Listen " 31: Sana A Ahmed - Unleashing Your Inner Monster"
Episode Synopsis
Sana A Ahmed is a personal brand experience consultant and thought creator. We unpack how to unleash your inner monster — showing up as a person who has the guts to consciously stand out amidst a noisy world. We also discuss the immense potential of becoming an online creator by focusing on your Personal Philosophy.
Ready to dive down the rabbit hole? Download the free Corporate Cage Freedom Guide.
***
TIMESTAMPS
[2:08] Why explore monsters?
[5:56] Befriending your inner monster
[7:30] Sana’s “creator” backstory
[13:40] Personal Philosophy: definition & value
[20:00] Leaders embody their philosophy
[22:15] Applying the Niche of One (article)
[26:15] Escape competition through authenticity
[28:24] Countering “default path” thinking
[32:00] Rapid-fire questions
[37:00] Rituals for an energized day
***
TAKEAWAYS
1. A monster is a person with the guts to show up and stand out, consciously; they reveal to others what is hidden in plain sight
2. When you befriend your monster, you’re unlocking connection through authenticity and relatability
3. Personal Philosophy: (1) means “love of knowing who you are” and (2) having it provides constraints for achieving higher levels of freedom
4. Strong self-knowledge makes life smoother and easier
5. “Niching down” your personal brand can leave you feeling confined over time; counter this through an always-evolving Niche of One approach
6. If you’re a creator, you don’t want to compete; instead, you need to collaborate
7. Best advice: follow (lead with) your heart
8. Over-focus on “reach” and metrics will trap you; you’ll lose energy to persevere
9. “Success” is necessarily a definition of your own making
10. Live at the intersection of your interests and you'll elevate your potency as a creator (bringing together different facets and creating value)
***
RESOURCES
Connect w/ Sana on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter @sanathemonster
See Sana's personal site
Connect w/ Matt on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter @MatthewRDoan
Check the show on YouTube
Subscribe to the Wednesday Wisdom newsletter
Ready to dive down the rabbit hole? Download the free Corporate Cage Freedom Guide.
***
TIMESTAMPS
[2:08] Why explore monsters?
[5:56] Befriending your inner monster
[7:30] Sana’s “creator” backstory
[13:40] Personal Philosophy: definition & value
[20:00] Leaders embody their philosophy
[22:15] Applying the Niche of One (article)
[26:15] Escape competition through authenticity
[28:24] Countering “default path” thinking
[32:00] Rapid-fire questions
[37:00] Rituals for an energized day
***
TAKEAWAYS
1. A monster is a person with the guts to show up and stand out, consciously; they reveal to others what is hidden in plain sight
2. When you befriend your monster, you’re unlocking connection through authenticity and relatability
3. Personal Philosophy: (1) means “love of knowing who you are” and (2) having it provides constraints for achieving higher levels of freedom
4. Strong self-knowledge makes life smoother and easier
5. “Niching down” your personal brand can leave you feeling confined over time; counter this through an always-evolving Niche of One approach
6. If you’re a creator, you don’t want to compete; instead, you need to collaborate
7. Best advice: follow (lead with) your heart
8. Over-focus on “reach” and metrics will trap you; you’ll lose energy to persevere
9. “Success” is necessarily a definition of your own making
10. Live at the intersection of your interests and you'll elevate your potency as a creator (bringing together different facets and creating value)
***
RESOURCES
Connect w/ Sana on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter @sanathemonster
See Sana's personal site
Connect w/ Matt on LinkedIn
Follow on Twitter @MatthewRDoan
Check the show on YouTube
Subscribe to the Wednesday Wisdom newsletter
More episodes of the podcast Uncage Yourself
170: My Life in 2025
15/12/2025
169: “Founders” Don’t Wait for Permission
02/12/2025
168: Watch Your Game Film
11/11/2025
167: Skepticism Isn’t Wisdom. It’s Fear.
04/11/2025
164: Futureproof Yourself
30/09/2025
163: Love Your Work. Or Pay the Price.
16/09/2025
162: It Gets Late Fast
09/09/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.