Brand From the Soul | Ep. 46 w/ Alexander Michael Gittens (Rupert Rodney)
Most people talk about brand from the neck up: strategy, tactics, frameworks.
Alexander Michael Gittens talks about brand from the soul: identity, humanity, equity, belonging…and the kind of leadership that actually holds up under pressure.
This episode is for founders, leaders, and creators who feel the quiet tension of modern business:
“How do I grow without becoming someone I don’t respect?”
Alexander brings a rare outsider-insider lens (Caribbean roots, Canadian upbringing, lived experience across cultures) and uses it to cut through the “us vs. them” nonsense and get to what actually moves people: connection, context, and character.
In this episode, we get real about:
- Why influence starts with identity, not expertise...and why the next decade belongs to people who can hold space for truth and humanity, not just “be loud online.”
- The “legacy test”: before you sell anything, ask whether you’re okay with your entire legacy being based on the quality of that output. (Yes, this one hits.)
- Allyship as a series of choices (not a stance), rooted in real conversations and origin stories, not performative labels.
- Why the fastest way to “vanquish your enemy” is…get to know them (and what that reveals about privilege, meritocracy myths, and entitlement).
- The gut-punch closer: what good is “getting everything you ever wanted” if you lose you - the real you?
Resources mentioned:
- Alexander’s work + essays: alexandermichaelgittens.com
- Rupert Rodney (company): connect via Alexander on LinkedIn
- Video essay: “Higher Profit” (search “Higher Profit Rupert Rodney”/“Higher Profit Alexander Michael Gittens” on YouTube)
Want to build your leadership + energy like it actually matters?
Book a Transition Leadership Foundation Call: https://calendly.com/adamwbarney/foundation-call-20min
Creators and Guests
Host
Adam W. Barney
Adam W. Barney helps transitioning leaders navigate career and leadership inflection points with clarity and momentum. Author of Make Your Own Glass Half Full and creator of EnergyOS. Based in Boston, fueled by family and music.
