One key aspect of executive branding through storytelling is the idea of being the captain of your own career. Instead of relying on HR or your company to provide you with opportunities, individuals can take charge of their career by sharing their insights, opinions, and experiences online. 

By publishing content on platforms like LinkedIn, individuals can showcase their expertise and establish themselves as authorities in their field. This not only helps to build trust with potential employers or clients but also opens up a world of opportunities for career advancement and growth.

In this episode of Tech Careers and Money Talk, host Christopher Nelson welcomes Belen Wagaw back to the show. Belen shares her journey from intern to chief of staff to running her own storytelling company for CEOs and B2B brands. 

Tune in for insights on career growth, wealth-building, and achieving financial and lifestyle goals in the tech industry!

In this episode, we talk about:

• The Value of Personal Experience: AI is transforming various tasks, but it cannot replicate individual lived experiences. In a world increasingly influenced by AI, personal stories and insights remain uniquely human and irreplaceable.
• Storytelling in B2B Marketing: Traditional B2B marketing is faltering due to a lack of storytelling and CEO engagement. Companies that embrace storytelling and personal branding are seeing significant results in creating demand.
• The Shift to Thought Leadership: CEOs and executives should focus on becoming thought leaders rather than just salespeople. Sharing industry insights and educational content can attract customers and establish authority.
• Content Strategy for Executives: For executives looking to post online, it's crucial to clarify their goals, identify their audience's pain points, and share their unique perspectives. Contrarian opinions can be particularly engaging.
• The Role of AI in Content Creation: While AI can generate content, it lacks the personal touch that human experiences bring to storytelling. AI can be a helpful tool for editing and formatting but cannot replace the authenticity of personal narratives.
• Advice for Aspiring Content Creators: Start by sharing what you know and learn to enjoy the process. Avoid common mistakes like poor formatting, excessive hashtags, and irrelevant tagging. Instead, focus on providing value and lessons learned from your experiences.

Episode Timeline:

• 00:00:00 - Embracing Personal Experiences in AI Era
• 00:00:27 - Introduction to Tech Careers and Money Talk
• 00:00:48 - Belen Wagaw's Career Journey
• 00:01:52 - The Shift in B2B Marketing
• 00:03:07 - Storytelling in B2B Marketing
• 00:04:03 - Platforms for Effective Storytelling
• 00:05:21 - CEOs Missing Out on Storytelling Opportunities
• 00:06:13 - The Role of CEOs in Marketing and Sales
• 00:08:41 - Crafting a Personal Brand as a CEO
• 00:10:36 - Thought Leadership vs. Salesmanship
• 00:12:09 - The Importance of CEO Visibility
• 00:14:21 - New Approaches to B2B Marketing
• 00:16:26 - Leveraging Storytelling for Career Growth
• 00:18:32 - Personal Branding for Mid-Career Executives
• 00:20:39 - The Impact of AI on Personal Branding
• 00:22:21 - Writing Online: First Steps and Feelings
• 00:24:09 - The Role of AI as a Writing Partner
• 00:25:16 - Tips for Starting to Write Online
• 00:27:00 - Belen's Personal Experience with Online Content
• 00:29:23 - The Value of Sharing Knowledge Online
• 00:30:10 - Overcoming the Fear of Online Writing
• 00:31:31 - The Role of AI in Content Creation
• 00:33:51 - AI's Limitations and Human Storytelling
• 00:35:36 - Content Strategy for Mid-Level Executives
• 00:37:27 - AI and Personal Lived Experiences
• 00:39:14 - Fundamental Advice for Writing Online
• 00:41:53 - Content Strategy and Goals
• 00:43:49 - Building a Content Library and Swipe File
• 00:44:50 - Encouragement for New Online Writers

Connect with Belen Wagaw: 

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