12. Courtney Johnson on Ditching the Cringe and Owning Your Brand

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.