In this powerful episode of the Patent Hacks Podcast, I sit down with Douglas Crowe, the dynamic CEO of Author Your Brand, who's spent over four decades helping founders, CEOs, and visionaries shape their personal brands and legacies through storytelling. From the highs of multi-million dollar real estate deals to the depths of personal loss during the 2008 crash, Doug shares his raw and inspirational journey back to success—and how he found healing and purpose through the power of his own voice.

We talk about the importance of building a personal brand before you think you're ready, why books are the ultimate long-term marketing tool, and how leveraging your network can become your greatest business asset. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting to think about your legacy, this episode is packed with lessons that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Timeline Summary:

[2:05] - Doug’s unexpected leap from radio to real estate investing and the lessons learned

[6:33] - Losing everything in 2008 and the moment that pulled Doug out of clinical depression

[12:17] - The psychological shift from despair to resilience

[17:02] - The underestimated value of your network

[22:14] - Common misconceptions about building personal brands—and why your story matters

[27:01] - The real impact a book can have on your brand, your business, and your legacy

[34:42] - Why documenting your journey is never too early

[44:55] - How to avoid shiny object syndrome and stay focused on your long-term vision

[49:23] - Doug’s favorite client success story: from $600 office rent to industry influencer

[53:10] - The danger of AI-generated content and how to use AI without losing your authenticity

[55:00] - Building team culture and turning employees into brand advocates

Resources:

Doug Crowe’s Website: https://dougcrowe.com/

Doug Crowe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedougcrowe/

Patent Hacks Website: https://www.patenthacks.com

Trevor Skene LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-skene/

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Share it with someone who needs to hear Doug’s incredible comeback story or who’s ready to turn their own journey into a powerful personal brand.