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.