"The Existential Dilemma of Social Media": "There's an existential conflict, and I think social media taps into our basic need to feel significant. It kinda tricks us into thinking that being seen is the same thing as being valuable." - Perry Maughmer

In a world where visibility often equates to success, I've chosen a path less traveled, one of introspection and genuine connection. Here's what I explore in this episode...

The Difference Between Marketing and Promotion:

Marketing is about long-term relationship building and storytelling, whereas promotion often focuses on immediate visibility and quick reactions. Understanding this distinction is crucial for aligning with authentic goals.

The Courage to Be Invisible:

We've been conditioned to believe that visibility is equal to value. But stepping back can lead to deeper connections and authenticity. It's okay to be invisible sometimes, and it might even lead to more meaningful work.

Freedom Over Image:

True authenticity means evolving without the constant need to narrate that evolution to the world. Embrace the messy, ever-changing nature of life without being tied down by a promotable identity.

This is the first of three covering this topic. I'm excited to share more insights in the upcoming episodes. If any of this resonates with or challenges your thinking, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Looking Ahead:

• Episode 72: "The Lie of Visibility."
• Episode 73: "Living Relentlessly Unseen."

00:00 Subjective Truth Exploration

04:44 Marketing Podcast vs. Promotion Dilemma

08:30 "Authenticity vs. Performance in Marketing"

11:45 Social Media's Existential Conflict

13:26 Is Good Work Enough?

18:30 Sartre on Self and Bad Faith

22:09 Curated Selves: Comfort vs. Authenticity

23:41 Imperfect Authenticity Over Perfection

26:46 Authentic Evolution Without Narrating

Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.

These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.

This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.

Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.

Copyright 2025 Perry Maughmer