Odaz Gibbs - Author

Odaz Gibbs - Author From Talk Show Host to Trusted Legacy Architect & Media Advisor. I help visionaries turn their story into power, presence, and published legacy.

Every empire starts with a story. Let’s tell yours.

I Loved from the Beginning. I’ve been a fan since the first cinched blazer turned my feed into a fashion editorial. I’...
05/21/2025

I Loved from the Beginning. I’ve been a fan since the first cinched blazer turned my feed into a fashion editorial. I’ve admired Aimee’s eye, her vision, and her sharpness, not just in tailoring but in storytelling. I saw a founder carving out her own lane in a fast-fashion-saturated world, unapologetically crafting something timeless and elevated.

So, yes, I root for her.

After some poorly received content and a very reactive (and arguably manipulative) response to online criticism, Aimee positioned herself as being "abused" by the public. Ummmm????!! That word holds weight. And using it to deflect accountability is not only irresponsible, it’s harmful. It waters down the truth for those of who’ve had to escape, rebuild, and heal. There’s a difference between online critique and trauma. Let’s not confuse discomfort with danger.

Aurelius: “You don’t have to turn this into something. It doesn’t have to upset you.”
For the second time this week I turn to that quote. Aimee didn’t need to spiral. (At least publicly) She needed to pause. Reflect. Reframe. This could’ve been a powerful moment for brand evolution, not a brand implosion. Personal branding requires composure, and thick skin, not collapse. And when you're the face of the brand, your emotional regulation is your PR strategy.

Here’s where it gets juicy though! And I'm gonna say it: Aimee’s brand, which is luxury basics, crisp design, elevated price point triggers people. And not just because they don’t like the clothes. But because aspirational brands subconsciously create exclusion. That exclusion breeds envy, which shows up online in sneaky little disguises:

Moral superiority

Intellectual shaming

Performative social justice

Suddenly, people aren’t just mad at the price tag, they’re mad at the audacity of a young woman building a high-end empire. And when they feel left out of the club, they weaponize ethics to attack the invitation list. Because that vlogger 'calling Aimee out' did entirely too much, it went overboard.

Two things can be true at once:

Aimee made branding mistakes and used harmful language.

Some of the backlash is rooted in class tension, envy, and projection.

Let’s call a thing a thing. And hey, life goes on, you live and you learn.

One of the most dangerous lies modern entrepreneurs are sold is that vulnerability is always the key to connection. But I’ve seen too many founders emotionally bleed out online for clicks and validation and that is not sustainable brand strategy.

Being seen doesn’t mean being stripped bare. Transparency doesn’t mean trauma exposure.

A personal brand requires boundaries. You get to decide what’s public and what’s sacred. You get to say “this is mine” and still build connection. But without that filter, you’re not building a brand, you’re just broadcasting a breakdown.

If Aimee wants to come back stronger and I believe she will, this is my unsolicited opinion on how she should move:

Get still. Disengage from the noise. No more reactive posts. No more martyrdom marketing.

Recalibrate the brand voice. Clarify values. Show leadership. Let the work speak again.

Bring in strategic counsel. PR, EQ, legal—whatever you need. Get a squad that protects the brand and the human behind it.

Decide what’s sacred. You don’t have to share everything. And you don’t owe your audience emotional labor or even justification for prices.

If you’re building a personal brand, especially as a woman, (and extra especially if you are a woman of color!) you need more than a good logo and a Canva aesthetic. You need internal stability. You need emotional clarity. You need boundaries so strong, even you respect them.

This moment with Aimee is a cautionary tale for anyone trying to build a high-visibility brand while carrying unresolved wounds. Fame can magnify your brilliance, but it’ll also amplify your mess if you’re not completed anchored. Strangers WILL perceive what your emotional weak points and insecurities are and usually people can sometimes will aggressively go after you just for sport or clicks.

Now back to me: I help founders, thought leaders, and women with powerful stories build brands that scale impact without selling out their sanity. You can be real without being raw all the time. If this moment hit too close to home, let’s talk.

Book an advisory call with me and let’s build a brand that reflects your truth, protects your peace, and positions you for long-term success. Chat soon.

05/20/2025

You’ve got a book in you.
You’ve got a message in you.
You’ve got a future audience that’s already waiting for you.

"You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you". -Marcus AureliusYour reputation is currency....
05/19/2025

"You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you". -Marcus Aurelius

Your reputation is currency. Yes, we know we know you say, but hear me out: And when someone tries to bankrupt it, whether through a smear campaign, a slanted article, or a whisper network of lies, the instinct is to either clap back, crumble, or hide.

But there’s a fourth option! One most people don’t know exists: You transmute it. You flip the narrative and turn the mess into a magnet.

Let Me Tell You a Story. (Names Are Changed Obviously, and No, I'm Not Using My Own Personal Story LOL)
A high-level client of mine, let’s call her The Maven was riding high. Million-dollar brand, respected in her industry, a philanthropic powerhouse. Then came the smear.

