Social Media Decoded

In this episode, Michelle Thames shares a behind-the-scenes case study on how her team revived a “dead” Instagram account and grew it by 18,000 views in 30 days using a strategic visibility system. Learn the exact content pillars, audience insights, and engagement rhythms that turned the account around — without relying on trends, hacks, or burnout. Perfect for creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs ready to scale their visibility in 2026.

Key Topics Covered:

If you’ve been sleeping on LinkedIn, this episode will wake you up. Today, LinkedIn Strategist Mollie Lo joins Michelle to reveal the exact steps entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and service providers can take to transform LinkedIn into a high-converting visibility and client-attraction platform.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

️ Why LinkedIn is no longer “just a job search site”

LinkedIn is aggressively expanding into the B2B creator and entrepreneur economy — which means massive organic reach, fewer ads, and a huge opportunity for visibility.

️ The profile updates that instantly increase your credibility

Today I’m celebrating a massive milestone — 600 podcast episodes.

Most podcasts never make it past Episode 10, but this show has turned into a global visibility engine, and in this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what I learned along the way.

If you’re a content creator, entrepreneur, or coach who wants to grow your audience and build authority online, this episode is your roadmap.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

In this episode, Michelle Thames teaches you how to confidently host your first event and identify the signs that you’re ready to step into leadership. Whether you're planning a workshop, webinar, meetup, retreat, or in-person community gathering, this episode walks you through the mindset shifts, purpose clarity, and simple planning steps needed to get started. Michelle also shares the story of her very first event and how it became a pivotal moment in her business and visibility journey.

If you’re a coach, creator, service provider, or multi-passionate entrepreneur who feels called to gather people, build comm...

In this episode, Michelle Thames breaks down the power of storytelling in personal branding, digital marketing, and online business — and how your real life can become your most profitable marketing strategy.

Learn how to use your story to build trust, increase visibility, attract aligned clients, and grow a brand that stands out. Michelle shares her own transformation—from being fired in 2016 to becoming a sought-after marketing strategist, agency owner, and the host of one of the top social media podcasts in the world.

If you’re a creator, coach, service provider, or multi-passionate entrepreneur who wants...

This Small Business Saturday episode is all about elevation. Michelle takes you through the Visibility Audit — her 5-part diagnostic that reveals whether your brand is ready for its next big leap in 2026.

You'll learn:
• The exact indicators your brand is ready for expansion
• Why visibility plateaus happen and how to break through
• What to shift NOW to walk into 2026 with clarity
• Why your story, content, and identity matter more than ever
• How to prepare your brand for a new level of impact + income

Support me by buying my book.

Signed cop...

This Thanksgiving episode is personal.
Michelle opens up about the day she lost her job, a moment that shattered her confidence but ultimately became the beginning of everything she has today: her business, her agency, her brand, her freedom, and her purpose.

You’ll hear:

• The REAL story behind losing her job
• How fear, shame, and uncertainty turned into alignment
• Why gratitude fuels clarity, confidence, and CEO identity
• How gratitude transformed her business, marriage, and motherhood
• What she’s most thankful for after 15 years online
• A message for every woman who feels...

Choosing the right clients is one of the most important CEO skills you’ll ever develop. In today’s episode, Michelle shares the exact process, red flags, and boundaries she uses to select aligned clients — the system that protects her peace, her profit, and her purpose.

You’ll learn:

How Michelle protects her time, energy, and team

This is a powerful...

If you’ve been feeling a divine nudge to lead at a higher level in 2026… this episode is your confirmation. Today, Michelle breaks down the five signs that you’re ready to shift from content creator to CEO — the identity upgrade that will define your visibility and income next year.

You’ll learn:

Why 2026 will reward the entrepreneurs who step into visibility early

In today’s episode, Michelle breaks down the Creator-to-CEO shift and why 2026 is the year multi-passionate entrepreneurs step into their highest visibility, income, and impact yet. If you’ve been feeling the pull to expand, lead, and evolve your brand—this episode is your sign.

You’ll learn:

In today’s episode, Michelle reveals the #1 thing every creator needs before selling anything — and why clarity is more profitable than content. If you’ve been posting, pushing, promoting, and still not converting, this episode shows you the real reason your audience isn’t buying.

Inside this episode you’ll learn:

• Why most creators struggle to sell even when they’re posting consistently
• The difference between content and message (and why it matters)
• How confusion kills conversions before you ever make an offer
• The real role your core message plays in visibility and sales
• Why...

Today I’m sharing the simple 10-minute daily visibility routine that changed my brand, my business, and the way clients find me. If you want to grow without posting more, this episode is for you.

• Why your visibility isn’t working
• What visibility really means in 2025
• The 10-minute CEO routine that builds trust & authority
• How to become memorable, referable, and in-demand
• Why connection > content
• How this routine leads to clients, speaking gigs, and sponsorships

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Community is no longer a marketing trend — it’s a business model.
And in 2026, the brands who fail to understand this will fall behind.

