How do CEOs create impact with their podcast? In today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can use your podcast as a CEO-level visionary tool instead of just another marketing task. I’m diving into the mindset shift that CEOs use to create opportunity from their podcast and step into the thought-leader role.
Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.
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Why We Default to “Marketing Mode”
Most of us start our podcasts with a mix of excitement and a plan to promote our business. We’re told (rightfully so!) that podcasts are great content marketing tools—they attract leads, build trust, and promote our offers.
But somewhere along the way, the magic gets lost in the scheduling.
We fall into content cycles.
We think short-term.
We start to sound like everyone else.
And that’s where the opportunity begins—because if you’re willing to step back and ask a better question, your podcast can do so much more.
What Do You Want to Be Known For?
Instead of sitting down and asking, “What should I post this week?” I want you to ask yourself: “What do I want to be known for in my industry?”
This shift may seem simple, but it’s foundational. It takes your content from reactive to visionary. From temporary to timeless. From noise to leadership.
When you start creating with that energy, your podcast becomes:
- A space for your boldest ideas
- A platform for sharing your values and direction
- A repository of content that can be repurposed into offers, books, talks, or signature frameworks
How to Create CEO-Level Podcast Content
So what does it look like to use your podcast like a CEO? Let’s break it down into four practical shifts you can start implementing today.
1. Record Visionary Episodes Each Quarter
Think of these as your “State of the Union” for your industry or business. Share your predictions, trends you’re noticing, or the direction you want to take your brand. These episodes don’t have to sell—they set the tone for your leadership.
2. Create an Annual “CEO Note” Episode
Once a year, record an episode you’d be proud to send to a partner, investor, or future team member. Talk about your mission, growth, lessons learned, and future plans. It builds trust and positions you as a long-term player in your space.
3. Shift Your Calls to Action from Transactional to Transformational
Instead of just saying “book a call,” invite your audience into a bigger vision. For example:
- Instead of: “Want to work with me? Book now.”
- Try: “Are you ready to step into the bigger vision with me?”
This subtle change can completely shift how people experience your brand—and whether they see you as a service provider or a true guide.
4. Track ROI Beyond Downloads
Podcast ROI isn’t just about your listener count. Start asking:
- Who reached out because of an episode?
- What offers or programs were sparked by episode ideas?
- What collaborations or speaking gigs came from showing up consistently?
When you measure what matters, you’ll start to see just how powerful your podcast already is.
Your Podcast Is Already Building Your Thought Leadership
One of the biggest revelations I’ve had is realizing that my podcast isn’t just marketing—it’s my legacy in progress.
It’s where my ideas take shape.
It’s where I test concepts for future products.
It’s where my authority grows, one episode at a time.
I’ve launched offers, built a signature talk, and even outlined a book—all from episodes I recorded on my podcast. That’s the kind of long-term ROI that you can’t track on a chart.
Let Your Podcast Become Your CEO Move
Here’s the truth: Marketing tasks keep your business running. But CEO moves keep your business growing. Your podcast can be both.
The difference lies in how you approach it.
So the next time you sit down to record, don’t just ask what your audience needs to hear this week. Ask what message you want to echo a year from now. Ask what legacy you’re building. Ask what ideas deserve the spotlight.
That’s when your podcast becomes more than content. It becomes your strategy.
Find It Quickly:
Reframe the role of your podcast (1:13)
CEOs use podcasts differently (3:35)
Consider how opportunities multiply (6:09)
Stepping into the CEO visionary role (8:33)
Mentioned in this Episode:
The Podcast Growth Program: gaffincreative.com/growth
Episode 188
Episode 150 What It Looked Like to Become a Full-Time Podcast Producer: gaffincreative.com/what-it-looked-like-to-become-a-full-time-podcast-producer
