The Covert Code

Ready to elevate your authority? Click the URL for a free digital copy of The Authority Advantage, available now for Covert Code listeners: https://books.forbes.com/free-resources/the-authority-advantage/?rpaname=annacovert In this episode of Authority as a Growth Strategy, a Forbes Books series presented by The Covert Code, Anna Covert sits down with Beth LaGuardia Cooper, President and CMO of Forbes Books, to explore the big picture of authority and brand leadership in the age of AI. As buying behavior rapidly shifts and answer engines reshape how leaders are discovered, one thing remains constant: trust is the ultimate differentiator. Beth shares: - How AI is transforming buying behavior - Why earned media matters more than ever - The rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) - Why leaders must become visible guides, not silent operators - How a book serves as the ultimate authority accelerant - How the Authority Maturity Model helps leaders assess and scale their impact - If 2026 is the Year of Authority, this conversation is your blueprint. Authority isn’t about being louder. It’s about being trusted. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH BETH LAGUARDIA COOPER https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-laguardia-cooper/ https://advantagemedia.com/author/blaguardia/ Forbes Books: https://forbesbooks.com/ 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE: Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT: Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace. ANNA'S WEBSITES: The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/ Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/ Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/ Reactium: https://reactium.io/ ⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through them at no additional cost to you. We only recommend resources we genuinely believe in and personally support.

What if your team’s biggest communication issues aren’t visible? In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, Anna Covert sits down with Maria Garaitonandia, leadership coach, communication strategist, and author of Untangling Communication, to explore how communication breaks down before anyone notices. With over 20 years of experience working with global teams across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe, Maria helps leaders restore clarity, trust, and alignment before small misalignments become major problems. In this episode we discuss: • Why communication can feel “off” even when nothing is broken • Where communication breakdowns quietly begin • Why leaders avoid difficult conversations • How misalignment shows up before it’s spoken • The hidden cost of communication drift • How to rebuild trust and clarity in teams If you’re leading a team or scaling an organization, this conversation will change how you think about communication. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH MARIA GARAITONANDIA Website: https://www.mariagaraitonandia.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MariaGaraitonandia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariagaraitonandia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalbridgestraining LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariagaraitonandia/ 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna interviews industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success. ANNA'S WEBSITES The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/ Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/ Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/ Reactium: https://reactium.io/

What if your business could give you more freedom—not less? In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, Anna Covert sits down with Michael Walsh, founder of Walsh Business Growth Institute and author of Freedom by Design, to break down how to build a business that actually works for you. With over 30 years of experience helping companies scale across North America and Europe, Michael shares the three types of freedom every business owner should be building toward—and why most never get there. In this episode we discuss: • The three types of business freedom • Why every growth stage is a different business • The real reason most companies get stuck • Why top performers fail as managers • How to build teams that actually work • Why doing less can help you grow more If you’re scaling a business or feeling stuck in your growth, this episode will change how you think about leadership and freedom. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH MICHAEL WALSH Website: https://walshbusinessgrowth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-walsh/ 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience, she helps businesses scale through strategy, marketing, and innovation.

How do you build a brand that stays authentic while growing over time? In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, Anna Covert sits down with Kai Cowell, founder of Kai Spices, to talk about entrepreneurship, wellness, and building a purpose-driven brand. Kai shares the story behind her spice company, the inspiration behind her blends, and the lessons she’s learned from years of building a business rooted in authenticity and flavor. In this episode we discuss: • How Kai Cowell built Kai Spices • The connection between flavor and wellness • Why authenticity matters in building a brand • Lessons from years of entrepreneurship • How passion can turn into a lasting business If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, food, or building a brand with purpose, this episode is full of inspiration. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH KAI COWELL Website: https://kaispices.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaispices808 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaispices808/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kaispices808/ 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna interviews industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success. ANNA'S WEBSITES The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/ Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/ Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/ Reactium: https://reactium.io/

Real estate investment isn’t just about buying property—it’s about strategy. In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, Anna Covert sits down with Bryan Watkins, Strategic Real Estate Advisor at Trans-Pacific Realty and Co-Founder of UNYQE Fitness Honolulu, to explore real estate investment strategies and exit planning for business owners and investors. Bryan brings a global perspective to the conversation, with experience across the UK, Bermuda, and the United States, helping investors unlock value in luxury residential, hospitality, and commercial real estate opportunities. In this episode, we discuss: • How Bryan Watkins built a global career in real estate • The differences between luxury residential, hospitality, and commercial real estate investments • Why exit strategies are essential for business owners • Creative financing strategies like leasebacks and seller financing • How investors optimize short-term rental properties • Opportunities and risks in the Hawaii real estate market • What investors should know before entering luxury real estate Whether you're a real estate investor, business owner, or entrepreneur planning your next move, Bryan shares valuable insights on structuring deals and building long-term value. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH BRYAN WATKINS Instagram:: https://www.instagram.com/bryanwatkins/ Trans-Pacific Realty Hawaii: http://www.tprihawaii.com/ TransPac Realty: https://transpacrealty.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-watkins-31540548/ 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies including Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna interviews industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to uncover the strategies behind business growth and leadership success. ANNA'S WEBSITES The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/ Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/ Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/ Reactium: https://reactium.io/

What if growth didn’t have to feel so complicated? In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, Anna Covert sits down with Sam Frentzel-Beyme, Founder of Stellant, to explore how organizations can simplify growth by aligning brand strategy, marketing execution, and technology into a unified system. With a background that includes working alongside companies like Google, Pepsi, and Johnson & Johnson, Sam has spent more than two decades helping organizations overcome the complexity created by disconnected systems. In this conversation, we explore: • Why disconnected systems slow down growth • The hidden cost of misalignment between brand, marketing, and technology • How unified systems simplify execution and strategy • The role of AI in modern growth systems • Why human expertise is still essential in an AI-driven world • How organizations can create sustainable, scalable growth If you're a leader navigating digital transformation, marketing complexity, or AI adoption, this conversation with Sam Frentzel-Beyme offers powerful insights into building systems that scale. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH SAM FRENTZEL-BEYME Stellant: https://stellant.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samfrentzelbeyme/ 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies including Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on leadership, business growth, and the strategies shaping the future of work.

This week on The Covert Code Podcast, we’re unlocking what truly drives team performance. In this episode, Anna Covert sits down with Jan Kaeo, Principal, Owner, and Master Trainer at Dale Carnegie Training Hawaii & Guam, to explore how leaders can unlock their team’s potential using time-tested leadership principles that still work in today’s fast-changing workplace. With over 14 years of experience developing leaders across Hawaii and Guam, Jan Kaeo shares practical insights on building trust, strengthening communication, increasing engagement, and developing authentic confidence. We dive into: • What holds teams back from performing at their best • The leadership mistake that shows up across industries • How to build trust during uncertainty • Why communication is the multiplier of performance • How to unlock potential in people who don’t see it themselves • The one shift leaders can make immediately to improve engagement If you’re a leader, manager, entrepreneur, or building a team — this conversation with Jan Kaeo will give you actionable strategies you can apply right away. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH JAN KAEO Dale Carnegie Training Hawaii & Guam: https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en/locations/hawaii LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jankaeo/ 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE: Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

What happens when authenticity beats algorithm strategy? In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, Annika sits down with Luke Hillman, social media manager for Altitude Water, to unpack how an unscripted sustainability video exploded to 7.7 million views — and what it means for the future of clean water, off-grid living, and viral content. We dive into: • How Luke Hillman built organic traction without paid media • Why atmospheric water generation is gaining momentum • The dangers of contaminated aquifers and PFAS • Why mineralization matters in drinking water • Why authenticity wins over polished marketing • The future of sustainable communities and solar-powered neighborhoods If you’re interested in: Sustainability Clean water innovation Viral social media strategy Atmospheric water generation Creator economy insights This episode is for you. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH LUKE HILLMAN Instagram: @lukestoptalking Email: [email protected] Altitude Water: https://altitudewaterusa.com 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ #LukeHillman #AltitudeWater #AtmosphericWater #Sustainability #ViralMarketing #CreatorEconomy #CleanWater #OffGridLiving

What if the next wave of world-changing innovation doesn’t come from Silicon Valley? In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, I sit down with David Blivin, founder and managing director of Cottonwood Technology Funds and author of Crossing the Cactus, to unpack why great ideas don’t need Silicon Valley to succeed—and what it actually takes to commercialize innovation in under-resourced regions. David Blivin shares how venture capital shifted from hard tech to software (because it’s faster and cheaper to scale), why “things still matter” in the age of AI, and why the real challenge isn’t ideas—it’s money and management. We dive into what states and communities can do to build sustainable tech ecosystems, how to keep startups from relocating once they scale, and why the “people strategy” is the missing piece in most economic development plans. If you’re a founder, investor, policy leader, or someone building beyond the usual tech hubs, this conversation with David Blivin is a practical roadmap for turning innovation into real companies and real jobs. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH DAVID BLIVIN Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dblivin Cottonwood Technology Fund: cottonwood.vc/ 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE: Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT: Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace. ANNA'S WEBSITES: The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/ Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/ Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/ Reactium: https://reactium.io/ #DavidBlivin #TheCovertCodePodcast #VentureCapital #Innovation #StartupEcosystems #HardTech #TechCommercialization #EconomicDevelopment #BeyondSiliconValley

Before we were all talking about AI, Ashton Cudjoe was already using it to change education. In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, I sit down with Ashton Cudjoe, founder and CEO of Hawaii Medical College, to explore how AI workflows are revolutionizing education—and how Ashton is pioneering its use at HMI. Ashton discusses how his school has implemented AI-driven chatbots and voice assistants to streamline operations, increase student engagement, and boost conversion rates by 30%. He explains how AI is enhancing the learning experience for students while maintaining the necessary human connection in education. We dive into the future of education, AI’s role in teaching, and how to strike the right balance between human interaction and automation. If you’re in education, tech, or simply curious about how AI will shape the future of learning, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable insights. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH ASHTON CUDJOE Website: https://hmi.edu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashton-cudjoe 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE: Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT: Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace. ANNA'S WEBSITES: The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/ Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/ Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/ Reactium: https://reactium.io/

Why isn’t being qualified enough to land a job anymore? In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, I sit down with Gina Riley, executive career coach, international speaker, Forbes Coaches Council member, and author of Qualified Isn’t Enough: Develop Your Story, Land the Interview, Win the Job. Gina Riley is the creator of the Career Velocity® System, a proven framework helping professionals navigate career transitions, age bias, oversaturated job markets, and the realities of AI-driven hiring. With a background in HR, executive search, and leadership coaching, Gina helps job seekers move beyond résumés and build relevance through storytelling, presence, and strategy. In this conversation, we explore why easy-apply job searching doesn’t work, how the hidden job market really functions, what executive presence signals to hiring teams, and how professionals can stay competitive in a rapidly changing workforce. If you’re questioning your next career move, navigating layoffs, or feeling stuck despite being highly qualified, this episode with Gina Riley offers clarity, tools, and a path forward. ✨ CONNECT WITH GINA RILEY Website: https://ginarileyconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/atGinaRiley 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with companies including Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawai‘i’s largest digital agency.

🎉 CELEBRATING 100 EPISODES! 🎉 What better way to mark this milestone than with a conversation about leadership that truly transforms lives? In this special 100th episode of The Covert Code Podcast, I sit down with Katie Goar, President of Quadel and a nationally recognized leader in affordable housing and community development. In 2024, Katie took the TEDx stage to share a powerful message about why a hand up—not a handout—can change lives. She's also the host of ChangeMakers, a Forbes partnership podcast spotlighting innovators reshaping the housing landscape. Katie's work is deeply personal. At just 11 years old, she experienced housing instability—an early chapter that shaped her perspective but never defined her future. Discover why secure housing creates opportunity, how lived experience transforms into purposeful leadership, and how our past can help us craft a stronger, more inclusive future for others. Whether you're in community development, leadership, or simply seeking to understand how personal challenges become catalysts for systemic change, Katie's insights will transform how you think about lifting others without labeling them. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH KATIE GOAR Website: https://katiegoar.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiegoar/ Quadel: https://quadel.com/ ChangeMakers Podcast: [Podcast link if available] 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE: Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT: Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace. ANNA'S WEBSITES: The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/ Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/ Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/ Reactium: https://reactium.io/ #TheCovertCodePodcast #100Episodes #AffordableHousing #LeadershipWithPurpose #CommunityDevelopment #HandUpNotHandout #ChangeMakers #HousingStability #InclusiveLeadership #TEDxSpeaker

What if your greatest challenges could become your most powerful leadership tools? In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, I sit down with Tony Martignetti—change catalyst, bestselling author of "The Campfire Lessons" and "Climbing the Right Mountain," global keynote speaker, coach, and host of The Virtual Campfire Podcast. As Founder and Chief Illumination Officer of Inspired Purpose Partners, Tony helps tech leaders and change-makers create impact without burning out. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice and advisor to Fortune 500 executives across five continents, Tony combines business strategy with deep curiosity to help leaders integrate their past "flashpoints" and navigate change with purpose and clarity. Discover how to transform painful experiences into powerful leadership assets, why understanding your flashpoints prevents burnout, and how purpose-driven change creates sustainable impact. Whether you're leading through transformation, preventing team burnout, or seeking to turn your own challenges into catalysts for growth, Tony's insights will illuminate the path from surviving to thriving. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH TONY MARTIGNETTI Website: https://www.inspiredpurposecoach.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignett1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredpurposecoach Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.martignett1 Twitter/X: https://x.com/TonyMartignett1 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE: Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT: Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace. ANNA'S WEBSITES: The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/ Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/ Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/ Reactium: https://reactium.io/ #TheCovertCodePodcast #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BurnoutPrevention #ChangeLeadership #LeadershipFlashpoints #InspiredPurpose #TransformationalLeadership #LeadershipClarity #ImpactWithoutBurnout #TechLeadership

What does it take to lead with confidence when the world keeps shifting and the path forward isn't clear? In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, I sit down with Dave Chauhan—author of "Captain, Set Sail," founder of The Nautical Leadership Model™, and co-founder of Purple Spark Advisory. Discover how Dave helps leaders navigate change with clarity, courage, and purpose, using maritime principles to guide modern leadership challenges. Learn why uncertainty doesn't have to mean paralysis, how to set a clear course when the waters are choppy, and why purpose-driven leadership is the compass that keeps organizations on track through turbulent times. Whether you're steering a startup, managing a team through transformation, or simply seeking to lead more confidently in unpredictable environments, Dave's nautical approach to leadership will provide the navigation tools you need to chart your course with conviction. 📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8 Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri ✨ CONNECT WITH DAVE CHAUHAN Website: https://www.davechauhan.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davechauhan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realdavechauhan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realdavechauhan/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realdavechauhan 🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/ YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q 🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE: Website: https://thecovertcode.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/ 📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT: Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency. Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share insights on business growth, leadership, and the strategies that drive success in today's evolving marketplace. ANNA'S WEBSITES: The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/ Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/ Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/ Reactium: https://reactium.io/