The Influencer Podcast: Navigating Social Media and Authenticity with Celine Da Costa

Release Date: November 6, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Influencer Podcast, host Julie Solomon welcomes the insightful Celine Da Costa to discuss the intricate relationship between social media and authenticity. Julie introduces Celine as a master storyteller who has significantly impacted the online coaching and influencer landscape. Their conversation promises deep, impactful insights into crafting authentic messages that resonate and convert.

Defining Influence

The episode kicks off with Celine sharing her personal definition of influence:

"What influence means to me is the ability to inspire different perspective, a more elevated behavior, thought or feeling through my own embodiment of what that can look like." (02:22)

This foundational understanding sets the stage for exploring how authenticity shapes one's online presence and impact.

Personal Journey with Social Media

Celine delves into her evolution since starting her social media journey in 2016. She reflects on the initial excitement of connecting with a global audience and the subsequent challenges of balancing ego gratification with genuine desire to make a difference:

"At first, influencing stuff was in my mid-20s and I remember feeling this really excited to have the opportunity to have a platform where I could speak to many people and they would listen to me." (03:02)

As her influence grew, so did the complexities of maintaining authenticity amidst increasing recognition and the pressures of public scrutiny.

Challenges and Pitfalls of Social Media

The conversation shifts to the darker aspects of social media. Celine identifies how platforms can create a tunnel vision, reinforcing limited perspectives and fostering unhealthy comparisons:

"It's creating a lot of unconscious brainwashing collectively in people who are losing touch with themselves and what it is that they really want." (10:52)

She highlights the struggle of maintaining self-connection when inundated with curated success stories and the resulting loss of personal purpose.

Psychological Aspects of Social Media Engagement

Celine offers a profound psychological analysis, explaining that underlying fears of inadequacy—stemming from core wounds of "I'm not enough" and "I'm not worthy"—drive much of the destructive engagement on social media:

"These fears are real, but they stem from deeper core wounds that need to be addressed." (15:00)

She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and inner healing to break free from the cycle of seeking validation through online interactions.

Solutions for Using Social Media Authentically

Addressing the challenges, Celine presents actionable strategies to harness social media as a tool for genuine expression rather than a source of stress:

"Start recognizing that this whole 'I want to tell my story, but I'm feeling rejected' has deeper roots that need to be addressed." (25:20)

She advocates for self-regulation, setting boundaries, and aligning one's online presence with their true soul purpose to foster sustainable influence.

Future of Social Media and the Coaching Industry

Looking ahead, Celine predicts a shift away from traditional social media platforms towards more private, community-centric hubs like Circle and Mighty Network. She observes a growing trend of influencers and coaches prioritizing quality over quantity in their online interactions to combat burnout:

"I see a whole wave of us going into more of a 'let's sit around a circle and share in our humanity.'" (34:00)

Celine also foresees the decline of the one-way broadcast model in favor of more interactive and meaningful community engagements.

Coaching Industry Outlook

Celine critically examines the surge of unqualified individuals entering the coaching industry post-pandemic, warning of the potential dilution of the profession:

"There’s been a mass wave of completely unqualified, undertrained people calling themselves coaches." (39:00)

She underscores the necessity for integrity, excellence, and genuine passion in coaching to ensure the industry's longevity and effectiveness.

Coachee Expectations

Shifting focus to the client side, Celine advises potential coachees to approach coaching with clarity and self-responsibility. She stresses the importance of understanding one's true needs before seeking external support:

"Always extract the lesson. Your money is never wasted. Always extract the lesson for you so you can grow." (46:04)

Celine highlights the pitfalls of seeking coaches to "save" oneself without addressing underlying personal issues, advocating for a more introspective and intentional approach to personal development.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Julie and Celine reflect on the profound wisdom shared, encouraging listeners to embrace authenticity and self-awareness in their social media endeavors. Celine shares her contact information, inviting listeners to connect through her website and various social media platforms for further engagement and support.

"I'm still involved in this when it comes to nurturing my community. But if you want to get the juicy juicy, like the super juicy juicy, you're going to want to subscribe to my email newsletter." (56:12)

Julie echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the transformative potential of the conversation and encouraging listeners to subscribe to her newsletter for ongoing support.

Key Takeaways

• Authentic Influence: True influence stems from inspiring others through genuine self-expression.
• Self-Awareness: Understanding and addressing core personal fears is crucial for authentic online engagement.
• Quality Over Quantity: Shifting focus from follower counts to meaningful community interactions enhances sustainability.
• Integrity in Coaching: The coaching industry thrives on authenticity and excellence, not superficial success.
• Intentional Support: Coachees should seek clarity and self-responsibility when engaging with coaches for effective personal growth.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Celine Da Costa on Influence: "What influence means to me is the ability to inspire different perspective, a more elevated behavior, thought or feeling through my own embodiment of what that can look like." (02:22)
• Celine on Social Media Challenges: "It's creating a lot of unconscious brainwashing collectively in people who are losing touch with themselves and what it is that they really want." (10:52)
• Celine on Core Wounds: "These fears are real, but they stem from deeper core wounds that need to be addressed." (15:00)
• Celine on Future of Social Media: "I see a whole wave of us going into more of a 'let's sit around a circle and share in our humanity.'" (34:00)
• Celine on Coaching Industry: "There’s been a mass wave of completely unqualified, undertrained people calling themselves coaches." (39:00)
• Celine on Coaching Lessons: "Always extract the lesson. Your money is never wasted. Always extract the lesson for you so you can grow." (46:04)

This episode serves as a vital guide for coaches, service providers, and online educators seeking to navigate the complexities of social media with authenticity and intention. By embracing self-awareness and prioritizing genuine connections, listeners can transform their online presence into a powerful tool for influence and business growth.