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In this AI marketing podcast episode, Dan Sanchez and co-host Ken Freire take a skeptical look at how authority is claimed (and faked) online in 2025. In a world where everyone seems to be positioning themselves as a thought leader, Dan presents a counterintuitive approach to standing out: embrace the role of the student. Through stories from his own career and examples like Michael Hyatt, Dan unpacks how publicly learning out loud builds more trust and real authority than posturing ever could.

My Favorite AI Tools

Tella (AI screen recording app I record all my solo episodes with) - https://danchez.com/tella
High Level (My all in one marketing platform) - https://danchez.com/highlevel
Zencastr (Best AI podcast tool) - https://danchez.com/podtools
n8n (my favorite AI automation tool) - https://danchez.com/n8n

Resources Mentioned

Michael Hyatt - https://michaelhyatt.com/
Sweetfish Media - https://sweetfishmedia.com/

Timestamps

00:00 - The Rise of Skepticism
Dan and Ken talk about how the rise of AI and personal branding has made everyone skeptical of authority online.
02:25 - Becoming a Thought Leader in a Noisy World
Dan introduces the challenge: how do you build real authority when everyone is making expert claims?
03:30 - The Counterintuitive Solution: Be a Student
Why adopting the posture of a student is more trustworthy and effective than calling yourself an expert.
05:00 - Dan's Origin Story with Account-Based Marketing
How Dan became an authority in a space he knew nothing about by documenting his learning journey.
07:24 - Learning Out Loud Builds Trust
The invisible transition: from curious student to trusted authority, without ever making a bold claim.
10:08 - The Danger of Faking Expertise
Ken shares a story of spotting a faker on LinkedIn and why people crave authenticity.
11:51 - The Psychology Behind Student Positioning
Dan explains how humility disarms skepticism and invites trust.
14:36 - The Never-Ending Student Mindset
Why you never need to graduate from student mode, even when the world starts calling you the expert.
15:08 - Michael Hyatt: The Model Student
Ken highlights how Michael Hyatt keeps reinventing himself by always learning first and teaching second.
17:40 - What's Next: 30-30-30 and Learning in the Light
Dan previews practical strategies to apply this approach and become a student in public.

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Be a Student If You Want to Lead (Even If You're Already an Expert)

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