Ever felt the pull toward a new path, a passion project, business, or message, but kept waiting for the “perfect time” to start?

In this episode, host Michelle B. Griffin sits down with Bernie Borges, speaker, executive leadership coach, podcast host, and founder of the Fulfillment Institute, who shares how he stepped into a bold new lane before he felt fully ready.

From launching a podcast while still in corporate, to building a leadership framework, to walking away from a full-time role to pursue his mission, Bernie shares the full behind-the-scenes of how he put himself out there and turned passion into purpose and visibility into authority.

In this episode, we cover:

00:00 – Intro: The power of starting before you’re ready
03:15 – Bernie’s backstory: From VP of content to fulfillment-focused founder
07:20 – How podcasting helped him find his true lane
10:40 – The moment he knew it was time to pivot
14:25 – Positioning: Carving out space in a saturated niche
19:30 – Building brand presence through content, podcasting, and partnerships
24:10 – The mindset shift that helped him push past fear and visibility blocks
28:45 – Frameworks + thought leadership: why you need one
32:30 – Elevating authority: what builds trust and recognition
37:00 – Bernie’s long game: The Fulfillment Institute and vision ahead
42:10 – Key takeaways for owning your lane and taking that first step

Whether you're still in a corporate role or already building your thought leadership brand, Bernie’s story is a powerful reminder that clarity comes through action, and your lane is waiting.

Own Your Lane® Recognition Roadmap

This episode highlights all four steps of the Own Your L.A.N.E.® framework—because Bernie models what it looks like to launch, articulate, navigate, and elevate over time:

✨ L: Launch Your Vision – Follow the pull toward a deeper purpose
✨ A: Articulate Your Edge – Define your positioning in a crowded space
✨ N: Navigate Your Presence – Build brand equity with strategic content
✨ E: Elevate Your Authority – Establish trust with audiences and open new doors

🔗 LINKS

• Visit Bernie’s website: https://midlifefulfilled.com
• Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges
• Get free personal brand resources: https://michellebgriffin.com

🎧 Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review so more experts like you can Own Your Lane® and

Ready to Own Your Lane? – The Thought Leadership Branding Podcast

Hosted by keynote speaker, author, and LinkedIn® visibility expert Michelle B. Griffin, this podcast helps professionals grow their influence, visibility, and brand authority for business success.

As founder of Brand Leaders and creator of the Own Your Lane™ Recognition Roadmap, Michelle speaks and trains experts, leaders, and organizations to stand out with thought leadership—on LinkedIn, on stage, and in the media.

🎤 Book a chat with Michelle to discuss speaking or workshops to scale visibility, influence, and business growth. MichelleBGriffin.com/chat

WEBSITE: MichelleBGriffin.com
GET VISIBLE ON LINKEDIN: Free Audio Masterclass
READ: My Personal Branding Books
LISTEN: The LinkedIn Branding Show
CONNECT: With Me on LinkedIn