Mitchell Levy: The Journey to Becoming a Global Credibility Expert

Are you truly visible in your industry, or are you silently fading into the background? Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly attract opportunities while others struggle to be noticed? Without clarity, it's hard to communicate your purpose effectively, attract the right opportunities, or build meaningful relationships. If these questions sting a little, you're not alone.

Mitchell Levy, CCS is a global credibility expert, a two-time TEDx speaker, and an international bestselling author of over 65 books. He has created 20 businesses in Silicon Valley, including four publishing companies and the platform AHA That, which allows users to write books in eight hours or less. He is a Certified Clarity Specialist? and part of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches program. He has served as the chairman of the board of a NASDAQ-listed company and contributed to Entrepreneur Magazine. Mitchell is passionate about helping individuals and businesses achieve visibility, authenticity, and credibility. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Mitchell for a conversation on my podcast, and our discussion was insightful. Here's what I learned about Mitchell's journey, his unique insights into credibility, and how he is changing thought leadership.

The Power of Credibility

Between 2019 and 2020, Mitchell conducted over 500 interviews with thought leaders to discover what it means to be credible. This extensive research culminated in his book, "Credibility Nation ," and a thriving membership community of the same name. The results of his work? Credibility, as he explains, is the quality of being trusted, known, and liked—all within a few seconds of interaction.

You have three seconds to make a first impression. Whether it's through a chance encounter, a social media post, or a business meeting, credibility hinges on how quickly we can build trust, demonstrate our purpose, and connect authentically. He has boiled this down to what he calls the "CPOP"—Customer Point of Pain, Pleasure, or Purpose—which helps articulate the "playground" you operate in. In just a few seconds, a well-crafted CPOP lets others know who you serve and how you make their lives better.

"When you show up for someone, show up prepared, and show up early," Mitchell said. "That's how you demonstrate credibility. Be the person who is reliable and always delivers." This simple yet powerful habit can make a world of difference in how you are perceived.

Articulate Your Purpose in 10 Words or Less

One of Mitchell's unique abilities is to help people articulate their purpose in 10 words or less. He calls this a superpower that allows others to instantly know if they are interested in what you do or if they can refer someone else to you. During our conversation, Mitchell explained how he helps individuals refine their message by shedding the layers of marketing jargon and focusing on what truly matters—how you serve others. He believes in simplifying the process, saying, "Just because something's easy, doesn't mean it's not sophisticated, complicated, and valuable."

"Imagine, in one to three seconds, having the person on the other side self-identify whether or not they're interested in you," Mitchell said. "If they are, the natural next question is, 'Tell me more.'" The goal isn't to bombard someone with your entire value proposition right away. Instead, Mitchell believes that the first few words you say should establish the "playground" you play in. This gives others a chance to decide if they want to hear more about you and your services. It’s about giving people the opportunity to self-identify whether they fit into your world or whether they know someone else who does.

Live Your Purpose

Mitchell's work revolves around helping you align your personal and professional life to consistently reflect your purpose. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you do best while letting others handle the rest, saying, "The best thing you can do is have somebody do the stuff for you that's not as relevant so that you can focus on what's very relevant." He runs five-day challenges quarterly to help individuals articulate and align their CPOP both online and offline. When your purpose is clearly articulated and your online presence reinforces that purpose, you begin to attract the right people to your playground, rather than having to chase them.

Mitchell said that many people today feel "invisible" because they can't clearly explain their purpose—can you? He added that, "A book is just a piece of the bigger picture," and using it strategically can help you become more visible. He emphasized that visibility comes from knowing who you are, being consistent in presenting your message, and focusing on how you can be of service to others. "We need to wear our purpose on our sleeve," he mentioned. This visibility, paired with a clear sense of purpose, is what attracts opportunities, clients, and partnerships.

From Struggles to Superpower

Like all superheroes, Mitchell has his own origin story. He grew up under the influence of a male business role model who was hedonistic and narcissistic. This person taught him many negative lessons about business, and it took Mitchell 36 years to unlearn them. This struggle, though painful, became the catalyst for Mitchell’s personal growth and his dedication to credibility. It shaped his passion for helping others find and articulate their purpose, allowing them to bypass the mistakes he made and live more authentically.

Mitchell's TEDx talk, titled "We Are Losing Our Humanity and I'm Tired of Watching It Happen ," was the 28th most popular TEDx in 2021. He believes that our society is becoming less humane, but that the antidote is simple: we need to act credibly by being vulnerable, coachable, and, most importantly, focused on serving others.

Becoming Part of Credibility Nation

For those interested in understanding their purpose better and learning how to become more visible and credible, Mitchell offers several avenues. The Credibility Nation community provides resources, a 30-minute course to help articulate your CPOP, and the opportunity to participate in the five-day challenges. It’s a comprehensive path for anyone feeling "invisible" in their industry or looking to step into their potential as a thought leader.

Key Benefits of Joining Credibility Nation:

- Articulate Your Purpose: Learn how to create a CPOP in 10 words or less to make an instant impression.

- Align Personal and Professional Life: Ensure that your online and offline presence is consistent and reflects your purpose.

- Build Trust Quickly: Gain tools and strategies to connect authentically in just three seconds.

- Ongoing Support: Join a community of like-minded individuals who are all focused on credibility and visibility.

Steps to Get Started with Mitchell Levy's Credibility Coaching:

1. Take the 30-Minute CPOP Course: Learn how to define your purpose in a clear and concise manner.

2. Join the Five-Day Challenge: Participate in a guided program to align your purpose with your personal and professional presence.

3. Schedule a Clarity Session: Engage with Mitchell one-on-one to gain deeper insights into your personal brand.

4. Become Part of the Credibility Nation Community : Leverage resources and connect with others on the same journey to visibility and authenticity.

Mitchell has also been recognized as a top thought leader in his field. He is part of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches program and is ranked among the top thought leaders in ecosystems and leadership voices. His experience extends beyond thought leadership into entrepreneurship, having created 20 businesses in Silicon Valley and served as the chairman of the board of a NASDAQ-listed company. He has engaged with over 1,000 corporations and individuals, helping them express their purpose with clarity in just 10 words or less.

You too can become extremely credible, just like Mitchell! He often talks about finding the right partners to work with, saying, "You do business with those that you know, like, or trust." His passion for helping people articulate their purpose and his no-nonsense approach to authenticity make him an invaluable guide for anyone navigating the world of thought leadership. So, are you ready to stop being invisible and start living your purpose? As Mitchell says, "If you're listening, don't even try to be perfect. It's not possible. Just try to be you." Let this be the guiding light to help you take that first step towards a more visible and credible future.