Workfluencer: Personal Branding & Content Creation

Hosted by Rhona Pierce

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Jun 2026

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Redefining how we talk about work. Hosted by Rhona Pierce, Workfluencer spotlights professionals using content to grow careers, build personal brands, and shape industries. From employee creators reshaping corporate culture to entrepreneurs turning side-hustles into businesses, we explore the real stories and strategies behind blending work, creativity, and influence in today’s world.

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June 15, 202649 min

#93: How to Stand Out on LinkedIn

Most LinkedIn advice teaches you how to fit in. Jillian Richardson believes the opposite. In this episode of Workfluencer, Rhona sits down with one of LinkedIn's most recognizable ghostwriters to discuss why being a little weird might be your biggest advantage online. Jillian shares the story behind her viral "Be Weird on LinkedIn" movement, what founders get wrong about personal branding, and why authenticity is becoming the best defense against AI-generated content. They also discuss employee-generated content, ghostwriting, creator monetization, brand partnerships, and the realities of putting yourself out there online. If you've been playing it safe on LinkedIn, this episode will challenge you to rethink what professional content should look like. In this episode: Why blending in is becoming riskier than standing out The real meaning of "being weird" on LinkedIn How founders and executives can create more engaging content Why employee-generated content builds more trust than corporate messaging How ghostwriting actually works behind the scenes The relationship between authenticity and AI-generated content What creators should know about negotiating brand partnerships How to find your unique voice on LinkedIn Resources Mentioned: Jillian's Website: https://www.makelinkedinweird.com Connect With Us: Connect with Jillian: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatjillian/ Connect with Rhona: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce⁠ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 8, 202646 min

#92: How to Write a Book About Workplace Culture

What does it take to turn years of workplace observations into a published book? In this episode of Workfluencer, Abi Adamson shares the story behind her debut book, Culture Blooming: Nurturing Workplaces Where People Grow. From witnessing favoritism, discrimination, and toxic leadership to developing her own workplace culture framework, Abi explains how she transformed real-world experiences into a book designed to help leaders create better workplaces. Abi pulls back the curtain on the publishing process, including how she landed a publisher through LinkedIn, rewrote her entire framework, worked through multiple drafts with her editor, and balanced personal stories with practical advice. She also shares some of the workplace experiences that shaped both her career and the book itself. Whether you've considered writing a book, building a thought leadership platform, or simply want a deeper understanding of workplace culture, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to turn expertise into intellectual property. What You'll Learn: How to get your first book deal Why you do not need a finished manuscript to approach a publisher What it takes to write a business book that is accessible to people with dyslexia, non-native English speakers, and first-time managers How to honor creative rest without losing momentum, and why forcing writing produces content that reads like filler How to balance personal stories with practical workplace advice Resources Mentioned: Pre-Order Abi's Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/824116/culture-blooming-by-abi-adamson/ Connect With Us: Connect with Abi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abiadamson/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 1, 202645 min

#91: How to Monetize a Podcast Without Losing Your Integrity

Most creators think they need a massive audience before brands will take them seriously. Chad Sowash says that's nonsense! In this episode of Workfluencer, Chad shares how he and his co-host, Joel Cheesman, built the Chad & Cheese podcast into a profitable business from day one, why most creators dramatically undervalue themselves, and what brands are actually buying when they sponsor content. We discuss why niche audiences outperform vanity metrics, how to create sponsorship packages that deliver real value, and why some of Chad's strongest sponsor relationships started after publicly criticizing those companies. Chad also explains how he evaluates HR tech vendors, why creators have a responsibility to vet the products they promote, and the rules he follows to protect audience trust. If you've been wondering whether it's possible to make money from content without becoming a spokesperson for every brand that waves a checkbook, this conversation is for you. What You'll Learn: Why Chad built his podcast as a business from day one What brands actually want from creator partnerships The biggest mistake creators make when pricing sponsorships Why niche audiences are often more valuable than large audiences How Chad handles disagreements with sponsors The role creators play in vetting AI and HR tech products Lessons learned from nearly a decade of podcast monetization Resources Mentioned: Listen to the Chad & Cheese Podcast: https://www.chadcheese.com/ Connect with Us: Connect with Chad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadsowash/ Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 18, 202648 min

