The Book Leads: Impactful Books For Life & Leadership

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Episode 99: Sean Stewart and (a) The Greek Hoplite Phalanx: The Iconic Heavy Infantry of the Classical Greek World by Richard Taylor & (b) Living Latin: Everyday Language and Popular Culture by Charlie Kerrigan

ABOUT SEAN

Sean Stewart is a seasoned historian, leadership consultant, and business trainer. With over 30 years of experience in studying and working in the history field, Sean's multifaceted expertise in history, sailing, and storytelling enables him to connect people with our shared human experience across millennia. Sean has been dedicated to unveiling the power of history to transform our present perspectives and inspire positive change. As a historical leadership excellence expert, heguides managers into becoming effective leaders by leveraging the lessons of the past. Sean's use of artifacts and compelling narratives serves as a powerful tool to illuminate history and shape cohesive, high-performing teams.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

When it comes to the issues we have, you can learn that (1) we've been here before and (2) you're not alone.
Infusing ancient artifacts with essential leadershiplessons
An artifact in view is a lesson in view. "A Silent Coach."
Leadership acting as a service.
A leadership example from the 19th century Bobby/London Police Whistle.
The power of going to find the story.
Making what you learn relevant for others.
Human Interaction & Understanding --> Overcomplicating Everything vs. Going Back To Basics
Why we shouldn't write off the people -- or the stories -- of 98% of us who came before modern society as we know it.
The two level of how you enrich yourself by extracting modern lessons from ancient history.
What would you write on your own epitaph?
"Act now so you deserve your own epitaph later."
"We need in the modern world a built-in structure where we give people the chance to take a breath and we don't have that anymore."
"What connects us to antiquity or the Middle Agesis more than what separates us."
Why the word "history" should be a verb rather than a noun.
"Uncertainty is where leadership lives."

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Sean is, How do you utilize the stories of your past -- and history, overall -- to shape your approach to your work, life, and leadership?

FIND SEAN

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-stewart-speaker/
Website: https://pastforwardtalks.com
Medium: https://medium.com/@sean-stewart

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7203475413115781121/

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Sean Stewart

00:41 - Introduction & Bio

02:42 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

13:57 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

16:11 - Where did your curiosity for the story come from?

25:00 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

26:00 - What does leadership mean to you?

31:39 - Can you introduce us to the books we’re discussing? (Greek Hoplite Phalanx)

38:37 - More on the book Living Latin

39:44 - How we should teach history today

44:46 - Synopsis of Sean's upcoming book

46:35 - A leader from history who stands out to Sean

56:25 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 98: Jeff Buehner and His Book, The Sultan's Seven Secrets

ABOUT JEFF

30 years ago, Jeff came across the writings of the richest man to ever walk the earth, Sultan Musa of Mali who could not talk openly about how he learned these wealth secrets, so he embedded the principles of his success in a fairytale. Contained in his writings is something called the Language of the Gods. When you speak this language, theworld obeys your commands! As Jeff just dabbled in speaking this language, some very strange coincidences occurred. So, he got serious about speaking it... and his whole world changed! He went from a $60,000-a-year concrete guy to making hundreds of thousands a month in a new business that just dropped into his lap. Over the past 30 years, Jeff has successfully mentored and coached countless others to speak this all-important language that changes everything. When you learn to speak the Language of the Gods, you can drastically improve your sales, success, fitness, relationships, and anything else you desire. It’s all contained within Jeff's book, The Sultan’s Seven Secrets.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

"I blew my opportunity to get some advice from a mentor."
How things are different when you're raised on a farm.
"...oftentimes the more you chase something, the more you try to make it happen, the more elusive it becomes."
The power of reading a first page and taking a first step.
The true lesson in Aladdin & The Magic Lamp.
"Feelings are self-fulfilling prophecies."
"Change your feelings, change your life."
The power of imagination and pretending -- even as an adult.
What is/are your magnificent obsession(s)?
"Your subconscious mind is like a GPS."
The power of glimpses.
How the subconscious mind is a willing servant.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Jeff is, How are your deep feelings about yourself and your circumstances impacting the result of what you want for yourself?

FIND JEFF

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-buehner-4710a71aa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jeff_Buehner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/7SecretsInstitute
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeff_buehner/
Website: https://sultans7secrets.com/

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-98-jeff-buehner-sultans-seven-secrets-jaramillo-mba-msop-wncme/?trackingId=sgxLPVqpTguRl7KdUA3W1A%3D%3D

VIDEO TIME STAMP

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Jeff Buehner

00:42- Introduction & Bio

02:16- Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

03:02- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

07:48 - When you say you're more of a black or white person, where does that come from?

12:00 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

13:17- What does leadership mean to you?

14:05- Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing

23:04 - An overview of the origin of the Sultan's Secrets.

59:10 - How the Sultan's Secrets affected Jeff's life up until the point he wrote his book.

01:10:00- What’s next for your writing?

