Ever wonder what it means to be a thought leader, not just a content creator or influencer, someone recognized for deep ideas and trusted expertise?

In this episode, host Michelle B. Griffin sits down with Ashley Faus, a B2B marketer, writer, speaker, and author of the new book Human-Centered Marketing in the Age of AI, to discuss the term “thought leadership” and what it takes to earn that title.

Ashley unveils her 4 Pillars of Thought Leadership™ framework, a powerful model to help experts build trust, stand out, and drive business results, not fluff. From defining credibility to differentiating thought leadership from subject matter expertise or influence, Ashley makes the ambiguous clear and actionable.

In this episode, we cover:

Why the term “thought leader” makes people cringe
Ashley’s journey: How a singer/marketer created a framework that changed the game
The 4 Pillars: Credibility, Profile, Prolific Output, and Depth of Ideas
Why PR mentions aren’t enough—and what builds trust
The difference between subject matter experts, influencers, and thought leaders
The role of thought leadership in business growth and decision-making
Trust in the age of AI: What marketing can’t automate
How human-centered marketing creates sustainable differentiation
Where AI helps and where it hurts your thought leadership strategy
Tactical ways to build your presence (without posting every day)
Ashley’s top tip to get started: why meaningful LinkedIn comments still win

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale your expertise into a trusted brand, this episode unpacks the difference between showing up and standing out. Get ready to deepen your impact, build credibility, and own your thought leadership lane—with substance.

Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap

Ashley’s journey aligns with the four steps of the Own Your L.A.N.E.® Framework:

✨ L: Launch Your Vision – Clarify the deeper purpose behind your message
✨ A: Articulate Your Edge – Define your unique POV in a saturated market
✨ N: Navigate Your Brand – Consistently show up and share meaningful content
✨ E: Elevate Your Authority – Build trust and credibility that earns recognition

🔗 LINKS

• Ashley’s 4 Pillars of Thought Leadership Framework
• Ashley's book,

Ready to Own Your Lane? – The Thought Leadership Branding Podcast

Hosted by keynote speaker, author, and LinkedIn® visibility expert Michelle B. Griffin, this podcast helps professionals grow their influence, visibility, and brand authority for business success.

As founder of Brand Leaders and creator of the Own Your Lane™ Recognition Roadmap, Michelle speaks and trains experts, leaders, and organizations to stand out with thought leadership—on LinkedIn, on stage, and in the media.

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

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
GET VISIBLE ON LINKEDIN: Free Audio Masterclass
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

Ever felt the pull toward a new path, a passion project, business, or message, but kept waiting for the “perfect time” to start?

In this episode, host Michelle B. Griffin sits down with Bernie Borges, speaker, executive leadership coach, podcast host, and founder of the Fulfillment Institute, who shares how he stepped into a bold new lane before he felt fully ready.

From launching a podcast while still in corporate, to building a leadership framework, to walking away from a full-time role to pursue his mission, Bernie shares the full behind-the-scenes of how he put himself out there and turned passion into purpose and visibility into authority.

In this episode, we cover:

00:00 – Intro: The power of starting before you’re ready
03:15 – Bernie’s backstory: From VP of content to fulfillment-focused founder
07:20 – How podcasting helped him find his true lane
10:40 – The moment he knew it was time to pivot
14:25 – Positioning: Carving out space in a saturated niche
19:30 – Building brand presence through content, podcasting, and partnerships
24:10 – The mindset shift that helped him push past fear and visibility blocks
28:45 – Frameworks + thought leadership: why you need one
32:30 – Elevating authority: what builds trust and recognition
37:00 – Bernie’s long game: The Fulfillment Institute and vision ahead
42:10 – Key takeaways for owning your lane and taking that first step

Whether you're still in a corporate role or already building your thought leadership brand, Bernie’s story is a powerful reminder that clarity comes through action, and your lane is waiting.

Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap

This episode highlights all four steps of the Own Your L.A.N.E.® framework—because Bernie models what it looks like to launch, articulate, navigate, and elevate over time:

✨ L: Launch Your Vision – Follow the pull toward a deeper purpose
✨ A: Articulate Your Edge – Define your positioning in a crowded space
✨ N: Navigate Your Presence – Build brand equity with strategic content
✨ E: Elevate Your Authority – Establish trust with audiences and open new doors

🔗 LINKS

• Visit Bernie’s website: https://midlifefulfilled.com
• Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges
• Get free personal brand resources: https://michellebgriffin.com

🎧 Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review so more experts like you can Own Your Lane® and

Ready to Own Your Lane? – The Thought Leadership Branding Podcast

Hosted by keynote speaker, author, and LinkedIn® visibility expert Michelle B. Griffin, this podcast helps professionals grow their influence, visibility, and brand authority for business success.

As founder of Brand Leaders and creator of the Own Your Lane™ Recognition Roadmap, Michelle speaks and trains experts, leaders, and organizations to stand out with thought leadership—on LinkedIn, on stage, and in the media.

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

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
GET VISIBLE ON LINKEDIN: Free Audio Masterclass
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn

Want to build authority and get visible using video? As an expert ready to put yourself out there on YouTube, yet may feel stuck in overthinking or perfectionism, this is your step-by-step beginner’s guide.

In this week's episode, host Michelle B. Griffin is joined by Vicki O’Neill, CEO of KenKay Marketing and YouTube strategist, who shares how she went from hiding behind her mom’s leg as a shy child to now teaching others how to confidently grow their brand and visibility using YouTube.

In this episode, we cover:

00:00 – Welcome + why video is your next best move
03:20 – Vicki’s story: From introvert to YouTube authority
06:45 – The mindset shift that helped her stop hiding
08:50 – Why YouTube is a powerful platform for experts
12:15 – First steps: Strategy + research (without overthinking!)
15:40 – The danger of perfectionism and how to overcome it
19:00 – Creating a realistic content plan (and sticking with it)
22:45 – The power of consistency and content batching
26:00 – Tools + tech you need to get started (spoiler: it’s simple)
30:00 – Finding video topics that attract the right audience
36:10 – Staying motivated, specific, and in your own lane
40:00 – Key takeaways + how to connect with Vicki

Whether you're just getting started or looking to be more consistent, Vicki shares practical advice, personal stories, and powerful encouragement to help you own your brilliance and show up boldly on YouTube.

Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap

Each episode of the podcast highlights one of the four steps of the Own Your L.A.N.E.® Recognition Roadmap, and today we focus on Elevating Your Authority by using YouTube to be seen, known, and trusted as a leading voice in your niche.

✨ L: Launch Your Vision – Lead with clear intention and purpose
✨ A: Articulate 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

LINNKS
• Connect with Vicki O’Neill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickioneill

• Free personal brand resources: https://michellebgriffin.com

🎙️Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for weekly episodes that help you get visible, build your brand, and Own Your Lane.®

Ready to Own Your Lane? – The Thought Leadership Branding Podcast

Hosted by keynote speaker, author, and LinkedIn® visibility expert Michelle B. Griffin, this podcast helps professionals grow their influence, visibility, and brand authority for business success.

As founder of Brand Leaders and creator of the Own Your Lane™ Recognition Roadmap, Michelle speaks and trains experts, leaders, and organizations to stand out with thought leadership—on LinkedIn, on stage, and in the media.

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

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
GET VISIBLE ON LINKEDIN: Free Audio Masterclass
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn