Why top performers fail as managers

• How to build teams that actually work

• Why doing less can help you grow more

If you’re scaling a business or feeling stuck in your growth, this episode will change how you think about leadership and freedom.

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

✨ CONNECT WITH MICHAEL WALSH

Website: https://walshbusinessgrowth.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-walsh/

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience, she helps businesses scale through strategy, marketing, and innovation.

How do you build a brand that stays authentic while growing over time?

In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, Anna Covert sits down with Kai Cowell, founder of Kai Spices, to talk about entrepreneurship, wellness, and building a purpose-driven brand.

Kai shares the story behind her spice company, the inspiration behind her blends, and the lessons she’s learned from years of building a business rooted in authenticity and flavor.

In this episode we discuss:

• How Kai Cowell built Kai Spices

• The connection between flavor and wellness

• Why authenticity matters in building a brand

• Lessons from years of entrepreneurship

• How passion can turn into a lasting business

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, food, or building a brand with purpose, this episode is full of inspiration.

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

✨ CONNECT WITH KAI COWELL

Website: https://kaispices.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaispices808

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaispices808/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kaispices808/

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency.

Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna interviews industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success.

ANNA'S WEBSITES

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

Real estate investment isn’t just about buying property—it’s about strategy.

In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, Anna Covert sits down with Bryan Watkins, Strategic Real Estate Advisor at Trans-Pacific Realty and Co-Founder of UNYQE Fitness Honolulu, to explore real estate investment strategies and exit planning for business owners and investors.

Bryan brings a global perspective to the conversation, with experience across the UK, Bermuda, and the United States, helping investors unlock value in luxury residential, hospitality, and commercial real estate opportunities.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Bryan Watkins built a global career in real estate

• The differences between luxury residential, hospitality, and commercial real estate investments

• Why exit strategies are essential for business owners

• Creative financing strategies like leasebacks and seller financing

• How investors optimize short-term rental properties

• Opportunities and risks in the Hawaii real estate market

• What investors should know before entering luxury real estate

Whether you're a real estate investor, business owner, or entrepreneur planning your next move, Bryan shares valuable insights on structuring deals and building long-term value.

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

✨ CONNECT WITH BRYAN WATKINS

Instagram::

https://www.instagram.com/bryanwatkins/

Trans-Pacific Realty Hawaii:

http://www.tprihawaii.com/

TransPac Realty:

https://transpacrealty.com/

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-watkins-31540548/

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies including Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency.

Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna interviews industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to uncover the strategies behind business growth and leadership success.

ANNA'S WEBSITES

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

What if growth didn’t have to feel so complicated?

In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, Anna Covert sits down with Sam Frentzel-Beyme, Founder of Stellant, to explore how organizations can simplify growth by aligning brand strategy, marketing execution, and technology into a unified system.

With a background that includes working alongside companies like Google, Pepsi, and Johnson & Johnson, Sam has spent more than two decades helping organizations overcome the complexity created by disconnected systems.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why disconnected systems slow down growth

• The hidden cost of misalignment between brand, marketing, and technology

• How unified systems simplify execution and strategy

• The role of AI in modern growth systems

• Why human expertise is still essential in an AI-driven world

• How organizations can create sustainable, scalable growth

If you're a leader navigating digital transformation, marketing complexity, or AI adoption, this conversation with Sam Frentzel-Beyme offers powerful insights into building systems that scale.

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

✨ CONNECT WITH SAM FRENTZEL-BEYME

Stellant: https://stellant.io

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

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies including Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency.

Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on leadership, business growth, and the strategies shaping the future of work.

This week on The Covert Code Podcast, we’re unlocking what truly drives team performance.

In this episode, Anna Covert sits down with Jan Kaeo, Principal, Owner, and Master Trainer at Dale Carnegie Training Hawaii & Guam, to explore how leaders can unlock their team’s potential using time-tested leadership principles that still work in today’s fast-changing workplace.

With over 14 years of experience developing leaders across Hawaii and Guam, Jan Kaeo shares practical insights on building trust, strengthening communication, increasing engagement, and developing authentic confidence.

We dive into:

• What holds teams back from performing at their best

• The leadership mistake that shows up across industries

• How to build trust during uncertainty

• Why communication is the multiplier of performance

• How to unlock potential in people who don’t see it themselves

• The one shift leaders can make immediately to improve engagement

If you’re a leader, manager, entrepreneur, or building a team — this conversation with Jan Kaeo will give you actionable strategies you can apply right away.

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

✨ CONNECT WITH JAN KAEO

Dale Carnegie Training Hawaii & Guam: https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en/locations/hawaii

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

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/