In this Business Blast Podcast episode, host Tyler Wagner interviews Kristin Gallucci, a veteran brand and marketing strategist and LinkedIn influencer. Gallucci shares a formative story about growing up with a single mother who never showed weakness, teaching her that she is stronger than she thinks. She emphasizes that personal branding is universal—everyone has a brand, and a strong online and in‑person presence drives success. Gallucci links company culture directly to brand perception, arguing that hiring, employee experience, and even exits shape the brand narrative. When asked for advice to her younger self, she urges taking more risks, noting her own tendency to overthink. She defines happiness as rooted in self‑love, citing her children as a personal source of joy. Her favorite recent read is Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck, from which she highlights the “do something” principle—small actions cascade into larger results. Gallucci also shares a favorite quote from Mel Robbins, framing confidence as the willingness to try rather than a belief in self. The episode concludes with her online contact points: LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/KristinGallucci) and an upcoming personal website (kristingallucci.com).
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Welcome to the Business Blast Podcast. I'm your host, Tyler Wagner. This episode is brought to you by Authors Unite. Authors Unite provides you with the support you need to finish your book. Best part is, after you finish your book, they take care of the entire publishing and marketing process 100% for you. So if you want to become a successful author, make sure to check out authorsunite.com. Now let's jump into the episode. Alright everyone, welcome back to another episode of the Business Blast podcast. I'm your host Tyler Wagner. Today I have Kristen Gallucci with us. She is a brand and marketing strategist. She has been helping Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized businesses, and startups turned their brands into icons for 20 years. She is also a LinkedIn expert and has been recognized as an influencer in the social realm. So welcome to the show.
Thank you, Tyler. I'm happy to be here.
Of course. Grateful to have you on. So let's jump into the first one, Kristen. The first one I got for you is what is the best story from your life that has an underlying valuable message?
Well, you know, I grew up with a single mother. So I always look to that because there were so many lessons throughout my childhood just from watching my mom. And she really never showed weakness. So while I'm probably tougher at times than I needed to be throughout my career, I definitely attribute that to her, is knowing that I'm always stronger than I think I am. That's kind of the message that I've taken away from that. She never let me believe she was struggling or had difficulties. And now I look to that as a guide to know that I'm stronger than I think I am.
And what is the most valuable piece of information we should know that's within your expertise or industry?
Well, as you can imagine, personal branding is kind of the buzzword right now. And I often get eye rolls when I mention the word personal branding. But the truth is that everyone has a brand. And really what you do with it is what makes the difference. What I can tell you is that those with a strong online and in-person presence always have more success. So I see no reason why not to expand your personal brand and really focus on it and make it work for you.
And it could tie in, but what's your best piece of overall business advice? So not necessarily industry specific.
Yeah, well, I've worked with many different companies, all different sizes, types of people in the business, and I I truly believe that culture is really connected to the brand. So, you know, your culture, a positive culture, is really critical to success. And I, you know, I believe that starts with the hiring process and continues through the life of someone being at a company. But it's also how people exit the company that is also important. They carry your message of your brand forward.
And if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be?
Oh, take more risks. I tend to be an overthinker, so I'm trying to practice that now in my, my older age to take more risks.
And then kind of going a little bit down a different path here, in your opinion, what is the key to happiness?
You know, I believe it starts with self-love. And it can't be found externally. So I think it's different for everyone. For me, it's my kids, watching the joy my kids have. But I think it starts with really caring about yourself and taking care of yourself.
And what is the best book that you've read and what was the number one thing you learned from that?
Well, I've read a lot of incredible books, but most recently I read "The Subtle Art of Not Giving an F" by Mark Manson. And so many takeaways from that. But one thing that I've really applied, and it goes along with risk-taking, is just taking action. Taking action is really powerful. So he has a do something principle that he talks of, which is do something now, even if it's really small, and let good actions cascade as a result. So I love that thinking.
And what is your favorite quote and why?
So I really wanted to use one that has resonated with me recently. And Mel Robbins, who is an incredible speaker and author, I love her. She actually has a new talk show coming out now too. I resonate with her. And she talks about confidence as not being a belief in self, but being the willingness to try. So I think, you know, when people look at confidence, they often say, what can I do to change? What can I read that will help me change? Or what can I What can I listen to? Or what speaker will help me gain more confidence? But really, it's just about taking that action and taking that risk and trying something that brings confidence.
Yes. Well, listen, thank you so much for coming on. The last one I have for you before we let you go is where can our audience best find you online?
Well, thank you for having me. I appreciate it. And the best, easiest place is probably LinkedIn in LinkedIn.com/in/KristinGallucci, or, and then I have a website that's under construction right now, but it's kristingallucci.com.
Perfect. Thanks again for coming on.
Thanks, Tyler. Talk to you soon. The podcast you just heard was made using Anchor. Ever thought about making your own podcast? Anchor makes it really easy for anyone to get started. It's a one-stop shop for recording, hosting, and distributing podcasts. Best of all, it's 100% free. Free. Sign up now at anchor.fm/new. That's anchor.fm/new to get started.
