Beyond The Bio

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233

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Aug 2026

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About the show

This isn’t just the fluffy s*** you see on social media. Join me Sophie Milliken, Founder and CEO at modern PR agency Moja, along with my industry-expert guests, as I show you how to raise your profile. Each week I cover topics like, awards, PR, speaking, social media and of course, the power of podcasting – essentially all the good stuff. Whether you’re a budding start-up or a seasoned entrepreneur, this podcast will help you get known in your industry. Let’s go Beyond the Bio. Thank you for listening. Follow the podcast so you don't miss future episodes and leave me a review so I can hear your thoughts. Let's connect: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken Instagram: www.instagram.com/moja_sophie/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/Moja_Sophie Want to feature as a guest? Give your pitch at https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/btb to tell me what you’ve got to say.

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60 recent

August 17, 202621 min

159: Building a Reputation People Trust with Evan Boyer

What does it take to build a reputation that lasts? In a world where AI can generate endless content and everyone is competing for attention, it's easy to assume that being more visible is the answer. But as this week's guest explains, visibility without credibility rarely lasts. This week Sophie is joined by Evan Boyer, founder and CEO of Leaders PR. After nearly 15 years advising global brands including JPMorgan Chase, EY, LG, Lowe's, Panasonic, Red Hat and Volvo Trucks, Evan has built a career helping businesses earn trust, not just attention. Together they explore why expertise and credibility are built separately, why earned media has never been more valuable and what founders often misunderstand about building a reputation that stands the test of time. In this episode, we cover: Why expertise alone doesn't automatically create credibility The difference between earning attention and buying visibility Why AI is making trusted voices even more valuable What successful PR looks like behind the scenes How relationships, consistency and patience shape long term reputation Connect with Evan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanboyer/ Leaders PR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaderspr/ Leaders PR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Leaders-PR/ Leaders PR Instagram: @leaders_pr Website: www.leaderspr.com Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken Instagram: @moja_sophie Want to be a guest on Beyond the Bio? Do you have interesting ideas to share about how to raise your profile? We want to hear from you! Fill out the submission form here: https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/btb This podcast is brought to you by Moja. Moja is an award-winning modern PR agency working with entrepreneurs and senior executives to get you known in your industry. See how your profile is currently performing: https://mym-btb.scoreapp.com/

August 10, 202619 min

158: Speaking Special with Sophie-Jane Lee, Sandra Garlick MBE, Alfie Joey and Kamal Ellis-Hyman

This week's episode of Beyond the Bio is a bit different. With summer in full swing, Sophie has pulled together some of her favourite conversations on a theme that comes up on the show again and again: speaking. Whether you're prepping for conference season, weighing up your first panel, or wondering if speaking could actually grow your business, this compilation draws on insight from four guests who've built real careers on a stage. In this episode, we cover: Framing your backstory so it lands as a story, not a CV The line between vulnerability and oversharing on stage Why a talk needs one message running through it Adjusting your approach for a room of 30 versus a room of 500 The difference between speaking for a fee and speaking for opportunity Why introverts often make the strongest speakers What happens to a performer once they step off stage Guests: Sophie Jane Lee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophieturton/ Book: www.beyondpalatable.com Listen to the original episode Sandra Garlick MBE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandragarlick/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandragarlickmbe/ Website: https://womanwho.co.uk/about/ Listen to the original episode Kamal Ellis-Hyman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamalellishyman/ Website: www.aimalittlehigher.com Listen to the original episode Alfie Joey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfie-speakeasyguy-joey Listen to the original episode. Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken Instagram: @moja_sophie Want to be a guest on Beyond the Bio? Do you have interesting ideas to share about how to raise your profile? We want to hear from you! Fill out the submission form here: https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/btb This podcast is brought to you by Moja. Moja is an award-winning modern PR agency working with entrepreneurs and senior executives to get you known in your industry. See how your profile is currently performing: https://mym-btb.scoreapp.com/

August 3, 202619 min

157: How to Become the Person Everyone Mentions in the Room with Heather Offord

What does it take to become known, trusted and recommended in your industry? In this episode of Beyond the Bio , Sophie is joined by business growth consultant, speaker and author Heather Offord to explore how visibility compounds over time and why some people seem to attract opportunities wherever they go. Heather is the founder of Clarity Consultants, a multi award-winning growth consultancy based in Glasgow. With more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, she has built a reputation that extends far beyond her immediate network through speaking, events, podcast appearances, social media, professional communities and strategic relationship building. Sophie and Heather discuss what it takes to become the person whose name gets mentioned in rooms when you're not there, the visibility strategies that have had the biggest impact on her career and the mistakes that stop many business owners from becoming known. They also explore the launch of Heather's debut book, The Growth Compass , and how becoming an author has strengthened her profile and opened up new opportunities. In this episode, we discuss: Why visibility is about more than social media How networking can create long-term opportunities The role of speaking in building credibility and influence Using podcast guest appearances to grow your audience How online communities can accelerate your profile The power of consistency and reputation Why becoming known leads to more referrals and opportunities The impact of writing and publishing a book Connect with Heather Website: https://www.clarityconsultants.ltd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-offord/ Buy Heather's book The Growth Compass : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Growth-Compass-build-growth-business/dp/1918123225 Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken Instagram: @moja_sophie Want to be a guest on Beyond the Bio? Do you have interesting ideas to share about how to raise your profile? We want to hear from you! Fill out the submission form here: https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/btb This podcast is brought to you by Moja. Moja is an award-winning modern PR agency working with entrepreneurs and senior executives to get you known in your industry. See how your profile is currently performing: https://mym-btb.scoreapp.com/

July 27, 202620 min

156: How Becoming Known Changed My Business with Arin Darcan

For years, Arin Darcan focused on building businesses, not building his profile. From running call centres to launching AI-powered follow-up systems, he was busy delivering results behind the scenes. But it wasn't until he started sharing what he knew that his reputation, opportunities and business really began to grow. In this episode, Sophie sits down with Arin, founder of Team Follow Up AI, creator of Call Centre Mastery and co-organiser of AI Business Live, to explore the journey from operator to recognised expert. They discuss why expertise alone isn't enough, how teaching transformed his credibility and why AI has become more than just a business tool. For Arin, it's created the time and headspace to step out from behind the business and build a personal brand that opens new doors. If you've ever felt too busy running your business to invest in your own visibility, this episode will make you think differently. In this episode, we cover: Why building a successful business isn't the same as building a personal brand The moment Arin realised he needed to become more visible Why follower numbers don't define influence How AI has created more time to focus on visibility The opportunities that came from becoming known in his industry What Arin wishes he'd done sooner to build his personal brand Connect with Arin YouTube: www.youtube.com/@arindarcan-biz Instagram: www.instagram.com/arin_darcan/ Check out Arin's event AI Business Live: https://aibusinesslive.co.uk/tickets?ref=sophie_milliken Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken Instagram: @moja_sophie Want to be a guest on Beyond the Bio? Do you have interesting ideas to share about how to raise your profile? We want to hear from you! Fill out the submission form here: https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/btb This podcast is brought to you by Moja. Moja is an award-winning modern PR agency working with entrepreneurs and senior executives to get you known in your industry. See how your profile is currently performing: https://mym-btb.scoreapp.com/

July 20, 202619 min

155: Building a Personal Brand That Looks Like You with Natalie Zabrocki

What does your personal brand look like? And does it reflect the person behind the business? Most people think personal branding starts with LinkedIn posts or a professional photoshoot. In reality, people are making assumptions about you long before they read a word you've written. In this episode, Sophie sits down with Moja's Creative Director, Natalie Zabrocki, as Sophie embarks on her own website rebrand. They explore how visual identity shapes perception, why great branding is about far more than colours and fonts and how to create a brand that feels authentic while positioning you for the opportunities you want. From colour psychology and typography to websites, LinkedIn profiles and presentation decks, this is a practical conversation about creating a personal brand that reflects who you are and helps people remember you. In this episode, we cover: • The difference between a personal brand and a corporate brand • The questions every designer should ask before creating a brand • Why colour and typography influence how people perceive you • Creating consistency across LinkedIn, your website, email signature and presentations • The visual branding mistakes that instantly date your brand Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken Instagram: @moja_sophie Want to be a guest on Beyond the Bio? Do you have interesting ideas to share about how to raise your profile? We want to hear from you! Fill out the submission form here: https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/btb This podcast is brought to you by Moja. Moja is an award-winning modern PR agency working with entrepreneurs and senior executives to get you known in your industry. See how your profile is currently performing: https://mym-btb.scoreapp.com/

July 13, 202619 min

154: Building a Personal Brand People Trust with Victoria Houlston

Building a Personal Brand People Trust with Victoria Houlston What does it really take to build a personal brand people genuinely trust? In a world where visibility can often feel loud, performative and focused on quick wins, Victoria Houlston has built her reputation differently. Through honesty, consistency and putting people first. Victoria is the founder of Mummy Wife Businesswoman, Co-Director of 360 Pathway and a leader who has spent more than a decade building businesses and communities rooted in trust. She has led high-performing teams, generated millions in sales and created environments where people feel supported to grow both personally and professionally. Alongside her work with 360 Pathway, Victoria is now helping shape the launch of Wellness.Club, focused on healthy ageing, intelligent weight management and menopause support. In this episode, Sophie and Victoria explore why trust has become one of the most valuable currencies in business, how personal brand is often far more about reputation than performance, and why consistency matters more than chasing visibility for visibility’s sake. They also discuss the challenges many people face when putting themselves out there, what authentic visibility really looks like and why the strongest brands are built by showing up consistently over time. In this episode, we cover: Why trust is one of the most valuable assets in business Why so many people struggle with visibility Building a personal brand in a way that feels authentic The role consistency plays in building trust Why trust matters even more in the wellness industry Connect with Victoria Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoria.houlstonVH/ Website: https://www.360pathway.co.uk/mwbwvic Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken Instagram: @moja_sophie Want to be a guest on Beyond the Bio? Do you have interesting ideas to share about how to raise your profile? We want to hear from you! Fill out the submission form here: https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/btb This podcast is brought to you by Moja. Moja is an award-winning modern PR agency working with entrepreneurs and senior executives to get you known in your industry. See how your profile is currently performing: https://mym-btb.scoreapp.com/

July 6, 202618 min

153: The Truth Behind the Million Pound Salon with Sasha Core

From the outside, Sasha Core looked like the definition of success. Her salon was fully booked, growing fast and building a loyal following. But behind the scenes, the reality was very different. She was stressed, burnt out, struggling with debt and trapped in a business that depended entirely on her. In this episode, Sophie sits down with Sasha, founder of The Salon Owners Club, to talk about the part of business people rarely see. The pressure behind the polished brand, the weight of carrying everything yourself and what it takes to build a business that doesn’t rely on you for everything. Sasha shares how she transformed her clinic into a £1 million business and, more importantly, one she could step away from. This is an honest conversation about success, burnout, visibility and the reality of building a personal brand while navigating major business growth. In this episode, we cover: • Why outward success doesn’t always reflect what’s happening behind the scenes • The hidden pressure of being the face of your business • How Sasha grew her salon into a £1 million business • Building a personal brand alongside an established business • Pivoting from serving clients to mentoring business owners • What founders need to stop doing if they want sustainable growth If you’ve ever felt like everyone else is thriving while you’re trying to hold everything together behind the scenes, this episode is for you. Connect with Sasha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashacoreclinic/ Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken Instagram: @moja_sophie Want to be a guest on Beyond the Bio? Do you have interesting ideas to share about how to raise your profile? We want to hear from you! Fill out the submission form here: https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/btb This podcast is brought to you by Moja. Moja is an award-winning modern PR agency working with entrepreneurs and senior executives to get you known in your industry. See how your profile is currently performing: https://mym-btb.scoreapp.com/

