How AI, Authentic Branding, and Emotional Wealth Are Fueling the Next Wave of Expert-Led Growth
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What do AI zombies, emotional wealth, and thought-leader branding have in common?
They're all part of this week's bold conversations from Top Voices—where industry disruptors, financial visionaries, and brand builders share the ideas that are shaping tomorrow. If you're ready to lead with more clarity, creativity, and conscious impact, this is your weekly spark.
From conscious tech and credit strategy to brand equity and the evolution of consulting, this week’s Top Voices lineup explores seven powerful lenses shaping the future of work, wealth, and leadership. Whether you're navigating the rise of “AI Zombies,” rethinking how happiness and money intersect, or building a personal brand that lasts, these conversations offer clarity in a noisy world.
Top Voices Tuesday: The Rise of the Expert Economy with Mark Phinick
Consulting Is Broken. The Expert Economy Is the Fix.
Enterprise consulting once relied on high retainers, dense slide decks, and months-long projects. Today’s leaders need leaner, faster, and smarter support.
The rise of AI, founder-led startups, and digital transformation demands hyper-niche experts, not big-firm playbooks. Consulting must now drive impact in weeks, not quarters.
On August 26, 2025, during Top Voices Tuesday, Michael Lopez sat down with Mark Phinick, former IBM Global VP to reveal why the expert economy is winning, and how consultants, founders, and fractional leaders can thrive in it.
Takeaways from the Episode
1. Impact-Based Pricing Is the New Standard
“If you're not doing impact-based pricing, you're going to have a hard time selling.” – Mark Phinick
McKinsey has shifted its billing models significantly—now 25% of its engagements are outcome-based, meaning their compensation depends on the results delivered rather than hours billed or effort invested. Startups and growth-stage firms want results, not effort. Outcome-driven pricing is now the expected model.
2. AI Is the Consultant’s New Partner
“Tribal knowledge is leaving companies every day—AI is how we retain it.”
AI tools, when combined with human intuition, allow experts to offer faster, data-backed recommendations. On the broader industry front, firms like BCG and others are increasingly turning to AI: AI is embedded into everything they do, and 45–50% of BCG employees use AI frequently in their daily tasks.
3. Big Firms Must Get Nimble or Fade
“They’re not going away—but they must shift their billing and speed.”
Business Insider reports that a new wave of boutique, AI-first consulting firms often founded by ex‑consultants are disrupting traditional models. They offer targeted services like pricing strategy, cost reduction, proposal generation, and infrastructure readiness, doing so with significantly greater agility, lower fees, and AI-enhanced efficiency. The future belongs to fractional leaders who offer specific outcomes, not process-heavy solutions.
4. Your Pitch Should Help, Not Impress
“If you’re building a business—start by helping people win.” – Mark Phinick
Mark’s go-to pitch?
"I help Seed/Series A companies convert interest into revenue by coaching their reps on delivering forwardable business outcomes.”
Replay + Resources
📺 Watch the Full Episode of “The Rise of the Expert Economy with Mark Phinick”
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In YouTube
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In LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/events/7352358613698424832/?originTrackingId=f8bwUTjrRgyeEyCK19WD9g%3D%3D
Connect with speakers:
- Mark Phinick in LinkedIn
- Learn more: letsmakeitrain.net
📬 Get the most of the insights from our featured Top Voices in this episode!
- Learn from Michael’s latest thinking on change and transformation, along with current topics discussed on the Top Voice Tuesday Podcast and subscribe.
Building a High-Impact LinkedIn Ad Strategy for Tech Companies in 2025
Organic reach is fading. Precision, presence, and personal voice are in.
In this Blue TV session, Denise Murtha Bachmann one of our top voices, and the founder of Sellovatorz sat down with LinkedIn Ads expert Anthony Blatner, founder and CMO of Speedwork, to uncover how tech companies—and entrepreneurs alike—can fuel growth on LinkedIn by pairing authentic content with smart ad strategies.
Anthony has managed over $100M in LinkedIn ad spend, guiding both enterprise tech brands and founder-led startups. His message? The future of LinkedIn advertising is personal, precise, and people-first.
