Authority Builder Podcast | Client-Winning Strategies for Coaches, Consultants, and Creatives Who Want to Lead With Authority.
If you’re ready to stop being the industry’s best-kept secret, The Authority Builder Podcast is for you. Hosted by Charlotte Ellis Maldari, founder of Kaffeen, this show is packed with client-attracting strategies for service-based business owners who want to lead with expertise and grow with ease. Whether you’re refining your message, launching a lead magnet, or finally writing that book—this podcast will help you turn your brilliance into booked-out business, one smart move at a time.
Episodes
In this episode, Charlotte interviews Holly Rustick, world-renowned grant writer, bestselling author, and business coach. Holly shares her journey from international nonprofit work to building a thriving, location-independent grant writing business from Guam. She reveals how her students have secured over $250 million in grants and $7.4 million in business revenue, all while championing a mission to reach $1 billion in funding by 2...
In this episode, Charlotte welcomes Tony Rulli, CEO and Lead Growth Strategist at Intentional Spark, for a candid conversation about scaling online businesses, the realities of running ads, and building authority as a creator. Tony shares his journey from corporate banking to digital marketing, the lessons learned from launching a subscription spice box, and how those experiences shaped his approach to growth strategy.
Key...
In this episode, Charlotte Ellis Maldari welcomes Heather Hammell, renowned MFR coach, author, and podcaster, to discuss building authority and finding clients in the highly specialised field of myofascial release (MFR). Heather shares her journey from struggling MFR therapist to successful business coach, highlighting the importance of niching down, community-building, and charging what you’re worth.
Key topics include:
In this episode, Charlotte welcomes offer strategy coach Ceels Lockley to discuss the realities of agency life, imposter syndrome, and building offers that truly align with your expertise and values. Ceels shares her journey from agency leadership to mentoring female service providers, highlighting the challenges of pivoting careers, especially after starting a family.
Key topics include:
- The addictive nature of agen...
In this episode, Joel Derksen, founder of the agency Otherness, joins the Authority Builder Podcast to share his journey from freelancer to agency owner, operating between the Netherlands and the US. Joel discusses the evolution of Otherness, its focus on brand design, and why the agency thrives at the intersection of categories—where brands defy traditional industry boundaries.
Key topics include:
- The importance of ...
Make It Weirder: Adam Graff on Art, Integrity, and Finding Clients Through Human Connection
In this episode, award-winning London illustrator and educator Adam Graff shares his journey from commercial illustration to a more authentic, personal practice. Adam discusses redefining success, moving away from the pressure of constant commissions, and embracing his unique, playful style—despite being told to “tone down the weird...
In this episode, Charlotte welcomes personal brand strategist Zayna Rose to explore the real work behind building authority and visibility. Zayna shares insights from over 20 years of helping founders and leaders develop a “profitable presence” through intentional authenticity and image intelligence. The conversation dives into the challenges of identifying your authentic self, the power of visual presence, and why authority is roo...
In this episode, Charlotte Ellis Maldari sits down with Roberto Max Salas, co-founder of Young Hero, to explore how creative agencies can stay nimble, relevant, and impactful in a rapidly evolving industry.
Roberto shares Young Hero’s origin story, the shift from influencer marketing to a creator-led, storytelling-driven model, and the adoption of the “showrunner” approach for long-term brand narratives. The conversation covers the...
In this episode, Charlotte Ellis Maldari welcomes Jessica Abel, founder of Autonomous Creative, to discuss how mid-career creatives can reshape their client work into sustainable, profitable businesses that align with real life. Jessica shares her journey from graphic novelist and professor to business coach, highlighting the challenges creatives face in balancing client work, marketing, and personal fulfilment.
Key topics...
In this episode, we explore why content alone won’t save your consulting agency or coaching business. While posting boosts visibility, it rarely translates directly into paying clients—especially when you’re at the mercy of ever-changing algorithms. We discuss the pitfalls of relying solely on social media, the burnout that comes from constant posting, and the frustration of seeing little return on your efforts.
Key topics...
In this episode, we dive into the “referral trap” that keeps coaches, agency owners, and service providers stuck in a cycle of waiting for work to come to them. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience, our host explores why referrals feel safe but aren’t truly secure—especially after the challenges of 2024, when many businesses saw their referral streams dry up.
Key topics include:
- Why relying solely on referrals is...
In this episode, I share a serendipitous moment sparked by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s book, highlighting the power of authenticity in marketing. Too often, business owners struggle with marketing because they’re trying to craft a “perfect” or “unique” voice, rather than simply being themselves. Drawing from real client conversations, I explain how the most effective content comes from genuine experiences and actual pain poi...
🎯 This email is part of Kaffeen’s Reignite Reset series.
Get instant access to the full Reignite system → kaffeen.co/reignite
Do you feel like you’re constantly “pedalling with one foot”—putting in the work, creating beautiful content, and building a talented team, but the clients you truly want just aren’t showing up?
You’re not alone.
In this episode, Charlotte speaks directly to the quiet visionaries: creative agency founders who feel stuck on the outside of their dream sector, whether that’s luxury, lifestyle, or premium brands. She ...
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Your LinkedIn profile shouldn’t read like a CV — especially if you run your own business. In this episode, Charlotte breaks down exactly what makes a profile stand out and sell your services (without soun...
In this episode, I chat with the incredible Phoebe Dodds—a strategist, writer, and founder of Buro155 and Social Capital. Phoebe shares her journey of balancing multiple businesses across Europe and her insights into building and maintaining a consistent sales pipeline, especially during challenging times. From organic growth and strategic partnerships to networking tips and nurturing leads, Phoebe provides actionable advice for cr...
🎯 This email is part of Kaffeen’s Reignite Reset series.
Get instant access to the full Reignite system → kaffeen.co/reignite
Ever feel like you’ve tried everything to attract clients—and nothing consistently sticks? This episode is your reality check (and relief). Charlotte unpacks why most lead gen strategies don’t work and why a simpler, more sustainable approach delivers results without draining your energy.
In this episode, we cover:
•Why visibility ≠ strategy
•The 4 reasons our LinkedIn system actually works
•How to get seen by new people every week
•Why...
Automation gets a bad rap—and frankly, it’s not fair. In this episode, Charlotte breaks down why the tool itself isn’t the problem… it’s how people use it. If you’ve ever felt torn between “doing it all manually” or sounding like a bot, this is your wake-up call to stop choosing between authentic and efficient—because you can (and should) have both.
In this episode, we cover:
•The difference between lazy automation vs respectful auto...
It’s not the price of tools or courses that holds most creative businesses back—it’s the hidden cost of not doing marketing at all. In this wake-up-call episode, Charlotte breaks down the real toll of ignoring lead gen: on your confidence, time, money, and mental bandwidth.
In this episode, we cover:
•Why “busy now” ≠ “booked later”
•The mental weight of inconsistent marketing
•What happens when referrals dry up
•How a simple system can...
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