Building Authentic Connections Through Content

Episode 512

The Power of Being a Decent Human in the Digital Space

What if the path to professional opportunities isn’t about strategic networking but simply being a decent human being? In this illuminating conversation with Lisa Cooper Ellison, trauma-informed writing coach and host of the Writing Your Resilience podcast, we discover how authentic connections can unlock unexpected doors in your content creation journey.

How a Genuine Connection Led to NPR

Lisa shares the surprising story of how her first major speaking engagement on NPR came not from a calculated pitch but from genuinely connecting with fellow writers at a workshop. “These industries are small,” she explains, “and you never know what role someone will play in your life.” This philosophy has guided her approach to building relationships and creating content that resonates on a deeper level with her audience.

Podcasting as a Professional Catalyst

With remarkable candor, Lisa walks us through her evolution from agency therapist to sought-after writing coach and podcaster. Having produced 70 episodes since launching in January 2024, she reveals how consistent content creation has enhanced her speaking skills, deepened her expertise, and created synergy across all aspects of her business. Each interview serves dual purposes—providing value to listeners while conducting invaluable audience research that shapes her coaching programs and speaking engagements.

What Happens Behind the Scenes Matters Most

The conversation takes a refreshingly honest turn as Lisa acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a podcast while navigating family health crises and business demands. Rather than presenting an idealized version of content creation, she shares practical wisdom for handling tech failures, self-doubt, and the inevitable disruptions all creators face. Her hill-running metaphor offers a powerful mindset shift: keep your eyes on the immediate path rather than becoming overwhelmed by the entire mountain. “Let progress, not perfection, be your North Star,” she advises.

Why Content Creation Is an Act of Community Building

Beyond metrics and downloads, Lisa views content creation as a means of fostering connection. It’s not about chasing fame or going viral—it’s about reaching the right people at the right time with a message that matters. Her approach reminds us that a loyal, engaged audience of 100 can be more impactful than a large, silent following of 10,000.

Turning Conversations into Business Strategy

For business owners and creators alike, Lisa’s story proves that content can serve multiple functions: establishing thought leadership, nurturing leads, and generating speaking opportunities. Podcasting becomes both a platform and a research tool, giving her real-time insights into what her audience needs and values most.

Listen to more inspiring interviews on The Proffitt Podcast!