Sit with this: What if everything in your business could be easier, more abundant, and led—truly led—by your own intuition, rather than by trends and hype? This episode of What Is Public Relations? is one for the rebels, the rule-breakers, and the quietly ambitious. If you’re ready for honest conversations about visibility, self-trust and why smaller might be better, you’re in the right place.

INTUITION OVER HUSTLE

There’s a myth that business success must be hard-fought, that the grind is the price of admission. But what if you’ve simply done the work and now it’s meant to feel easy? Jennifer shares how trusting her intuition (even when it says “post that at 3pm on a Tuesday!” or “book that flight without knowing the itinerary”) leads to the deepest impact and most aligned growth

She’s also frank about burnout, self-sabotage, and doing things because you’re “supposed to” and why she’s giving it all a hard pass in favour of joy, creativity, and connection.

SMALLER ROOMS, DEEPER IMPACT

If the thought of a packed conference hall leaves you cold, you’re not alone. Both Laura and Jennifer talk about the rising power of intimate, thoughtfully curated spaces where every woman can be seen, where collaborations spark over real connection, and where the “monetise everything” gospel is replaced by a richer definition of success. Less noise. More depth.

STOP OUTSOURCING YOUR ANSWERS

We live in an era saturated with advice and “pay the pain away” coaching. Jennifer throws aside the one-size-fits-all approach. Her challenge: quit asking everyone else what you should do. Start listening to yourself. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. If you know deep down it’s yours to pursue, even if it feels scary or illogical, back yourself and move.

WOMEN - THIS IS YOUR TIME

Both Laura and Jennifer call out the old narratives that keep women last on their own to-do lists. Tradwife trends? Out. Shrinking your ambitions because “the family wouldn’t understand”? Out. If you’re waiting for confidence, you’ll wait forever. The only path forward is action, doing the thing, collecting data, and rewriting old stories in your own voice.

VISIBILITY WITH A PURPOSE

If you want to impact more people, you must be seen, but not everywhere, not by everyone. It’s about finding your platform(s), sharing your message intentionally, and building credibility through the right mix of PR, speaking, and real-world connections.

For Jennifer, stages aren’t scary, distilling her message to its potent essence is the work. And with a book deal signed and a vision for “reading parties” from London to sunloungers, she’s here to make self-empowerment both practical and joyful.

SO, WHAT CAN YOU TAKE FROM THIS EPISODE?

• Success doesn’t have to be punishing. It can be easeful, rich, intuitive.
• The most compelling rooms aren’t always the biggest.
• Your intuition is a powerful guide, if you’re brave enough to listen.
• Stop playing small, stop putting yourself last, and start backing yourself.

Ready for a new narrative around PR, business, and women’s voices? This episode will challenge you, inspire you, and maybe—finally—give you permission to make your own rules.

Want to connect with Jennifer?
Instagram: @‌wellbeingwarrior.ie
Website: wellbeingwarrior.ie

Share your takeaways or DM Laura Perkes on Instagram @‌prwithperkes. Let’s keep the conversation honest, fiery, and real.

This episode is for every entrepreneur, founder, coach, or anyone who feels like the world’s best-kept secret. You’re smart, experienced, ready to make a difference, but maybe there’s a disconnect: the world isn’t seeing the real you, and your messaging doesn’t feel quite right. Why is that?

Let’s break it down.

The Myth of ‘Just Being Seen’

If you’re exhausted from advice that says, “just get out there, be more visible!” this episode will give you a different lens. Ben is unapologetic in his belief that showing up for the sake of being seen is only one layer. He doesn’t advocate exposure without purpose or strategy; it’s about alignment, energetic connection, and rooting back into who _you_actually are, not who you think you should be online to please the algorithm, your competitors, or the “guru” of the week

Being visible, as we dissected on air, is easy; but being authentic and audacious (his favourite word) is a very different energy.

Who Are You If You’re Not Performing?

The question at the heart of today’s conversation: who are you behind the brand? Many founders, including Ben, drift away from their true selves, only to realise that the “surface reasons” clients come with, such as messaging, growth, and PR are usually cover stories for deeper work.

