Social Media Decoded

• From Lupus to Limitless: How Genny Mack Turned Visibility Into Purpose and Profit

  In this powerful conversation, host Michelle L. Thames sits down with Genny Mack, certified holistic nutritionist and wellness advocate, to unpack how she transformed her diagnosis with lupus into a thriving purpose-driven brand. From burnout on Wall Street to becoming a sought-after wellness creator and brand partner, Genny shares the mindset shifts, marketing strategies, and community connections that helped her go from 8K followers to over 70K—and land collaborations with major brands (yes, even Mario Lopez ). If you’ve ever felt stuck, invisible, or unsure how to build momentum online, this episode will reignite your belief in what’s possible when strategy meets soul. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Genny turned a lupus diagnosis into a holistic wellness mission The visibility strategies that helped her attract aligned brand deals The power of focusing on one platform at a time for sustainable growth How community and coaching transformed her business confidence Why reflection and alignment are the secret to long-term success Key Takeaways: “You don’t need hundreds of thousands of followers — just the right people.”“When your visibility system aligns with your purpose, opportunities flow naturally.” Connect With Genny Mack: Follow her marathon and wellness journey:Instagram | TikTok | YouTube → @gennymackVisit her site: gennymack.com Connect With Michelle: Follow @michellelthames on all platforms for more visibility and social media strategy tips.Join the Elevate & Empower Community → michellethames.com If this episode inspired you, screenshot it and tag @michellelthames and @gennymack on Instagram with your favorite takeaway!Then rate ️️️️️ and review Social Media Decoded on Apple Podcasts to help more women elevate their brands and visibility online. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• How We Turned a Youth Workforce Event Into a National Visibility Moment (ConstructReach Case Study)

  Most brands post content. The smart ones build movements. In this episode, Michelle breaks down the real behind-the-scenes strategy her agency used to turn a workforce development event into a powerful visibility engine — increasing reach by 253%, driving a 1,400% spike in link clicks, and amplifying youth voices in the construction industry. You’ll learn how to turn real-world moments into digital impact, design content systems that scale, and use storytelling to expand opportunities for underrepresented audiences. If you host events, lead community programs, or want to elevate your brand beyond “posting,” this episode is your blueprint for purpose-driven visibility. Key Takeaways: How to plan content before, during, and after live events What makes youth-focused storytelling powerful Turning mission-driven work into measurable digital growth The system Michelle uses to capture + repurpose content Why visibility isn’t vanity — it’s access Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, content leaders, nonprofits, brand-builders, and anyone ready to build real-world impact that translates online. Want the full case study + event content blueprint?DM me IMPACT @michellelthames or click HERE to get it Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• How I Filled a Room With Leaders (And What It Really Takes Now)

  In today's episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames pulls back the curtain on the real strategy behind selling out her recent live event — without relying on ads, hype marketing, or shouting online. Instead, she breaks down the intentional approach that filled a room with powerful, purpose-driven women who showed up ready to grow, connect, and lead. If you're tired of “post more, hustle harder” advice and you want a visibility system rooted in clarity, connection, and community — this episode is your blueprint. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why events fill long before you announce themThe “relationship runway” every leader should buildHow trust, not traffic, drives real demandSeeding vs launching (and why timing matters)The quiet strategy behind community-powered visibility Plus — Michelle shares the biggest lessons from being in the room, and the mindset shift every entrepreneur needs right now. Key Takeaways You don’t need to shout to be seen — you need alignment + consistency Relationships convert better than ads Selling out isn’t about urgency — it’s about belonging Real influence is built in conversations, not campaigns Your brand becomes magnetic when your mission becomes clear Momentum comes from proximity. People say yes when they already believe in you. Resources Mentioned Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michellelthames DM the word VIP on Instagram to learn about VIP Strategy Days Join the Elevate & Empower Collective  sell out an event without ads, relationship marketing, community building, visibility strategy, personal branding, women entrepreneurs, leadership events, how to build demand, soft launch strategy, Michelle Thames podcast Work With Michelle Want Michelle to map your 90-day visibility plan + content system in one day — and deliver the assets? DM VIP on Instagram. Spots limited each month. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• Still on a High: Elevate & Empower LIVE 2025 Recap

  In this powerful recap episode, host Michelle L. Thames shares the unforgettable highlights and behind-the-scenes magic from Elevate & Empower LIVE 2025, her signature event for women entrepreneurs and multi-passionate creatives. From the intimate VIP Dinner to a day full of clarity, connection, and collaboration, Michelle walks you through the moments that made this year’s experience transformational. You’ll hear how women left feeling inspired, full, and ready to take action — plus how strategic sponsors, powerhouse speakers, and intentional planning created an event that truly elevated and empowered. Michelle also shares lessons on visibility, brand building, and community — along with a special announcement about the upcoming Elevate & Align Retreat happening January 2026 in Chicago. If you’ve ever wanted to host your own event, attend one that shifts your mindset, or just feel inspired by women building legacy — this episode is for you. Sponsors Mentioned: American Family Insurance (Legacy Sponsor) Shine Pages (Presenting Sponsor) Dream Rentals Chicago (House Partner) Pacôme Chicago WDB Marketing Kreative Blends Studio I Choose Me Kute Cookies Chicago French Press Women entrepreneur conference Business visibility Personal branding event Women in business Entrepreneur mindset Event recap Michelle Thames Social Media Decoded Elevate and Empower LIVE Women empowerment events Learn more about the Elevate & Align Retreat: DM me on Instagram. Let's chat!Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michellelthamesLearn more about the Elevate & Empower Collective Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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• From Fired to Featured: Turning My Setback Into My Spotlight

  After being fired from her “safe” job in healthcare, host Michelle L. Thames turned her setback into the launchpad for a thriving career in marketing, entrepreneurship, and now authorship. In this very special episode, Michelle celebrates the release of her brand-new book — From Fired to Featured: A Real-Life Guide to Personal Branding with Purpose. She shares the behind-the-scenes story of how getting fired changed everything, the lessons she learned about resilience and visibility, and how you can use your own story to build a powerful, profitable personal brand. If you’ve ever faced rejection, failure, or the fear of starting over — this episode will remind you that your story isn’t over… it’s just getting good. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The pivotal moment that inspired From Fired to Featured How being fired led Michelle to discover her true purpose The biggest lessons from her entrepreneurial journey Why your story is your most powerful marketing tool How to step into your own “featured” era and build a brand with purpose Key Quotes “Being fired was my wake-up call, but being featured became my purpose.” “Your story — the messy, real parts — is your brand’s greatest strategy.” “You don’t need to wait for permission to be seen. You just need to start.” Resources Mentioned From Fired to Featured: A Real-Life Guide to Personal Branding with Purpose → AMAZON (available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and everywhere books are sold) Listen to more episodes of Social Media Decoded → bleav.com/shows/social-media-decoded If this episode encouraged you, grab your copy of From Fired to Featured today and start building your brand with purpose. Then tag @michellelthames on Instagram or LinkedIn and share your “featured” moment — Michelle might shout you out on the next episode! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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