01:13:08- What book has inspired you?

01:15:53- What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity.I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 97: Mónica Esgueva and Her Book, The 7 Levels of Wisdom: A Path To Fulfillment

ABOUT MONICA

Mónica Esgueva is a renowned self-development teacher and spiritual guide known for bridging the gap between Eastern and Western philosophies. With a profound understanding of the mind, human consciousness, and spirituality, she has been helping the transformation of individuals for more than fifteen years. She is a prolific author who is celebrated for her impact on self-development in Spain and Latin America, and she has 9 empowering books. Mónica's journey extends beyond her literary contributions; during a decade-long exploration of India and Nepal, she immersed herself in profound teachings from Tibetan lamas, including therevered Dalai Lama. She teaches workshops and guides meditation & transcendence retreats. She has been a TEDx speaker and a frequent Spanish national TV guest. Very committed to guiding others’ inner evolution, she hasworked as a transformational coach for the last fifteen years. Since 2008, she has taught emotional mastery, self-knowledge, and mindfulness to more than 2,500 executives at companies such as Accenture, Samsung, and Oracle. She was honored as one of the Top 100 Women Leaders in Spain and one of the Top 10 “Thinkers and Experts Awards.” Besides her native Spain, she has lived in Paris, London, Tanzania, and Asia. She speaks four languages fluently.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

What happens when you try to fit in anywherewith something that's not authentic to what you TRULY need to be in alignment with your soul's purpose.
How a trip to India upended her life completely (in a good way).
What self-transcendence means.
The fault in our life's programming.
Self-Leadership & finding yourself.
"I am an example of if you don't give up, if you are constant in your work, if you have faith and you do things from your heart, at some point, the right timing will appear and then things will flow."
The power of humility.
The seven levels of wisdom and our three tiers of development.
"I am not an animal that will just follow a crowd."
You're not supposed to know where life's tests will take you -- or else they wouldn't be test.
Near-death wisdom.
Points of peace in your life.
The power of inner kindness and benevolence.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Mónica is, How are you responding to the voice that's calling you to transform into what it is you're meant to be?

FIND MONICA

Website: http://www.monicaesgueva.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m%C3%B3nica-esgueva-b85b9727a/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MonicaEsgueva
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monica_esgueva/

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-97-m%2525C3%2525B3nica-esgueva-7-levels-wisdom-path-jaramillo-mba-msop-h4wge/?trackingId=UytCUHY9TCG6Jqg2rDkrlg%3D%3D

CHAPTERS – NEED TO FIX FOR AUDIO

00:00 - The Book Leads - Mónica Esgueva

00:50 - Introduction & Bio

02:54 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

07:05 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

16:29 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

18:12 - What does leadership mean to you?

20:06 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

27:25 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?

29:00 - What are the seven levels of wisdom?

43:40 - What lessons have you taken away from the book?

49:46 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 96: Dr. Eric Boyd and his book with Anna Alvarez Boyd, PCC, FairWays to Leadership®: Building Your Business Network One Round of Golf at a Time

ABOUT ERIC

Eric is Professor Emeritus at James Madison University and associate professor of marketing at the University of Central Florida. His research on leadership has been published in leading management journals like Harvard Business Review and Advertising Age. He received his PhD in marketing from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and is an award-winning scholar who is recognized internationally for the innovativeness and quality of his instruction. Eric promotes leadership development and training through his work with FairWays to Leadership (FWTL), a national nonprofit he co-founded with his wife, Anna Alvarez Boyd. The mission of FairWays to Leadership is to teach leadership and networking skills to college students from diverse communities through the experience of learning to golf. Eric is also a leadership coach with Inntinnean Coaching. Eric's coaching philosophy is that every person has innate strengths, and the use of those strengths is key to successfully leading others and oneself. Working with clients to understand their leadership strengths through reflection and assessment, Eric provides clients with a customized approach that allows them to be more effective leaders.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

Who are the people who give him checks, showing him he's taken certain things for granted?
"Don't take for granted that you have confidence. Not everybody has it."
Being aware of your superpowers -- and sharing them.
The question that seems to sort of stop a lot of young leaders in their tracks.
How his mom inadvertently taught him about competition.
"OK, get the opportunity first. Then you can figure out all the details." (Using where you want to get as your North Star.)
What made his life richer.
How his students' frustrations during the Summer of 2020 led to Fairways to Leadership.
The source of Eric's servant leadership.
The power of adaptability in life, leadership, and golf.
What branding means vs. what networkingmeans.
"How do you bring your brand to lifefor other people?"
Looking back over your past to see where you had "the zig."
"Networking within the family."

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Eric is, Which superpower, that could benefit and possibly be life-changing for others when you share it, are you overlooking?

FIND ERIC

Website: https://fairwaystoleadership.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-eric-boyd-6322274/

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7196579462459572224/

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction & Bio - Dr. Eric Boyd

03:00 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

11:38 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

25:30 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

26:11 - Where does your servant leadership come from

28:38 - What does leadership mean to you?

29:35 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? A breakdown of the chapters in the book.

32:47 - What do alumni of FairWays to Leadership say about their takeaways?

35:20 - How does the program work, between the classwork and golfing?

41:38 - What lessons have you taken away from the book

43:24 - How did it work out with you cowriting the book with your wife?

45:05 - What’s next for your writing?

45:36 - What book has inspired you?

49:00 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 95: Suzi Hunn & Her Book, Big-Hearted Entrepreneur: Own Your Worth and Amplify a Mission That Matters

ABOUT SUZISuzi Hunn founded Teach Your Thing in 2017 to help changemakers amplify their impact. Her specialty is designing education experiences that expand audiences and create income streams. Her book, Big-Hearted Entrepreneur, is a practical guide for helping purpose-driven leaders own their worth and amplify a mission that matters to them. Suzi has more than twenty years of experience developing learning tools for nonprofits, social enterprises, cultural institutions, K–12 schools, corporate groups, authors, and founders. As an educator at the Minnesota Historical Society, her largest project was coordinating the second edition of Northern Lights, a history curriculum used by sixty-five thousand sixth graders annually. Other favorites included developing multimedia materials on Ojibwe beadwork and Hmong immigration and presenting at conferences like Games + Learning Society and National Council for the Social Studies. She lives by the rallying cry, “You have medicine that you must own.” Suzi lives outside St. Paul with her partner and golden retriever.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The humility, curiosity, and honor we can have for the work clients have already done.
When it comes to teaching, "The person doing the talking is the person doing the learning."
The opportunity that exists among those we're teaching.
How her own experienced trauma and her experience as an entrepreneur bolstered her message to others of recognizing and protecting their worth.
How a crime made her more passionateabout sharing her ideas and made her trust that she had a voice.
How much you can achieve for yourself -- even in the face of Imposter Syndrome?
The power of finding what the right container is for you -- does it allow your work to be fun or to be a drudge?
Give yourself permission to create what you want to create, not what you think you should create.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Suzi is, What's the medicine in you that others need? How do you own it and amplify what you can share with others?

FIND SUZI

Website: teachyourthing.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzihunn/

LINKEDIN – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-95-suzi-hunn-big-hearted-entrepreneur-own-john-m--yznrf/?trackingId=FGp0c384TJCkomY0QtB25g%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads - Suzi Hunn

00:50 - Introduction & Bio

02:41 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

24:07 - What it means when "the person doing the talking is the person doing the learning.

27:46 - What the mantra "You have the medicine that you must own" means.

34:51 - How did your path into your career start off, and what did it look like up until now?

36:23 - Where Suzi's interest in business came from.

42:09 - How Suzi's entrepreneurial journey began.

52:32 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

01:04:49 - What does leadership mean to you?

01:05:44 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

01:10:46 - How the book is organized and laid out for the reader & breakdown of the chapters in the book.

01:17:38 - Breakdown of the chapters in the book.

01:19:48- What lessons have you taken away from the book?

01:30:28- What’s next for your writing?

01:31:54 - What lessons Suzi hopes readers take away from the book.

01:33:16- What book has inspired you?

01:36:25- What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 94: Sandra Long & Her Book, LinkedIn for Personal Branding: The Ultimate Guide

ABOUT SANDRA

Sandra is a leading global independent LinkedIn consultant, instructor, speaker, and author. She is the author of the best-selling book, LinkedInfor Personal Branding: The Ultimate Guide. Sandra was the first speaker to share her ideas about LinkedIn on the TEDx stage in 2019. Her company is Post Road Consulting, and her speaking clients include sales teams, companies, executives, event organizers, HR teams, universities, andassociations. Sandra is a professional member of the National Speakers Association and a Certified Virtual Speaker. She lives in New Hampshire and loves the outdoors and spending time with family.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The importance of personal touch when it comes to LinkedIn.
The critical foundation of being a good thinker, not just a good learner.
Even with no examples of what someonelike you can do, you can set the standard.
The common traits that exist in both teaching and sales.
What being the "new girl" can teach you.
Why being a thought leader might not mean what you think it means.
"Positioning yourself includes your profile, your network, and your content, all together."
Why you want to be like the orange fish.
Why personal branding is an ongoing process.
How do your values come through on your LinkedIn profile?

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Sandra is, How are you crafting your personal branding, itemizing the pieces of your strengths and values, incorporating them into your story?

FIND SANDRA

Website: postroadconsulting.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/longsandra
Newsletter: linkedin.com/newsletters/sandra-s-linkedin-newsletter-6861673500688556032/

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article:

VIDEO TIME STAMP

00:00 - Guest - Sandra Long

00:49 - Introduction & Bio

02:31 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

04:26 - Changes in Sandra's field during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

07:47 - How did your path into yourcareer look like, and what did it look like up until now?

