Grow Your Brand With Amanda

Episode 42: When will you find joy? With Ruth Tsui

Today I’m chatting to Ruth Tsui, a group program design consultant who’s all about ditching the growth-at-all-costs mindset and building a business that actually aligns with your values.
She poses a very interesting question - are we working ourselves so hard so we’ll finally find joy when we retire??
We explore the messy reality of moving from in-person to online education, the highs and lows of running online memberships, and why understanding what truly motivates your clients can make or break your business.
Ruth gives us a sneak peek at her plans for 2025, including a gradual move away from Meta and more use of LinkedIn.
If you’re ready to create more joy in your business now, this is the episode for you!
 
NOTES
You can find out more about Ruth on her website.
Download your unmissable FREE Ultimate Personal Brand Story Planner
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Join the free Personal Branding Academy community on Facebook
The ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Motivational Song playlist on Spotify
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Episode 41: Taking care of YOU while building a business with Lixxy Harkcom

Ever wondered how to juggle a business while dealing with chronic health issues? In this episode, my guest, sales strategist Lixxy Harkcom, opens up about living with four chronic pain conditions and the challenges of running her business, Sales Success with Lixxy.
We chat about the struggles to stay productive and available for our clients during flare-ups and the all-too-common habit of sidelining self-care that many of us are guilty of!
Plus, we take a look at how a hectic schedule can mess with your eating habits, leading to a diet of quick fixes like cereal and heaven knows what else! Tune in for real talk on balancing health, wellbeing and entrepreneurship, and pick up some tips on prioritizing self-care and nutrition without dropping the ball on your business.
Got any good or bad habits you’d like to share? Let me know at amanda@amandajane.co.uk
NOTES
You can find out more about Lixxy on Instagram
Download your unmissable FREE Ultimate Personal Brand Story Planner
Join The Personal Branding Academy Membership today and get the first month FREE!
Join the ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Community On Facebook
The ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Motivational Song playlist on Spotify
Watch The Bravery Behind The Brand Podcast on YouTube!

Episode 40: Does success mean sacrifice? With Gina Trick

We dive straight into a powerful conversation with business strategist Gina Trick, about motivation, personal branding, and what it means to really uplift others in business.
This lady is on a mission and we have a right old natter about embracing your unique path, the true value of public speaking and what does success really look like? Do you have to sacrifice your life for it? It’s a question many of us have been asking a lot recently and I’m fascinated by everyone’s answers.
If you’re ready to find your own balance, stay true to your values, and grow your business with heart—this episode is right up your street!
 
NOTES
You can find out more about Gina on Instagram or you can visit her website
Download your unmissable FREE Ultimate Personal Brand Story Planner
Join The Personal Branding Academy Membership today and get the first month FREE!
Join the ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Community On Facebook
The ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Motivational Song playlist on Spotify
Watch The Bravery Behind The Brand Podcast on YouTube!

Episode 39: The challenges of self-employment for individuals with disabilities with Sandra Pierce

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Sandra Pierce from Looking Good Naturally, who shares her remarkable journey from IT to the beauty industry—a career shift inspired by her hearing disability.
Sandra opens up about the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in self-employment and the importance of building confidence and finding mentors along the way. We also discuss self-sufficiency, overcoming obstacles, and creating a career you love—no matter where you start.
Get comfy and tune in to be inspired by Sandra's story and her passion for helping others thrive!
 
NOTES
You can find out more about Sandra you can find her on Instagram or Facebook.
Download your unmissable FREE Ultimate Personal Brand Story Planner
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Join the ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Community On Facebook
The ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Motivational Song playlist on Spotify
Watch The Bravery Behind The Brand Podcast on YouTube!

Episode 38: Embracing balanced, purposeful living and business with Linda Bretherton

Today’s incredible guest, Linda Bretherton takes us on a fascinating journey into the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, a 7,000-year-old holistic practice that has shaped modern healing approaches. Linda unpacks the basics of Ayurveda, explaining the unique body constitutions—vata, pitta, and kapha—and how understanding them can help guide healthier choices, like seasonal eating and balanced living.
We also explore the search for inner guidance, the often-misleading notion of external success, and how true mentorship plays a pivotal role in self-discovery. Linda shares her own refreshing perspective on legacy, emphasising instead the importance of a life filled with purpose and vitality, especially as we age.
Listen in as Linda tells us about her books, Dosha for Life, crafted to make Ayurveda approachable for Western audiences, alongside her new vegetarian cookbook, At Home With Ayurveda, which is packed with wholesome recipes. For anyone curious about living with intention and vitality, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to embrace change with “tough love” and move toward a more balanced, purposeful life.
NOTES
You can find out more about Linda you can visit her website or find her on Instagram. You can also find her new book here
Get your FREE copy of The Ultimate Personal Brand Story Planner For Perfectionists 
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The ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Motivational Song playlist on Spotify
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Episode 37: Just how brave are you willing to be when running your own business? With Suzanne Young

Welcome to the launch episode of The Bravery Behind The Brand! (formerly Communicate with Confidence). In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Suzanne Young, a leadership coach who’s got some powerful insights and stories to share about building confidence, navigating workplace culture, and why being your authentic self is the absolute key to building your personal brand.
With nearly three decades of challenging the status quo, Suzanne opens up about her journey to self-confidence and resilience—and why being real isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for true personal growth and professional impact. We have some amazing stories of our adventures on travelling and eating alone, so if you want some tips, this one’s for you to set yourself a new challenge!
Join us and get inspired by Suzanne’s unique insights and learn how authenticity can be a game-changer for your brand and your career.
 
