Podcast Summary: Building Thought Leadership with Zachary Bernard, Founder of We Feature You

In this episode, Sacha Awwa welcomes Zachary Bernard, a 21-year-old entrepreneur and the founder of We Feature You, a public relations firm helping clients become recognized thought leaders through strategic media placements. Based in Dieppe, New Brunswick, Canada, Zachary has worked with hundreds of clients across North America since launching the agency in 2021. His firm’s unique value lies in helping businesses—especially early-stage and underfunded ones—leverage PR and podcasting to establish credibility, build authority, and grow their influence.

From landing press in Forbes and Entrepreneur to using podcast appearances as core marketing assets, Zachary explains how companies can tap into PR without needing a massive budget. He shares how he built his business by “doing what he preaches,” and why storytelling, authenticity, and consistency matter more than ever in today’s media-saturated world.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Zachary’s Journey Into PR & Entrepreneurship

• Starting as a gamer selling in-game items
• The realization that marketing drives all business
• Launching We Feature You while still in university
• Leaving school to go full-time into entrepreneurship

2. Making PR Accessible for Small Businesses

• Why PR isn’t just for unicorn startups
• How even a $1K investment can move the needle
• Starting with HARO, Connectively, and other DIY PR tools
• Why credibility matters more than traffic in the early stages

3. Why Podcasting Became Central to PR

• Podcasting as a personal storytelling and authority-building tool
• The shift from traditional PR to podcast-based branding
• Repurposing podcast content for SEO, social, and sales
• Why video-based podcasting is the future of founder visibility

4. Building Thought Leadership That Converts

• How to pitch value, not just a story
• The power of third-party validation
• Differentiating between “first-person” and “third-person” proof
• Using podcast clips in onboarding and sales enablement

5. Trends in Media, PR, and Authentic Branding

• Authenticity in a post-AI world
• The rise of founder-led brand narratives
• Leveraging podcasts as evergreen content
• Why transparency and credibility are becoming non-negotiable

6. Overcoming Barriers to Entry in PR

• Debunking the myth that PR is too expensive
• When PR is (and isn’t) the right marketing investment
• How to measure success when results aren’t always direct-response
• Why PR amplifies your existing marketing instead of replacing it

7. Zach’s Process for Onboarding Clients

• Strategy-driven outreach tailored to each founder’s voice
• Focusing on podcasts that deliver both reach and relevance
• How he preps clients to speak to both personal and professional stories
• Setting expectations and ensuring clients use the media assets

Key Takeaways for Founders & Business Owners:

• Start small, but start smart—you don’t need a massive budget to begin building authority.
• Use what you create—repurpose podcast content into marketing gold.
• PR doesn’t replace marketing—it enhances it when done right.
• Third-party validation builds trust faster than any sales page.
• Authenticity and consistency win—especially in a world where AI-generated content is on the rise.

Connect with Zachary & We Feat

Follow Us:
📸 Instagram: Uncomplicate It!
▶️ YouTube: Uncomplicated Marketing - YouTube

Podcast Summary: The Evolution of Influencer Marketing with Paula Bruno, CEO of Intuition Media Group

In this episode, Paula Bruno, CEO and founder of Intuition Media Group, joins the show to unpack the ever-evolving world of influencer marketing. With over 15 years of experience in the space, Paula has been at the forefront since its early days—helping shape influencer compensation models, brand collaborations, and authentic creator-brand relationships.

From Twitter parties to TikTok, Paula walks us through the industry’s transformation and what brands need to know to successfully navigate this marketing channel today. Her agency has worked with major brands like Canon USA, TikTok, GoDaddy, and Hyundai—managing over 750 campaigns and generating 3 billion impressions.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Early Days of Influencer Marketing

• From a male-dominated industry to founding Intuition Media Group
• How Twitter parties and blogger communities pioneered influencer culture
• Hosting one of the largest women’s blogging conferences in the U.S.

