Behind the Brand with Bryan Elliott

Seth Godin gave me some advice that changed my life.Fair warning, I share some personal stuff. This is an edited clip from the end of a 2-hour by-invite-only conference I hosted with Seth in Feb. 2018. It has since gone on to received over half a million views on Youtube with no signs of slowing down. If you've been playing the victim or waiting to get picked...this podcast episode might be for you.

It turns out The "soft skills" like honestly, integrity and vulnerability have always been the most important to any kind of success. Ironically, unlike most other business related skills that can be taught, these skills must be developed because they are not inherent. I'm working on getting better in this area but admittedly it takes work. I like what author Brené Brown said: “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” Here's a little video of me trying to put this into practice.

Blake Mycoskie is the Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS, and the person behind the idea of One for One®, a business model that helps a person in need with every product purchased.

A simple idea has grown into a global movement: TOMS Shoes has provided over 86 million pairs of shoes to children since 2006, TOMS Eyewear has restored sight to over 600,000 people since 2011 and TOMS Roasting Company has helped provide over 600,000 weeks of safe water since launching in 2014. In 2015, TOMS Bag Collection was founded with the mission to help provide training for skilled birth attendants and distribute birth kits containing items that help a woman safely deliver her baby. As of 2016, TOMS has supported safe birth services for over 25,000 mothers.

TOMS humble beginnings happened unintentionally. While traveling in Argentina in 2006, Blake witnessed the hardships faced by children growing up without shoes. His solution to the problem was simple, yet revolutionary: to create a for-profit business that was sustainable and not reliant on donations. Blake's vision soon turned into the simple business idea that provided the powerful foundation for TOMS.

Anne Wojcicki is the the co-founder and chief executive officer of the personal genomics company 23andMe. Was this a timely episode? Yes. As it happens, I'm personally and professionally involved in this topic of DNA tech. And it's not a subject that comes without controversy, critics and skepticism. I get it. It's complicated. While only some of the present positive and negative effects of any ripples (ala Golden State Killer captured by DNA tech) emerge, the jury is still out on what the future holds. My prediction is that it's going to be rough seas before it's smooth sailing. That said, I'm on board. I'm all in because, well, it's personal. I share some of my story here with Anne, I hope you enjoy!

This exclusive event with bestselling author Seth Godin was originally recorded in 2010 but is still as relevant today as it was then. We were under embargo for many years until this talk was released on our Youtube channel a couple of years ago.

It's my pleasure to release this to our podcast for your listening pleasure now. Enjoy!

Fitness expert Jillian Michales has been committed to helping people to be the best versions of themselves and to live their happiest and healthiest lives for over a decade.

Jillian has dominated the health and wellness space with hit televisions shows, extensively successful fitness DVDs, the foremost exercise streaming platform fitfusion.com, 8 New York Times best-selling books, an award-winning podcast, live speaking engagements, her App that provides personal training and nutrition plans, popular social media channels and her personal website jillianmichaels.com. Through her platforms, she has built an international community of followers 100 million + strong.

In 2008, Jillian launched her company, Empowered Media, LLC, with her business partner Giancarlo Chersich. Over the past decade, Empowered Media has become a monumental wellness empire dedicated to total-life solutions comprising all aspects of living well, including nutrition, fitness, self-help and overall lifestyle. The company has invested in like-minded companies including Thrive Market, Lucky Jack Coffee, AQUAHydrate and Giggles N’ Hugs.

Gabby Reece is probably best known as a professional volleyball player, model, fitness expert and wife of big wave surfer Laird Hamilton. Bryan Elliott sat down with Gabby in this exclusive full-length interview to take you Behind her Brand talking about her business, Laird Superfood; her marriage and children; staying fit at any age and much more.

Join host Bryan Elliott Behind the IKONICK Brand and listen to the lessons of e-commerce success and personal branding with founders Jeff Cole and Mark Mastrandea. IKONICK has also recently partnered with Scooter Braun and Gary Vaynerchuck to take the company to the next level.

Host Bryan Elliott goes Behind the Brand with Melanie Whelan, CEO of Soul Cycle, who shares her experience building the iconic brand. Whelan began her career working in corporate development for Virgin America and Starwood. Prior to joining Soul Cycle, Whelan was vice president of business development for Equinox Fitness and is now taking the Soul brand to new heights.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Danny Meyer grew up in a family that loved great food and hospitality. Thanks to his father’s travel business, which designed custom European trips, Danny spent much of his childhood eating, visiting near and far-off places, and sowing the seeds for his future passion.

In 1985, at the age of 27, Danny opened his first restaurant, Union Square Cafe, launching what would become a lifelong career in hospitality. 30 years later, Danny’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) comprises some of New York’s favorite and acclaimed restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, Maialino, Shake Shack and more. USHG also offers large-scale event services, foodservice solutions for public and private institutions, industry consulting, and educational programming. 

Kendra Scott was just 19 years old when she started her first business, a hat shop. She was determined to succeed but ultimately had to close the business after 5 years. Soon after Scott started making custom jewelry to be able to be a mom and earn some money.

The little business took off and soon she was selling her products all over and now her brand is valued at a billion dollars. Watch this inspiring story and let us know what you think.