Authenticity Over Perfection: The New YouTube Era with Alexa Saarenoja
02/19/25 • 42 min
Most people dream about making a big career shift, but few actually do it—let alone build a thriving YouTube channel from scratch. That’s exactly what Alexa Saarenoja did, going from architecture and design to full-time content creator. In this episode, we unpack how she found her niche, built a loyal audience, and turned her passion into a profitable business even as a mom of three kids.
Expect raw insights on what really matters in content creation—spoiler: it’s not fancy production, but authenticity and connection. We also dig into the realities of handling negativity, different ways to monetize beyond ads, and why consistency beats perfection every time. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally start your own YouTube journey, this is it.
Key Takeaways:
• YouTube is a game-changer for entrepreneurs and creators.
• Pivoting careers can open doors you never expected.
• Building a community is more valuable than chasing views.
• Authenticity beats a highly polished persona every time.
• Focus on value first—growth follows when you serve your audience.
• A “dead” channel isn’t dead—reviving it is possible with strategy.
• Negative feedback says more about the commenter than you.
• Monetization is more than just ad revenue—diversify your income streams.
Chapters:
00:00 - Why YouTube is the Ultimate Growth Tool
02:46 - How Alexei Went from Architect to YouTuber
06:05 - The Secret to Building a Loyal Audience
09:05 - Why Authenticity Outperforms Perfection
12:11 - Finding Content Ideas That Actually Work
15:04 - The Best Advice for Aspiring YouTubers
20:34 - Dealing with Haters & Negative Feedback
25:19 - Smart Monetization Strategies (Beyond Ads)
30:54 - How to Start and Scale Your YouTube Channel
35:03 - The Power of Community & Why It Matters
40:07 - Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Alexa's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexaSaarenoja
Alexa's Skool community: https://www.skool.com/creator-boost-3367
- Learn the strategy to use an AI-powered video strategy to supercharge your visibility - Join my next FREE live training!
- Subscribe on YouTube
- Follow/Connect on LinkedIn
- Follow on Instagram
- Download the prompts to create your perfect elevator pitch
Most people dream about making a big career shift, but few actually do it—let alone build a thriving YouTube channel from scratch. That’s exactly what Alexa Saarenoja did, going from architecture and design to full-time content creator. In this episode, we unpack how she found her niche, built a loyal audience, and turned her passion into a profitable business even as a mom of three kids.
Expect raw insights on what really matters in content creation—spoiler: it’s not fancy production, but authenticity and connection. We also dig into the realities of handling negativity, different ways to monetize beyond ads, and why consistency beats perfection every time. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally start your own YouTube journey, this is it.
Key Takeaways:
• YouTube is a game-changer for entrepreneurs and creators.
• Pivoting careers can open doors you never expected.
• Building a community is more valuable than chasing views.
• Authenticity beats a highly polished persona every time.
• Focus on value first—growth follows when you serve your audience.
• A “dead” channel isn’t dead—reviving it is possible with strategy.
• Negative feedback says more about the commenter than you.
• Monetization is more than just ad revenue—diversify your income streams.
Chapters:
00:00 - Why YouTube is the Ultimate Growth Tool
02:46 - How Alexei Went from Architect to YouTuber
06:05 - The Secret to Building a Loyal Audience
09:05 - Why Authenticity Outperforms Perfection
12:11 - Finding Content Ideas That Actually Work
15:04 - The Best Advice for Aspiring YouTubers
20:34 - Dealing with Haters & Negative Feedback
25:19 - Smart Monetization Strategies (Beyond Ads)
30:54 - How to Start and Scale Your YouTube Channel
35:03 - The Power of Community & Why It Matters
40:07 - Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Alexa's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexaSaarenoja
Alexa's Skool community: https://www.skool.com/creator-boost-3367
- Learn the strategy to use an AI-powered video strategy to supercharge your visibility - Join my next FREE live training!
- Subscribe on YouTube
- Follow/Connect on LinkedIn
- Follow on Instagram
- Download the prompts to create your perfect elevator pitch
Previous Episode
Book More Speaking Gigs on Stage: Insider Tips from Aleya Harris
Confidence on stage isn’t just about knowing what to say—it’s about owning your story. In this episode, public speaking and storytelling expert Aleya Harris shares how authenticity and personal storytelling can transform your communication skills.
From uncovering your unique message to navigating the speaking industry, evaluating opportunities, and leveraging video to amplify your presence, Aleya breaks down exactly how to position yourself as a sought-after speaker. Get ready to take action and step into your power as a speaker!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The surprising power of sharing your "crisis stories" (and why they're gold)
- How to spot speaking opportunities that are actually worth your time
- Why paying to speak might be sabotaging your success
- A fresh take on using video that goes beyond basic recordings
Key Insights:
"Speaking begets speaking" - The snowball effect of getting started
"Collect your crisis stories" - Turn your challenges into your superpowers
We bust the myth that there aren't enough speaking opportunities to go around and reveal how to find stages where your ideal audience is already waiting. Plus, discover why those messy moments in your journey might be exactly what your future audience needs to hear.
Pro Tip: Don't skip the video strategy section at 30:07 – it's a game-changer for turning one speaking gig into many.
Whether you're hiding in the back of Toastmasters or already booking paid gigs, this episode serves up practical wisdom for making your next talk unforgettable.
Time Stamps:
00:00 - The heart of impactful speaking
02:09 - Crafting stories that stick
05:59 - Mining your life for speaking gold
11:54 - Navigating the speaking scene
17:52 - Picking the right stages
23:57 - Delivery that draws people in
30:07 - Smart video strategies
36:06 - Your next bold steps
- Learn the strategy to use an AI-powered video strategy to supercharge your visibility - Join my next FREE live training!
- Subscribe on YouTube
- Follow/Connect on LinkedIn
- Follow on Instagram
- Download the prompts to create your perfect elevator pitch
Next Episode
How to Get Clients with Video in 2025: Why Visibility Beats Going Viral
Going viral won’t save your business—being forgettable will kill it.
In this episode, we’re diving into the real reason why so many entrepreneurs struggle to get clients, even when they’re showing up and creating content. Spoiler: It’s not the algorithm. It’s not luck. It’s not even your offer.
Here’s the truth: AI has made information cheap. If you’re just giving out “value” with tips and how-to’s, you’re already getting lost in the noise. The only way to stand out in 2025? Be the face of your brand, tell compelling stories, and build unshakable trust through video.
You’ll learn:
🔥 Why “just posting more” isn’t the answer (and what actually works)
🔥 The difference between visibility and authority (and why one leads to clients)
🔥 How to show up on video so your audience sees you as the only choice
🔥 The biggest mistakes keeping you invisible—and how to fix them
🔥 How to leverage AI without losing your voice or authenticity
If you’re ready to stop blending in and start building a magnetic brand that attracts dream clients effortlessly, this episode is for you.
🎙 Rate & Review: If this episode resonated with you, take a second to leave a review—it helps more entrepreneurs find this show!
- Learn the strategy to use an AI-powered video strategy to supercharge your visibility - Join my next FREE live training!
- Subscribe on YouTube
- Follow/Connect on LinkedIn
- Follow on Instagram
- Download the prompts to create your perfect elevator pitch
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