Why You Don’t Have a Choice Anymore: Adam Torres on Personal Brand | Ep. 16 episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 12, 2026 · 18 MIN

Why You Don’t Have a Choice Anymore: Adam Torres on Personal Brand | Ep. 16

from The Story Lab · host Jonathan Howard

Send us Fan MailWhy You Don’t Have a Choice Anymore: Adam Torres on Personal Brand | Ep. 16In this special episode of The Story Lab, Jonathan sits down with Adam Torres, co-founder of Mission Matters Media, to talk about the truth people avoid: opting out of a personal brand is still a personal brand and it’s usually not helping you.Adam shares how he went from managing nearly $200M in finance to building a media company and completing 6,000+ interviews, and why he used to be totally anti-branding until he saw what works. You’ll learn how to use “pocket stories” to connect with different audiences, why repeating your message is how you become known, and how to tell your story in different lengths, from an 8-second hook to long-form conversations.If you’ve been stuck in “I don’t want to be cringe online,” this episode is your permission slip to show up in a way that actually fits you.What we coverWhy “not having a personal brand” is still a loud messageAdam’s transition from finance to media and what sparked itThe cringe factor: why most people avoid personal branding (and how to do it right)Authenticity: how to show up without performing for the algorithm“Pocket stories”: choosing the right story for the right audienceWhy repeating your story builds trust and authorityStorytelling at different lengths: 8 seconds, 15 seconds, 1 minute, and beyondAdam’s short-form framework: hook fast, move from basic to complexHow podcasting expands your reach and opens doors you cannot knock onWhy launching messy beats waiting for perfectAction StepsGoogle yourself and audit what shows up (or doesn’t).Build a “story file”: 5 pocket stories you can tell in 8 seconds, 60 seconds, and 5 minutes.Pick one message you want to be known for and repeat it on purpose.If you want to expand your network fast, launch a podcast and invite the people you want to learn from.Guest + LinksAdam Torres (Co-founder, Mission Matters Media)Instagram: @AskAdamTorresResources + agency infSupport the show

Send us Fan Mail Why You Don’t Have a Choice Anymore: Adam Torres on Personal Brand | Ep. 16 In this special episode of The Story Lab, Jonathan sits down with Adam Torres, co-founder of Mission Matters Media, to talk about the truth people avoid: opting out of a personal brand is still a personal brand and it’s usually not helping you. Adam shares how he went from managing nearly $200M in finance to building a media company and completing 6,000+ interviews, and why he used to be totally anti-...

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Why You Don’t Have a Choice Anymore: Adam Torres on Personal Brand | Ep. 16

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Send us Fan MailWhy You Don’t Have a Choice Anymore: Adam Torres on Personal Brand | Ep. 16In this special episode of The Story Lab, Jonathan sits down with Adam Torres, co-founder of Mission Matters Media, to talk about the truth people avoid:...

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