I’ve been promoting my new book, The Next Act – A Complete Guide to Career Change, Professional Reinvention, and Finding Work That Matters, reaching out to podcasters for interviews. The responses reveal an interesting paradox in our professional world.

What I’m discovering is that I am an “unknown expert.” I’m an expert in my field as an award-winning author and life and career coach with 16 years of experience.

Podcasters wish me well and ask for understanding, but many won’t interview me because:

1. I’m not a celebrity.

2. I don’t have a massive following to boost their reach when a high-profile guest shares the episode with thousands of listeners.

3. Some only interview people whom they know.

I understand this completely. People are seeking success and striving to maximize their impact. They have every right to make strategic choices about their content and collaborations. I respect both their decisions and their work.

Here’s what strikes me: everyone who now interviews “known” experts was once unknown themselves.

They worked tirelessly to achieve recognition and continue building their reputation. Somewhere along their journey, other people took a chance on them – believing in their work, giving them opportunities, and helping to spread the word.

Beyoncé wasn’t born with worldwide fame and millions of fans. Neither were Arianna Huffington, Marshall Goldsmith, or Martha Beck. They all started as unknowns with something valuable to offer.

This raises an important question: Why can’t interviewers do both – feature established celebrities and discover emerging experts?

Personally, I don’t feel unknown. I see myself through the lens of Benjamin Zander’s powerful philosophy, as outlined in The Art of Possibility. Zander gives everyone an “A” from the start – meaning they’re already excellent, capable, and full of potential.

This practical and transformative approach believes that instead of making people prove themselves or earn recognition, you begin by treating them as if they’re already operating at their highest level. You’re communicating absolute faith in their abilities and potential, which often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

This mindset:

– Shifts focus from judgment to possibility

– Eliminates the fear and defensiveness that come with being evaluated

– Allows people to step into their best selves immediately

– Creates an environment where creativity and risk-taking can flourish

In this framework, you begin as an expert. You’re already known, successful, sharing the stage with other recognized authorities in your field.

It’s about starting from a place of possibility rather than deficit. The “A” represents a person’s highest potential self, and by addressing that potential from the beginning, you’re more likely to see it emerge and flourish.

Maybe it’s time we gave more “unknown experts” their first “A” – and watch what remarkable things unfold.

Thanks – Michael (he, him)

Please share my Daily with your tribes.
This is also important – Expert and Expertise.

#1995