2. The Rise of Instagram & Beyond

• How the influencer landscape shifted from blogs to Instagram and video content
• The growth of influencer platforms and networks
• Why Instagram became a key driver of brand engagement

3. Strategy Behind Influencer Selection

• Why follower count doesn’t equal influence
• The importance of authenticity and brand alignment
• Educating brands on letting go of control and trusting creators

4. Best Practices for Brands Getting Started

• Establish clear KPIs and be willing to pivot
• Give influencers creative freedom within brand guardrails
• Focus on engagement, not just visibility

5. Influencer Marketing Trends in 2025

• Diversification beyond TikTok (YouTube Shorts, LinkedIn, Instagram Reels)
• The growth of micro-communities (Substack, Discord, Threads)
• Live shopping and creator-led commerce
• Ethical and sustainable brand partnerships
• AI-assisted content and the legal implications of using AI

6. Micro-Influencers, Local Strategies, and Affordability

• How even small businesses can smartly tap into influencer marketing
• Leveraging local creators and product gifting
• Tips for brands that don’t have $200K budgets

7. Legal & Ethical Considerations Around AI

• Why disclosing AI use in campaigns is essential
• How AI is shaping discovery, scripting, and editing
• The role of contracts and legal preparedness in content usage

Key Takeaways for Marketers & Business Owners:

• Don’t over-prioritize follower count—authenticity wins.
• Know your KPIs and align content strategy with your goals.
• Test, learn, pivot. Influencer marketing is about relationships and resonance.
• Micro-communities and live commerce are on the rise—lean in now.
• AI is powerful, but brands must be aware of compliance and IP risks.

Connect with Paula & Intuition Media Group:
🌐 Website: Intuition Media Group
📸 Instagram: @intuitionmediagroup
📩 LinkedIn: Paula Bruno

Follow Us:
📸 Instagram: Uncomplicate It!
▶️ YouTube: Uncomplicated Marketing - YouTube

Podcast Summary: Exploring Transformation with Ragnhild G. Isdahl, Founder of The New Viking

In this episode, Ragnhild G. Isdahl, founder of The New Viking, joins the show to share her journey of transformation—from a corporate marketing career to a path of holistic healing, retreats, and online courses. Born in Norway and raised across multiple countries due to her father's work in the cruise industry, Ragnhild’s global perspective shaped her deep connection to exploration, heritage, and self-discovery.

Through The New Viking, Ragnhild blends ancient Nordic wisdom with modern transformation techniques, offering immersive retreats and online programs designed to guide individuals toward inner growth, meditation, and connection with their roots.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Journey from Corporate to Holistic Entrepreneurship

• Ragnhild’s early career in international branding and marketing at L’Oréal
• The transition from a high-pressure corporate job to entrepreneurship
• Overcoming personal challenges and finding meditation as a transformative tool

2. The Meaning Behind The New Viking

• How a TV pilot idea evolved into retreats and digital courses
• The shift from external exploration to inward self-discovery
• Why curiosity and adventure are at the core of The New Viking brand

3. The Synergy Between Vikings and Meditation

• How Vikings embodied not just conquest but curiosity, entrepreneurship, and adaptability
• The parallels between ancient exploration and the modern journey of self-discovery
• The role of meditation in navigating life’s internal battles

4. Building a Business in Holistic Wellness

• Challenges of launching and sustaining a retreat-based business
• How COVID-19 disrupted plans and led to a pivot into online courses
• The importance of perseverance and trusting the journey

5. Meditation as a Tool for Entrepreneurs and Leaders

• How meditation fosters creativity, clarity, and emotional resilience
• Why successful leaders integrate mindfulness into their routines
• Practical tips for anyone starting their meditation practice

6. Advice for Entrepreneurs on Their Journey

• Use meditation as a check-in tool—intuition can guide business decisions
• Seek advice without fear—asking for help opens doors and opportunities
• Understand that ‘no’ isn’t failure—it may be a pivot toward a better path

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs & Business Owners:

• Your journey may not be linear, but every challenge contributes to growth.
• Meditation isn’t just for relaxation—it’s a tool for strategic clarity and resilience.
• If you're passionate about something, perseverance will carry you through obstacles.

Connect with Ragnhild & The New Viking:

• Website
• Instagram: @TheNewViking
• Subscribe to the Newsletter on Substack

Follow Us:
📸 Instagram: Uncomplicate It!
▶️ YouTube: Uncomplicated Marketing - YouTube