Ryan: Yeah, absolutely. Thank you for that. Rootstock is a thought leadership development and consulting firm. We like to work with ambitious visionary leaders to grow their businesses through curiosity-driven discovery and relationship-centered strategy — teaching them to build sustainable influence by creating genuine connections, fostering authentic communities, and crafting compelling thought leadership content that builds trust and drives impact.

Ryan: I have a PR, marketing, communications, and advertising background. I spent time at a couple of really cool agencies around Atlanta, plus a short stint in the corporate world where I did sales and discovered I don’t like transactional linear sales. Even though the money can be good, I’m a relationship guy. I’m a community builder. I’m a connector.

Ryan: So I started my first company called Rhino Media — kind of a general comms/PR service. That evolved into Rootstock when we leaned deeper into strategic communications and then into thought leadership. We developed our own definition of thought leadership: it’s about elevating your field. You have powerful thinking inside your head that challenges the status quo. You believe there's a better way to do something, and sharing it elevates your industry while growing your business because people resonate with your philosophy.

Ryan: It’s not just about being good at your job — it’s about showing how you think. When people hear your perspective on a problem, or read a post you wrote, or attend an event, they say: “I like the way this person thinks. Let me talk to them.” That’s what we do. We help leaders extract what’s in their head — identify key points, articulate them clearly, and build a thought leadership ecosystem: events, speaking, podcasts, books, LinkedIn content — whatever matches their goals.

Ryan: We have a team of seven: writers, strategists, creatives, thinkers. Above all, good humans. My motto for the year is: "Do cool stuff with cool people." And I believe we’re all stronger together when we build the right communities.

Darrin: And everyone listening — I have my notes and questions, but I have to add context about how you fit into the M3 ecosystem. I may go off the rails just a little bit. Ryan and I talk all the time. We have a great relationship. Let me take you back to the beginning.

Darrin: Believe it or not, people don’t believe this about me, but I am actually an introvert. It takes a lot to put myself out there. Ryan and I met sometime last year at a networking event — the ImpactUp event. Great energy. We connected and met again in Roswell at Gate City. When we met, I shared with him my entire vision — something I rarely do because I’m protective of my ideas.

Darrin: I had this big whiteboard plan for launching in-person events beyond Atlanta — Charlotte, etc. I shared it with Ryan, and the level of clarity he reflected back blew me away. It’s one thing to be listened to — another to be understood. I felt immediately like he was a safe space.

Darrin: I’m a man of faith, and I felt like God was sending me my people at a time when I was rebuilding and pivoting. I needed people who shared my values and integrity. His team — Tara, Gwendolyn — all of them are top-notch.

Darrin: So now, we’ve already done two Connect ATLs. We’re doing Connect Dallas in March, which is amazing. And for those listening, Rootstock is our producer for these events — helping find talent, amazing speakers, and ensuring we have excellence across every city. Rootstock is baked into our systems, and I’m so grateful.

Ryan: You are the architect of those empathetic systems, and I’m happy to be a part of that world.

Darrin: So let’s get into it. Many people are having a hard time connecting with their audience online. They’re brilliant — but there’s so much noise. Some feel discouraged, some feel overwhelmed, and some don’t enjoy creating content. What’s the first step?

Ryan: Great question. We see this all the time. Smart people doing great things — but messaging feels forced because they don’t have clarity. Staring at a blank page is stressful when you don’t have a foundation. That’s why we created “The Kernel of Truth.”

Ryan: You’ve gone through it. It’s a two-hour workshop that identifies and articulates the *core truth* — not your industry positioning, but who YOU are as a person. Why you're doing what you’re doing. What it means to you. Gwendolyn leads this — she listens deeply, reflects back, and pulls threads together.

Ryan: After the conversation, she and Tara write your Kernel of Truth. We present it as a beautiful PDF answering four key questions: Who you are, what you’re making, why it matters, and what it means to you. These simple questions become powerful drivers of messaging, growth, PR, social content, your website, events — everything.

Ryan: The Kernel gets you unstuck. It reminds you why you started your business or nonprofit. It gives you clarity to create content with confidence instead of confusion.

Darrin: When y’all presented my Kernel of Truth, I was hesitant internally. I thought: “How can someone else tell my story better than me?” But it was life-changing. I had two team members on the call. Ten minutes in, I felt tears — and I’m someone who has survived Hurricane Katrina!

Darrin: It wasn’t about writing — it was a powerful listening exercise. It gave me clarity. Therapy helped too, but Kernel of Truth revealed that in trying to be polished and “corporate,” I watered down my uniqueness. Authenticity is what resonates.

Darrin: When you show up as your real self — your lane finds you. Some people will say “not for me,” but many will say “this is exactly my lane.” Trying to be everything to everyone is a disservice. Kernel of Truth helped me define my values, my wheelhouse, and who I’m magnetic to.

Ryan: I love everything you said. Authenticity is a differentiator. With AI-generated content flooding the internet, being human is your advantage. And this is the long game — consistency plus authenticity builds community and trust.

