#115 The Big Leap: From Expert to Visionary (And Why It Matters Now) with Shelley Rostlund

Are you ready to move from being great at what you do… to being known for how you think? In this powerful conversation, Finola Howard is joined by personal brand strategist and fellow podcaster Shelley Rostlund to unpack “The Big Leap” — the transformation from subject matter expert to thought-leading visionary. With 86% of roles predicted to change in the next five years, Shelley shares why your human uniqueness, critical thinking, and personal brand are more valuable than ever. Finola reflects on her own leap toward building a joyful million-euro business — and what it takes to scale with purpose, not pressure. Expect clear frameworks, vulnerable stories, and Shelley’s Thought Leader’s Toolbox: five powerful tools every visionary needs to grow with integrity. If you know you’re ready for your next level—but you’re not sure how to rise without burning out—this episode is your sign. Key Takeaways: Why being an expert is no longer enough — and what sets visionaries apart in today’s world The role of personal branding in the age of AI — and how to protect your relevance How to define your unique marketable value (beyond your skills list) What it really takes to be seen as a thought leader (hint: it's not self-proclaimed) Five tools every visionary needs to grow with clarity and resilience   “You can't call yourself a thought leader—someone else has to say it first.”– Shelley Rostlund   Chapters & Timestamps: 00:00 – Reinvention Is ComingWhy 86% of us will need to rethink how we work 02:20 – Expert or Visionary?Shelley breaks down the difference and why humility is key 06:30 – Personal Brand is the New MoatWhy branding your humanity matters more than ever 10:40 – AI + Awareness: A Real-World StoryHow teaching AI your voice can backfire—or elevate you 13:00 – Context Is Your SuperpowerThe human advantage AI can’t replicate 14:50 – The Bluetooth vs Mobile Network MetaphorUnderstanding scale in thought leadership 17:30 – Hiring VisionariesWhen to look beyond the expert to move your business forward 20:00 – Cross-Pollination Sparks BrillianceHow unrelated industries inspire genius 22:30 – Visibility as a Thought Leadership MetricWhy hiding behind “enough” limits your impact 27:00 – The Joyful Million DeclarationFinola’s personal leap—and what made it click 32:00 – What Makes You Truly Marketable?Shelley’s powerful lens for defining your unique value 38:00 – The Thought Leader’s Toolbox5 essential tools to lead with insight and resilience 44:30 – Why This Shift Matters Right NowThe coming business wave—and how to ride it with intention Resources & Links 💡 Shelley's article:   When Are You a Thought Leader? 📖 The Joyful Million PlaybookA behind-the-scenes, unfiltered look at what it really takes to build a €1 Million Euro Business without the Burnout!👉 Subscribe Here 🚀 SOAR: Build a Marketing Engine That Works Year After YearFinola’s signature program for values-led entrepreneurs who want to stop settling and start scaling with purpose.👉 Join SOAR   🤝 Connect with Shelley RostlundWebsite: shelleyrostlund.com/LinkedIn: @shelleyrostlundPodcast: The Brand Compass 🤝 Connect with Finola HowardWebsite: finolahoward.comInstagram: @thisisfinolahowardLinkedIn: @finolahowardPodcast: Your Truth Shared ❤️ Enjoyed this episode? Please rate, review, and share it! It helps amplify voices like Shelley's and supports this podcast's mission. Leave a review at lovethepodcast.com/yourtruthshared

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