In this episode of the Together Digital Power Lounge, Amy Vaughan talks with Emmy-nominated producer and video marketing strategist Deborah Mitchell about the real power of showing up on video. Deborah breaks down why perfection holds women back, how authenticity builds trust, and what it takes to turn visibility into real influence and business growth.

She also opens up about balancing entrepreneurship with caregiving, and how that experience reshaped her leadership with more patience and clarity. From supporting women of color in claiming their digital space to creating video content that actually converts, Deborah offers practical, empowering strategies for anyone ready to be more visible.

Chapters:

00:10 – Welcome to the Power Lounge & Together Digital
01:26 – Meet Emmy-Nominated Producer Deborah Mitchell
02:29 – When Video Visibility Becomes Power
04:46 – Perfectionism, Bloopers, and Being Relatable on Camera
07:39 – Caregiving, Boundaries, and Grace-Filled Leadership
11:13 – Bringing Caregiving into Your Brand Story (Without Oversharing)
13:06 – Women of Color, Layoffs, and Building Your Own Stage Online
20:04 – Client Case Study: A Podcast that Hit 1 Million Downloads
22:47 – Using AI Without Losing Your Voice and Humanity
28:03 – Small, Brave Steps Toward Showing Up More Authentically
30:26 – Batching, Meta Glasses, and Time-Saving Video Routines
34:44 – Q&A: Being Off-Camera with POV & Voiceover Video
41:03 – Q&A: Being the Face of a Brand You Don’t Own
46:05 – Final Takeaways, Where to Find Deborah, and Join Together Digital

Quotes:

“Showing up on video isn’t just about being seen — it’s about claiming your space and sharing your expertise with intention.” - Amy Vaughan

“You don’t need to be perfect on camera. In fact, your imperfections are what make you human — and that’s what truly connects with people.” - Deborah Mitchell

Key Takeaways:

Imperfection makes you relatable — not less professional.
Caregiving teaches boundaries, grace, and empathy.
Women of color can build their own digital stage.
Batch content to save time and stay consistent.
Use AI for support, but keep your human voice.
Authenticity always outperforms polish.
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Connect with the guest Deborah Mitchell:

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahjmitchell/

Guest Website:https://www.deborahmitchellmediaassociates.com/

Popl Link (for all ways to digitally connect with Debbie): https://popl.co/card/DsfBm0DJ/2

Episode Feedback Survey Link: https://talk.ac/deborahjmitchell?code=TDPL

Mailing List Link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/lPfcUAl/DMMAVideoVisibility

Sign Up For Deborah Mitchell Media Associates webinar series on Video Visibility- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxrMnHiPGcMa8Fk8oQDnnOM20QjVZHoAPvkBU4piL-K84ctA/viewform

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast:Power Lounge Podcast - Together Digital

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visiting Home - Together Digital

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In this week’s Power Lounge, host Amy Vaughan welcomes Dr. Mara Einstein, an internationally recognized authority on deceptive marketing and author of Hoodwinked: How Marketers Use the Same Tactics as Cults. A former TV and advertising executive turned academic and media ethicist, Dr. Einstein pulls back the curtain on the dark psychology behind consumer manipulation. Together, she and Amy dive into the question: When does persuasion cross the line into indoctrination? Listeners are invited to examine the uncomfortable parallels between cult behavior and brand loyalty—and to confront just how easily marketing can tap into our fears, anxieties, and identities.

Drawing from her research and insights featured in the Emmy-winning Netflix documentary Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy, Dr. Einstein explains how modern marketing operates within what she calls the “anxiety economy.” From endless doom-scrolling to influencer-driven consumerism, she reveals how technology and advertising combine to keep us hooked, anxious, and buying. The conversation unpacks the continuum between brand fandom and fanaticism, using examples from Apple to Weight Watchers to show how manipulation thrives when emotional needs meet persuasive design.

But this isn’t a hopeless picture—Dr. Einstein also offers guidance for marketers and consumers alike. She challenges professionals to embrace ethics without sacrificing creativity and encourages all of us to become more conscious of how we engage with brands. By replacing reflexive scrolling with mindful consumption and by choosing community over cultish loyalty, listeners can reclaim agency in an economy built on influence. This episode is a must-hear for anyone who wants to understand—and resist—the subtle ways marketing shapes our thoughts, habits, and values.

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:50 – Meet Dr. Mara Einstein

02:10 – Why Talk About Cults and Marketing?