You can feel the difference when you show up because it’s expected, versus when you show up as yourself, with the audacity to be honest about the messy bits, your woo-woo side, or even your psychic intuition.

The Real Work: Reflection, Discomfort, And Reconnection

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: growth often means slowing down, getting quiet, and sitting in the “yuck” so you can hear what your body, mind, and inner team are really telling you. Sometimes that’s 16 months out of the game. Sometimes it’s refusing the challenge launch because, frankly, your gut says no.

True visibility starts with real self-knowing, knowing what lights you up, what makes you shrink, and what you simply will not do anymore.

Audacious Live & The Power of Community

Rather than another “shout loudly in a crowded room” event, Ben created Audacious Live: an experience for people ready to drop the masks, be witnessed as they are, and leave with a little more courage to be themselves in the world. Performative energy is swapped for actual human connection, laughter, and “micro shifts” that ripple outwards.

The strategy? Intimacy, joy, and spaces where you’re not just a LinkedIn post among thousands—here, you’re seen and held.

What This Means For You

If you’re still hustling for visibility but not getting the traction, or if you’re visible but not fulfilled, ask yourself:

• Am I showing up in spaces that actually light me up?
• What is my body/soul/team (however you connect) trying to communicate?
• Is my messaging a true reflection of me, or am I playing small because of old stories?
• Am I letting others’ “rules” dictate my actions?
• Do I need a strategy day…or just a day at the spa?

Strategic visibility is not about being everywhere. It’s about who you are where you are, and letting your energy do the work for you.

Take audacious action by slowing down and listening in. Build your business, your brand, and your reputation on a foundation of authenticity, resonance, and unapologetic self-ownership.

If you’re ready for more real talk on being visible, building community, and showing the world who you really are, find Ben on Instagram (@benfranklinofficial) and keep following ‘What Is Public Relations?’ for the conversations no one else is having.

Because you don’t need another “visibility tactic.” You need a reason—and the audacity—to be seen for real.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in the endless shriek of “authenticity,” “magnetism,” or “iconic leadership” in your socials, then you’ll want to tune in and break down exactly what it takes to actually stand out in a sea of sameness.

In this episode, Laura Perkes brings back the kind of conversation that cuts through the noise, joined by business strategist, leadership expert and documentary trailblazer Kayleigh Greenacre. BUT, in true WIPR fashion, we’re not here to just talk business “hacks” or shiny photo shoots.

ICONIC LEADERSHIP: IT’S NOT (JUST) ABOUT SHOWING UP

“Iconic leaders” isn’t just a buzzword for Kayleigh. It’s about stepping into your zone of genius and owning your unique vision, values and presence, warts, slippers, self-doubt and all! The big secret? You don’t have to force the high-energy, ultra-polished persona. Kayleigh shares how her clients dig into their own stories, separately mapping chapters and episodes to find the authentic gold within.

AUTHENTICITY VS. CURATION: WHERE TO STRIKE THE BALANCE

It can feel exposing to share “the real you,” especially as a woman in business. Laura confesses she’s wrestled with this herself. Spoiler: you don’t need to spill every detail for the sake of “relatability,” nor must you over-edit yourself into something unrecognisable. Instead, Kayleigh recommends strategic selectivity, sharing stories that genuinely link to your personal mission and always with purpose.

Sometimes, those scrappy Instagram Story moments in your sweatpants do more for building authority than a hundred perfectly lit headshots.

BUILDING MOVEMENTS, NOT JUST BUSINESSES

Ever felt wild imposter syndrome at the mere thought of documenting your entrepreneurial journey, let alone starring in a documentary about it? Kayleigh walks us through the origin story of ‘Actually I Can’—the movement sparked by personal upheaval, self-belief and a commitment to showing her daughter what determined women can do. The lesson? Purpose, activated.

Relationships trump quick wins. The production of her film is a practical showcase of how maintaining genuine connections will open unexpected doors (and lead to premieres in Leicester Square).

WHERE TO START? SCRAP THE GIMMICKS, GO BACK TO BASICS

Overwhelmed? Kayleigh prescribes a radical return to roots: get crystal clear on your vision, values, beliefs and mission on paper, not just in your head. From there, draw up strategic pillars for your content and communication. Nobody needs another copycat; they need you.

STRATEGIC VISIBILITY: WHY HOW YOU SHOW UP MATTERS MORE THAN WHERE

Are you curating your feed so you’re not sucked into the drama vortex? Are you showing up in the places your clients actually hang out? Are you leveraging media to amplify your message? Visibility isn’t just about getting seen. It’s about being seen for the right thing by the right people and being remembered for it.

TO BE ICONIC, STOP TRYING TO BE EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE

• Find your “one thing.” The signature, the zone of genius, the niche famous, the iconic move.
• Share your story with purpose, not panic.
• Curate experiences and emotions, not just content.
• Guard your energy and your feed.
• Build relationships, not just revenue streams.

Visibility doesn’t guarantee success. Being known for who you are, what you stand for and the way you make others feel? That’s where the magic (and yes, the sales) really starts

Connect with Kayleigh Greenacre on Instagram @‌kayleighgreenacre.

Follow Laura Perkes @‌prwithperkes for ongoing real talk in the world of visibility, PR, and leadership.

—
Ready to step into your own iconic era? It starts with you. It starts now.

“PR ISN’T ONE MORE THING, IT’S THE THING”

Until you listen to this episode, you might believe that Public Relations is a nice-to-have, something you slap onto your business when you have time, or when you want to “look bigger.”

But Laura Perkes is here to turn that thinking on its head. PR isn’t just an add-on: it’s what drives your visibility, your impact and ultimately your income. It’s the engine behind your authority, the catalyst for opportunities and the secret that transforms your business from hidden to unignorable.

THE REALITY OF PR

You might be rolling your eyes, convinced PR is only for people with a dramatic life story or a massive “why.” In reality, as Laura Perkes reveals, most of her clients don’t lead with their personal story, they lead with their expertise. They’re established and they have evidence of their impact, but they feel like a “best-kept secret.” PR becomes the bridge that moves them out of their inner circle and into rooms where their influence creates real freedom and wealth.

YOUR AUTHORITY DESERVES TO BE SEEN

When you leverage press coverage, podcast interviews, and speaking on stage, you open doors that were previously closed. One podcast interview can result in board invitations, paid speaking gigs and corporate opportunities. One piece in an online business magazine can lead to a regular column, access to elite networking and the chance to speak to audiences you never imagined.

THERE’S NO “ONE AND DONE”

Visibility isn’t a single event, it’s a cumulative effect. The press, podcasts, and stages, all become assets, not trophies, once you learn to leverage them. Too many entrepreneurs treat coverage like a sweet treat to be consumed and forgotten. In reality, it should be multiplied, amplified and woven into your sales process, follow-ups and social strategy.

SEO, relevance, trust and authority are byproducts of strategic PR. Being seen by the people who matter creates magnetism and opportunities come to you instead of you having to hustle for every inch of attention.

THE VISIBILITY ENGINE: PR TO PROFIT METHOD™

Introducing the PR to Profit Method, Laura’s disruptive system for turning PR opportunities into tangible ROI. It’s not about throwing money at every channel. It’s about becoming niche famous, known for the one thing you do brilliantly, paid as the authority and invited into rooms that transform your business.

You don’t have to invest tens of thousands in endless PR contracts, podcast placements and speaking fees. The Niche Famous Circle, a PR private members club, brings together vetted, strategic opportunities matched to where your ideal clients are hanging out. And it equips you to leverage those opportunities for maximum profit and impact.

WHERE TO NEXT?

Whether you’re just starting or scaling to eight-figures, you don’t need to keep hustling for attention. PR isn’t just “more visibility”, it’s about showing up in the right spaces, being remembered for your expertise and becoming magnetic to clients, journalists and event organisers alike.

Through Niche Famous Circle, you gain access to industry expertise, curated media introductions and the step-by-step leveraging tactics that most PR firms aren’t teaching.

If you’re ready to step into strategic visibility and real authority in 2026, drop a DM to Laura on Instagram @‌prwithperkes with the word “access.”

PR is your non-negotiable. It’s not about razzle-dazzle or being everywhere for the sake of it—it’s about standing out in a sea of sameness, being paid as the expert and getting invited to opportunities you didn’t know existed.

Raise your profile. Build your reputation. Become Niche Famous.

Want to find out what level of PR support you actually need?
Schedule a free Growth Audit with Laura Perkes, or explore Niche Famous Circle to start leveraging PR for profit today.

This episode of "What Is Public Relations?" will challenge your perspective on launches, visibility and what it REALLY takes to stand out in today’s online business landscape.

If you’re hoping there’s some shortcut to credibility, or you’re buying into the narrative that online courses and launches are “dead,” you may want to hear what Matt Hall (the undisputed Launch King!) and Laura Perkes are saying...

IS VISIBILITY ENOUGH?

Visibility isn’t purely about being seen. As Matt explains, pandemic-era “visibility” hype led many to believe that success was just a numbers game. But being visible for the sake of visibility isn’t what drives your business forward—it’s what you say, how you say it and who’s witnessing it.

“Stop trading time for money” might be a catchy slogan, but building authority, trust and recurring revenue takes more than just showing up. If your launch flops or your message falls flat, it’s likely not because those tactics don’t work; it’s because the market has changed and surface-level strategies are no longer sufficient.

Ask ourself: Are your free launch events genuinely valuable, or are they thinly veiled sales pitches? Are you caring enough, innovating enough, or simply adding to the noise?

THE LAUNCH MYTHS & MARKET REALITIES

As Matt dives deep, the “trust recession” is real: audiences are more cynical, AI makes everything appear slick (and fake), and too many people have burned out investing in low-grade courses. Success now demands more LIVE support, accountability and over-delivering on promises, NOT just a pre-recorded course and a few Instagram posts.

“I like that the market correction is forcing us to be better and care more.” (Matt)

BUT WHAT IF YOU’RE NOT LAUNCH KING MATERIAL?

Both Laura and Matt reflect on playing the long game, the importance of self-trust and trying something before you judge how it will perform and deliver.

Never underestimate the power of patience, perseverance and real mentoring. Anything new will (naturally) feel scary, and sometimes the only metric that matters after your first try is: did you actually do it?

Visibility and audience engagement still matter, you need a real, loyal audience to launch to, but launching itself is often the best way to build that engaged audience. Celebrate your first attempt, then iterate and improve.

WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON BACKSTAGE?

Think stages are the ticket to visibility? Matt pulls back the curtain on what it takes to organise an event like Business Mastery Live. He spills the tea: events are the hardest asset to nurture, they’re financially risky and heavily reliant on speakers who bring something fresh, deliver actual value and have a proven track record.

If you want to be chosen to speak on stage, ask yourself—are you building your audience and getting visible the right way, or relying on entitlement and shortcuts?

PR THE MISSING PIECE IN YOUR VISIBILITY ENGINE

PR isn’t elitist anymore. The “as seen in” and media features are potent tools for credibility, but you don’t always need a big agency or budget to get started. As Matt shares, strategic angles and DMing journalists landed him local BBC news and press coverage, long before he paid for support.

Don’t underestimate relationship-building: get in the right rooms, have quality conversations and focus on being memorable for all the right reasons.

Networking isn’t about pitching to everyone you meet—it’s about showing up, serving and becoming a decent human being that others want to support and refer.

Want to learn more or connect with Matt?
Find him on Instagram @‌matthallofficial (and yes, it’s really him replying!). And Laura Perkes is always open to critique, questions or hellos at @‌prwithperkes.

Rethinking Success & Identity: Why Your Business Isn’t Just About Visibility

This episode is full of hard truths, candid laughs and the kind of conversations most entrepreneurs won’t have in public. If you’re clinging to the idea that “being visible” is the magical route to business success, let’s take a collective breath and dig a little deeper.

“All the hats and all the things…”

Running your own business isn’t just about marketing, landing clients, or even smashing your PR strategy. Laura Perkes and Jodie Hayward get real about the “messy middle” of entrepreneurship, the time where you’re questioning everything, feeling stuck and doubting your choices on a near-daily basis.