08:59 - Sandra's jump from sales toLinkedIn consulting, writing, etc.

16:40 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

17:51 - What does leadership mean to you?

18:52 - What Thought Leadership can mean

24:23 - What the proliferation of AI might mean for LinkedIn

26:59 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

31:45 - General Overview of Book / Breakdown of Chapters

45:49 - What lessons have you taken away from the book?

47:10 - What’s next for your writing?

48:25 - What book has inspired you?

49:20 - What are you up to these days? (Away for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity.I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 93: Melanie Herschorn & Her Book, Make a Big Impact with Your Book: Author Marketing Strategies for Long-Term Success

ABOUT MELANIE

Melanie wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. A publisher and book marketing expert for business owners, consultants, professionals and speakers worldwide, she’s on a mission to empower authors to share their message with the world. With her comprehensive background of over 20 years as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist in radio, print, and TV, as well as a clothing designer and entrepreneur, Melanie is uniquely positioned to support authors to step into thought leadership and make a big impact with their book. Her new book, Make a Big Impact with Your Book, is available now.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

"It's like a drug, and I was addicted"
The power of looking back at everything you've done and what brought you joy to move forward.
What feeling like your voice didn't matter then can mean for your voice today. "I always wondered what was wrong with me."
The importance of what's happening now (as opposed to fiction).
Intention is nothing without tactical execution when it comes to messaging.
The reminder of coming back to something to bolster its messaging and credibility.
Where is the enjoyment in your journey?

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Melanie is, How are you telling and empowering YOUR story? Are you telling it at all, or have you given up?

FIND MELANIE

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn/
Website:https://vipbookmarketing.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/melherschorn

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-93-melanie-herschorn-make-big-impact-your-john-m--ktzae/?trackingId=dukN9pJiRcWmw52F8mxlKg%3D%3D

VIDEO TIME STAMP

00:00 - Guest - Melanie Herschorn

00:49- Introduction & Bio

02:55 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

07:34- While in the field of publishing, what kind of shifts have you seen in the industry?

10:44- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

17:52- What was it that drew you to journalism and telling other people's stories?

21:53 - Does it make sense from who you were as a child that this is what you would be doing in your career?

29:14- What does leadership mean to you?

30:06- Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

33:20- Can you provide a general overview of the book?

43:48- A breakdown of the chapters in the book.

51:20 - Is there a certain part of the book that resonates most with people?

53:33 - Takeaways from a toxicrelationship

56:30 - What's changed in you as a resultof writing this book?

57:38- What book has inspired you?

01:00:54 - What’s next for your writing?

01:02:39- What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity.I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 92: Bernard Chong& Made In America: My Story by Sam Walton

ABOUT BERNARD

Bernard stands at the helm of a billion-dollar investment empire, seamlessly navigating traditional businesses and cutting-edge tech startups alike. His diverse portfolio spans industries from retail, real estate, and entertainment to food and beverage. His interests range from animation (ASI Studios) and radio communications (Energy FM) to food and beverage (Tim Hortons/Kko Kko), entertainment (RKB Productions), and IT (Thirty One Digital), among others. A luminary in the esports industry, Bernard gained international acclaim for founding the award-winning Bren Esports (now APBren) in 2017. Bernard's philanthropic endeavors are as extensive as his business ventures. As the co-owner of Synergy88 Studios, the Philippines' first Microsoft-accredited art supplier specializing in mobile games and 2D character designs, he contributes to the flourishing creative industry. His upcoming ventures include the U.S. expansion of Mendo Coffee Company, a new mobile app platform, housing developments in Panama, the BrenNetwork investment fund, and the launch of the BrenSEED Foundation—a global education-focused non-profit. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Bernard is an avid Legos enthusiast, chess player, and comic book aficionado, with a particular fondness for Batman. Currently residing in Beverly Hills, CA, he is a devoted father and family man.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The power of trust in others.
Understanding what someone is good at and getting out of their way.
The importance of knowing one's blessings.
Curiosity is key to understanding people
What we can get from helping people with no expectations in return.
Stepping away from work to relax.
Needing to meet people with a colorful past.
"We, as a leader, should really find every good person we can and try to get them and attract them and hopefully be aligned with them in how to go about business or shared dreams or shared projects."
"When you meet a good employee, a good person, and you want to troubleshoot a different area, you just put the good person there and the value, the culture will suddenly change."

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Bernard is, How open, curious, and prepared areyou for the opportunities and people in both the world you see and what's beyond its borders?

FIND BERNARD

Website: linktr.ee/brenchong
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/iambrenchong
LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-92-bernard-chong-sam-walton-made-america-john-m--8oowe/

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Guest - Bernard Chong

00:47 - Introduction & Bio

02:40 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

04:25- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

24:50 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

28:58 - What does leadership mean to you?

32:23 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

36:40 - What lessons have you taken away from the book?

36:59 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 91: Carl Grant III & His Book, How To Live The Abundant Life

ABOUT CARL

Carl Grant III lives in Austin, TX and is the married father of five adult children. He’s the Author of “How to Live the Abundant Life,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Carl is CEO of Capital Raise and Connexa Holdings, LLC, is Chairman of Cationic Mineral Formulations, Inc., and is a partner in Super Connector,LLC. Previously, Carl served as global head of business development for Cooley, during which the firm’s annual revenue grew from $310M to over $2B. He was the first business development hire at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he grew revenue 33% in his market. He is the founder of the SxSW Sunday Service and the High Tech Prayer Breakfast – DC Metro, Inc.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The connection between service in the U.S. Army and service mentioned in the Bible
What it looks like to have a more holistic approach to living life
How Carl's book has opened up a dialogue between the East and the West based on his study of both the Bible and the Quran.
"Work hard but rest."
How you can serve others with success yet set boundaries for yourself

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Carl is, What is the faith that drives you to make the most of what you can in your work and community? (It doesn't even need to be religion.)

FIND CARL

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlgrant/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/carlgrant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlgrant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carl.grant.iii/
Buy The Book: https://a.co/d/7X3lBoY

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-91-carl-grant-iii-how-live-abundant-life-john-m--0ucde/?trackingId=FYASqhTcSzuX3v7tZeBlJQ%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 – The Book Leads – Carl Grant III

00:48 - Introduction & Bio

01:54 - Who Carl is today and more information on his work

06:13 - Carl's career path to today

13:06 - How Carl went from atheist to finding his life with and under God

26:17 - How Carl's work today reconciles to who he was in his childhood

27:55 - What leadership means to Carl

32:49 - Carl's introduction to his book

42:20 - Carl's general overview of the book (& books that have inspired Carl)

47:54 - A certain part of the book that resonates most with people

52:40 - Lessons Carl learned in the process of writing the book

01:04:46 - What’s next for Carl's writing

01:07:02 - Lessons Carl hopes others take away from his book

01:09:34 - What Carl is up to these days

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 90: Autumn Carolynn & Her Book, Traveling in Wonder: A Travel Photographer's Tales of Wanderlust

ABOUT AUTUMN

Autumn received her bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing from Illinois State University and Canterbury Christ Church University. She is a published author with Spoon River Poetry Review and has worked as an on-air DJ for two radio stations. Autumn produced a creative writing segment aired on WGLT, an NPR station, which introduced writers from all over the Midwest and allowed them to share their work on air. Beyond her literary achievements, Autumn is an award-winning travel photographer, owner of Autumn Carolynn Photography. Her works can be found in multiple galleries, including the prestigious Northrup King Building, one of the largest art complexes in the United States.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

What Autumn brings into her life, work, and connections as a result of the severe bullying experienced early in her life
How getting lost in travel was Autumn's flow state.
How empathy and connection plays into great leadership
What resilience can look like and really mean, what we see in it and what we don't
Some of the Nordic traditions Autumn practices (and which the U.S. could stand to incorporate in its own culture) to achieve more mindfulness, fulfillment, and happiness.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Autumn is, How would a lifetime of your life's journals read? What would you take away from each of those chapters in life?

FIND AUTUMN

Website: https://www.autumncarolynn.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-carolynn-26a1232a8/

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-90-autumn-carolynn-traveling-wonder-travel-john-m--6fjfe/?trackingId=jrGbq58ZSCOFv82%2FPLsXng%3D%3D

TIME STAMP

00:00 – The Book Leads – Autumn Carolynn

00:50- Introduction & Bio

02:19 - Who Autumn is today and information about her work

03:07 - What her career path looked like up until now

08:48 - How Autumn found her way into photography

17:35 - How Autumn's work reconciles to who she was as a child

18:54 - What leadership means to Autumn

20:11 - What Autumn has taken away from the painful experience of bullying

26:06 - Introduction to Autumn's book

31:31 - Autumn's journey and relationship with Anxiety

37:28 - A breakdown of the parts of the book

43:38 - Autumn's experience in the Noridic country vs. the U.S.

50:13 - Is there a certain part of the book that resonates most with people?

53:54 - What supported to Autumn's resilience

57:42 - What's next for Autumn's writing

59:02 - What Autumn hopes readers takeaway from her book

01:02:13 - The books that have inspiredAutumn

01:03:26 - What else Autumn wants to share about her work

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity.I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 89: Hiba Khaled & Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading by Ronald A. Heifetz & Martin Linsky

ABOUT HIBA

Dr. Hiba Khaled is a co-founder of Embers, a consulting and coaching firm helping individuals and organizationsrecover from burnout to achieve healthy high performance. With a background in medicine and leadership training at Harvard under the mentorship of Professors Ron Heifetz and Tim O'Brien, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations achieve success from a place of health. A survivor of burnout herself, Hiba is on a mission to balance performance with well-being. When she's not busy transforming lives, you can find her out in nature, drinking tea, or diving into a good book.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

What work-life balance really is.
What "I'm fully there" means.
The power of your Flow state.
"What is the ecosystem within you first before you can think about the ecosystem outside of you?"
How stress can manifest in us.
"Be of service, be of service, be of service."
A story showing..."You can make a small difference...you don't have to make a huge change."
An example of how being destabilized can be good for you.
Doing what you need to do, despite it feeling like a loss to or disappointment by others.
Why Hiba doesn't subscribe to using the word "leader."
What it means to "exercise leadership."
The difference between a technical challenge and an adaptive challenge.
Why leadership means asking someone (or agroup) to sustain losses.
What it means to "manage your hungers."
Renegotiating loyalties to ancestors to work toward solutions today.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Hiba is, How can we adapt to the outside world and avoid its usual repercussions by instead first doing the deep work internally within ourselves?

FIND HIBA

Website: emberscc.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-hiba-khaled
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/iamhibakhaled/
Personal Blog: https://feelittohealit.substack.com

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-89-hiba-khaled-leadership-line-staying-alive-john-m--1swnf/?trackingId=8o%2F69dg3T5C15dbdIH9Vwg%3D%3D

TIME STAMP

00:00 – The Book Leads – Hiba Khaled

00:49 - Introduction & Bio

01:49 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

06:31 - Hiba's work and philosophy on "work-life balance"

19:35 - Planning for one's best work

30:10 - The role of women and men and their relationship to stress

38:53 - How did your path into your career begin, and what did it look like up until now?

48:46 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

51:35 - What does leadership mean to you?

55:16- Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

58:31- Hiba's main takeaways from the book

01:02:25 - A breakdown of the book.

01:05:51 - What changed in Hiba after reading the book?

01:12:41 - The power of nuance and the need for another podcast episode to dive into nuance itself.

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 88: Fabienne Guichon-Lindholm & Her Book, Unapologetically Bold: How To Regain Self-Confidence Using The Transformation Cycle While Climbing The Corporate Ladder

ABOUT FABIENNE

Fabienne is a seasoned global learning and development executive with over three decades of experience in coaching and motivating teams and individuals. Through her business, Fabienne Lindholm Rev Ups Your Life, she helps professionals - particularly women – become confident leaders who drive positive change and transformation. As a renowned speaker, facilitator, and professional coach, she has dedicated her career to promoting wellness and education worldwide, sharing her knowledge on management styles, skincare, and well-being. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Fabienne led the global education department of a cosmetic company, where she supported teams and professionals across the globe. With over 30 years of executive management experience in the beauty and wellness industry, she managed spa teams and operations for luxury hotels like the Waldorf Astoria and consulted with HARPO STUDIO in the U.S. In the past ten years, she has focused on learning and development, training, and consulting with thousands of individuals, primarily women. Beyond her professional life, Fabienne has a passion for promoting wellness, traveling to 60 countries, and lecturing on four continents. Her unapologetically bold, optimistic, compassionate, and funny personality has won over audiences worldwide. She has honed her discipline, resilience, and determination as a marathon runner, completing five marathons. Fluent in French and English, Fabienne describes herself as self-made.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

How people misunderstand coaching, and how it's actually like magic. (I agree 100%)
How coaching is a massage for the brain.
We overcomplicate everything when simple will do just fine, including in coaching.
The power of your first experience in anything and the belief box you build from there.
The idea of reconsidering what you believed caused your burn-out in the past.
The power behind the Transformation Cycle of Regroup, Relive, Remotion.
"Most people don't even see us failing. We only see ourselves."

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Fabienne is, How can you use your past to find your heart and authenticity and move forward unapologetically bold?

FIND FABIENNE

Website: www.fabiennegl.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabienne-guichon-lindholm-37a1436/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/people/Fabienne-Lindholm-keynote-speaker/100054524737520/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fabienne.g.l
IG: https://www.instagram.com/fabienne.g.l/

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-88-fabienne-guichon-lindholm-unapologetically-john-m--adloe/?trackingId=ar37ccplQqiMR%2Bpc5Px94Q%3D%3D

TIME STAMP

00:00 – The Book Leads – Fabienne Guichon-Lindholm

00:47 Introduction & Bio

03:32 Who are you today? Can you provide more background on your work?

13:55 How did your path into your career look like?

27:25 What called her to the philosophy behind her company and mission?

30:06 How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

32:51 What does leadership mean to you?

35:52 Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

39:41 The meaning behind the transformation cycle of Regroup, Relive, Remotion.

51:57 General overview of the book / Breakdown of the chapters in the book.

53:32 Is there a certain part of the book that resonates most with people?

55:49 What lessons have you taken away from the book?

01:00:56 What’s next for your writing?

01:02:28 What book has inspired you?

01:04:29 What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. Check out the series!

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 87: Alyssa Berthiaume (she/her)(returning guest from Episode 46) & Co-Author Bridgett McGowen, & Their Book, Do Not Write a Book...Until You Read This One: The Only Guide You Need to Pen, Publish, and Profit from Your Nonfiction Book

ABOUT BRIDGETT & ALLY

Bridgett is an award-winning international professional speaker; an award-winning author; and an award-winning publisher and owner of the hybrid publishing company, Press 49.

Ally is an award-winning author; international book coach, developmental editor and ghostwriter; and the founder and CEO of The Write Place, Right Time.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The Trifecta - 3 main things Ally and Bridgett wish clients knew before they started writing a book.
What the CEO mindset means when it comes to writing your book.
What they themselves would have done differently with their own first books.
Writing from the power of your voice and experience versus merely prompting it in AI.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Aly & Bridgett is, Are you ready to write the book you have inside you?

FIND BRIDGETT

Website: connectwithb.com
Website: bridgettmcgowen.com
Website: press49.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bmcgowen
Podcast: https://www.bridgettmcgowen.com/podcast

FIND ALLY

Website: ayberthiaume.com/
Website: thewriteplacerighttime.com
linktr.ee: linktr.ee/writerboss
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ayberthiaume

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-87-alyssa-berthiaume-bridgett-mcgowen-book-do-john-m--d5bbe/?trackingId=fV1ACKn9TZmS1pTr%2FK%2F%2Fkg%3D%3D

VIDEO TIME STAMP

00:00 – The Book Leads – Alyssa Berthiaume & Bridgett McGowen

00:53 - Introduction & Bio

02:21 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

06:04 - What does leadership mean to you?

07:49 - What brought you two together?

10:25 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

14:49 - Can you provide a general overview of the book, including chapters?

26:52 - What does it feel like to look back on your writing and book projects?

37:44 - What do you believe the writing and book-publishing industry will look like with AI gaining traction in creating books?

58:47 - What book has inspired you?

01:03:41 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 86: Joseph Rockey Jr & His Book, Casino Sales Master: Proven System to Beat the Odds in Sales and Life

ABOUT JOE

Joe is a serial business creator and founder. He has created a number of successful entities from scratch that have lived well beyond a decade long, which is an incredibly rare feat in any industry, let alone in the world of real estate, in which he began. Currently, Joe runs and operates Elite Business Conversations, a specialty coaching and consulting firm that help (1) individuals andcompanies who are scared to death because they are seeing their stream of revenue dwindling; (2) companies who are fed up with substandard business cultures; and (3) owners who are living in a broken relationship with their company and as a result it is not giving the time, money, or impact that the owners want.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The power of questioning everything, and not just accepting what you're handed or told.
The exercise of leaving a memo for your child, and how it can teach you about yourself.
Leaving the merely transactional approach to relationships behind.
Why sales will change the world.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Joe is, How can you exceed your networking game by bolstering the underlying foundation of it -- your relationship- and connection-building?

FIND JOE

Website: www.EliteBusinessConversations.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerockey
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/father-and-joe/id1201053379
LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-86-joseph-rockey-jr-casino-sales-master-beat-john-m--kcaje/?trackingId=7f4eATm1QYG1UNTHVJuuEg%3D%3D

VIDEO TIME STAMP

0:00 – The Book Leads – Joseph Rockey Jr.

0:55 - Introduction & Bio

3:14 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

15:42 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

24:22 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

30:41 - What does leadership mean to you?

33:00 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

39:27 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?

51:58 - A breakdown of the chapters in the book.

55:19 - What lessons have you taken away from the book?

58:30 - Is there a certain part of the book that resonates most with people?

01:02:39- What’s next for your writing?

01:04:40 - What book has inspired you?

01:07:15 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity.I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

View Details

Episode 85: Annie Margarita Yang & Her Book, The 5-Day Job Search: Proven Strategies To Answering Tough Interview Questions & Getting Multiple Job Offers

ABOUT ANNIE

Annie Margarita Yang is the definitive voice in Millennial finance, specializing in strategies for beating today’s tough economic challenges. She is the author of an award-winning, best-selling new book, The 5-Day Job Search, which helps young professionals get out of student loan debt while finding the ideal job. With more than 1 million views on YouTube, her witty approach to tough talk sets her apart from others. Annie’s candid style cuts through the noise, delivering foolproof advice for real-world challenges. Far from generic tips, her tips focus on practical steps to quickly improve finances, especially for challenges unique to Millennials. Based inBoston with her husband, Annie complements her professional life with a love for piano, adding another layer to her multifaceted persona.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

What a driver being frustrated (or even pissed off) about what other people are doing can be in driving you forward.
The multiplier effect and leaving an lasting impact with someone.
How life and work are all about (1) Possibilities, (2) Preparation, and (3) Opportunities

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Annie is, Do people know what you're capable of? Do you?

