Grow Your Brand With Amanda

Episode 64: Remembering who you are before the noise with Jo Mac

There’s a particular kind of founder who looks confident from the outside.
She’s capable. Established. Often admired.
And yet, underneath it, there’s a quiet pressure to look a certain way, to perform a certain kind of success, to package herself into something more palatable.
In this episode, I’m joined by Jo Mac, founder of the Divalign community, for a conversation that moves beyond wellness as aesthetics, and into wellness as self-worth.
Jo shares her journey into coaching and why her work isn’t about “fixing” women. It’s about helping them remember who they were before the noise.
There’s something powerful about a founder who builds from lived experience rather than trend.
If you’re a founder who has done the work, internally and professionally, but still feels the pull of external expectation…
This conversation will feel like a quiet exhale.
Because authority doesn’t come from appearance.
It comes from alignment.
 
NOTES:
You can find out more about Jo and Divalign here.
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Episode 63: What if visibility didn’t have to feel loud, just intentional? With Joanne Pagett

Wellness coach Joanne Pagett shares what it really looks like to build authority without forcing yourself into a version of ‘confidence’ that doesn’t fit.
We talked about Joanne’s work, supporting women through health and wellbeing and we explored the beliefs, language, and visibility blocks that quietly cap impact, even for experienced practitioners.
Joanne introduces her FAB framework, Fuel, Activity, Beliefs, and explains why sustainable health (and sustainable visibility) is rarely about doing more, and more often about doing the right things consistently.
If you’ve ever thought, ‘I know there’s something here, I just don’t want to shout about it’, this conversation will give you some pointers.
NOTES:
You can find out more about Joanne here.
Download 50 ways to get free publicity
Visit The Brand Story House website
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Episode 62: Let’s write your book with author, Shelley Wilson

In this episode, I’m joined by Shelley Wilson, a multi-genre author who works with business owners ready to turn their expertise into something lasting. We talked about what really sits underneath the desire to write a book, authority, visibility, and the quiet frustration of knowing you have more to say than your current content allows.
Shelley shares her own writing journey and why she’s deeply committed to supporting clients not just to write their books, but to understand the role a book can play in their wider brand ecosystem. This isn’t about publishing for the sake of it. It’s about intention, positioning, and making your ideas work harder for you.
We explore:
Why self-publishing can be a strategic choice, not a compromise
The overlooked link between writing, confidence, and visibility
What holds experienced founders back from being seen, even when they’re already credible
How creating thoughtful, engaging content supports long-term authority (not just short-term attention)
This conversation is especially for you if you’ve ever thought:“I know there’s a book in me, I just don’t know how to begin, or how it fits into everything else I’m building.”
#podcast #pr #storytelling #media
 
NOTES:
You can find out more about Shelley here.
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Episode 61: The power, purpose and possibility of a story with Nicola J Rowley

In this episode, we sit down with Nicola Rowley for a conversation that’s all about the power of story, not just on the page, but in shaping confidence, purpose, and possibility.
Nicola shares her personal career journey and the moments that nudged her towards storytelling as a force for motivation and change. We explore how stories help us make sense of who we are, where we’ve been, and what we’re capable of becoming, especially when self-belief feels shaky.
Along the way, Nicola opens up about the music and words that inspire her, offering a glimpse into the mindset behind her creative work. She also talks about her mission through Rainbow House Publishing, using children’s books to spark imagination, confidence, and a love of storytelling in the next generation of authors.
This episode is a reminder that your story matters and that sharing it safely can create ripples far beyond what you expect.
In this episode, we cover:
Why storytelling is such a powerful tool for motivation and confidence
How personal experiences shape meaningful creative work
The inspiration behind Rainbow House Publishing
Encouraging young voices to see themselves as authors and storytellers.
If you care about creativity, confidence, and the stories that shape who we become come and join us!
NOTES:
You can find out more about Nicola here.
Download 50 ways to get free publicity
Visit The Brand Story House website
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Check out The PR Academy for your 7 day free trial!
 

Episode 60: Why visibility feels uncomfortable and what to do about it with Paul Culshaw

What if the thing holding your brand back isn’t your strategy… but your relationship with being seen?
In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Culshaw for an honest, practical conversation about personal branding, visibility, and the quiet resistance many business owners feel around self-promotion even when they know it’s essential for growth.
We explore why visibility isn’t just about “doing more content,” but about who you believe you’re allowed to be in public. From blogging and guest speaking to stepping onto bigger stages, this episode is about building confidence, credibility, and clarity, without becoming someone you’re not.
What we cover:
Why visibility is a personal growth journey (not just a marketing one)
The hidden beliefs that make self-promotion feel awkward, heavy, or “not you”
How guest speaking builds authority faster than endless posting
Why blogging still matters, especially if you want to be known for your thinking
How to choose visibility channels that actually suit your strengths
Listen in for grounded advice, honest reflection, and visibility strategies that feel aligned, not forced.
 
NOTES:
You can find out more about Paul here.
Download 50 ways to get free publicity
Visit The Brand Story House website
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Check out The PR Academy for your 7 day free trial!
 