“Ads are just fuel on the fire of what’s already working.” — Anthony Blatner
Anthony’s Core Ad Strategy Principles
Anthony shared a framework every leader can apply before investing a single dollar in ads:
- Start with Content
Don’t overthink the process. Begin posting regularly—case studies, tips, short videos, and thought-provoking insights. Over time, you’ll naturally find your authentic voice through consistent experimentation. - Boost What Works
Identify your top-performing posts—the ones that sparked DMs, inquiries, or real conversations—and stretch their shelf life with targeted Thought Leader Ads to expand visibility and impact. - Target with Precision
Skip broad “audience expansion” settings. Instead, dial into specific industries, job titles, company types, and even regions that matter most. Precision targeting beats volume every single time. - Measure Engagement, Not Vanity
LinkedIn rewards high engagement with cheaper ad costs and greater reach. Thought Leader Ads consistently keep people reading 2–3x longer than company page ads, driving deeper brand trust.
“People sit and actually read posts from people—2 to 3 times more than company ads. That’s why these ads are so powerful.” — Anthony Blatner
💡 Stat to Know
Users see over 1.3 million feed updates every minute, yet very few contribute—meaning the field is far from crowded for consistent sharers (Buffer)
What You Can Do Now:
- Share one original, educational post this week—case study, tip, or quick video.
- Audit your old posts: which drove comments, DMs, or sales? Those are your ad candidates.
- In campaign setup: turn OFF Audience Expansion + Audience Network.
- Switch to manual bidding to stretch your budget.
- Think long-term: use ads to stay visible over months, not days.
Ask Yourself:
✅ Am I boosting company ads—or people-first posts?
✅ Are my ad settings wasting budget (Audience Expansion, Audience Network)?
✅ Do I know which posts actually drive conversations?
✅ Am I nurturing long-cycle prospects, or just chasing clicks?
Replay + Resources
📺 Replay the Full Episode:
🔗 Blue TV: Building a High-Impact LinkedIn Ad Strategy for Tech Companies
🔷 Explore More from Anthony Blatner
Website: speedworksocial.com
Follow Anthony on LinkedIn for hands-on ad strategies and B2B growth insights.
🔷 Learn from Denise Murtha Bachmann
Company Website: Sellovatorz.com
📅 Book a 1:1 Sales Strategy Call
🌟 Follow Denise for insights on human-centered selling, executive presence, and building influence through authenticity.
Top Voices Unite: How to Turn Brand Equity Into Long-Term Business Value
It’s Not Just About Getting Noticed. It’s About Staying Relevant.
In a crowded market, most brands fight to stand out—few know how to stick around. Founders spend heavily on visibility, only to fade post-launch.
Without an intentional brand equity strategy, businesses struggle with retention, trust, and repeat engagement—even with a great product.
On the August 26, 2025 edition of Live with Top Voices Unite, Nikki Estes a strategic brand builder, CEO of Market Me More and founder of Top Voices Unite and Emerging Voices Unite, curating industry-shaping conversations sat down with Ariel Serber, a fractional CMO, investor, and strategist behind category-defining brand equity frameworks, to unpack how companies can extend their shelf life by weaving authenticity into every touchpoint.
Top 3 Takeaways: How Trust, Community, and Inclusion Shape Modern Brand Longevity
1. Trust Is Brand Equity—And It’s Fragile
“Trust is like any kind of equity... it takes a while to build up, but it can disappear overnight.”
— Ariel Serber
In today's loyalty-driven marketplace, trust is your brand's most valuable asset. And it’s not built with clever slogans—it’s earned through authentic consistency, both online and offline. According to Edelman’s Trust Barometer, 81% of consumers say brand trust is a deal-breaker or deciding factor in a purchase decision.
2. Community Is the Ultimate Flywheel
“The stronger the bonds, the longer the whole thing will go.” — Ariel Serber
“We’re building not just collaborations—but friendships that help companies grow.” — Nikki Estes
Brands that grow fastest today don’t rely solely on paid media—they cultivate communities that advocate, amplify, and activate on their behalf. Ariel emphasized the “flywheel effect,” where live events, podcasts, and digital engagement create long-term emotional resonance. Community Industry Trends believe community is critical to their mission, not just marketing.
3. Inclusion in Finance Isn’t Optional—It’s Urgent
“As a mom, I think about money differently than my husband. We need women’s voices in wealth conversations.” — Nikki Estes
Ariel and Nikki shared a powerful case for gender equity in financial leadership. With trillions shifting into the hands of women, the current underrepresentation of female advisors isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a systemic risk. McKinsey and Company projects that women will control $30 trillion in U.S. wealth by 2030.
Replay + Resources
📺 Catch the full Live with Top Voices Unite episode here: Turn Brand Equity Into Business Longevity
Explore more from our Voices of the Week host and guest speaker in this episode!
- Connect with Ariel Serber for more fractional brand leadership insights.
