Season 2 Episode 9| 5.7.2026

They're Already Deciding With Nate DuBois

In this insightful interview, Pharice Brown from Pain to Prosperity Publishing shares how authors can leverage their stories to build brands, create impactful books, and develop multiple income streams. Discover the full scope of publishing as a strategic tool for legacy, marketing, and personal growth.

Key Takeaways● Reputation management as preventative strategy● Difference between reactive damage control and proactive reputation building● The importance of authenticity and relationship building in PR● Impact of small mistakes on small businesses● Timing and framing of press releases for maximum impactReputation management as a preventative strategy● Storytelling frameworks for small businesses● Building brand champions and advocates● Crisis control and damage mitigation tactics
Sound Bites● "It's a lot more work to quiet something down than to get out ahead of it before it ever gets there." – Sean M Atkinson● "If I can't cater to one person, how am I gonna be able to cater to a hundred people?" – Nate DuBois● "Accountability is easy. It's two words—I'm sorry—and it stops a lot of bleeding." – Nate DuBois● "The trivial reveals the trajectory. Small things show you where someone's headed." – Sean M Atkinson● "When they become brand champions, they're going to talk for your brand. They're going to fight for your brand." – Nate DuBois
Projects:Company Website: https://legendinitiative.com
Resources:
https://spinsucks.com/communication/publicity-is-dead-pr-is-not/
https://www.prsa.org/publications-and-news/issues-trends
https://legendinitiative.com/through-the-storm
Sean:Subscribe to YouTube:The Strategic Thinkers PodcastThe Coaches Corner
Subscribe to the newsletters:Questions Worth Asking NewsletterStrategically Speaking

📌 Timestamps:00:00 — Reputation management vs damage control
01:30 — What PR actually is
03:03 — Small actions reveal bigger problems
04:13 — Accountability + customer experience
05:45 — Bad reviews + controlling the narrative
09:48 — Why small businesses are judged harder
13:22 — Reputation wake-up calls
16:02 — Being spoken about in rooms you’re not in
17:36 — Press releases explained
22:10 — Timing + PR campaigns
28:26 — Why small businesses need media training
32:39 — Reframing difficult questions
38:32 — Building journalist relationships
42:33 — Storytelling + founder narratives
49:21 — Crisis communication + apologies
59:43 — Building brand champions
1:01:19 — Personal brand vs business brand

Nate DuBois

Nate DuBois is the Founder of Legend Initiative, an integrated media and
communications company and movement built to close the gap between business and community.
Founded in 2021, Legend Initiative partners with ambitious, legacy-driven and culture-defining founders and brands to build integrated branding systems that grow authority, deepen connection, and position them as leaders in their industries and communities.
Rather than treating marketing, PR, and content as separate efforts, Nate focuses on integration ensuring every message, platform, and interaction reinforces a clear narrative and long-term influence. His approach challenges short-term thinking and emphasizes intentional communication, accountability, and cultural relevance.
Website: Legend Initiative