Authority Builder Podcast | Client-Winning Strategies for Coaches, Consultants, and Creatives Who Want to Lead With Authority.

Healing Isn’t Neutral: Brenda Lomeli on Speaking Up and Standing Out in Wellness

Master life coach Brenda Lomeli, creator of the globally recognised Last 10 method, shares why “silence” in the wellness and personal development industry is not neutral, especially during times of injustice. Brenda explains how speaking from lived experience, as a first-generation Mexican American, reshaped her brand, deepened client trust, a...

Build Authority Through Storytelling With Mariela De La Mora

Mariela De La Mora joins the Authority Builder Podcast to share how women of colour and daughters of immigrants can turn identity, lived experience, and voice into thought leadership that converts. 

We unpack what “leadership before business” looks like in practice, why premium positioning starts with seeing a specific client deeply, and how storytelling builds tr...

Building Sustainable Business Growth with Kamila von Retteg

In this episode, we welcome Kamila von Retteg, a seasoned business coach and marketing strategist for online coaches, course creators, and service providers. With over 11 years of experience, Kamila shares her insights on building sustainable revenue through scalable group programmes, automated sales systems, and paid ads—without the burnout of constant content cr...

From Fractional CMO to Strategic Advisor – Building Deep, Long-Term Client Partnerships in the Attention Economy With Alison Johnston

In this episode, Charlotte Ellis Maldari welcomes Alison Johnston, founder of Electric Alley, to discuss her journey from in-house marketer to trusted fractional CMO and strategic advisor for startups and service-led businesses. Alison shares how her organic career path led her to specialise...

In this episode, Tony Rulli flips the script and interviews Charlotte about the real value of building authority as a business owner. 

They dive into why starting a podcast can be a game-changer for consultants, coaches, and agency owners—especially those looking to grow without burning out. 

Charlotte shares practical tips on leveraging existing relationships, batching content, and using podcasts to stay front of mind with clients a...

In this special episode of the Authority Builder Podcast, Tony Ruilli of Intentional Spark flips the script and interviews Charlotte, founder of Kaffeen, about her Authority Builder programme and the art of building authority as a consultant, coach, or agency owner. 

The conversation dives into the challenges of moving beyond referrals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the emotional hurdles of stepping into an authority role. 

Charl...

Charlotte is joined by Patti Dayleg, MPH Leadership Coach and CEO of Malaya Solutions, to explore what care led leadership looks like when DEI is politicised, funding is uncertain, and mission driven teams are stretched thin. 

Patti shares how leaders can stay grounded, connected, and effective while navigating fear, secondary trauma, and constant change across the nonprofit and social impact landscape.

They discuss why lea...

Megan Dowd, certified equity-centred coach and former classical actress, shares how she went from Pilates instructor to copywriter and brand language strategist, and what it really took to build authority. 

We talk about simplifying to one core offer, why “enthusiastic overthinkers” are her favourite clients, and how language that feels good in your brain and body leads to clearer marketing and better-fit leads.

Megan also ...

Guesting, Growth, and the New Rules of Authority, with Tom Schwab

In this episode, Charlotte welcomes Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet and pioneer of podcast interview marketing. Tom shares his journey from engineering and e-commerce to becoming a leading voice in authority building for consultants, coaches, and advisors. The conversation explores why authority—not attention—is the real differentiator for service pro...

In this episode of the Authority Builder podcast, Charlotte is joined by her coach, Steph Crowder, a sales and strategy coach (and former Director of Sales Training at Groupon) who helps entrepreneurs sell with courage, clarity, and confidence. 

Steph shares why business growth is rarely about doing more, and almost always about doing the right money-making activities consistently, even when it feels repetitive.

They unpack...

From Start-Up to Scale-Up: Mark Scrivener’s Guide to Sustainable Growth

In this episode of the Authority Builder Podcast, Charlotte Ellis Maldari welcomes Mark Scrivener—board advisor, fractional COO/CXO, and strategic leader with over 15 years’ experience in scaling tech-driven businesses. Mark shares his journey from small digital agencies to leading large-scale teams, offering practical insights on adaptability, user em...

In this episode, we welcome physical therapist and strength coach Ramez Antoun, founder of Spine PT University. Ramez shares his journey from private concierge PT to building a thriving B2B education business, teaching sports physical therapists how to solve sciatica and progress patients back to the gym. He discusses the challenges of shifting from insurance-based to private pay models, the importance of refining messaging, and ho...

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...