 
 

Episode 59: Beyond the Metrics: Building a Brand with Heart with Donna Henley

I had a great chat with the lovely Donna Henley as we unwrapped what really drives us as business owners beyond the pep talks and productivity hacks.
We talk about the messy, beautiful balance between motivation, self-belief, and authenticity, and how our emotions, stories, and even music shape the way we show up in business.
Tune in to hear Donna’s refreshing take on:
Why self-doubt creeps in (and how it silently impacts your growth)How music influences mood, creativity, and motivation (including a powerful John Mayer quote on self-doubt)The role of storytelling in building genuine connections with your audienceWhy self-acceptance and compassion are your most underrated business strategiesA break from the norm on social media engagement and what really matters
This conversation is an honest reminder that success isn’t just about doing more, it’s about being more you.
Join us and feel inspired, seen, and reminded that your story, your quirks, and your emotions are your business’s greatest assets because no-one else can be YOU!
 
NOTES:
You can find out more about Donna here.
Download 50 ways to get free publicity
Visit The Brand Story House website
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Check out The PR Academy for your 7 day free trial!

Episode 58: From off-grid farm to million-pound businesses, visibility lessons with Haley Baxter

What does running a thriving accounting firm powered by solar panels, wind turbines, and a natural spring have to do with building visibility online? More than you might think.
In this episode I’m joined by Haley Baxter, founder of Corbar Accounting, who shares how she built her off-grid business from the ground up, while helping established companies across England and Wales scale towards the million-pound mark.
Haley shares her fascinating story about:
The Off-Grid Life – What it’s really like to run a professional business from a Derbyshire farm powered by renewable energy.
Scaling Smart – Why Corbar Accounting supports clients year-round, not just at tax time, and the type of businesses they work with.
The Visibility Challenge – How she overcame her fear of showing up on social media, and why visibility is no longer optional for ambitious founders.
Self-Promotion Without the Ick – The mindset shifts that helped her stop leaving opportunities on the table.
The Turning Point – Why 2025 marks a new era of confidence, visibility, and growth for her business.
If you’ve ever hesitated to put yourself out there, feared self-promotion, or struggled with balancing your personal brand with your business identity, this conversation is packed with insights you’ll absolutely relate to so grab a cuppa and join us!
 
NOTES:
You can find out more about Hayley here.
Download 50 ways to get free publicity
Visit The Brand Story House website
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Check out The PR Academy for your 7 day free trial!

Episode 57: Publicity isn’t the win, what you do next is…

Have you ever landed a podcast, an interview, or press coverage and then realised it barely made a ripple?
In this episode, I lift the lid on why most entrepreneurs underuse their hard-won media moments and how my brand-new system, AMPLIFY, changes everything!
Instead of letting your coverage fade after one celebratory post, AMPLIFY turns every win into 30, 60, or even 90 days of powerful content. Think: visibility that doesn’t vanish overnight, but compounds into leads, sales, and authority.
Here’s what you’ll take away today:Why media moments alone don’t build momentumHow to repurpose coverage into sustainable content streamsThe role consistent visibility plays in growing your brand voice
Plus, a sneaky peek at my new, six-week workshop designed to help you generate free publicity and actually use it.
Curious? You should be! Join me and find out more.
 
NOTES:
Download 50 ways to get free publicity
Visit The Brand Story House website
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Check out The PR Academy for your 7 day free trial!

Episode 56: Writing your way to visibility with Brooke Bownes

What if writing a book could change not just your business but your confidence, visibility, and opportunities?
In this episode, I sit down with the wonderful Brooke Bownes, a coach and therapist who wrote her first book in just 90 days, despite having no previous writing experience (You can have it - How to break through the self sabotage cycle). Brooke shares how the process transformed her visibility, built her credibility, and even inspired others in powerful ways (including one reader going through chemotherapy).
We explore:How writing a book fast-tracked Brooke’s authority and opened doors to new opportunitiesWhy documenting your journey online (even the bloopers!) creates authentic connection and visibilitySimple breathing techniques to overcome nerves before showing up on camera, podcasts, or the stageThe role of authenticity in building a personal brand that truly resonatesPractical visibility strategies you can steal right now to grow your brand without burning out.
Brooke’s story proves you don’t need years of experience or a polished online persona to stand out, you just need to start, share, and show up.
Inspired to turn your expertise into impact? Tune in to hear how Brooke used visibility tools like daily video content, Facebook Lives, and her book launch to grow her brand and how you can absolutely do the same!
 
NOTES:
Download 50 ways to get free publicity
Visit The Brand Story House website
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Check out The PR Academy for your 7 day free trial!
 

Episode 55: Building visibility without burning out with Carol Searle

Do you ever cringe at the thought of self-promotion… but know deep down your business can’t grow without it?
In this episode, I sit down with Carol Searle, a brilliant community and launch strategist with eight years of experience helping business owners build loyal, engaged audiences. Together, we talk about the reality of visibility, especially if you’re introverted or worried about what others (yes, even family!) might think.
We talk honestly about:
Why visibility isn’t optional if you want personal and business growth and how to make it feel authentic, not awkward
The quiet fears no one talks about (like judgement from friends, family, or the online crowd)
How to grow AND keep your community engaged without being “on” all the time
Smart ways to use online networking that actually feel good with no cold DMs or spammy tactics
How to approach your next launch with less overwhelm and more clarity.
If you’ve been hiding behind your logo, overthinking every post, or quietly hoping people will just “find” you, this conversation will give you practical, feel-good strategies to get seen, grow your audience, and connect with the right people… without losing yourself in the process.
Hit play now and discover how visibility can feel natural, even if you’d rather blend into the background!
 
NOTES:
You can find out more about Carole here.
Download 50 ways to get free publicity
Visit The Brand Story House website
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Check out The PR Academy for your 7 day free trial!