When Does Values-Based Marketing Feel Fake? | Leslie Smith

When does values-based marketing cross the line from meaningful to fake?

In this episode of Gratitude Geek, I’m joined by marketing and public relations veteran Leslie Smith for a grounded, honest conversation about values-based marketing, alignment, and why performative efforts quietly erode trust. We talk about how solopreneurs and small business owners can support causes they care about without turning it into optics, pinkwashing, or shallow awareness campaigns.

This conversation is especially for Gen X women solopreneurs who want their marketing to reflect who they are, what they value, and how they actually want to show up in their businesses in 2026 and beyond.

We cover:
➤ What makes values-based marketing feel authentic versus performative
➤ Why alignment matters more than visibility
➤ How storytelling builds trust and long-term connection
➤ Practical ways solopreneurs can incorporate meaning into their marketing
➤ Why press releases and blogging still matter

🔗 Show notes and resources:
https://kandasrodarte.com/302

👤 Connect with Leslie Smith:
Website: https://mccormickla.com/
YouTube:    / @lesliesmithmcla  

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 When values-based marketing feels off
03:22 What values-based marketing actually means
04:43 Authenticity versus performative marketing
09:21 Alignment with your audience and values
10:52 Why storytelling matters
13:25 Community impact and collaboration
15:54 Built-in opportunities for meaningful marketing
19:35 Practical strategies for solopreneurs
24:54 Press releases and blogging still matter
35:01 Closing gratitude and final thoughts

===
About Gratitude Geek Podcast:
Gratitude Geek is the podcast for Gen X women solopreneurs building genuine, lasting connections with clients, colleagues, and community. Host Kandas Rodarte believes gratitude is a business strategy that transforms how we show up in our work and lives.

Subscribe & Listen:
🎙️ YouTube:    / @gratitudegeek  
🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/27dh0T1...
🎙️ Website: https://kandasrodarte.com

Connect with Kandas:
📧 Weekly Email: https://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe
📸 Instagram:   / gratitudegeek  
💼 LinkedIn:   / gratitudegeek  

Support the Show:
Help Kandas upgrade her podcasting equipment 300+ episodes and 11+ years. Every contribution helps keep Gratitude Geek going strong.
👉 https://kandasrodarte.com/support

Work with Kandas:
Are you a woman solopreneur over 40 who's experienced something difficult like cancer, divorce, or loss? Kandas helps women rebuild their businesses and lives with strategy, systems, and gratitude as a business tool.
🌐 Learn more: https://kandasrodarte.com/start-here