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July 16, 2025 32 mins

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In this episode, I’m joined by brand strategist and author Finola Howard for a conversation about brand positioning—but more than that, we explore what it really means to build a business that reflects who you are instead of who you think you need to be.

Finola shares how your uniqueness is not just allowed—it’s necessary. We talk about the fear that comes with being truly seen, what it costs to stay safe, and why leaning into your “too-muchness” might be the very thing that sets you apart in the best way.

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever struggled to claim your space, wondered whether joy and your business goals can actually coexist, or found yourself over-relying on tools like AI or advice from others because you’ve lost touch with your own voice.

Spoiler alert: your genius already exists. You just need to give yourself permission to use it.


Key Takeaways:

  • What brand positioning actually means and why it matters at every stage of business
  • The real cost of blending in—and why “safe” isn’t actually safe
  • How to reconnect with your own voice (especially if you’ve been outsourcing decisions to AI or endless advice)
  • Why your “too-muchness” is usually your greatest strength
  • What it looks like to build a brand around your joy, not your fear


Thrive in 5:

Here are five ways to start stepping into the next version of your business—and your life—right now:

  1. Start with Purpose – Ask yourself: why does this business exist beyond making money? Then write it down.
  2. Spot the Patterns – Pay attention to the traits or qualities you've been told are "too much." These are often clues to your uniqueness.
  3. Say the Quiet Thing Out Loud – If you’ve been holding back an opinion or part of your story out of fear, find one safe place to say it—whether it’s a journal, a friend, or even your next post.
  4. Get Clear on Who You Serve – Visualize and understand your ideal customer deeply, using your origin story as a clue.
  5. Take the Leap—Get Visible – Don’t stop at clarity. Show up. Claim your space. Share your message. The leap is the work.


Connect with Finola:


Want support stepping into your next chapter?
This is the kind of work we do inside my programs and coaching. If you're building a business and you're done trying to blend in, you can connect with me by texting me at the link above or at marcirossi.com.


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