Authority meets approachability? Here's how to build a trustworthy brand—this "Marketing Marvel" way!
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| For today, allow me to highlight an attorney-turned-personal-finance-influencer-and-content-creator. Do you have any guesses? Keep reading below to learn more! Authority meets approachability? Here's how to build a trustworthy brand—this "Marketing Marvel" way! Ever notice how some people can take something boring—like fine print, legal jargon, or money talk—and suddenly make it fascinating? Well, it’s not magic; it’s also strategy. After all, behind every viral brand or influencer lies a secret formula: relatability, clarity, and a knack for turning pain points into opportunities. When you peel back the layers, the real genius isn’t just in what they say, but also in how they say it, and how consistently they show up for their audience. Nowhere is that clearer than in the story of Erika Kullberg, a woman who went from high-powered attorney to one of the most recognizable names in personal finance… and along the way, became a masterclass in branding, marketing, and business growth.
Kullberg is a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur, content creator, and personal finance educator who has built a digital empire by helping millions of people make smarter financial decisions. With her signature tagline, “I read the fine print so you don’t have to,” she demystifies money, legal terms, and consumer rights in a way that feels approachable, useful, and even fun. However, her journey didn’t begin on social media. In fact, Kullberg’s early career followed a traditional path: She studied law, landed a prestigious job, and earned the kind of paycheck most young professionals dream about. Yet behind the success story was a heavy burden—over USD 200,000 in student debt. So instead of letting it crush her, she turned it into fuel. She not only paid off that debt in under two years but also used her experience to teach others how to take control of their finances. That authentic story—lawyer, debt, determination, success—became the foundation of her brand. Today, she has amassed a following of over 20 million people across platforms, runs the hit podcast “Erika Taught Me,” and has been named one of Forbes ’ Top 50 Creators. Amazing, right? RIGHT! Business and Marketing Lessons from Kullberg Kullberg’s rise offers powerful insights for entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders. Here’s what we can learn from her approach: Finance and law are intimidating topics, but Kullberg distills them into bite-sized, digestible lessons. By doing so, she removes friction and makes her audience feel empowered. Lesson: Whatever your business does, simplify the complex. When your customers understand you, they’ll trust you. Kullberg didn’t hide her student debt; if anything, she highlighted it. Her transparency created trust and relatability, showing her audience that she’s been in their shoes. Lesson: People don’t connect with perfection but with honesty. Sharing your struggles can be your strongest marketing move. Instead of long lectures, Kullberg leaned into TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. After all, quick, actionable insights spread faster and resonate more with today’s attention spans. Lesson: Meet your audience where they already spend time, and adapt your content style to the platform. Kullberg offers free value upfront—teaching people how to save money, spot hidden fees, or read contracts. This generosity builds loyalty that naturally translates into podcast listeners, partnerships, and business growth. Lesson: Trust is the new currency. Lead with value, and the sales will follow. Kullberg didn’t stop with one platform. From TikTok to her podcast to speaking opportunities, she built multiple streams of influence and income. Lesson: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. A strong business has multiple touchpoints with its audience. Kullberg’s background as a lawyer gives her authority, but her friendly delivery makes her approachable. It’s a rare balance that builds credibility without intimidation. Lesson: The best brands feel both trustworthy AND human. Kullberg’s message is clear, her tone is consistent, and her visual identity is recognizable. This makes her brand easy to remember and hard to ignore! Lesson: Consistency is what turns one-time viewers into lifelong followers.
Why Kullberg’s Success Matters Kullberg’s journey isn’t just inspiring; it’s also a blueprint for modern marketing. She shows that authentic storytelling, educational value, and smart platform strategy can transform not only your business but also your entire industry presence. So, whether you’re a startup founder, corporate leader, or personal brand builder, her playbook offers timeless lessons: Be authentic, simplify, show up consistently, and put your audience first. At the end of the day, people don’t just follow brands; they follow stories … and Kullberg’s story is proof that the right mix of vulnerability, authority, and clarity can turn anyone into a “Marketing Marvel.” Now, it’s your turn! Take a page from Kullberg’s playbook—simplify what you offer, share your story with honesty, and show up for your audience with value. Whether you’re building a business, a personal brand, or a movement, the opportunity to stand out is in your hands. So don’t just watch the success stories… create your own ! Hope you’ve found this week’s topic interesting and helpful. Stay tuned for next Monday’s Marketing Marvels! The world of AI is rapidly changing… and each day, a new advancement is made, making it hard to stand out. Yet despite this, this “Marvel” took the AI world by storm. Learn more about Peter Steinberger in next week’s article! |
Miles Everson
CEO of MBO Partners and former Global Advisory and Consulting CEO at PwC, Everson has worked with many of the world's largest and most prominent organizations, specializing in executive management. He helps companies balance growth, reduce risk, maximize return, and excel in strategic business priorities.
He is a sought-after public speaker and contributor and has been a case study for success from Harvard Business School.
Everson is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. in Accounting.