03:30 – How the Book “Hoodwinked” Began

05:10 – The Cult–Marketing Continuum

06:45 – From Attention Economy to Anxiety Economy

08:50 – How Anxiety Fuels Overconsumption

10:25 – “Buy Now” and Viewer Reactions

12:30 – Black Friday and the “Economic Blackout”

14:10 – Conscious Consumption in a Digital World

16:00 – The Line Between Persuasion and Manipulation

17:30 – The Genius and Ethics of Duolingo’s Campaigns

18:45 – When Brand Community Becomes Brand Cult

20:15 – Weight Watchers: A Case Study in Cult Tactics

27:00 – The Role of Social Media in Modern Tribalism

31:30 – Identity and the Brands We Choose

37:00 – Ethical Marketing and Real Community

41:10 – The Danger of Making It Hard to Leave

44:30 – How AI and Bots Change the Deception Game

50:00 – Building Awareness and Resilience

53:00 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Dr. Einstein

Quotes:

“We don’t live in an attention economy — we live in an anxiety economy. The entire system is built to keep us just uncomfortable enough that buying something feels like relief.” - Mara Einstein

“It’s funny — we call it doom scrolling, and yet we treat it like self-care. The truth is, it’s winding us up, not calming us down.” - Amy Vaughan

Key Takeaways:

• Anxiety, not attention, drives modern marketing.
• Persuasion turns toxic when it exploits fear.
• Brand loyalty can slide into cult behavior.
• Algorithms feed anxiety for engagement.
• We shop to soothe stress, not need.
• Ethical marketing connects, not controls.
• AI blurs truth and manipulation.
• Brands now shape personal identity.
• Awareness breaks the consumer cycle.
• Conscious choices beat compulsive clicks.

Connect with Dr. Ma

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In this week’s episode of The Power Lounge, host Amy Vaughan welcomes Ilise Benun, acclaimed business coach, author, and founder of Marketing-Mentor.com, for a candid conversation about money, mindset, and marketing for creative professionals. Together they explore why so many talented freelancers and solopreneurs fall into the exhausting cycle of undercharging and overdelivering, and what it truly takes to build a business that reflects both your skill and your value.

Ilise shares decades of wisdom on how to reframe pricing from a matter of self-worth to one of clear strategy and confident communication. She offers practical advice on having better money conversations, identifying ideal clients, and setting prices that feel fair to both sides. The discussion is packed with insight, from her signature “$500, $5,000, or $50,000” approach to budget talks, to the mindset shifts needed to escape desperation pricing and cultivate lasting client relationships.

Amy and Ilise also dig into the art of consistent marketing, emphasizing that real success comes from showing up regularly and authentically. They discuss the power of simplicity, how to market yourself without making it about you, and why even small, steady efforts can transform your business over time. Whether you’re a creative struggling to charge what you’re worth or a seasoned professional ready to attract higher-value clients, this episode will challenge how you think about money and remind you that confidence, clarity, and communication are your strongest assets.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Welcome

00:29 – Meet Ilise Benun: Guest Introduction

01:22 – Ilise’s Background & Podcast

01:49 – Episode Overview: Pricing, Mindset, and Marketing

02:28 – The “Spooky” Topic: Money

03:53 – Why Creative Professionals Undervalue Their Work

05:21 – The Power of Mindset in Pricing

06:02 – Pricing Problems Need Marketing Solutions

07:24 – Attracting the Right Clients & Using AI

10:10 – Real-World Pricing Stories

11:08 – The Importance of the Money Conversation

12:31 – Mindset Shifts for Discussing Budgets

13:44 – Avoiding Desperation Pricing

15:10 – Transparency and Building Client Partnerships

16:16 – Value-Based vs. Hourly Pricing

17:32 – Common Marketing Mistakes

19:58 – The Simplicity of Effective Marketing

21:30 – Raising Rates & Upgrading Clients

24:28 – Marketing Yourself vs. Marketing a Product

27:30 – Power Round & Final Advice

Quotes:
“There’s this people-pleasing thing we tend to do, especially as women, and it gets all tied up in our so-called self-worth — which doesn’t really belong in business. You have to take yourself out of it and look at your pricing objectively. Like I always say, ‘Like me a little less and pay me a little more.’” - Ilise Benun

“Awareness is the key. Listen to that internal voice, notice the tone, and remember — just because you think it doesn’t make it true. But if you believe in it long enough, you can think it into being true.” - Amy Vaughan

Key Takeaways:

• Pricing isn’t about self-worth — it’s about strategy.
• Mindset is built on your inner dialogue.
• Marketing solves pricing problems.
• Have the money conversation early.
• Stop people-pleasing your way into poverty.
• Price communicates value. Low rates often repel serious clients.
• Consistency beats complexity. Small marketing actions build stronger pipelines.
• Raise rates through conversation, not confrontation.
• Let go to level up. You can’t grow while holding onto every client.
• Marketing isn’t about you — it’s about them. The best promotion focuses on solving your clients’ problems, not brag

Support the show

Welcome to The Power Lounge! This week, we explore the transformative potential of storytelling in “Stories That Sell: Attract and Convert—Your Story into Profits.” Join host Amy Vaughan as she engages with Monica Miller, an accomplished author, content coach, and international speaker.

Monica shares her unique storytelling framework, emphasizing the essential “three KNOWs” that can turn your personal narratives into effective sales strategies. Her mission is clear: to empower you to transition from being overlooked to unforgettable by harnessing the power of your story.

This conversation is invaluable for marketers, podcasters, content creators, and business owners alike. Monica explains the significance of vulnerability and the importance of everyday shifts, illustrating that small changes can be just as impactful as grand transformations. By mastering the art of storytelling, you’ll learn how to build trust, captivate your audience, and drive conversions.

Prepare for practical strategies, insightful discussions, and inspiring stories that reveal how to unite your personal experiences with professional goals. Discover how your story can become your greatest asset in achieving business growth and making a lasting impression.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction

00:10 - "Powerful Stories, Business Success"

04:44 - "Storytelling Beats AI Connections"

09:25 - "Using Hooks in Storytelling"

12:14 - "Embrace Vulnerability to Connect"

15:52 - Sharing Stories with Authenticity

17:44 - "Finding Your Storytelling Boundaries"

22:58 - Bravery Follows Vulnerable Storytelling

25:43 - Balanced Marketing: Logic and Emotion

29:28 - "Storytelling and Its Essence"

31:35 - "Manifesting Through Mindset Shift"

34:17 - "Small Moments Spark Big Change"

39:53 - "Authenticity vs. AI Influencers"

42:59 - Redefining Boundaries Together

45:36 - "Building Community Through Storytelling"

49:50 - "Mindset Shift Takes Time"

52:45 - "Men, Vulnerability, and Growth"

55:07 - Speaker Benefits & Accountability Offer

57:12 - "Join Together Digital Community"

58:26 - Outro

Quotes:
"Big change starts with small stories. Real transformation begins when we share the moments that matter most."- Monica Miller

"Being real gives others permission to do the same. True growth and connection start with sharing our everyday stories."- Amy Vaughan

Key Takeaways:
Stories Build Bridges to Business Success
Monica’s Three-Step Storytelling Framework
Know the Three NOs: KNOW Your Audience, Struggles, and Solutions
Vulnerability is Strength, Not Weakness
Micro-Shifts Matter: No Dramatic Transformation Needed
Balance Emotion with Strategy
Storytelling is Universal—But Adapt to Each Platform
Practice, Practice, Practice

Connect with Monica Miller:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamiller17/
Website:https://www.monicawrites.com/

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast:Power Lounge Podcast - Together Digital

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visiting Home - Together Digital

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Welcome to The Power Lounge, your go-to space for engaging conversations with influential leaders. This episode features Amy Vaughan in conversation with Jewell Siebert, a retired Army colonel turned bestselling author and EFT practitioner. Jewell's unique blend of military experience and emotional wellness expertise is reshaping how women tackle high-pressure careers.

Jewell shares her journey from military life to mastering Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a practice designed to manage stress and enhance confidence. Discover how tapping into this method can calm anxiety and help you face challenges with assurance.

Explore Jewell's personal transformation, learn about the nervous system's response to stress, and gain practical EFT techniques for your professional life. This episode offers valuable insights into the link between childhood experiences and emotional triggers, empowering you to build lasting self-confidence. Whether you're familiar with EFT or new to the concept, this conversation provides the tools to foster a more balanced and empowered self.