Success isn’t just about showing up. It’s about alignment, identity and learning when to pivot (even when it’s painful).

Two Sides of the Story: Growth & Alignment

Let’s break this down:

• Jodie Hayward - shares her journey from high-achieving COO (and main breadwinner) to letting go of a thriving, multi-six-figure business because it was killing her on the inside. Her why? Wanting to set a better example for her daughter and refusing to hand down old stories about self-worth, sacrifice and burnout.
• Laura Perkes - echoes a similar pivot: twenty years in PR, yet she had to rediscover who she was and what she really wanted from her business; 18 months of uncomfortable “messy middle” growth.

Key takeaway? You need both structure and soul. Systems without identity are empty. Identity without action is stalled potential.

Stop Comparing & Start Leading

Happiness doesn’t exist where there is comparison. It’s time to stop side-eyeing everyone else’s highlight reel and start owning your own story, with all its messy, beautiful pivots.

Ask yourself:

• Are you chasing other people’s definitions of success?
• Are you allowing your own “North Star” to evolve as you grow?

Remember: your story is enough. You’re enough.

Visibility with Purpose

Here’s what no one tells you: PR, podcasts, press, none of it means much if you aren’t clear on why you’re showing up. Are you just trying to get featured everywhere for the dopamine hit, or are you stepping up to serve, to connect and to lead?

Being visible for visibility’s sake won’t build your business or your legacy.
Impact comes from depth, not just reach.

PR as a Tool for Connection

PR isn’t about self-absorption or manufactured fame, it’s about real, human stories that connect, that serve and that build true community.

That “one feature in Forbes” won’t land you the business you’re after if you’re not willing to be authentic, generous and a little bit brave.

The Real Magic Formula

Purpose + Potential = Potency

Be brave enough to reimagine your own roadmap.
Be visible in ways that actually matter to you (and your HELL YES clients)
Allow yourself to evolve.

As Jodie Hayward puts it: “Stop comparing yourself to everyone else and just travel your own path. If anyone can take anything away, it’s that. Find your friends.”

Want More?

You can find Jodie Hayward on Instagram @‌the_jodiehaywood and Laura Perkes at @‌PRwithPerkes

If you’re ready to stop being the world’s best-kept secret, lean into your “messy middle,” and build a purpose-driven, aligned business that feels as good as it looks (and has impact as big as your vision), subscribe and join the conversation.

What is your North Star? Are you ready to claim it?

Visibility is glorified everywhere. If you’ve found yourself believing that being visible will catapult your business to extreme levels of success (and maybe even wondered how the “queens of visibility” keep going when the trolls come out), this episode is your dose of the truth behind the hype.

THE MYTH OF "MORE VISIBILITY"

We’ve all heard it: “Be more visible!” But as Laura Perkes and her guest, Lisa Johnson discuss, being visible is only part of the equation. And in reality, it comes with as many challenges as rewards. From a four-page feature in Forbes early in her career, to front-page headlines that invited a storm of backlash, Lisa Johnson has experienced firsthand what really comes with showing up in the media.

WHAT DOES "BEING VISIBLE" ACTUALLY MEAN?

In its simplest form, visibility means being seen. But why, where, and by whom matters far more than the hype suggests.

Case in point: Lisa Johnson jumped into PR at the very start of her business and landed a major Forbes feature, not because she agonised over whether she was “ready,” but because her message was unapologetically hers. She even admits that in hindsight it was a little naive to believe she could land a feature in Forbes - but being ‘green’ to PR is often the recipe to success.

Her lesson? Naïvety can work in your favour, but thought leadership comes when you’re bold enough to say what needs to be said, not what you think will keep everyone happy.

THE NEGATIVE SIDE OF VISIBILITY

Here’s what you won’t see in most “visibility” sales pitches: abuse, backlash and the emotional toll of being in the public eye. Lisa opens up about being targeted online, the differences in how women are treated when talking about money and how the press will twist your words for the sake of a headline.

