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

Hosted by Charlotte Ellis Maldari

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Episodes

149

Latest episode

Apr 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

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.

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60 recent

April 27, 202644 min

Authentic Growth and Attracting Clients Who Fit, with Heather Hubbard

Authentic Growth and Attracting Clients Who Fit with Heather HubbardHeather Hubbard, former big law partner turned entrepreneur, joins the Kaffeen Authority Builder podcast to unpack what it really takes to build a sustainable business without burning out. We talk about giving yourself permission to disappoint others, redefining hustle and flow, and why “percolation time” is often the missing ingredient in high performance.Heather shares practical strategies on building momentum without constant reinvention, how to review results properly (including tracking effort, not just outcomes), and how to use AI for admin support without outsourcing your expertise. We also explore authenticity in personal brands, attracting clients who genuinely fit, and what makes evergreen challenges convert in a crowded market.Key topics coveredLeaving big law and detaching from others’ expectations Hustle and flow as an integrated way of working Avoiding burnout with reflection, focus, and perspective AI, discernment, and using tools without losing your edge Challenges, referrals, and high-ticket conversion quality Personal brand authenticity and client fit Links and Resources- Get It Done Challenge: https://getitdonechallenge.com - Heather on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherjoyhubbard/

April 20, 202645 min

The ROI of Being Seen: How to Brand Yourself Without Feeling Cringey, with Jasmine Haitalani

The ROI of Being Seen: How to Brand Yourself Without Feeling Cringey, with Jasmine HaitalaniIn this episode, Charlotte Ellis welcomes Jasmine Haitalani, founder and CEO of Highflier Powerhouse, to discuss the emotional and strategic journey of personal and business branding. Jasmine shares her story of pivoting from medicine to creative direction, building a seven-figure agency without formal design training, and embracing visibility as an immigrant and entrepreneur.Key topics include:The difference between branding for solo operators and teamsNavigating imposter syndrome without formal design educationBalancing personal identity and professional brand presenceThe emotional impact of rebranding, especially for women and mothersHow to use client feedback to shape brand personalityThe importance of visibility and setting boundaries for personal sharingWhen to invest in branding and how it drives ROIPractical tips for preparing your audience for a rebrandJasmine also explains how branding can unlock confidence, authority, and business growth, and why the process often leads to deeper personal transformation. Find out how to make your brand magnetic—without feeling cringey.

April 13, 202643 min

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

Healing Isn’t Neutral: Brenda Lomeli on Speaking Up and Standing Out in WellnessMaster 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, and created a clearer sense of authority.We explore rebranding as liberation, using visual identity and symbolism to reflect values, plus how podcasting builds visibility and consistent client growth without relying on social media algorithms. Brenda also shares how her definition of success has evolved after 10 years in business, including setting tailored revenue goals and giving back in alignment with her community.Key topics covered- What “silence” looks like in wellness marketing - Values-led leadership, risk, and audience alignment - Rebranding, self-expression, and authority - Podcasting for trust, consistency, and conversions - Redefining success and sustainable ambition - Self-care practices during injusticeLinks and resources- Website: https://brendalomeli.com - Podcast: *Reclaiming Food Freedom in the Last 10* - Instagram: @brendalomeliofficial

April 6, 202643 min

Build Authority Through Storytelling With Mariela De La Mora

Build Authority Through Storytelling With Mariela De La MoraMariela 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 trust when you do not yet have endless testimonials. Mariela also explains how she earns third-party credibility (podcasts, trainings, invite-only stages) without constant pitching, plus how she uses collaborations and audience-led topics to get a simple “yes”. We close with practical insights on balancing algorithm-led visibility with long-term authority assets like email, and designing growth around real-life capacity.Key topics covered- Leadership before business and identity-led growth - Storytelling as positioning, trust, and demand generation - Finding the market gap and building a “category of one” - Landing podcasts and stages through collaborations and service-led outreach - High-ticket positioning and why sales cycles are longer than you think - Email list nurturing vs social media attention - Telegram coaching as async thought partnership - Boundaries, burnout, and being “slow with your yeses”

