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August 11, 2025 49 mins

What do Amazon, The Rock, and personal branding have in common? More than you might think. This week, Mike welcomes AJ Vaden—CEO of Brand Builders Group, co-author of Wealthy and Well-Known, and a trailblazing entrepreneur—to explore the secrets behind building a powerful personal brand. This dynamic conversation is packed with actionable insights to elevate your influence and success.

From art major to advertising executive, AJ takes us on her unconventional journey into the world of business, sharing how she launched her first company at 22 and why reputation is your most valuable asset. Learn how a single relationship with Lewis Howes helped ignite a national brand, and why strong offline connections still matter in a digital-first world.

Packed with stories, strategy, and soul, AJ reveals her secret weapon for content creation, the trick to getting your family involved in your business (without losing your mind), and the one question you must ask if you want to grow: “Can you help me?”

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by trying to offer too much, this episode is your permission slip to narrow your focus and amplify your impact.

IN THIS EPISODE:

➡️ The Power of Reputation and Personal Branding

➡️ The Art of Business and Creativity

➡️ Avoiding the Pitfalls of Over-Diversification

➡️ The Importance of Offline Relationships

 

📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY:
AJ shares how building a sustainable digital content system, rooted in repurposing and intention, can save time, reduce overwhelm, and help you show up with clarity and confidence,  without burning out.

 

🚀 PERFECT FOR:
Entrepreneurs, personal brand builders, content creators, and anyone feeling pulled in a million directions while trying to grow their business or career. Whether you’re starting out or ready to level up your visibility and revenue, AJ’s story and strategies will resonate with those craving clarity, authenticity, and a more focused path to success. If you're juggling business, family, and the pressure to be everywhere online — this one’s for you.

 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Influential Personal Brand Podcast

Wealthy and Well-Known: Build Your Personal Brand and Turn Your Reputation into Revenue

Lewis Howes

 

Connect with AJ: 

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

 

Connect with Mike:

Linktree

 

SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

 

AFFILIATES:

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside

 

Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us

 

Copyright © 2025 Mike’D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

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