#90: Rebuilding a Personal Brand After a Layoff

Strong POV content feels risky for most creators, but Jillian O'Malior built her audience by removing the corporate pleasing filter completely. After being laid off in November 2024, she ran a 90-day experiment leaning into “strategically unhinged” content about layoffs, labor reform, and the dehumanization of workers — and the inbound work, brand deals, and podcast invites started rolling in. In this episode of Workfluencer, Rhona Pierce sits down with brand strategist and workplace advocate Jillian O'Malior about the moment she dropped corporate Jillian, the dinner-party framework she uses to keep her voice consistent, and the seven-story-plot approach she applies to every post. They cover how to be vulnerable without overexposing yourself, why a strong POV content strategy doubles as a filter, and how to build a personal brand without sounding like a rant. At its core, this episode is about what happens when you stop optimizing for the broadest possible audience and start saying what only you can say. The professionals who try to please everyone get scrolled past. The ones who plant a stake in the ground get hired. You'll hear Jillian's exact content framework, the difference between venting and a strong POV, why “strategically unhinged” outperforms safe corporate content, how she handled friends who thought she'd “gone off the deep end,” and the specific advice she gives clients building their personal brand from scratch. What You'll Learn: How to build a personal brand after a layoff Why authentic content outperforms sanitized corporate posting How to use content as a filter for career opportunities The difference between vulnerability and unhinged oversharing How layoffs are reshaping conversations around work Why AI-generated content is the reason for the loss of originality online Why having a strong POV online is less risky than people think How to create content that actually sounds like you Jillian’s framework for developing a memorable personal brand The future of work, portfolio careers, and labor reform Resources Mentioned: Jillian's Website: https://www.jilliandoesbranding.com/ The Liquidity of Truth Case Study: https://www.jilliandoesbranding.com/showrunner-methodology Connect With Us: Connect with Jillian: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-omalior Connect with Rhona: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce⁠ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 12, 202651 min

#89: How to Build an HR Conference People Actually Want to Attend

Most conferences focus on information. Anna Morgan focused on belonging. In this episode of Workfluencer, Anna takes us behind the scenes of building Evolve — a fast-growing HR and recruiting conference brand built around trust, community, and real human connection. From hosting LinkedIn audio rooms and recruiter communities to executive dinners and a full-scale conference ecosystem, Anna shares how she turned years of relationship-building into one of the most community-driven experiences in the HR space. We talk about: How she launched her first conference in just 69 days Why most networking at conferences feels transactional The realities of bootstrapping an event business How she designs experiences people actually want to return to Why content should extend the life of an event instead of just marketing it What sponsors really want from conferences in 2026 How Evolve On Demand is expanding the conference beyond the room If you care about HR events, employer branding, community building, recruiting, or creating experiences people genuinely connect with, this episode is packed with practical insights. Resources Mentioned: Join the waitlist for EVOLVE on Demand: https://evolve.short.gy/5EKAv9 Connect With Us: Connect with Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamorgan-recruiter-careerbff Connect with Rhona: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 4, 202654 min

#88: How Honest Employer Branding Attracts Better Candidates

What if candidates were lining up before you even posted the job? In this episode, Rhona sits down with Bradley Clark to break down how his team turned honest, transparent employer branding into a high-performing talent engine. They get into why most employer branding fails, how transparency filters in the right candidates (and repels the wrong ones), and the exact system behind their “early access” hiring strategy that drives 60% of hires before jobs ever hit job boards. This is a tactical, behind-the-scenes look at what happens when employer brand is actually aligned to hiring goals—not vanity metrics. What You’ll Learn: Why honesty is the most effective employer branding strategy Why “aspirational” employer branding hurts hiring How radical transparency improves candidate quality The early access hiring strategy (and how to copy it) Why you should close jobs early (and stop collecting resumes) The 4 content pillars behind a high-performing employer brand How to use rejection emails as a brand-building tool Why unpolished content outperforms high-production campaigns How employer brand should directly support talent strategy Resources Mentioned: Visit Article's LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/article.com/ If you've been wanting to post more consistently on LinkedIn, try Stanley for FREE - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://workfluencerpodcast.com/stanley ⁠⁠ Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2⁠ Connect with Us: Connect with Brad: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradmclark/ Connect with Rhona ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/⁠ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 28, 202636 min

#87: How to Turn Content Into Clients (By Building in Public)

How do you actually turn content into clients—especially when you’re just starting out? In this episode, we unpack what it really looks like to build in public and use content as more than just a visibility play. Not polished. Not hindsight. Real-time. Preston recently left corporate and is building his business from the ground up, documenting the process as he goes. That means sharing what’s working, what’s not, and how his approach to content has shifted from “just posting” to something much more intentional. We talk about how content evolves from a side project into a true business driver, what “building in public” actually means in practice, and where to draw the line between transparency and oversharing. You’ll also hear what types of content are gaining traction right now, what’s falling flat, and how to connect what you post back to real opportunities—without feeling salesy. It’s an honest look at figuring things out as you go, including the mental and financial side of making the leap. If you’ve been showing up online and wondering if it’s ever going to lead to something… this is the episode that connects the dots. What You'll Learn: Why waiting until you feel ready to build in public is still delay — and what actually gets you started How to use memes and infographics to educate your professional niche on LinkedIn without being generic The financial runway strategy Preston used to safely leave a decade-long corporate career Why content creation is the cheat code for introverts who hate networking The difference between posting to educate and posting with a business development strategy How to be selective with sponsorships in a way that protects your credibility and your audience's trust What building in public looks like when you're still mid-pivot and haven't nailed your niche yet Resources Mentioned: Visit Preston's website: https://www.guidelinetalent.com If you've been wanting to post more consistently on LinkedIn, try Stanley for FREE - ⁠⁠⁠https://workfluencerpodcast.com/stanley ⁠ Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Connect with Us: Connect with Preston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonsharpston Connect with Rhona ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 20, 202643 min

