What do coolers, rideshares, and green powders have in common? In this episode of Permission to Seek, Lauren Douglass sits down with Aussie marketing powerhouse Paulie Dery, CMO of AG1 and former brand whisperer at YETI and Uber. With his signature laid-back vibe and razor-sharp insight, Paulie makes a compelling case for why creativity isn’t just a “nice-to-have” — it’s the lifeblood of brand-building and business success.

From winning over left-brained execs with right-brained ideas to using vibe as a legitimate KPI, this episode is packed with wisdom for marketers, creatives, and anyone tired of playing it safe. Paulie shares why boring brands need big wallets, how to arm customers to defend their purchases, and what he’d tell his 22-year-old self.

Tune in for a candid, energizing conversation that proves great storytelling isn’t fluff — it’s strategy.

This one’s for the creators, the founders, the quiet rebels, and anyone who's ever hesitated to hit "post."

What if the fear of being “cringe” is really just the fear of being seen? In this episode of Permission to Seek, host Lauren Douglass sits down with Courtney Johnson, personal brand strategist and unapologetic truth-teller, to explore how we can all move past the fear of judgment and show up more boldly and honestly—online and in life.

Courtney breaks down why personal branding isn’t just for influencers, how to climb “Cringe Mountain,” and why your story—messy, weird, vulnerable—is actually your superpower. From the psychology of confidence to navigating layoffs, algorithms, and spiritual awakenings, this is an open, honest, and empowering conversation about stepping fully into your voice.

If you’ve ever held back from sharing your truth, doubted your uniqueness, or felt stuck in perfectionism, this episode is your permission slip to hit post anyway.

What happens when the title you’ve worked your entire career for is suddenly gone? Who are you beyond the job, beyond the success, beyond the identity that’s been wrapped up in what you do?

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation, Lauren Douglass sits down with Swan Sit, a powerhouse in digital transformation who has led some of the world’s biggest brands. But this episode goes far beyond marketing.

Swan opens up about the emotional weight of leadership, the identity crisis that can come with losing a job, and the journey of rediscovering self-worth beyond a title. She shares her own experience of navigating uncertainty, questioning her value, and ultimately emerging stronger, more grounded, and more in control of her future.

This is a conversation about growth, change, and stepping into your power—even when you’re not sure what comes next. If you’ve ever found yourself at a crossroads, wondering how to pivot or what really matters in the long run, this episode is for you.