- Connect with Nikki Estes CEO of Market Me More and founder of Top Voices Unite and Emerging Voices Unite, helping leaders navigate AI, generational shifts, and visibility with integrity.
🗞️ Subscribe for More to get behind-the-scenes leadership insights and community updates from Nikki Estes, Top Voices, Emerging Voices and the Market Me More team.
Live with Top Voices Unite: The Future of AI — Insight or Illusion?
This event unpacked the explosive growth of generative AI — and the unintended consequences that come with it. With 100M users adopting ChatGPT in just 60 days, are we accelerating toward better outcomes or bigger blind spots?
This was tackled Thursday, August 28, 2025 by Nikki Estes, the CEO of Market Me More, Inc, and Nitin Gupta, a Data Science Leader and Global Product Owner at @Mondelēz International.
💡 Extended Highlights:
- Rapid adoption is reshaping how we work — but at what cost? With over 100 million users adopting ChatGPT in just two months, AI is being implemented faster than any tech in modern history. The panel unpacked both the opportunity and the unintended risks of this speed.
- AI isn’t neutral — and it isn’t always accurate. Tools trained on outdated data or biased prompts can quickly amplify misinformation. That’s why human oversight isn’t optional. Several speakers emphasized the importance of review, ethics, and context.
- We’re drowning in data, but starving for insight. Participants pointed out how speed and scale can overwhelm quality. Instead of publishing more, leaders should publish better. Original thinking, emotional intelligence, and credibility now separate signal from noise.
- “Thoughtful slowness” is the real strategy. In a refreshing turn, the group encouraged slowing down — producing fewer posts, with greater depth. The best content in 2025 won’t just be fast or frequent — it’ll be courageous, contextual, and community-driven.
🔑 3 Takeaways You Can Use Today:
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Know Your Stack
If you're using AI-powered tools, take inventory. From CRM platforms to browser extensions and analytics plugins, know what’s running in the background — and control what’s connected. - Story Over Syntax
A well-written post isn’t necessarily a meaningful one. Instead of chasing formatting perfection, focus on insight and experience. Share something only you could share. - Community Over Clout
In 2025, attention won’t just go to the loudest voice — but to the most trusted. Build relationships, not just reach. Invest in conversations, not just content.
Replay + Resources
📺 Catch the full Live with Top Voices Unite episode here: The Future of AI & Analytics
Explore more from our Voices of the Week host and guest speaker in this episode!
- Connect with Nitin Gupta for more Emerging AI and data trends insights.
- Connect with Nikki Estes CEO of @Market Me More and founder of @Top Voices Unite and @Emerging Voices Unite, helping leaders navigate AI, generational shifts, and visibility with integrity.
Silicon Zombies Ep. 195: How “AI Zombies” Are Already Here—and Why It Matters
Is Your Mind Still Yours?
As machine-generated suggestions flood our feeds, daily decisions—from food choices to career moves—are increasingly outsourced to algorithms.
We’re not talking sci-fi. We’re talking about right now. From newsfeeds to ChatGPT, we’re conditioning ourselves to think less, question less, and click more. In doing so, are we becoming the very thing we feared?
On Silicon Zombies Episode 195, streamed August 26, 2025, hosts Nick Larson and Sandra Larson welcomed Cory Warfield and Koji to dissect the rise of “AI Zombies”—individuals who relinquish critical thinking in favor of convenience. This conversation reveals why reclaiming conscious decision-making is the leadership skill of the future.
Top 4 Takeaways from Episode 195
1. We’re Already Outsourcing Thought
“When people take AI answers at face value, they lose the muscle of curiosity.” – Cory Warfield
The danger isn’t just misinformation—it’s mental atrophy. As convenience takes precedence, users fail to vet sources, ask deeper questions, or contextualize. Emerging research shows that heavy reliance on AI tools is linked to a decline in critical thinking skills, as users grow less inclined to question, analyze, or verify information. Higher reliance on AI “leaves people's minds ‘atrophied and unprepared.’”
2.Universal Basic Compute Will Democratize Access—But At What Cost?
“Giving everyone compute power sounds fair. But what if it accelerates dependency?” – Koji
Koji raises concerns over policies like Universal Basic Compute, which aim to level digital access. The discussion questioned whether equality in tool access might come with a decline in agency.
3. GPT-5 & “Temperature Tuning” Is Leading to ‘Hallucinated Consensus’
“These systems are training us to think there's only one right answer.” – Cory Warfield
Tools like GPT-5, especially when paired with low-temperature settings, encourage overly deterministic responses. This trains users to follow, not question. A recent cognitive-science report highlights how cognitive offloading, outsourcing mental tasks to AI and algorithms can weaken intellectual autonomy and reinforce echo chambers. This is especially true when algorithmic personalization reinforces narrow streams of thought.