A disgruntled former associate (with time, bitterness, and just enough intel to be dangerous) decided to wage war. Anonymous blog posts. Rumors. “Concerned” messages sent to her sponsors and clients. She called me at 7AM one morning hyperventilating as she read the message to me. You know the type:

“Just thought you should know who you’re really working with…”
Within weeks, she lost two contracts and couldn’t sleep. She felt like the very air around her name had changed.

But here’s what we did instead of shutting down:

1. We Reframed the Narrative
We took control of her story. She publicly addressed the situation with class, clarity, and receipts, not defensiveness. She didn’t rant. She reframed. She acknowledged the betrayal, outlined her values, and reiterated her mission. Then she moved forward like a woman with an empire to run.

2. We Documented the Bounce Back
She started sharing — not the drama, but the rise. Her process. Her mindset. Her non-negotiables. And guess what? People respected her more. She became a case study in grace under fire. The same people who whispered doubts began loudly applauding her leadership.

3. We Created a Signature Offer Out of the Experience
Out of the ashes, we developed her new offer: "Reputation Resilience: How to Reclaim Your Name and Build Trust After Public Attacks." Not only did it become a bestseller in her coaching lineup, it also positioned her as an authority in crisis branding, a field she never expected to dominate. Now, 7 years later, she currently niches in the grisly field of politics and I have a lot of respect for her because that's pretty intense.

Here’s the Reality:
If you’ve ever been smeared (especially as a woman, especially as a person of color, especially when you're finally rising) know this:

You are not ruined. You are being refined.

Scandals don’t kill brands. Silence and inconsistency do. If you learn to lead through the storm: publicly, powerfully, and purposefully, you will survive the hit. And, will inner work you will realize it was just your ego that had you panicking all along.

Ready to Take Your Power Back?
If your name’s been dragged, your confidence shaken, or your brand bruised it’s time to turn this attack into your ultimate comeback.

Book a confidential Media Strategy Call with me today and let’s build the narrative they can’t cancel. Because when you’re walking in truth, alignment, and strategy, the smear becomes your spotlight.

A few years ago I asked a political candidate for an interview ahead of an upcoming election. After an excited yes, she ...
05/19/2025

A few years ago I asked a political candidate for an interview ahead of an upcoming election. After an excited yes, she called me back later that evening with a firm 'no', why? Her team thought it was a terrible idea. And they were right. She was new to politics and didn't have the training to sidestep strategic tactics the media uses to not only make shows interesting, but also to reveal the truth to the public, usually at the expense of the interviewee. Any prepared answers could be easily be dismantled to reveal core motivations that may not align with 'pretty campaign marketing'.

Why is this important for you: after a certain level of success, mastering the microphone unlocks new levels of influence and power or can destroy what was already built. Knowing how to navigate this is worth millions.

Here are a few tactics the media uses and how to handle it:

1. The Leading Question:
This is when the interviewer asks a question that’s designed to push you toward a certain answer or frame you in a specific light. For example: "Don’t you think your company’s recent decision is a bit reckless?" The goal here is to get you to agree with their point, whether or not it’s true.

How to handle it: Don’t feel pressured to answer as expected. Instead, calmly reframe: You can say something like, “That’s an interesting way to look at it, but here’s what I think…” and offer your own viewpoint.

2. The Gotcha Question:
This is the classic "trap" question. The interviewer may ask something that feels like an attack or a challenge to something you’ve said in the past. Example: "Last year, you said X. Now you’re doing Y. Can you explain why you changed your stance?"The goal here is to catch you off guard so you'll reveal some new info.

How to handle it: Stay calm and acknowledge the change or situation without getting defensive. Something like, “Yes, things have evolved since then, and here’s why...” shows you’re adaptable and confident in your decisions.

3. The Silence Strategy:
After you answer a question, the interviewer stays silent and just stares at you. They’re hoping you’ll feel awkward and fill the silence with more information, sometimes you’ll spill more than you meant to.

How to handle it: Don’t feel pressured to talk just because there’s silence. If you’ve said what you need to say, let the silence sit. You don’t need to over-explain. Stay comfortable and let them fill the gap.

4. The “Cut You Off” Move
Sometimes, the interviewer will interrupt you mid-sentence or cut you off before you can finish your thought. This is a tactic used to either limit your response or lead the conversation in another direction.

How to handle it: Stay polite but firm. If they cut you off, politely say, “I’d like to finish my thought, if I may,” and then continue. This shows that you’re in control of the conversation and won’t be rushed.

5. The Emotional Trigger
Some media outlets will ask questions that are designed to elicit an emotional reaction, especially if they know you're passionate about a topic. Example: "How does it feel to be criticized for your decision to X?"

The goal here is to get you to respond emotionally, which can make you look unprofessional.

How to handle it: Keep your cool and answer thoughtfully. You can acknowledge the emotional aspect without losing control. For example, “I understand why some people might feel strongly about this, but here’s the bigger picture…” This shows you’re grounded and focused on the facts.

6. The "Unrelated" Curveball
This one comes out of nowhere—a question that seems completely unrelated to what you’ve been discussing. Example: "So, what do you think about the latest celebrity scandal?"

The goal here is to throw you off-topic and waste your time talking about something irrelevant.