March 30, 202646 min

Building Sustainable Business Growth with Kamila von Retteg

Building Sustainable Business Growth with Kamila von RettegIn 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 creation or live launches.Key topics covered include:The mindset and behavioural shifts needed to move from one-to-one to scalable offersThe “messy middle” of business growth and how to navigate itThe Roadmap Funnel: Kamila’s approach to evergreen webinar funnels and why she avoids the term “webinar"The realities of low-ticket offers, what makes them profitable, and common pitfallsUsing paid ads sustainably, especially in the face of platform changesThe power of podcast ads for visibility and nurturing trustThe importance of investing in mentorship and external coachingKamila also shares practical tips for systemising sales, leveraging offers, and building a business that supports freedom and longevity. Find her on Instagram or visit her website for more on the Roadmap Funnel and her latest training, “Peak Buyer Window.”

March 23, 202647 min

Building Business Authority and Visibility with Alison Johnston

From Fractional CMO to Strategic Advisor – Building Deep, Long-Term Client Partnerships in the Attention Economy With Alison JohnstonIn 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 helping founders navigate the messy, high-growth early stages, blending hands-on execution with high-level strategy.Key topics include the value of being a generalist in startup environments, the importance of human connection and in-person networking in a digital-first world, and how to leverage AI without losing authenticity. Alison offers advice for impatient founders, the power of personal brand, and practical ways to build trust and long-term client relationships. The conversation also covers referral strategies, the evolving marketing funnel, and how British founders can confidently promote themselves without feeling boastful.Tune in for actionable insights on sustainable growth, authentic marketing, and building a business that thrives on both expertise and genuine connection.https://linktr.ee/alisonjohnston

March 2, 202646 min

Part 2 of Building Authority and Attracting Clients: Tony Rulli interviews Charlotte

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 and prospects. They discuss the importance of consistency over perfection, how to repurpose podcast content across multiple platforms, and why visibility is crucial in today’s distracted world. The conversation also covers common mistakes to avoid, the power of human connection in marketing, and actionable steps for launching your own authority platform. Whether you’re considering a podcast, a book, or simply want to improve your marketing, this episode is packed with honest advice and inspiration to help you take the next step.

February 27, 202634 min

Part 1 of Building Authority and Attracting Clients: Tony Rulli interviews Charlotte

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. Charlotte shares practical strategies for creating an “authority platform”—from hosting podcasts and writing books to leveraging existing content and sales call transcripts. The episode also explores the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and being genuinely helpful, rather than self-promotional or salesy. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to start building authority in a way that feels ethical, approachable, and sustainable, with tips for repurposing content and developing a consistent marketing system. Key topics include mindset shifts, content creation hacks, and the value of sharing expertise generously.

February 23, 202645 min

Build Authority Through Care Led Leadership with Patti Dayleg

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 leadership stability matters, how burnout grows when people lose a sense of impact, and why evidence of outcomes helps leaders stay focused. Patti also breaks down her relationship led approach to business development, including why one email and one Instagram post reactivated her network, and what she would do if starting again from scratch.Key topics covered- DEI backlash and real world impact on nonprofits and communities - Healing leadership, somatics, and staying grounded under pressure - Leadership turnover, team protection, and organisational stability - Defining success in mission based work versus growth driven models - Funding shifts, coalition funding, and collaboration in philanthropy - Relationship based business development without the online hustle Links and resourcesPodcast: https://malayasolutions.com/podcast Email list: https://malayasolutions.com/email-opt-in

February 16, 202636 min

Simplify Your Offer and Attract Better Clients, with Megan Dowd

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 explains her “Burn It Down Day” process for rebuilding a business around what’s true in your current season of life, plus the practical shift that changed everything: confidently asking for referrals.Key topics covered:- From Pilates to brand language and copywriting - Building authority by focusing on one offer and 10 clients’ worth of data - Neurodivergence, overthinking, and finding words that feel true - Burn It Down Day: resetting your business without guilt or sunk cost - Ordinary stories, human-first marketing, and attracting aligned clients - Referrals as a sustainable growth strategyResources mentioned:- Burn It Down Day Workshop Info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ok5mqT9t-WAy266ExTzvtrssmedCM8-0bMruGF4hX8Y/edit?usp=sharing - Diagnose the Disconnect quiz: https://withmegandowd.com/quiz - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withmegandowd/