4. Zombie-Mode is an Algorithmic Outcome
“People don’t realize their behavior is being shaped by invisible levers.” – Sandra Larson
From Spotify to Amazon, we’re nudged into predictable behavior patterns. Sandra emphasized how algorithmic governance is designed not for diversity of thought—but for engagement.
Knowledge Impact
The line between augmentation and automation is thin—and we're crossing it fast. Leaders, technologists, and educators must ask:
- Are we building tools for autonomy, or systems of control?
- Are users empowered to question the machine, or are they being trained to comply?
This episode is a wake-up call: it's time to resist the automation of thought and reclaim intentionality in how we engage with emerging technologies.
“It’s not the tools—it’s how we choose to use them that defines our future.” – Nick Larson
Replay + Resources
📺 Replay the full livestream: Silicon Zombies 195: AI Zombies ft. Cory Warfield
🤝 Connect with our AI Zombies speakers making waves as LinkedIn Top Voices!
Nick Larson- Company Website: Silicon Zombies
- YouTube Channel: subscribe here!
- Need Advice? Book a 1:1 with Nick in Hubble!
- Subscribe to Nick’s LinkedIn Newsletter: Brain Food
- Join Nick and his Silicon Zombies team as they host Ageless Evolution Longevity Summit 2025 this October 10th in Silicon Valley!
Cory Warfield
- Coryconnects: https://coryconnects.tech/
- DCRBN: https://dcrbn.io/
- Agora World: https://agoravr.world/
→ Subscribe to Cory’s newsletters!
- The Best Tech Newsletter: https://thebesttechnewsletter.com/
- LinkedIn newsletter: Tech for Good: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7185030066131615745/
The Science of Happiness and Financial Well-Being
Why Emotional Wealth is the New Financial Strategy
We’ve all heard it: “Money can’t buy happiness.”
But what if that’s only half the story?
On the 84th episode of Inspired Money, host Andy Wang welcomed psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, consumer behavior expert Scott Rick, and decision science professor Talya Miron-Shatz for an eye-opening discussion on how we define happiness and wealth in 2025.
And the verdict?
Your relationship with money has more to do with joy than your actual bank balance.
Real Wealth = Meaning, Not Just Money
“In other words, at best, money is a means towards happiness, not an end in itself. Happiness is the end. Wealth potentially is the means.” — Tal Ben-Shahar
The panel unpacked what it really means to be "wealthy"—and it has little to do with salary brackets or spreadsheets.
Instead, we heard insights on:
- How meaningful relationships and gratitude correlate with higher life satisfaction
- Why people chase the visible (like lifestyle flexing on social media) instead of the valuable
- And how both overspending and underspending can steal from long-term well-being
“My research has found that there are some people who we, affectionately, call tightwads—who are kind of frustrated with their inability to spend in ways that they think they should.” — Scott Rick
These money mindsets aren’t just quirks. They can affect marriages, mental health, and decision-making across life stages.
Designing a Joyful, Financially Fit Life
Financial freedom isn’t just about retiring early or building a big portfolio.
It’s about aligning your spending with your values—and not comparing yourself to highlight reels.
“We adjust to what we have and we stop being impressed by it or overjoyed by it. And we compare upward.” — Talya Miron-Shatz
The panelists shared practical ways to reframe spending:
- Prioritize experiences over objects
- Invest in shared joy with loved ones
- Create “happiness budgets” that account for purpose-driven giving or personal growth
- Recognize when social media metrics hijack our emotional ROI
The Power to Redefine Wealth Is Yours
“What does [make us happy]? Is it how we spend? The choices we make with our partners? Or maybe the sense of purpose that comes with aligning money with our values?” — Andy Wang
You don’t need to earn more to start feeling wealthy.
You just need to shift your focus toward what makes life feel full.
Here’s how to take the first step:
- Audit your current budget through a joy-focused lens
- Start a weekly gratitude journal tied to your spending
- Share the episode with a friend or family member—and start the conversation
Because sometimes, the richest life isn’t the one with the most money—it’s the one that feels most like you.
Replay + Resources
📺 Watch the Full 82nd Episode of Inspired Money
- In YouTube:
- In LinkedIn
The Science of Happiness and Financial Well-Being
🎙️ Listen to past episodes of Inspired Money Podcast in different platforms here: Inspired Money with Andy Wang
🔎 Explore more from our Inspired Money host and guest speakers in this episode!
