Chief Audience Officer Episode 221: What is a Chief Audience Officer?

Host: Kev Michael
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Podcast Description: Chief Audience Officer is dedicated to helping business owners build an audience of buyers. Host Kev Michael shares tactical lessons, honest reflections, and conversations with entrepreneurs who have successfully transformed their content into measurable business growth.

I. Introduction and Rebranding Announcement

In the inaugural episode under its new name, Kev Michael announces the rebranding of his podcast from "Grow the Show" to "Chief Audience Officer." This change marks a significant shift in focus and branding, aiming to better serve business owners in building audiences that convert into buyers.

"Chief Audience Officer is the podcast that helps you build an audience of buyers."
— Kev Michael [00:00]

II. The Role of a Chief Audience Officer

Kev introduces the concept of a Chief Audience Officer (CAO), likening it to executive roles like CFO or COO. He argues that every audience-driven business needs someone dedicated to managing and growing its audience to drive trust, sales, and overall business success.

"I believe that every business will need a Chief Audience officer."
— Kev Michael [00:45]

III. Behind the Scenes of the Name Change

a. Evolution from Grow the Show to Chief Audience Officer

Kev reflects on the feedback received after announcing the name change. While some listeners embraced the new name, others were confused or indifferent, prompting him to delve deeper into the rationale behind the rebranding.

"Some people loved it, some people didn't, and a lot of folks just didn't quite get it."
— Kev Michael [00:25]

b. Selecting a Name Conveying Identity

Kev explains his desire to shift from a tactical focus on podcast growth to a broader approach encompassing marketing, content strategy, and business building. He emphasizes the importance of naming the podcast after an identity rather than an outcome to ensure longevity and relevance.

"I thought identity more so because I just was feeling identity more than anything else."
— Kev Michael [04:30]

c. Importance of Naming Conventions and SEO Considerations

Addressing concerns about SEO and discoverability, Kev argues that the quality of content and listener engagement outweighs the specific wording of the podcast's name. He believes that platforms recognize the podcast's relevance to audience growth, enhancing its visibility.

"SEO has more to do with if your show is good and does it have an audience?"
— Kev Michael [16:45]

IV. The Broader Shift in Content Approach

a. Moving Beyond Podcast Tactics to Holistic Content Ecosystems

Kev shares insights from his work with clients, revealing that the most significant business growth occurred when podcasts were integrated into a comprehensive content ecosystem, including social media, email, and sales funnels. This holistic approach underscores the necessity of viewing content as part of a larger strategy.

"The biggest client breakthroughs... happened not because of the podcast itself in a vacuum, but it came from zooming out."
— Kev Michael [11:15]

b. The Problem with Overconsumption of Tactical Content

Kev identifies a common issue among business owners: the relentless consumption of tactical advice leads to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and distraction. Instead of focusing on a consistent strategy, entrepreneurs jump from one tactic to another, hindering meaningful progress.

"They get so overwhelmed and distracted. They're stuck in FOMO."
— Kev Michael [13:30]

V. The Role of Personal Brand in Podcast Success

Kev touches upon the importance of personal branding, noting that a strong personal brand can significantly boost podcast growth. He observes that many successful business influencers see their personal brand as the foundation upon which their content strategies build.

"Having a personal brand is super, super important... it was until they had a book go crazy or their personal brand exploded that the rest of their content started to work."
— Kev Michael [17:50]

VI. Personal Changes: Host's Name Change

In a candid revelation, Kev announces his own name change from Kevin Schmidlin to Kev Michael. This decision aligns with his rebranding efforts, aiming for a name that's easier to remember and more aligned with his personal and professional identity.

"I'm going to go by Kev Michael instead of Kevin Schmidlin."
— Kev Michael [20:15]

VII. Listener Engagement and Feedback

Kev encourages listeners to provide feedback on the rebranding and the episode's content. He highlights the significance of community input in shaping the podcast's future direction and emphasizes his commitment to serving as a Chief Audience Officer for his audience.

"I want to serve as your chief audience officer... if you think this was a waste of your time, please let me know."
— Kev Michael [23:00]

VIII. Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Kev reiterates his mission to help business owners build focused and effective audience growth strategies. He expresses excitement about the podcast's new direction and invites listeners to engage actively with the content.

"Chief Audience Officer is meant to filter a little bit and to make it clear that this is a business show."
— Kev Michael [25:30]

Key Takeaways:

1. Rebranding for Clarity: The move from "Grow the Show" to "Chief Audience Officer" signifies a broader, more strategic focus on audience growth within the context of business growth.

2. Strategic Over Tactical: Emphasizing a holistic approach to content strategy over the consumption of disparate tactics to prevent overwhelm and ensure consistent progress.

3. Personal Branding: Recognizing the pivotal role of a strong personal brand in amplifying podcast and business growth.

4. Community Engagement: Actively seeking listener feedback to refine and enhance the podcast's value proposition.

Notable Quotes:

• "I believe that every business will need a Chief Audience officer." — Kev Michael [00:45]
• "They get so overwhelmed and distracted. They're stuck in FOMO." — Kev Michael [13:30]
• "Having a personal brand is super, super important... it was until they had a book go crazy or their personal brand exploded that the rest of their content started to work." — Kev Michael [17:50]
• "I'm going to serve as your chief audience officer... if you think this was a waste of your time, please let me know." — Kev Michael [23:00]

Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting to build your audience, this episode offers valuable insights into strategic audience growth and the essential role of a Chief Audience Officer in driving business success.