Be BOLD Branding

What if the reason your technology isn't selling has nothing to do with the technology itself — and everything to do with the story you're telling about it? Steve Stratton learned that lesson the hard way. A former White House communicator, Secret Service agent, and Special Forces Green Beret who spent over 30 years in cybersecurity, Steve watched customers reach for their phones during important presentations that should have had their full attention. That moment changed everything. Today, as the Tech Story Strategist, Steve provides profit-minded tech companies with a story-driven approach to selling their product — helping teams in defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity markets turn complex technology into stories that create sales. Because in his world, the best technology doesn't always win. The technology with the most memorable story does. Steve is also a BrandFace client, and you’ll hear about the branding journey that's helping his mission reach the companies that need it most.

Episode Highlights:

04:55 Green Beret Mindset

07:04 White House Breakthrough

12:04 When Presentations Fail

15:47 Novelist Meets Tech Sales

19:07 Story Selling In Action

22:13 Why Stories Beat Specs

25:54 Thrillers And Story Craft

39:12 How to Connect with Steve Stratton

Show Links: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ststratton

Some lessons stay with you for life. For Buck Seward, it started at thirteen years old on a construction crew, where carpenters, electricians, and plumbers taught him that when you show up, do the right work, and surround yourself with good people — even the toughest jobs become something worth building. That lesson carried him through The Citadel on a football scholarship, a JD from Emory Law School, and a $30M humanitarian relief operation spanning four countries across the Balkans. Today, Buck channels three decades of global leadership experience into partnering with mid-market manufacturing leaders to take their organizations from crisis to confidence in 90 days — and building transformations that last long after he's gone. Buck is also a BrandFace client, and you’ll hear about the branding journey that's helping his mission reach the leaders who need it most.

Episode Highlights:

03:31 Construction Crew Lessons

06:43 Citadel And Law

15:29 Mid Market Turnarounds

18:36 Crisis Signals

24:08 Cross Functional Teams

25:32 Next Decade Vision

26:07 AI With Expert Guardrails

27:52 Operating To Win Workshops

29:51 Supply Chain Reality Check

52:26 How To Connect With Buck Seward

Show Links: 

(19) R Daniel "BUCK" Seward, JD, SHRM-SCP | LinkedIn 

Lumitra Advisors | From Crisis to Confidence in 90 Days 

The most decisive battles leaders face are never fought in boardrooms. They happen in the quiet, unseen space where an unchecked inner critic can silently sabotage even the most capable leader. Morice "Coach Mo" Mabry has built his life's work around that truth. A coach, author, and podcast host who brings an athletic mindset to executive coaching unlike anything traditional, Coach Mo is on a mission to prove that every leader needs a locker room. As the creator of the Inner Arena™, he partners with government and higher education organizations to develop leaders who lead with composure, confidence, and conviction — from the inside out. Coach Mo is also a BrandFace client, and you’ll hear about the branding journey that's helping him focus his efforts into a powerful movement. 

Episode Highlights:

04:48 Sports to Leadership

09:10 Coaching Found Him

10:35 Launching DOJ Coaching

16:35 Inner Arena Explained

21:42 Book and Podcast

25:52 ICF Leadership Role

33:10 Brand Blueprint Wins

39:57 How to Connect with Morice Mabry

Show Links: 

MoriceMabry.com

Your brand is the most important tool in your toolbox — so why do so many coaches, consultants, and experts get the building process so wrong? The truth is, it's not entirely their fault. In this episode, Tonya and Michael break down the two most common brand building mistakes that are quietly costing experts like you time, money, and the right prospects. The good news? Once you know what they are, both are completely fixable. And if you've ever wondered why your marketing isn't producing the results you know it should — this episode is your answer.

Show Links: 

brandfaceguide.com

Did you know that 98% of people will meet your brand before they ever meet you? That means your social media, your website, your videos, and your marketing materials are making a first impression long before you ever get the chance to. So the question is — is what they're seeing actually representing you the way you deserve? In this episode, Tonya and Michael break down the critical role your brand plays in attracting the right prospects, commanding the right price, and setting you apart from every competitor in your space. They walk you through their proven three-part Define, Develop, and Display formula — the same system that has helped thousands of coaches, consultants, and experts build brands they're proud for the world to see. Because when 98% of people meet your brand first, you don't get a second chance at that first impression.

Show Links: 

brandfaceguide.com