The BEST next move for your career

He’s seemingly wrong just as much as he’s right. Yet, he’s grown a newsletter subscriber base above 220k, a YouTube following of 196k, and charges upwards of $50k for virtual speaking events. 

With takes many consider abrasive, dubbed ‘Professor Cold-Takes’ by Jason Calacanis, Scott Galloway still has major success, all rooting in his die-hard audience. 

But how did Galloway reach his nearly cancel-proof status? Let’s dive in ⤵️

Hey, Paige here! Back with another creator deep dive.

Scott Galloway might not be everyone’s cup of tea — in fact, he’s garnered the negative attention of many of today’s business leaders (we’re talking Elon Musk, Zuckerberg and the likes). 

But for those on the Galloway train, there’s no stepping off. 

While he’s a successful investor and owns many businesses, it’s arguable that Galloway could survive on his audience’s goodwill alone. The New York Times says Galloway would be fine if many of his income streams dried up — the only way he could truly be canceled is if he “alienated his own audience, who were presumably drawn in by his provocations in the first place.”

The key lesson Galloway has to offer us: share your ideas consistently and actively work to grow your audience — even if you’re working for a business. 

When you build something in public, you gain the attention of people who agree, align with what you’re sharing, and enjoy your personality. Even if you’re not always right. 

The building blocks of your personal brand can start with a company initiative — co-host a company podcast, share your expertise on LinkedIn, create videos highlighting your takes. 

Not only does this create a foundation of followers you can take with you along your career journey, but it also gives traction to the company you’re currently serving. I call that a win-win. 

Galloway’s audience isn’t directly tied to his businesses. Not anymore. Now, he has a strong name and stronger opinions that have won him an impressive dedicated audience. 

But don’t worry, you don’t need to take Galloway’s controversial approach. Here are some more creators who have successfully built a following they can carry with them forever: 

The best part — this strategy works no matter your goals. Building a personal brand for yourself through your current work doesn’t have to lead to creating your own company.

Regardless of your goals, building a dedicated audience will help you grow. Whether you’ll be looking for a new position down the line, starting a channel of your own, or looking for future contracting opportunities, consistently sharing your ideas will give you the foothold you need to make it to the next step. 

We don’t all want to be like Scott Galloway — but every marketing professional out there should be using this part of his personal brand-building playbook. 

The takeaway: Share your ideas consistently and actively work to engage with, and grow your audience — especially while you’re working for a business. 

That’s it, ya’ll. Happy creating!

Paige Peterson
Newsletter Aficionado, Sweet Fish