About My Mogul Media
Located in Atlanta, GA, My Mogul Media (M3) helps nonprofits build a strong foundation of digital presence and workflow systems to facilitate smoother operations for greater impact. From building websites to assisting with growth and fundraising strategies, M3’s services cater specifically to the mission-driven goals and unique constraints of nonprofit teams.
The Challenge
How does a self-described “wallflower” step into the spotlight to confidently engage in authentic thought leadership? While CEO/Founder Darrin Cook excelled in behind-the-scenes work, getting M3 to the next level of growth required a journey past his comfort zone.
- Engaging Audiences through Clarity and Confidence: Leading events is demanding even for the outspoken, but it’s a valuable part of outreach. Darrin’s ideas have always been worth sharing; he just needed a center of focus to do so with assurance and authenticity.
- Broadening the Geographical Presence: Darrin’s vision for M3 includes a presence beyond its Atlanta headquarters. With the goal of expanding into Charlotte, LA, and Dallas, establishing roots in target cities was an essential first step.
- Connecting Consistently: Growth takes time. From in-person events to LinkedIn Live sessions, every touchpoint of a thought leadership ecosystem needs consistent messaging and delivery to build trust. M3 had a presence, just an erratic one.
“Putting myself out there is a very unnatural thing for me. If I had a choice, I would have Zoom calls with the camera off.” — My Mogul Media Founder and CEO, Darrin Cook
The Approach
Rootstock’s primary role was to help Darrin unearth the deepest truths driving both him as a leader and M3 as an organization, thereby providing the focus and confidence he needed to speak authentically to bigger audiences. Next, we assisted him in hosting successful events locally in Atlanta and further afield in Dallas. Through our general consulting, we’ve provided ongoing coaching to support him in maintaining a steady thought leadership ecosystem that continues to elevate M3.
Empowering an Introvert to Embrace His Natural Leadership
Rootstock conducted a Kernel of Truth session for Darrin to develop an all-encompassing view of his singular truths and greatest aspirations. Through our findings, we helped Darrin see himself as others already saw him: a liberator and a leader who helps nonprofits make a powerful impact on the world.
“Rootstock has really helped me to understand where I am, understand my heritage, and understand where I want to go.” — My Mogul Media Founder and CEO, Darrin Cook
Hosting Impactful Events in Major Cities
Inspired by the success of Rootstock’s marketing mixers, Darrin knew M3 would be an ideal candidate for hosting their own events. From sourcing and confirming speakers both in and out of their existing network to general planning, we collaborated with M3 to organize three impactful events:
- Connect ATL: More than 50 nonprofit leaders came together and listened in as four speakers highlighted the current landscape for local nonprofit organizations at Hippin’ Hops Brewpub in June 2025.
- Connect ATL #2: Following the success of their previous Atlanta-based event, M3 hosted a second Connect ATL three months later, bringing together a room full of changemakers to inspire the creativity and genuine connection that forges problem-solving partnerships.
- Connect Dallas: After two hit events in Atlanta, we helped Darrin research, source, and confirm speakers for a Dallas-based event, working both within his network and via cold outreach. The March 2026 event was a smash hit, featuring multiple 30-minute roundtables led by impact leaders and conversational elements where attendees could share their own input, too.
“I’m learning that I may be pretty good at public speaking. Going into the first Connect ATL was completely out of my comfort zone, but I knew I was in good hands.” — My Mogul Media Founder and CEO, Darrin Cook
Connecting with Clarity and Consistency
Rootstock has coached Darrin through continued consulting services, encouraging him to stay consistent even through periods of slow growth. He hosts LinkedIn Live sessions regularly, and while topics vary, they’re always grounded in his thought leadership position, ensuring a trustworthy voice that cultivates connection.
“I have a thousand ideas, and it’s really challenging to stay on brand. I’ve used the Kernel of Truth as a bible to be rooted in my truest, most authentic identity.” — My Mogul Media Founder and CEO, Darrin Cook
The Impact
While Rootstock’s engagement with M3 is fairly young, it stands as an example of how consistent efforts can make a meaningful difference.
A Growing Community
Long-term, measurable growth unfolds over time, but Darrin is already seeing practical results. M3’s thriving network continues to evolve with the right kinds of connections, both locally and in target cities online and offline. Their email newsletter list alone has grown by an estimated 200 people, with countless others coming into the M3 ecosystem via LinkedIn, Instagram, blogs, case studies, and introductions from others in the community.
Confidence to Step into the Arena
With greater clarity into his inner truths and innate leadership qualities, Darrin can now draw on authentic insights when connecting with others, whether in a room with dozens of people or virtually during fireside chats. This drive to inspire others reflects his passion for mission-driven work, as well as the true essence of thought leadership.
“When I do LinkedIn Lives, I’m not performing. It’s just me. You’ve given me permission and validation to know that I can be that fearless leader just as myself.” — My Mogul Media Founder and CEO, Darrin Cook
A Strong Thought Leadership Foundation
Lastly, Rootstock’s partnership with M3 showcases the value of pursuing thought leadership — even if you don’t feel quite ready. As a boutique agency, we were able to meet Darrin exactly where he was without the need for a long-term retainer, fueling the growth that M3 needed in that stage. You don’t have to be planning an industrial farm to get started; we can help you build a lettuce patch first.
“I probably would not have started when I did without you guys checking in on me and letting me know it’s never going to be the perfect time.” — My Mogul Media Founder and CEO, Darrin Cook