Jewell Siebert, based in San Antonio, TX, lives with her daughter and two playful black cats.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction

00:10 - "Power Lounge: Empowerment & EFT"

05:31 - Stress Response and Survival Mode

09:41 - "Triggers, Nervous Systems, and Tapping"

13:04 - "Understanding Inner Child Trauma"

15:46 - Tapping Techniques for Imposter Syndrome

19:31 - Subtle Stress-Relief Techniques

24:09 - "The Second Arrow of Pain"

26:24 - Body Informs Brain Reaction

29:58 - "Feel, Process, Show Compassion"

33:20 - "Compartmentalizing and Leading Through Adversity"

35:18 - Emotional Regulation in Leadership

38:24 - Navigating Stress and Burnout Spectrum

42:14 - "Breaking Free from Unhealthy Patterns"

45:00 - "Science, Experience, and Skepticism"

50:52 - "Tapping for Calm and Clarity"

51:59 - "Podcast, Community, and Growth"

52:41 - Outro

Quotes:
"Real transformation starts when we allow ourselves to feel and make space for where we are."- Jewell Siebert

"By understanding our nervous system and listening to our bodies, we reclaim our power in overwhelming moments."- Amy Vaughan

Key Takeaways:
Breaking the Stigma of Stress Management
Understanding EFT: Tapping into Calm and Confidence
Healing Begins with the Inner Child
Embracing All Emotions—Even the Messy Ones
Practical Tools You Can Use Today
From Burnout to Breakthrough
Self-Compassion as Foundation

Connect with Jewell Siebert:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Jewell-siebert-8a8986101/
Website: https://Jewellsiebert.com/

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast:Power Lounge Podcast - Together Digital

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visiting Home - Together Digital

Support the show

Welcome to The Power Lounge—authentic conversations with women reshaping how success gets done. This week, Amy Vaughan sits down with executive coach and facilitator Dana Zellers to confront a familiar scene: a calendar that never lets up, a to-do list that never ends, and a career that feels busy but stalled.

Dana has spent over two decades inside corporate and agency environments. Her lesson: more hours is the enemy of more impact. Together, she and Amy share a practical path to designing your own success system—one grounded in clarity, control, and confident decision-making. You’ll hear how to use Dana’s Four Keys to Clarity to define what matters, apply the 6Ds of Doing Less to reclaim time, and set boundaries that stick. They also cover how to align work with your values and handle hard conversations with your manager without risking your role.

The payoff is straightforward: more space for meaningful work, steadier progress toward your goals, and a career that’s resilient in uncertain times. Drop the burnout badge. Build a system that works for you.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:10 - Breaking Free from Workplace Burnout
04:56 - "Doing Isn't Always Leading"
10:52 - Keys to Clarity: Reflect, Values, Vision
12:07 - Finding Purpose and Alignment
17:31 - "Unpacking Goals Beyond Status"
20:11 - "Discovering Needs Over Wants"
25:00 - Holistic To-Do List Review
28:28 - Delegation and Prioritizing Tasks
29:57 - "Prioritizing Tasks Effectively"
35:39 - "Effective Approach to Bad Bosses"
39:08 - "Strategic Career Growth Planning"
42:59 - "Embracing New Perspectives and Growth"
44:26 - The Importance of Self-Care Leadership
48:37 - "Building Relationships Beyond Careers"
50:51 - "Future-Proofing Through Networking"
55:33 - "Presence and Self-Care Essentials"
59:32 - Phenomenal Discussion with Dana
01:00:25 - Keep Asking, Giving, Growing||
01:00:41 - Outro

Quotes:
"Respect your time, because you're the one who can save it."- Amy Vaughan

"Embrace intentional success: focus on what matters, set boundaries, and stop being a martyr for your work."- Dana Zellers

Key Takeaways:
Ditch the Busy Badge
Clarity is Queen
Take Back Your Control
The Magic of Boundaries
The Power of Doing Less
Intentional Success = Lasting Fulfillment
Ask for Help—And Accept It
Rest Is a Productivity Tool
Future-Proof Your Career
Let Go, Give More, Grow On

Connect with Dana Zellers:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-Zellers/
Website: https://www.danaZellers.com/

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast:Power Lounge Podcast - Together Digital

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visiting Home - Together Digital

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Welcome back to The Power Lounge, your go-to space for authentic, inspiring conversations with powerhouse women leaders. In this episode, host Amy Vaughan, Chief Empowerment Officer of Together Digital, is joined by Shauna Moran—acclaimed leadership strategist, executive coach, and founder of the Impact Amplification Program and Leadership Systems Partnership. Together, they’re diving deep into the real ROI of investing in women leaders.

As organizations face economic headwinds and shifts in workplace priorities, Amy and Shauna tackle why investment in women’s leadership development is more essential now than ever. Expect powerful insights backed by striking data on profitability, innovation, and retention, plus actionable strategies for creating strong support systems and building sustainable leadership capacity.

Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, advocating for advancement, or looking to bolster your organization’s leadership pipeline, this conversation promises to empower you with fresh perspectives and practical steps to make a business case for women in leadership—and to ensure every talented woman not only stays, but thrives.

So grab your notebook and get ready for a conversation packed with wisdom, real talk, and the tools you need to ignite change for yourself and your workplace. Let’s get into it!

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:10 - "Leadership Insights with Shauna Moran"
05:28 - Retaining Institutional Knowledge Benefits
10:23 - Optimizing Time and Resources Strategy
14:07 - Evolving Beyond Executor Roles
16:44 - Assessing Your Support System
20:19 - Organizational Change and Employee Stress
21:45 - Embracing Uncertainty and Building Resilience
26:35 - Rethinking Burnout: Beyond Self-Care
27:52 - Preventing Burnout Through Leadership
33:12 - Supporting Women Through Menopause
36:41 - Data-Driven Leadership for Women
39:40 - Empowering Goals Through Support Systems
43:35 - External Resources Enhance Workplace Support
45:48 - Addressing Gender Promotion Gap
48:45 - "Collaboration Over Competition"
52:06 - "Embrace Small Steps for Growth"
56:29 - Join Together In Digital Community
57:41 - Outro

Quotes:
“Leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about making room for impact. Strong women need strong support—ask for it and give it.”- Amy Vaughan

“To go fast, go alone; to go far, go together. Investing in women leaders is a business imperative—fuel innovation, retention, and collective success.”- Shauna Moran

Key Takeaways:
The Real Business Case for Investing in Women Leaders
Strong Women Need Strong Support Systems
Blueprints Over Burnout
Clarity is Queen During Change
Advocacy Backed by Data
Women Lifting Women
Change is Opportunity
Redefining What Leadership Means

Connect with Shauna Moran:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunamoran/
Website:https://shaunamoran.com/

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast:Power Lounge Podcast - Together Digital

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visitingHome - Together Digital

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Welcome to The Power Lounge, the platform where women shaping the digital landscape share their experiences. In "Your Edge in the Age of AI," host Amy Vaughan engages with Monica Froese, founder of Empowered Business and a leader in digital strategy and AI innovation. Monica discusses her personal journey—from overcoming a divorce and single motherhood to establishing a seven-figure business—while effectively utilizing AI to regain her time and mental focus.

Many find the surge of AI both exciting and daunting. Monica illustrates her transformation from initially overlooking AI tools like ChatGPT to embedding them into her professional and personal routines. This adoption revolutionized aspects such as meal planning, email management, business operations, and parenting responsibilities. The discussion offers actionable strategies for women aiming to harness AI to save time, reduce decision fatigue, and enhance their influence without experiencing burnout.

Whether you're managing a team, running your own enterprise, or balancing daily responsibilities, this conversation will reshape your perception of AI. Discover how to leverage AI as a strategic asset to work more efficiently and reclaim control over your time.

Chapters:
00:00 – Overwhelmed by ChatGPT Launch
06:02 – From Google to ChatGPT Transition
08:41 – AI as Accountability Partner
10:43 – Personalized Writing Style Guide Creation
14:29 – Choosing the Right LLM
17:39 – Empowering Women in Corporate Tech
21:03 – AI: The Small Business Equalizer
24:15 – Business Efficiency via AI Team
27:32 – AI as Collaborative Assistant
30:58 – Building High-Converting Digital Products
36:08 – Authenticity Lies Within the User
37:04 – Human Connection in Digital Age
42:07 – Multi-Channel Content Distribution
44:34 – Conversational Prompting Effectiveness
47:32 – Effective Prompting: Finding the Use Case
51:18 – Empowering Women: AI's Evolving Role
53:45 – AI Aiding Women in Divorce
59:38 – Technology as Empowerment Tool
01:00:25 – Keep Asking, Keep Growing

Quotes:
"Let technology empower you. Start small, experiment, and reclaim your time."- Amy Vaughan

"AI lightens your mental load, frees your time, and enables you to be your best self."- Monica Froese

Key Takeaways:
Overcoming the Overwhelm
AI: Your Mental Load Buster
Just Start with One Tool
Train Your Digital “Mini-Mes”
AI as the Ultimate Equalizer
From Burnout to Boundaries
Authenticity Still Reigns
AI for Everyday Empowerment
Try, Play, and Grow

Connect with Monica Froese:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicafroese/
Website:https://monicafroese.com/

Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughan
Podcast:Power Lounge Podcast - Together Digital

Learn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visitingHome - Together Digital

Support the show