Building a Global Brand with AI: Lessons from a World Traveler

Navigating today’s fast-changing world requires a blend of innovation, insight, and international perspective. Drawing on decades of experience across 67 countries, I'm eager to share how integrating artificial intelligence with traditional branding strategies can create powerful results. In this article, we’ll explore key strategies for personal and corporate branding that can help you stand out in any market.

Join me as we break down the essential steps to building a global brand and how AI can give you an edge in the competitive world of business.

Note: This article was extracted from an Interview I did on Soeleish Magazine in Las Vegas, Nevada

1. Tell us about your companies.

My company, Speak Internationally, initially launched as Speak in Dubai back in 2015. Born from a vision to empower voices globally, it began in Dubai and quickly expanded as demand grew. Recognizing the need to reflect our widening reach, we rebranded to Speak Internationally. This name change marked our evolution from a local platform to a global brand, committed to fostering speaking talent across various international stages.

2. How did you get into the branding/marketing business?

My journey into branding began over 30 years ago when I started my career as a speaker. Back then, essential tools for a speaker included a "Speaker one sheet" and a "demo reel," which we would mail to prospective event planners via UPS—long before the advent of the internet. As digital platforms emerged and websites became a norm, I noticed a shift: my presentations focused on the outcomes for the audience yielded better results than those simply highlighting my personal achievements. This revelation led me to dive deeply into branding and copy writing, which significantly increased my speaking engagements compared to peers. I quickly realized that effective personal branding was the key to these opportunities. Personal branding is powerful because it transcends simple visibility; it builds trust, establishes credibility, and creates an emotional connection with the audience, all of which are critical in converting interest into engagement in any industry.

3. Why is personal branding so important in 2024 and beyond?

In the age of AI and rapid technological advancements, personal branding has become more crucial than ever, not just for 2024 but for the foreseeable future. First and foremost, establishing yourself as a Google Entity is vital. This not only safeguards your identity but also ensures that when people search for you, they find the right information, directly controlled or influenced by you. Moreover, personal branding sets you apart in a saturated market. It allows you to highlight your unique skills and experiences, creating a distinct professional identity that can elevate your career. Personal branding also enhances networking opportunities, making it easier to connect with like-minded professionals and industry leaders. Lastly, a strong personal brand can be a significant trust signal for potential clients and collaborators, proving that you're a reputable and authoritative figure in your field.

4. List some marketing strategies you use to attract new clients.

My approach to attracting new clients centers around leveraging my personal brand to establish omnipresence and magnetism in the digital space. Being a well-known entity, my strategy involves creating magnetic content that resonates deeply with my audience, drawing them in rather than pushing out messages. This content-centric approach ensures that potential clients seek me out, reversing the traditional client acquisition model.

In addition to crafting compelling content, I am active in public speaking circuits which further amplifies my visibility and reinforces my expertise. On social media platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram, I employ a mix of educational content, thought leadership, and engaging posts that showcase my insights and experiences. This not only strengthens my online presence but also builds a community around my brand.

By consistently sharing valuable content across these channels, I position myself as an authority in my field, making my personal brand a beacon for potential clients. This strategic visibility ensures that I am not just found but sought after, making each interaction more impactful and each engagement more likely to convert.

5. List some techniques you use to maintain a strong brand.

Maintaining a strong brand in today's competitive landscape requires a multi-faceted approach that resonates with both current and potential clients. My key techniques include:

1.??? Consistent Content Creation: I regularly produce high-quality, magnetic content that aligns with my brand's core messages. This includes educational videos on YouTube, insightful articles on LinkedIn, and engaging posts on Instagram. Each piece of content is designed to reinforce my brand values and expertise, keeping my audience engaged and informed.

2.??? Active Public Speaking: Speaking at industry events and webinars not only reinforces my position as an expert but also keeps my brand front and center in the minds of my community. These appearances provide fresh content for my social media channels and website, continually reminding my audience of my knowledge and experience.

3.??? Community Engagement: I actively engage with my audience across all platforms. Responding to comments, participating in discussions, and seeking feedback are all crucial for keeping my brand relevant and responsive. This two-way communication ensures that my brand remains approachable and connected to its followers.

4.??? Brand Consistency: Across all platforms, whether it’s social media, public appearances, or digital content, I ensure that my brand message and aesthetic are consistent. This unified brand presence helps to solidify my identity and makes my brand easily recognizable, strengthening trust and loyalty among my audience.

5.??? Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The digital landscape is ever-changing, particularly with the rise of AI and new media. I stay ahead of trends and continuously adapt my strategies to leverage new tools and platforms, ensuring that my brand not only maintains its relevance but also leads innovation in my field.