- Company Website: Runnymede Capital Management
- Personal Website: https://www.talbenshahar.com
- Company Website: Happiness Study Academy
- Personal Website: https://scottrick.com
- Blog Website: Retail Therapy
- Personal Website: https://talyamironshatz.com
Inspired Money Ep. 85: Unlocking the Power of Credit for Financial Success
Why Credit Isn’t Just a Number—It’s Leverage
In today’s economy, your credit profile is your financial passport. From buying a home to starting a business, the difference between approval and rejection often lies in a three-digit number.
That’s why on August 27, 2025, Inspired Money host Andy Wang gathered four of the nation’s most respected voices in financial empowerment—Howard S. Dvorkin, Anthony Davenport, Cullen Canazares, and Reyna Gobel—to decode the systems of credit and unlock smart strategies that everyone can use, no matter their starting point.
Whether you're aiming to build credit from scratch, repair past mistakes, or leverage your score for future success, this panel delivered insightful, practical, and transformational takeaways to help you take charge of your financial journey.
Keep reading to uncover their expert advice, backed by decades of experience and a passion for helping Americans achieve lasting financial well-being.
Top 4 Takeaways from Episode 85
1. Credit Scores Are Gateways to Opportunity
“Your credit score is more than a number—it’s a signal of your reliability in a system built on trust.” – Andy Wang
A score over 740 opens doors to lower interest rates, business lines of credit, and even job opportunities. Learn how small changes in utilization and payment timing can make big score impacts.
2. Credit Utilization: The Secret Multiplier
“Even with a high limit, using over 30% of your credit can drag down your score.” – Anthony Davenport
Credit utilization, which tells how much of your available credit you use, accounts for about 30% of your FICO® score. Experts recommend keeping it under 10% to present strong financial discipline, especially during economic uncertainty. This shows restraint, control, and boosts your profile in lender models especially in economic downturns.
3. Credit Reporting Isn't Just for the Privileged
“We’ve helped families use their rent to build credit and move from renters to homeowners.” – Cullen Canazares
Rent reporting is underused but impactful. Services like Rental Kharma allow renters to have on-time rent payments reported to credit bureaus, helping build history for those without traditional credit products.
4. Financial Literacy Is a Health Strategy
“When you know how credit works, you can sleep better—and plan better.” – Reyna Gobel
Financial stress links directly to mental and physical well-being. Reyna emphasized using tools like budgeting apps, automated savings, and educational content to create empowered money habits.
Knowledge Impact
This episode brings to light that credit is not a barrier—it’s a bridge. Whether you’re building, fixing, or optimizing your financial tools, these insights serve as an essential foundation for generational wealth and empowered choices.
“Good credit doesn’t just buy things—it buys peace of mind.” – Howard S. Dvorkin
Replay + Resources
📺 Watch the Full 85th Episode of Inspired Money
- In YouTube: Unlocking the Power of Credit: Building and Managing Credit for Financial Success
🎙️ Listen to past episodes of Inspired Money Podcast in different platforms here: Inspired Money with Andy Wang
🔎 Explore more from our Inspired Money host and guest speakers in this episode!
- Company Website: Runnymede Capital Management
- Personal Website: https://howarddvorkin.com
- Personal Website: https://anthonymdavenport.com/
Cullen Canazares- CEO of Rental Kharma, leading the charge in rent-reporting for credit building.
- Company Website: https://rentalkharma.com
- Personal Website: https://reynagobel.com
📘 Download your credit report free at AnnualCreditReport.com
In-Person Events from Our Top Voices: Get Ready to Connect!
We believe the best connections are made in person. That's why our Top Voices are bringing their expertise to you at their 3 big upcoming events.
It’s your chance to move from the digital world to real-life connections, with the opportunity to gain firsthand insights and network with other leaders!
1. Ageless Evolution Longevity Summit 2025
- When: October 10, 2025
- Where: Silicon Valley
- Focus: Join Nick Larson and his Silicon Zombies team, Dr. Aubrey de Grey, and other future-minded leaders to discuss longevity, performance living, and the future of human optimization.
2. AI Realized Summit
- When: November 5, 2025
- Where: San Francisco
- Focus: An event for enterprise leaders to turn AI from concept into reality where one of our Top Voices Nitin Gupta will be speaking. Learn from over 35 practitioners and see over 600 AI deployments in action.
Explore more and reserve your spot for these exclusive events!
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