In this episode, I sit down with my friend Samantha Skelly for a deeply honest conversation about identity, presence, and what it really means to lead from your highest self. We talk about releasing performative success, why boredom in business can actually be a sign of regulation and alignment, and how creative play outside of your work can unlock your next level of clarity and fulfillment. I share my philosophy on identity-based messaging, why serving a former version of yourself can cap your growth, and how speaking to the highest version of your client creates cleaner energy, stronger resonance, and more aligned opportunities. We also explore embodiment, aspiration-based messaging, and the simple but powerful practice I return to daily: be her now. This episode is for the woman who feels herself evolving, who’s ready to stop shrinking or over-explaining, and who wants her business, message, and life to finally feel as aligned as the woman she’s becoming. Liked this episode? Make sure to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review with your takeaways, this helps us create the exact content you want!  KEY POINTS:  00:00 Exciting Announcement: First In-Person Retreat 01:30 Welcome to Woman of Influence 02:31 Deep Dive: Authenticity and Shedding Old Beliefs 06:56 Creative Outlets and Personal Growth 13:47 The Importance of Identity Recalibration 19:13 Future-Focused Messaging and Authenticity 23:06 Embodying Your Chosen Identity 23:38 Understanding Your Ideal Client 25:52 The Power of Aspirational Messaging 32:10 The Importance of Embodiment 37:02 Effortless Speaking and Success 41:01 Conclusion and Resources QUOTABLES: “  A brand is just the perception of whatever messaging. Whether it's Audio, visual, static, digital. Whatever kind of message that you are putting out there. And as long as it's corralled mostly to where people want it to be, then like, we're good to go. But most of the time it's not corralled.” - Julie Solomon  “   I don't subscribe to pain based marketing. Like whenever people do that and I get an email like that, I'm like, get outta here. Like that's literally how I feel. I'm like, Ugh. But then when I get someone's email and it's aspirational and it's helping me see a future version of myself, I get this like a aliveness and this like champagne bubbly feeling in my body. I'm like, whatever that is, I'm so in.” - Samantha Skelly GUEST RESOURCES: Listen to Samantha’s Podcast “Can't Be Contained” RESOURCES: ✨ Unscripted: My First In-Person Retreat in 2+ Years — Now Accepting Applications If you’ve felt your voice no longer matches the woman you’ve become, this intimate 2-day retreat in Nashville (Feb 5–6, 2026) is for you. Unscripted is where your message, identity, and leadership come back into alignment—without pressure, performance, or shrinking. Spots are limited and application-only. Apply now at juliesolomon.net/unscripted. [ORDER] my book or Audible, Get What You Want: How to Go From Unseen to Unstoppable so you can leverage the power of your own influence. Follow Julie on Instagram! MUST HAVES THIS MONTH: [TURN “WHAT IF” INTO “WHY NOT”] That business idea you’ve been sitting on? Shopify makes it real—get started now for only $1/month. [DISCOVER THE HYPE] The Fits Everybody collection is worth it. Shop now!    [MAKE TIME FOR GROWTH] Lessons fit into even the busiest schedules. Join today with 15% off!