By implementing these strategies, I keep my brand robust and dynamic, always aligned with the needs of my audience and the demands of the market.

6. List some of your biggest challenges thus far.

One of my biggest challenges has been achieving global recognition and adapting my brand to resonate across diverse cultural landscapes. Every culture has its unique nuances, and truly understanding these differences requires not just time but a deep, immersive experience. Having been raised in Mexico and lived in multiple countries, I've gained a firsthand appreciation of this complexity.

The challenge is compounded when integrating these diverse cultural insights into the U.S. market, which often views foreign markets through a different lens. The U.S. market tends to be insular, focusing predominantly on domestic trends and consumer behaviors, which makes it particularly difficult to introduce and harmonize international elements effectively.

Moreover, each market's distinct legal, social, and economic environments add layers of complexity in branding and marketing strategies. Navigating these waters requires a strategy that is not only flexible and adaptive but also deeply informed by local consumer psychology and market dynamics.

Additionally, language barriers, regional preferences, and local competition pose significant challenges in crafting a universally appealing brand that also feels local and personalized. Striking this balance is crucial for truly global brand resonance and remains one of my ongoing endeavors.

7. List some things you are most proud of.

One of my greatest sources of pride is my linguistic ability; I speak six languages, which has been instrumental in my extensive global interactions. Additionally, I am ranked as the 247th most traveled person in the world—a distinction that not only reflects my passion for exploration but also my commitment to connecting with diverse cultures. Having delivered speeches in 67 countries to people from over 130 nationalities, and traveled to 126 countries, I cherish the unique perspectives each experience has offered me.

8. Tell us one of your business plans/goals for 2024?

In 2024, I am committed to deepening the global understanding of branding's critical role in business success. I plan to continue my global speaking engagements, sharing insights and inspiring audiences worldwide, as speaking is not only my career but my passion. Alongside this, I aim to significantly expand my media presence.

I'm also excited to be working on the third book in my AI trilogy, following 'The AI Whisperer’s Code' and 'AI Powered Productivity.' This upcoming book will focus on the intersection of branding and AI, and I'm collaborating with a high-profile celebrity to bring a new dimension to the narrative—stay tuned for that reveal! Beyond the book, I'm exploring opportunities to adapt our content into a documentary or even a feature film on platforms like Netflix.

And yes, a little plug—my books are available on Amazo n, for those who are curious! As a regular commentator on national and local news, discussing AI's evolving role, I plan to leverage and expand this platform to increase my visibility and influence in the media.

9. Where do you see your companies in 5 years?

In the next five years, I envision my company, Speak Internationally, expanding its influence significantly, both geographically and across industry verticals. Our aim is to establish deeper roots in key international markets, particularly in emerging economies where the intersection of technology and personal branding is still nascent but rapidly gaining importance.

I also see us leading the conversation on how AI integrates with personal branding to revolutionize marketing strategies. By leveraging AI, we plan to offer more personalized, effective branding consultations and solutions, setting new standards in the industry. Furthermore, I anticipate that our educational resources, like books and potential film projects, will have established us as thought leaders in combining AI with practical business applications, making these complex technologies accessible and actionable for businesses of all sizes.

With continuous advancements in AI, I also aim to integrate more cutting-edge tech into our offerings, enhancing our educational platforms, and perhaps even developing proprietary AI tools that can assist clients in automating and optimizing their branding efforts.

Finally, I plan to grow our media presence into a robust platform for discourse on AI and branding, featuring a mix of expert interviews, panel discussions, and interactive content that engages audiences worldwide and positions Speak Internationally as a hub for future-focused business strategy.

10. What motivates you?

My greatest motivation, without a doubt, are my children. I strive every day to be a figure they can look up to and be proud to call their dad. It’s about setting an example of perseverance, creativity, and integrity in both my personal and professional life. Each step I take in expanding my reach and refining my expertise is with the hope that they see the value of hard work, the importance of connecting with others across cultures, and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing one’s passions.

Beyond the immediate goals for my business and career, I am deeply driven by the desire to leave a lasting legacy. I don’t just want to be omnipresent in the here and now; I aim to etch a mark in history, to contribute something that endures beyond my time—an imprint that future generations can learn from, draw inspiration from, and build upon. This isn’t just about making a name but making a difference, ensuring that the lessons, insights, and innovations I share resonate far into the future and help shape a better, more understanding world.

11. Which entrepreneurs are you most inspired by?

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's visionary leadership has been a profound influence on me, especially from my early days in Dubai. Arriving in 1993, I witnessed firsthand the transformation of a modest city into a bustling global hub under his guidance. His ability to foresee market trends and his unwavering commitment to innovation have taught me the importance of visionary thinking in entrepreneurship.

Tilman Fertitta is another entrepreneur whose approach resonates with me. His knack for turning underperforming assets into profitable ventures through strategic oversight and operational efficiency exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit. His success with Landry’s and the Houston Rockets illustrates the power of resilience and adaptability—qualities I strive to embody in my own ventures.

Jim McIngvale, popularly known as Mattress Mack, is a testament to the impact of combining savvy marketing with community service. His use of his retail space and resources to support the community during crises has shown me the value of integrating social responsibility into business practice. Mack's approach not only builds brand loyalty but also contributes to a stronger community, aligning with my values of business being a force for good.

12.What is your favorite motivational/entrepreneur quote?

"Legacy is greater than currency." Gary Vee

13. In your opinion, what is rule number one in business?

If I had to distill my approach to business into a foundational rule, it would be a three-part mantra that guides everything I do: "Under-promise and over-deliver, keep your promises, and strive for outstanding—because excellence is just the entry point."

First, under promising and over-delivering is about setting realistic expectations and then working tirelessly to exceed them. This not only ensures customer satisfaction but often leads to lasting client relationships and positive word-of-mouth, which are invaluable in any business.

Second, the principle of "Promises made, promises kept" is crucial for building trust and credibility. This commitment to reliability is what differentiates a reputable business from its competitors, fostering a strong, loyal customer base.

Lastly, aspiring to be outstanding rather than just excellent pushes the boundaries of what is considered quality. In today's competitive market, excellence might get you in the door, but true distinction comes from being exceptional, from standing out in ways that are both innovative and impactful.

These principles have been the cornerstone of my business philosophy and are the keys to sustained success in any entrepreneurial venture.

?14. List three things you feel entrepreneurs should do every day.

Every entrepreneur should incorporate these three critical practices into their daily routine to maximize their effectiveness and personal growth:

1.??? Practice Gratitude: Start each day with a moment of gratitude. Acknowledging what you have, regardless of whether things are going well or facing challenges, cultivates a positive mindset and resilience. This practice keeps you grounded and centered, which is essential in the often tumultuous entrepreneurial journey.

2.??? Dedicate Time to Learning: The landscape of business is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing market dynamics. Allocating part of your day to learning—whether it’s new industry trends, skills, or insights from other leaders—ensures that you stay relevant and informed.

3.??? Commit to Implementation: Knowledge alone isn’t power—its application is. It's crucial to spend a part of your day putting what you’ve learned into action. Many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of continuously gathering information without executing on it, which can stall progress. Implementation turns theory into tangible results and is where real learning is tested and refined.

Incorporating these practices not only enhances personal development but also drives sustainable business growth and innovation.

?15. What advice would you give to a young up-and-coming entrepreneur?

If you’re just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, here are three indispensable pieces of advice to guide you:

First, find your why. Passion is what will keep you going when challenges arise—and they will arise. Understand deeply why you are pursuing this path and let that purpose fuel your daily efforts and long-term goals.

Second, don’t fear failure; learn from it. Embrace each failure as a crucial learning opportunity. The entrepreneurial path is paved with setbacks, but each one is a chance to grow smarter and stronger. It's not about avoiding falls but about bouncing back quicker each time.

Third, be a listener. The greatest entrepreneurs are not those who speak the loudest but those who listen the most attentively. Whether it’s feedback from your customers, advice from mentors, or observations of your competitors, listening can transform your understanding and decision-making.

Keep these principles in mind as you build your enterprise. They will help you not only survive the entrepreneurial landscape but thrive within it.

16. What would this chapter of your life be called?

"Global Influence and Legacy Building"

This title reflects my current focus on expanding my reach internationally, sharing my expertise on branding and AI across continents while also laying the groundwork for a legacy that transcends geographical and generational boundaries. It's a period of synthesizing my past experiences with my ambitions for the future, aiming to impact a wider audience and create lasting changes that will benefit future entrepreneurs and thinkers.

17. 100 years from now, what do you want your legacy to be?

A century from now, I hope my legacy will be that of a pioneer who bridged the gap between cultures and industries through the power of branding and innovative technology. I aspire to be remembered as someone who not only anticipated the trends but also shaped them, particularly in integrating artificial intelligence with everyday business practices to enhance personal and corporate branding.

My legacy should reflect my commitment to education and empowerment—helping individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds find their voice and elevate their presence on a global stage. I envision a future where my contributions have inspired countless others to pursue their passions with courage and creativity, leaving a trail of positive impacts that echo through generations.

Ultimately, I want to be remembered as someone who made a significant difference in how people connect, communicate, and conduct business across the globe, fostering a world where technology and humanity converge in harmony for the greater good.