In this powerful episode, Michelle shares the truth about community-led growth and the common mistakes companies, creators, and organizations continue to make. She pulls back the curtain on why content alone won’t drive loyalty, how consumers are making decisions differently, and why identity, belonging, and relationship equity are the new drivers of business success.

Michelle breaks down:

Most entrepreneurs think visibility is about posting more or being louder online.
But Michelle learned the hard way that real visibility isn’t performance — it’s alignment, confidence, and showing up as your full story, not just your strategy.

In this powerful episode, Michelle shares the moment she hit rock bottom, the internal shift that changed her entire trajectory, and how stepping into true visibility helped her build a multi-six-figure brand, launch a successful podcast, host sold-out events, and write her upcoming book.

You’ll learn:

Most entrepreneurs think their content isn’t converting because it’s not good enough.
But the truth?
Your followers already like your content—they just don’t trust it enough to buy.

In this episode, Michelle breaks down the invisible gaps between content → connection → conversion, and how creators, coaches, service providers, and marketers can fix their visibility system without posting more.

You’ll learn:

Most people think warming leads is about posting every day, teaching more, or offering endless value — but that’s not true warming. In today’s episode, Michelle breaks down the mindset, identity, and visibility shifts that quietly prepare your audience to buy from you without you chasing them or convincing them.

You’ll learn:
– Why posting more isn’t the solution
– The real reason people DM ready to work with you
– How trust is formed long before a sales conversation
– Why your perspective matters more than your content
– How to warm an audience without ove...

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 w...

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 purp...

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 bef...

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 co...

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 rejectio...

In this behind-the-scenes episode, Michelle Thames reveals exactly how her podcast has quietly become one of the most powerful client-attraction systems in her business.
You’ll learn the step-by-step process she uses to transform listeners into paying clients — without chasing, cold DMs, or complicated funnels.

Michelle walks through her 3-Step Podcast-to-Client Framework and shares how intentional content creates connection, not coincidence.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and event host Michelle Thames reveals the relationship-first strategy that helped her attract sponsors like Chicago French Press and ShinePages for her Elevate & Empower LIVE event — without cold pitching or begging.

Michelle breaks down how to build authentic partnerships, structure sponsorship tiers, and pitch your event like a collaboration, not a donation. You’ll learn how to create emotional brand alignment, overdeliver value, and transform one-time sponsors into long-term relationships.

If you’re planning an event or retreat and want to secure sponsors confidently and authentically, this e...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames reveals the secret to creating lasting impact after your event — a powerful Community Follow-Up Plan.

Most people stop marketing once the event is over, but Michelle shows why the real momentum starts afterward. She breaks down her proven system for keeping attendees connected, engaged, and ready for your next offer.

You’ll hear her step-by-step framework, plus behind-the-scenes insights into how she’s preparing to follow up with guests from her sold-out Elevate & Empower LIVE event.

Listen now to learn how to turn y...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames reveals the real story behind her sold-out Elevate & Empower LIVE event — and how it happened without relying on paid ads.

Michelle shares her relationship-driven soft launch framework: how she built trust and anticipation months before ticket sales, the “soft list” tactic that filled her first spots, and the personal touches that made people feel seen and valued.

You’ll hear her honest reflection on testing Eventbrite ads (and why they didn’t work) plus the behind-the-scenes systems that made her organic marketing run like a machine...

In this cozy yet strategic episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and visibility coach Michelle Thames pulls back the curtain on her Sunday CEO Reset — the weekly ritual that keeps her grounded as a mom, wife, and multi-passionate entrepreneur.

She shares how to plan your week with intention, align your energy before you touch your to-do list, and create systems that support your family and your business.

You’ll learn her exact Sunday routine, energy-audit process, and how she organizes multiple brands, projects, and personal commitments without chaos.

Listen now to reclaim your...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames helps entrepreneurs and creators finally break free from content overwhelm.

If you’ve been overthinking every caption, sitting on drafts, or second-guessing your strategy, this episode gives you the exact framework for what to post this week — without stress.

Michelle shares how overthinking is blocking your visibility and offers a simple “Content Clarity List” that balances storytelling, teaching, proof, and personality.

You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to post each day, how to stop perfectionism from stalling your progress, and how to stay co...

In this special founder spotlight, Michelle sits down with Robin Newberry, the visionary founder of Shine Pages, a platform designed to help women entrepreneurs easily create beautiful websites, funnels, and digital homes without the tech overwhelm.

With Elevate & Empower LIVE 2025 officially sold out, this episode celebrates what’s possible when women collaborate instead of compete. Michelle and Robin dive deep into the story behind Shine Pages, the power of taking imperfect action, and why simplicity and visibility are the ultimate keys to growth.