#86: How to Build a Personal Brand After a Layoff

Most people get laid off and go quiet. Vanita Capobianco did the opposite. She started creating content, launched a podcast, and began building a personal brand from scratch. No audience. No experience. No roadmap. In this episode, we break down what actually happens after a layoff—and how to turn that moment into momentum. Vanita shares how she built consistency, found her voice, and created opportunities by showing up online. We also get into the real side of content creation. Late nights. Self-doubt. Low views. And why none of that matters if you keep going. If you’ve ever thought about building a personal brand but feel like you’re “not ready,” this episode will challenge that fast. What You’ll Learn Why layoffs can be a turning point (if you use them right) How to start creating content with zero audience How to promote your content when no one knows you yet Why consistency beats perfection every time How to balance a 9–5, kids, and content creation Resources Mentioned: Listen to Vanita's Podcast: https://laidofftoliftoff.riverside.com/ If you've been wanting to post more consistently on LinkedIn, try Stanley for FREE - ⁠⁠https://workfluencerpodcast.com/stanley Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2⁠ Connect With Us: Connect with Vanita: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vcapobiancohrtech/ Connect with Rhona ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/⁠ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 13, 202649 min

#85: How to Get Content Ideas Without Overthinking

If you’re constantly consuming content but still struggling to come up with ideas… this episode is your reset. Jeff Harry argues that the problem isn’t a lack of inspiration, it’s too much input. In this episode, we break down why overconsumption leads to overthinking, how that blocks creativity, and what actually helps you generate better content ideas (hint: it’s not more scrolling). You’ll learn how to: Stop relying on inspiration from other creators Break out of the doomscrolling cycle Use boredom as a creative advantage Create content that feels natural, not forced If you’ve ever thought, “I know I should be creating, but I just can’t get started”—this one’s for you. Resources Mentioned: Watch Jeff's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/Abnzm6czeP4 Visit Jeff's Website: https://www.rediscoveryourplay.com/ Subscribe to Rhona's Newsletter: ⁠https://link.rhonapierce.com/newsletter2 Connect With Us: Connect with Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffharryplays/ Connect with Rhona ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit ⁠workfluencermedia.com⁠ to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 7, 202631 min

Why HR Leaders Should Be Creating Content

At Transform 2026, I sat down with Rebecca Taylor to unpack what’s really holding HR and Talent leaders back from showing up online—and why that needs to change. We get into the real risks, the perceived risks, and the responsibility that comes with having a voice in HR. Because whether you’re posting or not, the narrative is being shaped—with or without you. Rebecca also shares a deeply personal career story that highlights how power, identity, and early decisions can shape everything that follows. If you’ve been hesitant to create content—or questioning whether it’s worth it—this conversation will challenge that thinking. What You'll Learn: Why most HR leaders think they’re restricted from posting online — and why they’re wrong How to navigate corporate constraints while building a personal brand in HR or TA The difference between using AI as a thought partner vs. letting it write your content Why using personal vs. enterprise AI tools matters when you handle sensitive company data How to stay consistent on 1–2 content pillars instead of posting on everything and standing for nothing How HR leaders can lead change initiatives they privately disagree with — and maintain credibility doing it How to create community space for HR voices that can’t post publicly — and why it matters Resources Mentioned If you've been wanting to post more consistently on LinkedIn, try Stanley for FREE - ⁠https://workfluencerpodcast.com/stanley Listen to Rebecca's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hr-voices/id1833927442 Connect with us Connect with Rebecca - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccataylor2/ Connect with Rhona ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/ Want to turn your team into creators? Visit workfluencermedia.com to learn how we help companies build video-first content systems that attract, engage, and retain talent. personal brand, content creator, HR content creation, thought leadership, creator economy, professional content creator, HR professionals, TA content creation, LinkedIn content strategy, HR tech, employee relations, AI tools for content, content pillars, personal branding HR, HR creator, content creation at work, corporate content creation, B2B content creator, HR community, HR voices podcast, creating content when employed, HR leader content, employee relations platform, all voices, hr thought leadership, workforce content, recruiting content creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices