The Brand Mixology Podcast cover art

The Brand Mixology Podcast

The Brand Mixology Podcast

Written by: Claire Marshall
Listen for free

About this listen

 I’m Claire Marshall — brand strategist, creative thinker, and host of Brand Mixology. This podcast is all about shaking up the rules of success and finding your own mix of what works. Each episode, I sit down with founders, creatives, and experts to explore the ingredients that go into building a brand - and a life - you actually want. You’ll hear real stories of growth and reinvention, alongside practical insights into strategy, psychology, identity, and innovation. We dig into what makes brands truly unique, and what it takes to build one that stands the test of time. Every guest adds one success ingredient to the mix… and puts one thing they’re ready to leave on ice. Because there’s no single formula for success — just your unique blend of ideas, action, and behaviours. I can't wait to share these conversations with you!Copyright 2026 Claire Marshall Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Self-Help Social Sciences Success
Episodes
  • LinkedIn Personal Branding: What's Actually Working in 2026

    LinkedIn Personal Branding: What's Actually Working in 2026
    Apr 10 2026
    If you've ever wondered whether LinkedIn is actually worth your time as a founder or business owner — this episode is your answer. Jack Longman, founder of B2B personal branding agency Social Advantage, joins Claire to break down exactly what's working on LinkedIn right now, why AI search is changing everything, and how to build a presence that converts without feeling gross about it.From his unexpected backstory (punk rock touring musician to LinkedIn strategist) to the practical frameworks he uses with clients every day, this is one you'll want to listen to with a notebook open.In This Episode[00:00] Introductions — and the Jaws poster origin story[01:00] Jack's journey: from punk rock touring musician to running a personal branding agency — and why the band van was actually a masterclass in business[06:30] Why LinkedIn is the platform of choice for B2B service businesses, and how to think about it as "a networking event that's happening 24/7"[09:00] AI and content: why using AI as a shortcut is damaging credibility on LinkedIn — and how to use it properly as a tool, not a replacement for your voice[11:00] The big shift: how people are now finding businesses through ChatGPT, Claude and AI-powered Google summaries instead of traditional search — and what that means for your LinkedIn strategy[13:00] SEO vs GEO: optimising your profile so both humans and AI can find you and understand what you do[16:00] Audience Q&A begins — questions sourced from LinkedIn and Instagram[16:30] Do you need to know a lot to get started on LinkedIn? — why learning by doing beats waiting until you're ready[18:00] I'm awful at staying consistent — how do I show up without burning out? — why posting once a week IS consistency, and how batching changes everything[20:00] Overcoming the "feeling gross" barrier — the mindset shift that makes posting feel less like self-promotion[21:30] What are founders getting wrong on LinkedIn right now? — profile basics, positioning, content pillars, and why not being social on social media is the biggest mistake[25:00] Vanity metrics vs. the metrics that actually matter — why profile views are the most underrated stat on the platform[28:30] How do small businesses get traction when bigger companies seem to dominate? — why trying to out-produce them is the wrong strategy entirely[30:30] What's the best way to find your ideal clients on LinkedIn? — mapping your network, finding introducers, and the QR code trick for networking events[34:30] How do you go from connection to client? — the WhatsApp approach to DMs and why "no response is a response"[37:00] Using the Open to Work function — visibility settings, what LinkedIn pushes, and how to use content to help your search[40:00] Is LinkedIn Premium and verification worth it? — an honest answer[42:00] Social media pods — why LinkedIn will penalise you for them and why they undermine your strategy anyway[45:30] The question on the LinkedIn gender bias debate — Jack's honest take[48:30] Brand Mixology: what Jack would put in the cocktail shaker (personality) and what he'd put on ice (spam pitching in the DMs)[51:00] Where to find Jack and how to get his free guideFree ResourcesFrom Jack: Download his free guide — "How to Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile So Claude and ChatGPT Can Find You" Connect with Jack on LinkedIn and ask him for it directly, or grab it via the link below.Dowload hereFrom Claire: Not sure if your personal brand is actually working for your business? Take the free assessment: Is Your Personal Brand Helping Your Business Grow?Start hereConnect with JackLinkedIn: Jack Longman, Founder of Social AdvantageInstagram: @jackl0ngman (zero not O)Website: socialadvantage.co.ukAll socials: @socialadv0ntage (zero not O)Connect with ClaireWebsite: brandmixology.coLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/iamclairemarshallInstagram: @iamclairemarshallKey TakeawaysLinkedIn is no longer just a job board — it's the platform people visit before making a commercial decision about you8 out of 10 of Jack's recent leads found him via AI-powered search (ChatGPT or Google AI summaries) — your profile needs to be optimised for machines, not just humansConsistency doesn't mean posting daily — once a week, sustained, beats a burst and burnout every timeProfile views ...
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Rewrite Your Money Story: What Every Female Founder Must Hear

    Rewrite Your Money Story: What Every Female Founder Must Hear
    Mar 6 2026

    Are you a female founder ready to smash through your income ceiling?

    In this International Women's Day special, Claire is joined by the incredible Tracey, a money mentor who is revolutionising how women approach their finances. If you've ever felt that your relationship with money is holding you back, this episode is your call to action.

    Tracey shares her powerful journey from language graduate to finance expert, and how her own experiences with perimenopause and limiting money beliefs led her to create a system that empowers female founders to achieve record revenues.

    This conversation is a masterclass in understanding and transforming your money mindset for women. We delve into why so many talented female entrepreneurs struggle with charging your worth, often undervaluing their vast experience and overdelivering for clients. Tracey breaks down how our childhood experiences shape our financial behaviours and provides actionable strategies to identify and eradicate the limiting money beliefs that are sabotaging your success. It’s time to stop playing small and start building the business and life you truly deserve.

    We also explore the crucial link between menopause and money, a topic that is so often overlooked. Tracey explains how hormonal changes can impact your risk tolerance and financial decisions, and why the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs are women in their late 40s and 50s. This episode is packed with wisdom on building financial resilience, the power of community, and the importance of having a clear vision for your future. Get ready to feel inspired, empowered, and equipped with the tools to rewrite your money story.

    Tune in to discover Tracey’s unique ‘TRACEY’ system for success, learn how to reframe your language around money, and find out why resilience is the secret ingredient for every successful female founder. Don't forget to check out the links below to connect with Tracey and access the incredible resources mentioned in the show.

    Key Moment Timestamps:

    (01:00)

    Meet Tracey: From Language Graduate to Money Mentor

    (07:05)

    What Are Limiting Money Beliefs & How Do They Hold Us Back?

    (10:50)

    The Power of Language: How to Reframe Your Money Story

    (25:15)

    Menopause & Money: The Unspoken Link for Female Founders

    (32:15)

    The Tenacity of Female Entrepreneurs & The Power of Community

    (39:50)

    Tracey's Word for the Cocktail of Success: Resilience

    (42:10)

    The 'TRACEY' System: A Framework for Financial Success

    Connect with Tracey and Claire

    Connect with Tracey on her website https://menomoney.co.uk/

    And download her free framework to receive you very own blank check here

    https://request-cheque-by-post-gsxsesz.gamma.site/

    Connect with Claire on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamclairemarshall/
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • The 4 Words That Will Transform Your Sales

    The 4 Words That Will Transform Your Sales
    Feb 27 2026

    Stop overcomplicating your sales calls. If you’ve ever felt that "sales" is a dirty word or struggled to explain exactly what you do to a potential client, this episode is for you.

    Claire sits down with James Newell, the expert behind "Clear Sales Message", to decode why most businesses fail at the first hurdle of sales communication.

    James shares his journey from managing £600 million in corporate accounts to teaching entrepreneurs how to sell with honesty and integrity.

    We dive deep into the buying psychology that drives decisions, exploring why your potential customers might not be connecting the dots between your features and their needs. James explains the "False Consensus Effect" and how it sabotages your sales messaging strategy by assuming everyone sees the world from your perspective.

    You’ll learn how to bridge the gap between what you offer and why your customer should actually care, using simple, actionable frameworks that remove the "sleaze" from the process.

    Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this conversation will help you build a clear sales message that resonates. We discuss the importance of "trigger points" in the sales process simplification and how to stay at the forefront of your audience's mind without being offensive or pushy. It’s time to stop selling and start helping your customers buy.

    Key Moment Timestamps
    1. (01:00) - The transition from corporate sales to teaching the "Clear Sales Message" methodology.
    2. (05:30) - Understanding the False Consensus Effect: Why people don't understand what you do.
    3. (07:45) - Bridging the gap: Using "What that means is..." to connect features to benefits.
    4. (11:30) - Why your business name is the start of your sales conversation.
    5. (16:45) - The "Burden of Proof": Why it's your responsibility to make the case for your product.
    6. (24:30) - Identifying trigger points: Finding customers at the exact moment they need you.
    7. (31:00) - The power of short-form content in building long-term sales trust.

    Connect with James

    1. James Newell’s Website: https://www.clearsalesmessage.com/
    2. Clear Sales Message Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5aKEZBlYjarDvsACnMDU6A?si=6efcdbd2c34c4bd9
    3. James on LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesnewelluk/

    Connect with Claire

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet