Victoria Tollossa, MBA

Director of Marketing 

Illume

Founder & CEO

Mitchell Sandler LLC

Centre Law & Consulting, LLC.

Marketing Manager

First Edventures

Founder

IDL Entertainment Group

Co-Founder

Victoria Tollossa is a two-time founder, Grammy-nominated storyteller, and the creative force behind Illume — a personal branding agency helping executives and mission-driven entrepreneurs amplify their influence and visibility.

Blending business acumen and brand strategy, Victoria has helped clients secure funding from top firms, attract high-level talent, close multi-million-dollar deals, grow powerful social media platforms, earn industry awards, and land major speaking opportunities — not by chasing attention, but by owning their narrative.

Her work has been featured in Entrepreneur, Inc., Fortune, and Business Journals. She’s collaborated with both Fortune 500 brands and high-growth startups, including high-profile clients like Target, Ford, Seventh Generation and Bravo’s Real Housewives.

A trusted voice on storytelling, social media strategy, and the future of personal branding, Victoria is a frequent speaker, strategic advisor, and a fierce advocate for building businesses that reflect both purpose and power.

Victoria Tollossa

15: I recorded my first album.
16: Called Jive Records everyday for months (literally).
17: Got rejected by Jive Records.
18: Got into an Ivy League school, moved to NYC, heart of the music industry. 
19: Recorded more song, networked all over the city. The hustle was on.
20: Got rejected by everyone. Again.
21: I continued to practice, sing and dance... Every. Single. Day.
22: Met a big-time producer who gave me my first break.
24: Recorded more music, pitched all the record labels in NYC. This was gonna be it!
25: Got rejected by everyone — “We don’t get it, it’s just too different.”
26: Of course now I was now deemed “old” for the music industry, so I wrote for songs for others.
27: Moved to LA. Alone. 4+ writing sessions a week, grinding.
27: Launched an experiential marketing agency. A new lane.
28: Wrote a song that would later be nominated for a Grammy. Finally!
28: Also wrote 100+ songs that would never see the light of day. 
29: Got burnt out. Industry chewed me up and spit me out. Got out with low self esteem. Negative attitude. Totally jaded. 
29: Experiential marketing agency took off — 140+ team, huge clients.
30: Got pregnant and had my son.
31: Became a single mom. Everything changed.
32: Forced to exit the agency. 
33: Moved back east, lived with my mom. Did what’s best for my son.
34: Went back to school, got my MBA, moved out on my own.
35: Got a “real job” at a law firm.
36: Pandemic hit. Everything flipped again.
37: The struggle was real.
38: The struggle became even more real.
39: Quit corporate. Started a personal branding agency. A new chapter.
41: Scored a $10 million deal, sold the company and rode off into the sunset in my Maserati.

Ok… just kidding.
(About the last part, that is.)

We love to hear stories that resolve neatly at the end.
But real life doesn’t do that.

If you were hoping for a neat lesson, here it is:

The real win is NOT quitting.
It’s betting on yourself when the world says no.

So if you’re in the middle of your mess, your setback, your “I don’t know what’s next”…

Keep going.
The next chapter is still yours to write.

CEO @ Illume | Grammy-nominated Storyteller & Personal Branding Strategist for Executives

"Why do I need a personal brand? I'm not an influencer."
I hear this from execs all the time.

Ok fine, you're not trying to become TikTok famous.

But, I'm pretty sure you are trying to close deals faster, build credibility, and shorten the path to yes.

That’s exactly where a strong personal brand works in your favor.

A visible, authentic presence online creates familiarity.

Before a prospect ever meets you, they’ve already:

• seen your posts
• absorbed your insights
• connected with your story
• formed an opinion about who you are

So when you do get in the room, the heavy lifting is already done.
And the sales process accelerates.

Here’s how it shows up:

✅ Less time spent on introductions — your reputation gets there first
✅ Higher credibility — your content signals expertise
✅ Faster trust-building — people buy from people they feel they know
✅ Lower resistance — prospects are already warmed up
✅ Better-quality conversations — you’re treated like a peer, not a vendor
✅ Shorter sales cycles — recognized leaders get prioritized
✅ Stronger pricing power — trust increases perceived value

Personal branding is about leverage.

It reduces friction, increases trust, and drives revenue.

So if you’re a CEO, founder, or senior leader?

It’s time to step into the spotlight.
Share your insights.
Tell your story.
Build the connection before the first call.

Your bottom line will thank you.

Hala Taha

Young and Profiting Podcast 🚀 CEO & Founder 💁🏻‍♀️ YAP Media Network - #1 Business Podcast Network 🚀 The Podcast Princess 👸🏻 YAP Media - #1 Linkedin Marketing Agency 💁🏻‍♀️ LISTEN. LEARN. PROFIT 🤓💕🔥🚀

Hala Taha, known as “The Podcast Princess,” is the host of Young and Profiting (YAP) Podcast, a #1 Entrepreneurship podcast with over 30 million downloads. A Top 100 podcast globally, YAP features star-studded guests like Matthew McConaughey, Gary Vee, Alex Hormozi, Deepak Chopra, Daymond John, Mel Robbins, and countless others. The show was recognized as a 2022 Webby Honoree, and Hala graced the cover of Podcast Magazine in January 2021.

Hala is also the Founder and CEO of YAP Media, an award-winning, premier white-glove social media and podcast production agency for CEOs, celebrities, and top podcasters. With nearly 60 employees and a dozen high-profile clients, YAP Media was named the #1 LinkedIn Marketing Agency and voted Best Podcast Agency of 2022.

In 2022, Hala launched the YAP Media Network, a podcast network that helps top podcasts land sponsorship deals with major brands like LinkedIn, Airbnb, and Shopify. YAP Media is pacing to hit 8-figures in 2025, and represents some of the most popular business podcasters in the world including Jenna Kutcher, Russell Brunson, Neil Patel, and John Lee Dumas. 

Hala is well-known for her engaged following and influence on Linkedin, leading to the creation of YAP Academy. Her first two-day LinkedIn Secret Masterclass has had 9 cohorts with hundreds of new influencers following Hala’s expertise to achieve successful LinkedIn growth and monetization. The next YAP Academy Masterclass is currently in the works with a focus on podcast creation, growth and monetization.

Hala is a 2025 Real Leaders Top 50 Keynote Speaker, sharing her expertise in podcasting, LinkedIn, social media, personal branding, sales and entrepreneurship through in-person keynotes and panels such as Funnel Hacking Live 10 and IAB Upfronts.

Hala has had a knack for inventing successful products and motivating teams since a young age. She began her career in radio production while in college, working at HOT97 on The Angie Martinez Show. In her senior year of college she founded The Sorority of Hip Hop, building a community of 50 female bloggers who hosted a popular blog, events, concerts, and radio shows. When the blog boom slowed down, she got her MBA, graduating #1 in her class with a 4.0 gpa, and spent the next 6 years in various corporate marketing roles at Hewlett Packard and Disney Streaming Services.

Host of Young and Profiting Podcast

Host and Producer of #1 Education Podcast, Young and Profiting.

Pretty privilege IS real.

But it’s also a disadvantage.

I recently had a conversation with another girlboss babe, Emma Hernan, on Young and Profiting – and she totally agrees with me.

(Catch our full conversation here: https://yap.show/ehonyt)

The perks are pretty obvious…

But the curse?
 👉🏼 People underestimate you.
 👉🏼 Your success gets credited to who you “know.”
 👉🏼 Some women won’t take you seriously.
 👉🏼 Some men will, but for the wrong reasons. 🙄

Emma told me that in the beginning of her career, some people literally REFUSED to meet with her:
🗣️ “Too pretty to be serious.”
🗣️ “Why does she dress like that?”

I’ve been through that too.

It’s almost like people think the only thing you’re good for is looking good!

But here’s the TEA:

When people underestimate you based on your looks, it’s honestly a superpower. 💡

They don’t see you coming. They’re not prepared for your intelligence, your execution or your results.

And when you prove them wrong? It’s PRICELESS. 🔥

I didn’t build an 8-figure company because of how I look.

I built it because I can:
 ✅ Execute under pressure
 ✅ Deliver results
 ✅ Lead teams that perform
 ✅ Create value that lasts

Pretty privilege might open the door,

But only substance keeps you in the room. 💯

Because betting against pretty AND smart?

That's just stupid. 😉

Ever been underestimated because of how you look? Tell me about it 👇🏼

“You're so full of yourself.”

You're right. I am.

Not in the arrogant, self-absorbed way.

But in the…
👉🏼 I know my worth.
👉🏼 I’ve earned my seat.
👉🏼 I’ve done the hard work.
Kind of way.

I started a media company from scratch with a team of volunteers that’s now on track to make 8-figures this year. 

I’m a Top 10 entrepreneurship podcaster that’s interviewed some of the most powerful names in the world.

I’ve spoken in front of crowds of thousands and was named a 2025 Real Leaders Top 50 Keynote Speaker.

And I’ve done it ALL without waiting for permission. 💯

But it always wasn’t like this.

I grew up thinking that I had to make myself small so others felt more comfortable. Not anymore.

🫵🏼 If you’re not full of YOURSELF – your skills, your voice, your power… 

Then who will be?

Take up space.
Share your wins.
Be unapologetically YOU.

And if that makes some people uncomfortable…

Just let them squirm. 🤷🏻‍♀️

LinkedIn's reach has tanked this year. 📉

And 99% of creators haven't pivoted yet.

I've been posting on LinkedIn for 7 years.

Back then? This platform was gold for real connections and industry insights.

But now?

📉 Median impressions are down 65% below the 2023 peak
📉 Growth for the average creator is down 20% since Q2
📉 Median impressions are down 18% since Q3 2024

According to the The Q3 State of the LinkedIn Algorithm Report from Chris Donnelly and Will McTighe ☝🏼 

But while everyone's complaining about the algorithm shifts...

I'm doubling down on what actually works:

✅ Using powerful visuals that grab attention.
✅ Educational and actionable content that solves real problems.
✅ Sharing stories only I can tell from my experience.
✅ Writing about controversial topics to encourage conversation.
✅ Consistently learning, adapting and pushing out quality content.

LinkedIn wants to be the next creator platform.

Fine by me.

Because the creators who win? 

They're the ones who stay ahead.

When I first started Young and Profiting… 

I sacrificed EVERYTHING. 

It was ALL work and no play:
👉🏼 I was the one always saying “no” to parties.
👉🏼 I was the one skipping birthdays and girls’ nights.
👉🏼 I was the one canceling family gatherings.

And you know what?

Everyone thought I was crazy. 🤯

But I wouldn’t change a thing. 

Those sacrifices back THEN are the reason why I’m NOW running a multi-million dollar company. 

Now I can work hard and play hard - whenever I want to, in whatever I want to!

All thanks to Revolve 🤗

Revolve has been my secret weapon for every moment that matters – whether I’m crushing it on stage or celebrating with my friends and family. 

And now I’m sharing it with you 🫵🏼 

You can shop my fall faves from Revolve here: https://lnkd.in/eH4PZzDc

(Use code PROFITING for 15% OFF for your first order!)

Because when you work hard and play hard…

You deserve to look and feel amazing doing BOTH.

Hiring is HARD ‼️

But here’s my secret to finding the best candidates… 

Because if you've ever built a team, you know exactly what I mean.

I manage a team of 50+ people across 5 continents, and finding the right hires?

It’s one of the toughest (but most rewarding) parts of scaling.

You spend hours reviewing resumes…
Weeks scheduling interviews…
And even after all that, you’re crossing your fingers that they’re the right fit. 🤞🏼

That's why I LOVE what Indeed is doing for business owners:
(Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at https://lnkd.in/ekByQKcW)

✅ Smart matching connects you with candidates who actually fit the role
✅ Screening tools help you filter for skills and experience
✅ Built-in assessments save you from costly hiring mistakes

I’ve found some of my BEST employees on Indeed ‼️

And it’s not just me:
👉🏼 93% of employers agree Indeed delivers the highest quality matches
👉🏼 Indeed delivers 4x more hires than all other job sites COMBINED
👉🏼 Over 3.5 million businesses worldwide trust Indeed to find their next superstar

I’ve built my team from ZERO.

And here’s what I know for sure:

Your business is only as strong as the people you hire. 🔥

Stop letting the hiring process drain your energy.

Start building the team that’ll take you to the next level with Indeed ☝🏼

Kim Perell: 5 Execution Traits That Transform Ideas Into a $100M Business

📈 Success isn’t about luck… it’s about EXECUTION ‼️

This week on YAP, I sat down with award-winning entrepreneur and angel investor, Kim Perell, who built a $100 million business from scratch and now helps founders do the same! 💰

During the interview, Kim broke down her FIVE traits of execution 👇🏼
1️⃣ Vision
2️⃣ Passion
3️⃣ Action
4️⃣ Resilience
5️⃣ Relationships

She explains that these are the traits that separate dreamers from doers, and Kim made it clear that when you master these, you can massively increase your odds of winning in business and in life. 

If you’re building a business and need a sign to finally start… 

Watch the full episode whenever you want on Youtube: https://lnkd.in/e6AfJ2ze

Dean Graziosi: Golden Age Is Here! How First-Time Entrepreneurs Are Winnin

🧠 You think it’s too risky to start a business? Think again! 🤔

This week on YAPClassic, I’m joined by New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur, Dean Graziosi, where he reveals how AI and technology have made entrepreneurship more accessible to any entrepreneur than ever before! 💯

After nearly three decades of building and scaling businesses, Dean shares with us how anyone can turn their knowledge, skill, or passion into a profitable and scalable business…

NO massive capital. NO fancy degree required. JUST YOU! 🫵🏼

So if you’ve been waiting for the right time to launch your business… this is your sign!

Watch the full episode whenever you want on Youtube: https://lnkd.in/eYabjabs

SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW: https://lnkd.in/esvhAteX

View event: Finding Your Working Genius to End Career Burnout with Patrick Lencioni

Finding Your Working Genius to End Career Burnout with Patrick Lencioni

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Victoria Tollossa

Hala Taha

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The Battle

Victoria Tollossa

Hala Taha

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Victoria Tollossa's LinkedIn Performance

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