Expect:

Judgment for being a woman who earns money.
Outrage over family roles (“I do Nothing, he does Everything” – thanks, Daily Mail!).
Personal attacks, projections and negativity.
So, why does she keep showing up? Because if women stop raising their voices out of fear, nothing will change for the next generation.

LEARNINGS AND ADVICE: FROM PR BEGINNER TO PR PRO

Do your own PR at first.

Lisa did all her own outreach for four years. Pitch yourself, you’ll learn the process and how to tell your story. It matters.

Understand what you’re paying for. If you hire PR support, treat it as a collaboration. The best results come when you bring your own ideas and angles to the table.

Align your message with where you’re going, not just where you are. Get clear on what you want to be known for and who your audience is.

Be prepared for backlash. Protect your peace, but don’t shrink for fear of judgment. It says more about them than you.

You don’t need a dramatic story. Every single person has a story worth telling.

HOW TO BE STRATEGIC WITH VISIBILITY

Get super focused. Don’t spray your story everywhere, choose the right platforms, audiences and time for the message you want to share. Avoid the “be visible everywhere” trap. As your reputation grows, be intentional and selective with where you appear.

As Lisa says: “PR isn’t just about getting your name out there. It’s about impact. When you tell your story, you create a ripple effect.”

Feeling ready to dig deeper into your own story and message?
Listen to the episode for a candid, no-BS look at the realities of putting yourself in the spotlight, and walk away with permission to show up, share your truth and do it your way.

Follow Lisa Johnson on Instagram: @‌LisaJohnsonStrategist
DM Laura Perkes on Instagram: @‌PRWithPerkes to join the conversation about the pressures and pitfalls of being visible in 2026.

Why You SHOULD Welcome Bad Press: The Truth Behind “Sickfluencer” PR

If you’ve ever worried about the downside of being “too visible” then this episode is for you. What Maddy Alexander Grout shares is raw, real and the exact antidote we ALL need to see past the glossy, filtered version of PR you see everywhere online…

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE PRESS LABELS YOU THE “SICKFLUENCER”?

Visibility can change your business. Being seen, heard, hired and paid as The Authority is the pinnacle of being Niche Famous. Investing in PR is the fastest way to achieve this - whether that’s being interviewed on podcasts, featured in the press or speaking on stage.

What you'll hear in this conversation between Laura Perkes and Maddie Alexander Grout, is that there is alwaysanother side from the glossy posts you see from people sharing their media wins. For Maddy, more press didn’t just mean more clients. It meant more attention, more criticism… even full-blown public drama.

Whether it’s viral videos being torn apart or editors spinning a story (hello, “Maddy Alexander Grout gloats over £56k in disability grants”), the truth is: when you’re visible enough to attract press coverage, you’re visible enough to attract haters.

Here’s what we learned from Maddy Alexander Grout’s story:

• Use negative headlines to create your content. Screenshot, green-screen and OWN the narrative.
• Let the press drama attract your ideal audience. “Sickfluencer” brought Maddy more followers, income and opportunities than ever before.
• Laugh at the trolls (seriously: would you send them a Christmas card? If not, don’t let them in your mental space).
• Don’t jump at any press: know your boundaries and only share stories that align with your mission, your audience and your values.
• Not all press is good press, but all press can be leveraged – strategically, intentionally, with resilience.

THE REAL SECRET TO PRESS & PUBLICITY

Visibility alone will NOT get you clients, fame, or create impact. Whether you’re dealing with the Daily Mail, The Sun or the BBC, what matters is:

For Maddy Alexander Grout, controversy didn’t keep her from business growth. Instead, she leveraged every “sickfluencer” headline to educate, empower and grow her community. She advises fellow entrepreneurs: don’t be scared of being disliked, but do stay intentional about what you share, how you respond and which opportunities to say yes to.

Want more?

🔗 Follow Maddy Alexander Grout on Instagram @‌Maddytalksmoney

🔗 Connect with Laura Perkes at @‌prwithperkes

🔗 Buy Maddy’s book “Mad About Money” on Amazon (don’t worry, it has colouring pages!)

🔗 DM your own press horror stories – let’s keep the conversation going.

Still scared of being “visible”? Hit play. Your reputation will thank you.