Build An Authentic Personal Brand with Curtis McCoy on the Luxury Unplugged Podcast
Hosted by Neeti Keswani
Welcome to another transformational episode of the Luxury Unplugged Podcast, where we dive deep into mindset, entrepreneurship, spiritual living, and the art of personal branding. I’m your host Neeti Keswani, and today, we’re tackling one of the most powerful questions of the moment:
What’s holding your personal brand back from earning $1,000,000?
In this inspiring interview, we’re joined by Curtis McCoy—serial entrepreneur, author of How to Be Successful: Think Like a Leader, and a true master of building magnetic personal brands.
Let’s break this conversation down into a Q&A format to reveal the insights, mindset shifts, and media strategies that could take your brand from overlooked to unforgettable.
Q1: Curtis, what exactly is personal branding—and why does it matter more now than ever?
Curtis McCoy: Personal branding is more than a logo or a slick website. It’s your reputation. It’s the energy people associate with your name. In a noisy world, people do business with people they know, like, and trust. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, speaker, or artist, if people can’t find you—or trust you—you’ll struggle. Branding is how you attract opportunities without chasing them.
Q2: You’ve built several successful companies. What inspired you to shift your focus toward personal branding?
Curtis McCoy: I’ve owned a pharmaceutical business, a cosmetic laser clinic, a Christian clothing brand, even a wireless communication company that hit 250,000 monthly web visits. But despite all that, I realized: You can build the coolest mall in the world, but if it’s in the middle of the desert, no one will shop there. People need to find you. That’s why I now help high-performers amplify their visibility through powerful media placements.
Q3: That’s a powerful analogy. But you also battled through serious adversity—how did that shape your mindset?
Curtis McCoy: Yeah, I’ve had a tough road: survived brain cancer, type 1 diabetes, an abusive childhood. But everyone’s got their “junk.” What changed my life was shifting from “Why me?” to “What now?” I even wrote a quote that became a European rock band’s lyrics: “Losers use pain as an excuse; winners use it as fuel.” That mindset shift launched everything for me.
Q4: What’s the difference between paid media and earned media in personal branding?
Curtis McCoy: Great question. Earned media is what you build through effort—speaking gigs, networking, social engagement. It takes time but builds trust. Paid media, on the other hand, is strategic investment—TV features, magazine covers, Times Square billboards. That’s where I step in. I help people go from authority to celebrity. But both are essential, especially when aligned with authenticity.
Q5: So what’s the biggest mistake most people make when trying to build their personal brand?
Curtis McCoy: Trying to fake it. People copy trends, recycle taglines, mimic influencers. That’s not branding—that’s blending in. The #1 thing holding most people back from a $1M brand is lack of clarity on who they truly are. Your story, your pain, your values—that’s your brand. When you tell the truth powerfully, people listen.
Q6: What’s your process for helping someone go from invisible to influential?
Curtis McCoy: First, I help them get clear on their core message—who they help, why it matters, and how they transform lives. Then we map out their signature story—the emotional bridge between them and their audience. From there, we plug them into major media placements: Amazon Fire TV, Newswire Magazine, Times Square LED campaigns. The result? Massive visibility, authority, and conversion.
Q7: How does mindset factor into building a million-dollar personal brand?
Curtis McCoy: It’s everything. If you don’t believe you’re worthy of visibility, you’ll subconsciously sabotage every opportunity. Personal branding starts with self-worth. If you’re not emotionally aligned with your story and mission, your audience will feel that disconnect. The leaders who win are those who are congruent—inside and out.
Q8: For someone starting out, what are the first steps to build an authentic personal brand?
Curtis McCoy:
- Own your story. Even the messy parts.
- Share value consistently—start small, but start.
- Get clear on your audience and serve them relentlessly.
- Build a professional online presence: clean bio, brand colors, high-quality headshot.
- Speak on small stages—then go bigger.
And remember, your voice matters even before it’s perfect.
Q9: Curtis, what does “luxury” mean to you—beyond the material?
Curtis McCoy: For me, luxury is freedom. Freedom to spend time with loved ones. Freedom to serve who I want, when I want. It’s waking up each day with purpose. And that only comes from alignment—spiritual, mental, financial. Build your brand around that, and you’ll experience true wealth.
Q10: Any final advice for entrepreneurs, coaches, or creatives trying to level up?
Curtis McCoy: Don’t wait for permission. You’re already enough. Start showing up as the expert you are. Be willing to be seen, even when it’s uncomfortable. And if you’re already succeeding—don’t stop at success. Invest in visibility. Because people need your message. Let them find you.
Conclusion:
Build Your Brand from the Inside Out
This episode is a masterclass in aligning personal growth with public influence. Curtis McCoy’s journey reminds us that personal branding isn’t just strategy—it’s healing, visibility, and service combined. Your brand is your legacy.
So ask yourself: What’s holding my personal brand back from $1,000,000?
It might be time to stop hiding and start sharing—authentically.
About Neeti Keswani
Neeti Keswani is a business storytelling coach, author of Live Your Dreams, Ho’oponopono practitioner, and host of the Luxury Unplugged Podcast, where she helps conscious leaders and spiritual entrepreneurs build meaningful brands rooted in purpose, prosperity, and peace.
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