From Trauma to Triumph: Brielle Cotterman on Publicity, Purpose, and the Power of Your Story
- Jeremy Demate
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
What if your most painful chapter held the key to your most powerful transformation?
On this deeply empowering episode of The She Believed She Could Podcast, host Allison Walsh sits down with the remarkable Brielle Cotterman—a survivor, strategist, and storyteller who has turned adversity into advocacy and pain into purpose. As the founder of the Influential Leader Agency, Brielle helps changemakers, experts, and entrepreneurs transform their stories into global brands.
From enduring a near-fatal domestic violence experience to becoming one of the most respected voices in publicity and personal branding, Brielle's journey is not just inspiring—it’s instructional. This episode will shift how you think about your past, your presence, and the power of showing up fully as yourself.
Brielle Cotterman is not your average publicity expert. She's a domestic violence and attempted murder survivor who used her story to reclaim her voice—and now helps others do the same. As the founder of The Influential Leader Agency, Brielle specializes in elevating personal brands by helping clients own their truth and strategically step into the spotlight. Her work has been featured across major media outlets, but her real gift lies in helping others turn their mess into their message.
Through her agency, Brielle coaches entrepreneurs, speakers, and thought leaders to break through the noise with credibility, confidence, and clear communication. She’s built a reputation for story-first branding, deeply rooted in authenticity and emotional intelligence.
Brielle opens up about how her past became the catalyst for her purpose. She walks us through the pivotal moment that changed everything—the day she decided not to be defined by her trauma, but instead to use it as a tool for transformation.
“The thing that keeps you from being perfect is usually your real superpower.”
She reminds us that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s wisdom. And when you take control of your narrative, you take control of your legacy.
One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is Brielle’s insistence that your brand begins with your story. Not your title. Not your credentials. Not your social media feed.
If you’re not telling your story, someone else will—and they won’t tell it the way you would.
“We all have a personal brand—it’s just a matter of whether you’re building it intentionally.”
Brielle outlines how to identify your core message, amplify your voice, and use media to build meaningful visibility. It’s not about being everywhere—it’s about being where your message truly matters.
Brielle’s visibility framework is simple yet game-changing. She teaches clients to build a brand through four key pillars:
Credibility
Communication
Network
Influence
These aren’t buzzwords. They’re the backbone of a sustainable personal brand. Whether you're just starting out or scaling to the next level, Brielle offers tools to get clear on your message and visible in your market.
In one of the most resonant moments of the conversation, Brielle introduces the concept of the “vulnerability threshold.”
You don’t have to share everything to be authentic—you just have to share from the scars, not the wounds. Brielle reminds us that vulnerability must serve a purpose. When done with intention, it connects, heals, and inspires.
Brielle offers a refreshing definition of confidence:
“Confidence is walking into a room and not comparing yourself to anyone.”
This reframe is especially powerful in a world that constantly asks us to look outward. She urges us to stay rooted in our own truth and stop chasing perfection. Confidence isn’t found in followers or filters—it’s found in alignment.
For those ready to step into thought leadership, Brielle emphasizes that this is a long game. Building a brand that leads, lasts, and leaves a legacy takes time. But the payoff is worth it. When you build your brand from the inside out—with authenticity, strategy, and storytelling—you become unstoppable.
This episode is a masterclass for anyone who’s ready to stop hiding and start leading.
💡 Key Takeaways
Your story is your most valuable brand asset.
Visibility isn’t accidental—it’s built on strategy.
Personal branding begins with purpose and ends in impact.
Vulnerability is powerful when it's intentional.
Confidence comes from alignment, not comparison.
🔗 Resources & Ways to Connect
Follow Brielle on Instagram: @briellecotterman
Explore her work: www.briellecotterman.com
Join the waitlist for her Influential Leader Agency events and workshops
Download free brand-building tools and guides via her website
🎙️ Favorite Quotes from the Episode
“Confidence is walking into a room and not comparing yourself to anyone.”
“We all have a personal brand—it’s just a matter of whether you’re building it intentionally.”
“The thing that keeps you from being perfect is usually your real superpower.”
“You get to lead the narrative. Don’t let someone else tell your story.”
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