Wed May 21 2025

We often think of branding and marketing as interchangeable. But for Julie Leffler, CEO and founder of Big Hype Marketing, they’re two very different things. Branding, she explains, is the personality and identity of your business—while marketing is simply how people hear about it. In our conversation, Julie shares how growing up around marketing shaped her path and led her to start a company focused on branding, websites, and social media. We talk about common marketing missteps, the power of authentic headshots, why Canva isn’t always your friend, and the kind of content that actually connects. Julie also breaks down the core elements of a strong brand—purpose, position, promise, and personality—and shares how her network of supportive women has played a key role in her journey.