The Expert Authority Coach Podcast

Can People Trust You? It's The Question Every Business Owner Should Ask | Brooke Hargraves

Brooke Hargraves · September 15, 2026

Executive Coach · Entrepreneur · Leadershipin

Interview with Brooke Hargraves

Can People Trust You? It's The Question Every Business Owner Should Ask | Brooke Hargraves

Podcast: The Expert Authority Coach Podcast

September 15, 2026 · 43 min

Christine Blosdale interviews media and communication strategist Brooke Hargraves about why entrepreneurs and service providers aren’t connecting despite having websites and social media. They emphasize the importance of clarity - separating who you are, what you do, and what…

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Can People Trust You? It's The Question Every Business Owner Should Ask | Brooke Hargraves
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Key topicsHuman first leadership presence in AI driven mediaAs media landscapes become more automated, Brooke argues the competitive advantage is a distinct human presence. She coaches leaders to use voice, vulnerability and conversational techniques that AI cannot replicate, making their expertise resonant in a crowded, generated-content world. Topics include how to communicate nuance on mic, craft human-centred narratives for tech and AI conversations, and position leaders as trusted, memorable voices rather than interchangeable content producers. Prepare leaders for hostile and high pressure media momentsHaving coached people through intense press environments, Brooke teaches leaders how to remain composed and credible when interviews turn confrontational. Her approach focuses on composure-building, rapid reframing of questions and tactical bridging so candidates keep control without sounding scripted. This talking point covers immediate, repeatable behaviors leaders can use under pressure - from voice control and framing to quick decision rules for when to escalate, clarify or decline a line of questioning. Practical podcast and broadcast preparation for authentic long form conversationsBrooke specialises in preparing guests for long-form formats like podcasts and broadcast interviews, turning extended conversations into opportunities for depth and connection rather than anxiety. She coaches structure, pacing, story selection and natural signposting so experts sustain listener interest across 30 to 45 minute segments. She also provides prep templates and rehearsal methods that help guests sound authentic while remaining on message - practical guidance hosts can use immediately to lift interview quality and audience trust. View all topics →

About Brooke Hargraves

Brooke Hargraves, podcast guest

Media & Communications Strategist | Former Political Media Adviser

20+ Years advising senior Australian political leaders2 Australia's major newspaper groups she reported for4 Communication disciplines spanning her career3 Levels of Australian government she has worked across

Brooke Hargraves is a media and communications strategist who helps leaders become confident, authentic communicators in front of cameras, microphones, and live audiences. Drawing on more than two decades across journalism, political communications, public relations, and executive coaching, she equips CEOs, founders, executives, subject matter experts, and emerging leaders with the skills to communicate under pressure while remaining genuinely themselves.

Beginning her career as an award-winning journalist, Brooke later spent over 20 years advising senior Australian political leaders through election campaigns, national crises, international media scrutiny, and some of the country's most high-profile public moments. She has coached ministers, MPs, executives, board directors, university leaders, and first-time candidates, translating the communication strategies used at the highest levels of government into practical frameworks that anyone can apply.

Rather than teaching people to perform, Brooke's philosophy is that the most compelling communicators are those who know who they are, understand their story, and communicate it with clarity and confidence. Her approach combines media strategy, storytelling psychology, confidence coaching, and practical communication skills to help clients stop fearing visibility and start using it as one of their greatest professional assets.

Today, Brooke works internationally with business leaders, entrepreneurs, technical experts, and women in traditionally male-dominated industries who want to raise their profile, build credibility, and become trusted voices in their field.

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About this episode

Christine Blosdale interviews media and communication strategistBrooke Hargravesabout why entrepreneurs and service providers aren’t connecting despite having websites and social media.

They emphasize the importance of clarity - separating who you are, what you do, and what you know - and the need to articulate who you serve and how you help.

They discuss audience fragmentation as an opportunity to reach niche communities, the value of imperfection, and practical steps: define a specific audience, create a pathway to reach them, and set measurable structures and metrics.

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LINKS MENTIONED:

Brooke's website - http://www.trellismedia.com.au

Christine's website - http://www.ExpertAuthorityCoach.com

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00:00 Why Clarity Matters

00:27 Podcast Welcome

01:59 Meet Brooke Hargraves

03:18 Defining Who You Are

05:32 Tools for Message Clarity

06:45 Storytelling for Authenticity

08:09 Fear of Judgment

11:44 Stop Faking It

12:39 Real Beats Perfect

14:51 Media Shift Opportunity

16:52 Create With New Tools

21:15 Try One Thing

22:13 Lessons From Kids

23:30 Publishing Without Gatekeepers

24:04 Practice Your Own Advice

24:32 Confidence Without Ego

26:23 Resilience and Imperfection

27:20 Conviction Under Fire

29:57 Handling Public Criticism

31:47 Tall Poppy and Belonging

35:21 Quick Dos for Entrepreneurs

37:33 Build Metrics and Structure

39:32 Integrity Over Faking It

40:21 Where to Find Brooke

41:26 Final Thanks and Next Steps

Guest: Brooke Hargraves

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