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