In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to grow a standout personal brand—and why it might be the most important business strategy you’re not using yet. I'm joined by Marina Byezhanova, Co-Founder of Brand of a Leader, a seven-figure personal branding agency that helps Gen X entrepreneurs and C-suite leaders step confidently into the spotlight.

We talk about entrepreneurship, immigrant resilience, and how Marina turned introspection and authenticity into her greatest assets in business. She shares the real reasons thought leadership matters now more than ever, how to humanize your message without oversharing, and why your personal brand is an expression of who you are—not what you sell.

Marina also unpacks why Gen X leaders are uniquely positioned for influence (but often avoid the spotlight), and how her team guides clients to find their unique voice, build visibility, and stay top of mind through organic, human-centered content. If you're a founder, service provider, or industry expert ready to scale your business and build meaningful authority—this is for you.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4hS5tfN_IOY

📲 Connect with Marina:

Website: brandofaleader.com

IG: @brandofaleader

LinkedIn: Brand of a Leader

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Disclaimer

The Entrepreneurial Elevation Podcast and content posted by Kelley Beveridge is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user's own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Transcript

[00:00] Marina introduces her passion for radical authenticity and why Brand of a Leader exists: helping people speak and show up authentically instead of conforming to groupthink.

[05:00] She shares the resilience it took to co-found her agency during the pandemic, when uncertainty and isolation forced her to create energy and vision internally.

[10:00] Marina explains why they focus on Gen X and C-suite leaders—many feel forgotten, uncomfortable with visibility, and resistant to sharing publicly. Her agency helps them package authentic stories with confidence.

[15:00] She stresses that personal branding is not about what you sell but who you are. Their process begins with introspection, interviews, and brand identity work that often leaves clients emotional: “Oh my God, that’s me.”

[20:00] Marina outlines why personal branding is now crucial: it builds trust, fuels referrals, and drives visibility in a world shifting from SEO to AEO (Answer Engine Optimization).

[25:00] She defines thought leadership as owning a clear, unique expertise topic (plus a humanizing topic) that people associate with you. Authentic, original content is key—AI-generated generic posts hurt more than help.

[30:00] Authenticity includes humanizing elements—sharing personal passions, community work, or parenting—without forcing vulnerability. Content should sound human, not corporate or overproduced.

[35:00] On scaling to seven figures, Marina highlights three keys: hire an assistant early, build systems and processes, and invest in thought leadership content that compounds over time.

[37:00] Her definition of success: financial growth, global recognition of her brand, being a present mother, and inspiring others without sacrificing career or family.

[40:00] Marina’s advice for unleashing greatness: know who you are and embrace authenticity, build your own “puzzle” of success rather than follow absolutes, and trust your intuition when making decisions.