The Power (and Pitfalls) of Influence

From expert creators to real-world voices, influencers play a major role in shaping health decisions. It makes sense to want to harness that power to market your brand. Should you? If so — how?We talk with Erica Gatlin, Director of Partnerships at CEG Agency and Founder of Mulberry Lane Social Influence, to explore the realities of influencer marketing — UGC, whitelisting, brand ambassadors, realistic expectations, and how to work with agencies and the right creators to amplify your message. We discuss the importance of authentic content, knowing who your audience is, and building genuine relationships with content creators — and reveal the danger of "chasing unicorns."A Perimenopositive™ podcast, powered by GrayMatter Agency, Inc.©2025 GrayMatter Agency, Inc. (www.graymatter.agency)See below for full list of series episodes.Guest:Erica Gatlin, Dir. of Partnerships, CEG Agency; Founder, Mulberry Lane Social InfluenceCompany & Profile Links:• CEG Agency• Mulberry Lane SocialCreator Link:• GrayMatter Agency: https://graymatter.agency/Show Resources:• It's Time for FemTech to Step Up — marketing insights, strategies, and tactics for women's health brands• Episode Webpage: link t/k Extras:• Episode Mocktail Poster! Sweet & Sour Cherry Sparkler: link t/kChapters:00:00 Cold Open and Intro02:07 Introducing Erica Gatlin02:42 Knowing Your Audience and Your Objective07:14 Authenticity Can’t Be Scripted09:01 Whitelisting vs. Sponsored (and Why It Matters)10:50 Measuring What “Success” Really Means14:34 Guardrails in a Regulated World17:57 Contracts, Control, and Long-Term Partnerships21:45 Vulnerability, Sensitivity, and Real Stories25:53 Influence is an Investment and a Long Game29:21 Thank You and OutroSeries Episodes:• Ep.1 Let’s Set the Record StraightTOPIC: Unlocking opportunities in a world of misinformation for credible, emotionally intelligent marketing.GUEST: DR. C (THE VAG DOC) https://www.tiktok.com/@thevagdoc• Ep.2 Feminine by DesignTOPIC: Harnessing the powers of empathy, listening, and community to shape brand relevance.GUEST: IKRAM GUERD, Aspivix• Ep.3 Leading the ShiftTOPIC: Changing the conversation to open minds, spark dialogue, and move markets.GUEST: TRACY MACNEAL, Materna Medical• Ep.4 The Art of Being HumanTOPIC: Transitioning your voice from clinical to conversational for authentic, relatable connection.GUESTS: DR. MANDY PULLIAM and CHRISTINA REITA, Axena Health• Ep.5 The Power (and Pitfalls) of InfluenceTOPIC: Working with creators, ambassadors, and UGC to build trust and amplify impact.GUEST: ERICA GATLIN, CEG Agency• Ep.6 The FemTech Social Media PlaybookTOPIC: Platform strategies to make your message stick and spread.GUEST: DR. ANJALI MALIK, BRCA Strong  https://www.tiktok.com/@anjalimalikmd• Ep.7 What Investors Really WantTOPIC: Insider perspectives on winning attention and securing funding in women’s health.GUEST: AMY MILLMAN, StageNext LLC• Ep.8 Empowering a FemTech Sales ForceTOPIC: Modern sales enablement strategies that drive connection, confidence, and results.GUEST: DEBBIE GARNER, FemSelect Ltd.• Ep.9 Trends That Could Change EverythingTOPIC: Innovations and ideas shaping the next era of FemTech marketing.GUESTS: CAROLYN RUSH, Koto and DR. JENNY YUClick here to view the episode transcript.