Slicing Through The Noise

Brand Energy in the Attention Economy — with Peter Drinkwater

Integrity and Values

In this episode, Jennifer Elliott speaks with Peter Drinkwater, founder of House of Brand, about how leaders can build brand energy that cuts through the noise. Peter unpacks the attention economy, why authenticity now outperforms polished messaging, and how organisations can create signals people want to engage with rather than push content that gets ignored. This conversation is practical, direct, and highly relevant for CEOs, founders, and senior leaders navigating cluttered markets.

What you’ll learn:
• How brand energy works and why it matters
• Why attention is earned, not bought
• The shift from messaging control to meaningful connection
• Practical examples of brands creating momentum without massive budgets

01:10 – Peter’s Early Career  
How a finance background shaped his understanding of value, customers, and commercial decision-making.

05:20 – What “Brand Energy” Really Means  
Peter explains how brand energy is created, why it matters, and how it differs from traditional branding.

08:45 – Competing for Attention  
The rise of the attention economy and why quality, not volume, now determines engagement.

11:30 – Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage  
Why audiences respond more to genuine signals than polished messaging—and how leaders can use this.

15:40 – Story: When Simplicity Outperformed Big Budgets  
Peter shares examples of small ideas generating outsized attention compared to expensive campaigns.

20:50 – How Energy Spreads Through a Market  
Understanding momentum, resonance, and what makes people share or talk about your brand.

25:30 – The Leader’s Role in Creating Brand Energy  
Decision-making, clarity, and internal alignment as drivers of brand impact.

30:05 – Connecting Emotionally Without “Performing”  
How leaders can communicate naturally without forcing personality or over-curating their image.

35:40 – Brand Building in Noisy, Competitive Categories  
Examples of brands finding a distinctive edge in crowded markets.

41:00 – The Risks of Trying to Control the Message  
Why over–managing communication suppresses energy and reduces authenticity.

45:20 – Using Curiosity & Insight to Build Followership  
How leaders can turn insight, humour, or candour into attention that compounds.

50:10 – Making Brand Decisions at Speed  
Peter’s advice for leaders making strategic calls in fast-moving environments.

55:40 – Practical Actions for Leaders  
Where CEOs should focus first: internal clarity, emotional relevance, and consistent signals.

59:30 – Final Insights & Takeaways  
Peter’s advice to leaders navigating complexity and the attention economy.

Thank you for listening to 'Slicing Through The Noise' the podcast that uncovers real stories behind impactful leadership in Australia and around the world.

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