June 28, 202617 min

152: The Cost of Playing Small with Dee Airey

How often do we tell ourselves we’re thinking big… when in reality, we’re still playing small? In this episode of Beyond the Bio, Sophie sits down with success coach, entrepreneur and author Dee Airey to talk about ambition, wealth and why so many brilliant women still hold themselves back. With more than 30 years of experience building businesses across multiple industries, Dee has helped ambitious women gain the clarity, confidence and courage to think bigger and create more wealth, impact and freedom. They discuss the mindset shifts needed to stop playing small, the link between visibility and opportunity, and why owning your ambition matters more than ever. Dee also shares the thinking behind her new book, Set Goals Like a Rich Bitch , and the message she hopes women take from it. In this episode, we cover: • Why so many ambitious women still play small • The hidden cost of staying in your comfort zone • Why wealth starts with mindset • The link between visibility and opportunity • Why women often undervalue themselves • The inspiration behind Dee’s new book • How to start thinking bigger and asking for more Follow Dee Airey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deeairey.successcoach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deeairey/

June 22, 202625 min

151: When Your Personal Brand Chooses You with Ivan Hollingsworth

What happens when the thing you're known for isn't something you consciously chose? In this episode of Beyond the Bio , Sophie sits down with Ivan Hollingsworth, founder of Centric Consultants, to explore how personal brands are often shaped by life's experiences rather than a carefully planned strategy. Known by many as "The Thrive Guy", Ivan shares the story behind that label, the lessons he's learned through his son's life-saving heart surgeries and why resilience isn't always what people think it is. They discuss: How Ivan became known as "The Thrive Guy" The difference between being resilient and being perceived as resilient Why trust and psychological safety matter more than ever The hidden pressures of being seen as the strong one How personal brands are often built through lived experience What happens when other people see strengths in you before you do It's an honest conversation about leadership, visibility, purpose and the reality behind the labels we carry. Connect with Ivan LinkedIn: uk.linkedin.com/in/ivan-hollingsworth-a7271944 Instagram: www.instagram.com/seb4chuf Connect with Sophie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken Instagram: @moja_sophie Want to be a guest on Beyond the Bio? Do you have interesting ideas to share about how to raise your profile? We want to hear from you! Fill out the submission form here: https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/btb This podcast is brought to you by Moja. Moja is an award-winning modern PR agency working with entrepreneurs and senior executives to get you known in your industry. See how your profile is currently performing: https://mym-btb.scoreapp.com/

June 15, 202623 min

150: The Brand Behind the Founder with Nicki James

What makes some founders become the benchmark in their industry while others struggle to stand out? In this episode of Beyond the Bio, Sophie is joined by global brand strategist, speaker, best-selling author and founder of The Haus of Brand, Nicki James. With more than 15 years of experience working with global brands and founder-led businesses, Nicki has helped entrepreneurs build brands that are recognised, remembered and chosen. Her work blends brand psychology, human behaviour and strategic positioning to help founders become the obvious choice in crowded markets. Together, Sophie and Nicki explore why visibility alone isn't enough, what makes people trust and buy from certain brands and how founders can stop competing for attention and start becoming known for something meaningful. They discuss the difference between being seen and being remembered, why so many businesses end up sounding the same, and how founders can uncover what makes them distinctive in a world where everyone seems to be saying similar things. Whether you're building a personal brand, growing a business or looking to establish yourself as a leader in your field, this episode offers practical insights into creating a brand that people don't just understand, but connect with. In this episode: • Why visibility alone won't make you the obvious choice • The role psychology plays in building trust and influence • How to uncover what makes you genuinely different • The relationship between a founder's personal brand and their business brand • Why the most successful brands focus on more than attention • The mistakes that stop founders becoming known for something meaningful Connect with Nicki: Website: www.iamnickijames.co.uk Instagram: www.instagram.com/thenickijames Connect with Sophie: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sophie-milliken Instagram: @moja_sophie Want to be a guest on Beyond the Bio? Do you have interesting ideas to share about how to raise your profile? We want to hear from you! Fill out the submission form here: https://www.sophiemilliken.co.uk/btb This podcast is brought to you by Moja. Moja is an award-winning modern PR agency working with entrepreneurs and senior executives to get you known in your industry. See how your profile is currently performing: https://mym-btb.scoreapp.com/