Together, they share how community and collaboration have transformed their businesses — and how...

In this empowering episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames shares how to build authority online — even if you’re not the loudest voice in the room.

Discover how quiet consistency, clarity, and credibility can do more for your visibility than any viral post ever could. Michelle reveals three powerful mindset and strategy shifts that help entrepreneurs stand out authentically and create lasting impact.

She also celebrates her sold-out Elevate & Empower LIVE event and shares a behind-the-scenes look at how authority and trust made it possible.

If you’ve ever felt overlo...

In this inspiring episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames sits down with Haley Thomas, founder of The Passion Pursuit, to talk about how creative entrepreneurs can stop treating their dreams like a side hustle and start building businesses that actually feel good.

Haley shares her story of walking away from the “safe” path to rediscover her joy and purpose—and how she now helps women align their values, passions, and profit to create a business that funds their dream life.

Feeling like you’re doing everything right online — but no one’s noticing?
In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames breaks down the three biggest visibility mistakes keeping talented entrepreneurs and creators stuck in the shadows.

Discover why showing up everywhere isn’t the same as being strategically visible, how to stop posting without positioning, and what it really takes to turn awareness into authority.

Michelle shares a fresh perspective on building depth in your content and real-world examples — including how a single speaking opportunity at the Her AI Era Summit led...

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and visibility expert Michelle Thames shares a heartfelt message for entrepreneurs, creators, and marketers who feel stuck or behind in their business journey.
Discover how divine timing, patience, and preparation are key to long-term success and sustainable visibility online. Michelle opens up about being fired, rebuilding from scratch, and learning that every delay is direction.

If you’ve been asking, “When will it be my turn?”—this episode will remind you that your growth is already in motion. You’ll walk away with three mindset shifts to trust your...

In this inspiring episode, host Michelle Thames sits down with Kris Christian, founder of Chicago French Press — a woman-owned coffee brand that’s revolutionizing the way we sip, connect, and give back. Kris shares how she went from Wall Street to launching a coffee company that fuels communities, supports scholarships, and empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs.

As the official coffee sponsor of Elevate & Empower Live, Chicago French Press is brewing more than great coffee — it’s creating space for women to connect, collaborate, and rise together.

If you love coffee, community, and stories of resilien...

LeBron James just dropped a new Hennessy ad that’s more than a commercial — it’s a visibility masterclass. In this episode, Michelle L. Thames breaks down how LeBron turned a nostalgic career moment into a bold brand statement, what this says about narrative control and timing, and how entrepreneurs can apply the same visibility strategy to their own brands.

What You’ll Learn:

Why LeBron’s latest Hennessy campaign is a case study in strategic storytelling

How to own your narrative instead of letting others tell your story

The importance of brand a...

After hosting more than 50 live events — from intimate networking dinners to full-scale conferences — Michelle shares the real lessons that helped her turn events into both impact and income.

This episode is packed with practical takeaways for women entrepreneurs, coaches, and creators who want to use events, visibility, and community to grow their brands.

Michelle breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and how to shift from “event burnout” to strategic brand building.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames pulls back the curtain on her recent experience at Bloom & Grow Live in Nashville. Forget the picture-perfect Instagram moments—Michelle gets real about the messy truth of entrepreneurship, the guilt of working hard, and why getting “in the room” with other women entrepreneurs is non-negotiable for growth.

Michelle shares her top 3 lessons from Bloom & Grow Live:

Why investing in yourself is the ultimate power move if you wa...

Entrepreneurs everywhere stress about finding the “perfect niche” before they start creating content — but that mindset is holding you back. The truth is, your niche doesn’t need to be flawless to grow your audience and attract paying clients. What actually moves the needle is how clear you are in your message, how consistent you are in showing up, and how well you connect with your audience.

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames shares why the obsession with niching down is actually procrastination in disguise and what to focus on instead. She also shares h...

Most entrepreneurs are sleeping on Threads — but it’s one of the most powerful, untapped platforms for building visibility, attracting collaborations, and even selling event tickets.

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames breaks down exactly how she’d build an audience from scratch on Threads in 2025. From reframing your mindset about the platform to using ChatGPT prompts to generate endless post ideas, Michelle shares her proven 5-step framework for growing an engaged audience without burning out.

If you’ve been wondering how to stand out in a crowded digital space, Threads could be...

What happens when you invest in visibility strategy? Real results.

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, host Michelle Thames shares a client spotlight with Genny Mack, who worked with Michelle to refine her Instagram strategy. Genny’s story is proof that clarity, confidence, and authority come when you stop posting randomly and start showing up strategically.

Michelle also shares why these breakthroughs are just the beginning of what’s possible at Elevate & Empower LIVE in November — a transformational event for women entrepreneurs ready to rise.

What You’ll Learn in This...