All Episodes

May 8, 2024 58 mins

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of social media influence, authentic leadership, and the pursuit of happiness in entrepreneurship.

Today's guest is the remarkable Taryn Williams, a veteran entrepreneur who founded Wink Models, The Right Fit (exited), The Influencer Agency (exited), and the innovative gifting service, #Gifted. 

In a candid discussion, Taryn talks about the challenges and successes she faced building businesses in her 20s and stepping back into a leadership role, and emphasizes the vital roles of self-care, mentorship, and maintaining genuine team connections. 

Taryn shares invaluable insights on navigating the influencer economy, the shift towards micro and nano influencers, and the importance of organic growth and audience engagement.

She also reflects on the impact of social media on young people, stressing the need for authenticity over appearance.

We weigh in on the dangers of "struggle porn" and the reality behind the pursuit of universal success through social media platforms, shedding light on the psychological effects of these digital tools on our values and aspirations.

 

Show Notes:

Instagram: instagram.com/tarynwilliams

#Gifted: www.hashgifted.com

Get your free content audit and strategy: www.sonicboom.vc 

 

Timestamps:

00:00 Founded multiple successful businesses, including Wink Models.

05:00 Supportive network, fair pay, collaborative approach, success.

08:44 Early on, I struggled with delegation.

12:15 Scaling a business requires talented team.

15:18 Founder values cultural fit, technical understanding, learning.

18:33 Consistent follow-up for building and maintaining relationships.

20:00 Act on feedback to gain mentor's support.

24:26 Find market fit, build, test, adapt.

25:53 Planned sabbatical interrupted by successful business venture.

29:32 Regret over past decisions, focus on relationships.

32:40 Self-reflection on motivations for success and happiness.

37:46 Chasing external markers of success leads to unhappiness.

41:29 Navigating societal pressures to pursue personal ambitions.

44:04 Navigating sensitive topics while maintaining authenticity online.

48:38 TikTok sale may change US algorithm. Instagram adapts.

49:41 Brands prefer Instagram over TikTok for control.

54:03 Clarify goals to shape effective marketing strategy.

57:34 Steve invites weekly email subscribers for updates.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.