Ryan: If you consistently build your ecosystem — content, events, relationships — you’ll attract the right people. And when you know your Kernel, content becomes easier because you’re creating from truth, not pressure.

Ryan: You’re not selling yourself. You’re just being yourself. And the right people will connect with that.

Darrin: So for someone feeling far removed from their mission — what can they do *this week* to reconnect?

Ryan: First, breathe. It happens to all of us. Think about what you’re grateful for. Identify what feels forced — and let some of that go. People think they need to be everywhere: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook — but you don’t. Be where you actually need to be.

Ryan: Write something — a blog, a post — even if no one sees it. Call someone you trust. Ask people: “Give me three words that describe me.” You’ll be surprised. We often see ourselves differently than others do.

Ryan: We did this exercise with clients before a workshop — and people said it was eye-opening. Most people aren’t thinking about us as harshly as we think. They're busy with their own lives.

Darrin: And how can someone start being more vulnerable? It’s easier said than done.

Ryan: It starts with community. A safe space. And taking small chances. We met at an event — you said you’re an introvert, but we talked one-on-one for 20 minutes. That’s how it starts.

Ryan: Many people avoid networking because it feels transactional or overwhelming. But not all events are like that. Start small — 20–30 person gatherings. Not a 300-person conference.

Ryan: If you’re unsure where to go, put a post on LinkedIn: “I’m trying to network more — any recommendations for events with good people?” You will get answers. People want to help — but they can’t help if you don’t ask.

Ryan: Another thing: many of us feel weird asking for help. Especially if we’re usually the ones people come to. But asking for help is not weakness — it’s strength. It shows curiosity, growth, and self-awareness.

Darrin: Exactly. When you're used to being the go-to person, it’s hard to learn to *receive* support.

Ryan: 100%. Everyone has problems. Everyone gets stuck. Everyone needs input. You’re never alone. And when you have community — you have people to text, talk to, lean on. That’s the power of connection.

Ryan: My Kernel of Truth is all about seeking real human connection. I’m a connector — of people, ideas, systems. Everything is about community. Whether it's email lists, LinkedIn followers, events, or one-on-one conversations — it’s all community-building.

Darrin: Community truly is everything.

Ryan: And when you're stuck, reach out to your people: “Hey, I’m struggling with this idea — what do you think?” Opening up vulnerability invites others to do the same. It changes the conversation instantly.

Darrin: I was just about to ask you about community — and you read my mind!

Darrin: Let’s talk about stepping into vulnerability. Many people feel overwhelmed, scared, unsure. They want to take a step forward but don’t know how to begin.

Ryan: Completely normal. Start with small, low-pressure events. Places where the energy feels supportive. Not every room is your room. But your room *exists*. You just need to find it. And Atlanta — and most major cities — have tons of communities ranging from 10 people to 100.

Ryan: And remember: most people at events feel awkward too. You’re not alone. Go once. If it’s not your space, try another. Eventually, you’ll find your people.

Darrin: That’s how I found Good Energy Coffee Crew — which is amazing.

Ryan: Exactly! Good Energy Coffee Crew is a perfect example. 20–30 good humans, great conversations, support, encouragement. Every time I go, I leave feeling better — like my cup is filled back up.

Ryan: Community is a warm blanket. Entrepreneurship can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be.

Darrin: Before we wrap up, I want to talk about something: signal vs noise. Leaders like Steve Jobs talked about cutting through noise and focusing on the signal — the truth, the essence. That’s why I’m big on empathetic systems. We may work eight hours a day, but only two or three are deep-work hours. Your systems, your team, your community — they amplify your signal.

Darrin: And of course, if people need support with systems or marketing — they can contact me. But Ryan, how can people get in touch with you and Rootstock? And how can they schedule a Kernel of Truth?

Ryan: Thank you. My email is ryan@rootstock. The Kernel of Truth is $3,000 and includes everything we talked about — the workshop, the writing, the strategy, the “This Is Me” post, the clarity, the prompts. We would love to help anyone who feels stuck or unclear.

Ryan: And we also host quarterly Marketing Mixers — which you’ve supported heavily. Amazing people show up. If you want to join, send me an email and we’ll add you to the list.

Ryan: And Good Energy Coffee Crew — started by Paul Carpenter — is another great community. We meet monthly. It’s easy, safe, supportive, and full of genuine connection. You’ll leave feeling inspired. It’s on LinkedIn if you want to join.

Ryan: There’s enough business for everyone. We’re stronger together. Community brings business, partnerships, collaboration, and friendships. Great ideas don’t thrive in isolation — they thrive in community.

Darrin: Exactly. The Kernel of Truth aligned me so deeply with who I am that the work no longer feels like work. I could do this forever. That’s the power of clarity and community.

Ryan: So true. And we’re honored whenever someone lets us into that vulnerable space. It’s intimate. It’s meaningful. We don’t take it lightly.

Darrin: Thank you, Ryan, for your time today.

Ryan: Thank you for having me. Connect with us — we love helping good people do good work.

Darrin: Thank you all for your time. We will see you again soon. Thanks y'all. All right. Bye-bye.