How to handle it: If the question seems irrelevant, you can briefly acknowledge it and steer the conversation back to your message. “That’s interesting, but let’s focus on the topic at hand. Here’s what I’m really passionate about…”

7. The “Yes or No” Trap
This is when the interviewer asks a question that requires a simple yes or no answer, which they can then twist to fit their narrative. Example: "Do you think your decision will hurt your brand?"

The goal is to make you say “yes” or “no,” which can be easily manipulated for sensationalism.

How to handle it: Instead of giving a simple “yes” or “no,” provide context. For example: “It’s not that simple. Here’s why…” and then explain your stance. This gives you more control over the narrative.

8. The "Endless Repetition" Strategy
Sometimes, the interviewer will keep asking the same question in different ways, hoping for a different answer or for you to slip up. Example: "You’re saying it’s not a problem, but could it still be a problem?"

The goal here is to wear you down and get you to say something you didn’t mean.

How to handle it: Stay consistent with your original answer. Politely say something like, “As I mentioned earlier…” and then restate your main point. Keep your answer clear, no matter how many times they ask.

9. The "Shocking Fact" Statement
This is when the interviewer throws a shocking statistic or fact at you to catch you off guard, like: "Studies show 70% of people disagree with your approach. What’s your reaction to that?"

The goal is to make you feel defensive and flustered.

How to handle it: Take a moment to process and then calmly address the statement. “I’ve heard those numbers, but what’s often left out of those studies is…” and then provide your own perspective. Always have a prepared counter-narrative that you can use to stay in control.

10. The Flattery Trap
Sometimes, media will shower you with compliments or praise, but the goal is to make you more agreeable or relax your guard. They might say something like, "You’ve been so successful, how do you manage it all?"

The goal is to make you feel comfortable, but then slip in a harder question when you're relaxed.

How to handle it: Don’t let the flattery fool you! Smile, acknowledge it, but stay focused. Thank them for the kind words and continue talking about your core message.

Being aware of these sneaky tactics will help you stay sharp and ready for anything. Keep your cool, stay on message, and remember, the media is looking for soundbites, not necessarily gotchas. You can handle it—just stay smart and stay in control. Oh yea, and don't take it personal.

Need help Mastering The Mic? DM me, I can help.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/surviving-hot-seat-how-tackle-tricky-media-questions-odaz-kxoue

During my show hosting days, this was the one way to get my attention and almost always guarantee an interview: being an...
05/19/2025

During my show hosting days, this was the one way to get my attention and almost always guarantee an interview: being an author. I know that these days it seems that almost everyone is using reels, mics, and going viral, but there’s a quieter but just as powerful way to build undeniable authority: write the damn book.

If the mere thought of sitting on a morning show couch or being grilled by a podcast or radio host makes you itch, breathe easy. You don’t need to go on-air to make an impact. You can command the room and the market without ever saying a word out loud. Enter: Book Authorship.

Why the Written Word Still Runs the World
Books carry weight — literal and figurative. When someone hands you a business card, you glance. But when they gift or mention their book? You pause. You pay attention. You respect it. For high-net-worth individuals especially, who value legacy, discretion, and long-game influence, authoring a book is a masterstroke.

Here’s why:

1. It Establishes Instant Credibility
No long-winded intros necessary. Your book does the talking for you. It’s proof of expertise, depth, and follow-through — without you ever stepping on a stage.

2. It Works While You Rest
A well-written book becomes your most powerful brand ambassador. It travels places you might never go — boardrooms, bedrooms, book clubs, and brunch tables. And it never stutters or forgets key points.

3. It Attracts Aligned Opportunities
Decision-makers don’t have time for fluff. When your book lands on their desk, they’re not just reading, they’re vetting. Speaking invites, consulting gigs, investment inquiries, strategic partnerships: the book makes the first (and best) impression.

4. It Lets You Control the Narrative
Maybe you're a private person. Maybe your journey is complex. A book gives you space to share your story on your terms, in your voice, with no edits, filters, or sound bites that can be distorted.

5. It’s the Ultimate Personal Brand Asset
From luxury brands to legacy builders, those who write books carve out category leadership. You become “the one who wrote the book on it” — literally.

But What If You're Not a Writer?
That’s the beauty of it. You don’t need to be. You need to be brilliant, intentional, and ready to articulate your message — and hire the right team to do the heavy lifting.

Some of my most powerful clients over the years are actually introverted, wildly successful, and allergic to spotlight-chasing. But when we take their expertise and package it in a professionally ghostwritten, beautifully branded book, they dominate. Quietly. Elegantly. Consistently.

Ready to Lead with Legacy, Not Just Loudness?
If you’ve been sitting on a powerful story, method, or message but hate the idea of being "out there" all the time it’s time to leverage authorship. Let’s transform your brilliance into a book that builds your legacy, elevates your authority, and opens doors you didn’t even know existed.

Message me to schedule a confidential Book Authorship Discovery Call — because your voice deserves to be heard, even if you prefer to whisper.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/silent-power-you-book-author-odaz-gibbs-cim-minst-lm-ctrlprac-spywe

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