 
NOTES
Find out more about Suzanne on LinkedIn or visit her website
Get your FREE copy of The Ultimate Personal Brand Story Planner For Perfectionists 
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Join the ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Community On Facebook
The ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Motivational Song playlist on Spotify
Watch The Bravery Behind The Brand Podcast on YouTube!

Episode 36: The Podcast Is Evolving!

Welcome to Bravery Behind the Brand—the podcast where we’re going to dive into the real, raw stories behind building a business and explore the courage it takes to show up authentically. What started as Communicate With Confidence has evolved into something deeper—a space where vulnerability and bravery meet to inspire us with incredible stories of courage and resilience.
But let’s be honest—the pressure to maintain a perfect social media image is real, and it can cloud the genuine challenges we all face while building a brand. That’s exactly why we’re here: to strip away the filters and get to the heart of what it takes to thrive and survive in business.
This is the side of my clients I get to see before they’re ready to face the world in all their unpolished glory and it takes some guts to show up as your unapologetic self.
Hi, I’m Amanda Jane, a Personal Branding & Communication Coach with over 20 years experience. I help business owners with their personal branding by building their confidence, helping them craft a compelling personal brand story, working with them to be comfortable in the spotlight and , helping them to create engaging content. Whether it’s for a podcast, a presentation, or in front of a camera, my coaching is all about helping you show up authentically to connect with your audience.
Progress, Not Perfection
Forget the cookie-cutter scripts or pressure to fit someone else’s mold. This is about finding the version of your brand that works for YOU—and bringing it to life, one small step at a time.
You don’t need to be perfect to be heard—just ready to take the next step.
 
Notes
Get your FREE copy of The Ultimate Personal Brand Story Planner For Perfectionists 
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Join the ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Community On Facebook
The ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Motivational Song playlist on Spotify

Episode 35: The Public Sector ‘After Life’ with Zoe Thompson

Zoe Thompson, coach, trainer and speaker joins me this week as we chat about the ups and downs of leaving the public sector for self-employment, including how tricky it can be to stay visible—especially if you’ve got some past challenges to overcome.
We also discuss the new world that former public sector workers find themselves in and unique challenges that brings as they navigate new, and very different, ways of working.
Zoe shares her fascinating leadership journey from humble beginnings on the front desk of the local police station to senior management positions and how she had to learn fast and think on her feet!
 
Notes
To find out more about Zoe you can find her on Instagram and Facebook
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The ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Motivational Song playlist on Spotify
 

Episode 34: Do sweat the small stuff with Sarah Langslow

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Sarah Langslow, the brilliant author of Do Sweat the Small Stuff, a book that dives into how it’s the everyday interactions—rather than just the big moments—that truly shape our relationships and leadership.
We have a fascinating conversation (and many laughs!) about emotions in communication and how mastering both your own and others' communication styles can feel like unlocking a superpower!
Sarah also takes us through her career journey, sharing how discovering coaching transformed her approach to leadership. We dig into the powerful connection between effective communication and leadership success, and Sarah highlights why reframing failure as a growth opportunity and stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible breakthroughs.
You won’t want to miss this one so grab a coffee and some biscuits and get comfy!
 
Notes
To find out more about Sarah you can find her on Instagram and Linkedin and you can get her book here
Download your free guide ‘Mic Drop Presentation Hacks’
Follow Amanda on Instagram
Join th
Join the ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Community On Facebook
The ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Motivational Song playlist on Spotify
 

Episode 33: The vital role of communication in the care industry with Lucy Piper

Today, I’m joined by the amazing Lucy, founder of Any Little Thing, a home help service making waves in Essex by transforming the lives of elderly individuals. In our chat, we dive into the often bewildering world of healthcare and social care, shedding light on the challenges families face while trying to navigate these complex systems. Lucy is on a mission to change that, offering one-to-one consultations to help carers find the right support for their loved ones—an absolute game-changer in the care industry!
Lucy’s passion for empowering the elderly to live independently is truly inspiring. Plus, she’s cooking up an exciting retreat day focused on self-care for caregivers, who often carry the weight of so many responsibilities.
We also explore the critical role of communication in the care sector. Poor communication can have serious repercussions on health, making it essential for effective personal care and medication management.
Join us for this lively conversation as we share unique perspectives on our social media personas, the hurdles of being working parents, and so much more! You won’t want to miss it!
Notes
To find out more about Lucy you can find her on Instagram or her website
Prepare for PR and download 'Get Ready To Achieve More Exposure For Your Business'
Follow Amanda on Instagram
 
Join the ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Community On Facebook
The ‘Bravery Behind The Brand’ Motivational Song playlist on Spotify