FIND ANNIE

Website: https://www.anniemargaritayang.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annieyangfinancial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnnieMargaritaYang
Blog: https://www.anniemargaritayang.com/blog/
LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-85-annie-margarita-yang-5-day-job-search-john-m--pygxe/?trackingId=wjGAK1N3jrgOwd26QOHm4Q%3D%3D

TIME STAMP

00:00 - The Book Leads - Annie Margarita Yang

00:56 - Introduction & Bio

2:08 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

4:28 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

11:10 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

18:42 - What does leadership mean to you?

25:38 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing and why did you write it?

36:07 - How did you structure the book? What was the path you wanted people to follow?

39:46 - Is there a certain part of the book that resonates most with people?

47:31 - Can you share the Chapter Titles?

53:25 - What lessons have you taken away

from the book?

01:00:34- What’s next for your writing?

01:03:49 - What book has inspired you?

01:08:51 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity.I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 84: Chaya Topas & Her Book, When We Visit You...

ABOUT CHAYA

Chaya is a mom of three who takes the approach that it's better to laugh than to try. Her attitude towards raising kids is to not take yourself too seriously and to give kids an opportunity to figure their things out. Chaya began writing as a way to express how she felt about raising great kids in these volatile times and in doing so, she finally found her passion. Chaya wrote a children's book about a running joke between her husband and herself that one day, when their children were grown up, they would do all the crazy things their kids used to do in their own homes. It was a joke that has eased the tension of trying to get their kids to listen to them without getting angry and frustrated. And it was every parent's revenge fantasy come to life! Chaya has been featured on local television, and websites, social media feeds, and has done readings in schools. Raising children is a crapshoot, you don't know what you're goingto get and you never know if your reactions and decisions will cause years of therapy or the most well-adjusted kids on the planet. Chaya loves exploring and analyzing that idea.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The power of raising kids to be very good people.
The conversations we have with ourselves when we think we don't have a passion.
How your contributions to your community can protect you against feeling isolated.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Chaya is, Whether you're a parent or not, what lessons are you sharing forward to help shape the future of your family and/or community?

FIND CHAYA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaya.topaslisitza/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chayatopas/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChayaTopas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chayatopas/
LinkedIn - Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-84-chaya-topas-when-we-visit-you-john-m-jaramillo-mba-msop-wyc3e/?trackingId=iqQsVQi2QFi1GIdLoN414Q%3D%3D

PURCHASE THE BOOK

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ChayaTopasBook
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/chaya%20topas

TIME STAMP

0:00 - The Book Leads – Chaya Topas

0:52 - Chaya Introduction & Bio

3:01 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

8:17 - How did your career start, and what did it look like up until now?

20:42 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

21:50 - What does leadership mean to you?

27:21 - Can you speak to having found your passion in life through writing?

28:09 - What do you hope parents take away from this book?

26:11 - What lessons have you taken away from the book?

32:04 - What book has inspired you?

34:18 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity.I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 83: Ryan Penley & His Book, Man Up. Sober Up: Eight Powerful Steps to Reclaim Respect, Conquer Isolation, and Thrive in Recovery

ABOUT RYAN

As a rock-bottom alumnus, Ryan has transformed his life's adversities into valuable lessons for those still struggling with addiction. Today, he lives a life that is unimaginably blessed, exceeding even his own expectations. His debut book, "Man Up. Sober Up.," serves as both a testament to his resilience and a practical guide for those seeking to reclaim control over their lives. Homelessness, being wanted in three states, being accused of murder by his mother, and visiting death lying in a coma are some of the circumstances that outline Ryan's rock bottom. This journey led to a purpose and dedication for people suffering from addiction and alcoholism. More than a survivor, Ryan is a beacon of hope for those still battling their demons. He demonstrates that from the depths of despair it is indeed possible to forge a life filled with purpose and joy.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The power of starting with tiny wins
"I know what I don't want to be. Idon't want to be her."
Without a test, there is no testimony.Ryan is now crafting his testimony.
The power of healthy fear.
"I never lose. I either win or learn." Nelson Mandela

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Ryan is, How are you empowering your movement forward -- even if it is the fear of something in that past that keeps you motivated?

FIND RYAN

Website: myrockbottomrecovery.com
Website: ryanpenley.org
Facebook: https://facebook.com/myrockbottomrecovery
LinkedIn Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-83-ryan-penley-man-up-sober-eight-powerful-john-m--ynufe/?trackingId=2UPymTKyRpC444gScH8sgA%3D%3D

Time Stamp

0:00 – The Book Leads – Ryan Penley

0:44 - Guest Bio

1:59 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

6:38 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

19:30 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

23:43 - What does leadership mean to you?

23:59 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

28:43 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?

30:38 - A breakdown of the chapters inthe book.

46:22 - Is there a certain part of the book that was harder to write, a deeper introspection to reach to write it?

50:06 - What lessons have you taken awayfrom the book?

52:57- What’s next for your writing?

54:09 - What book has inspired you?

56:28 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity.I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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Episode 82: Samantha Buckley-Hugessen & Her Book,Unstuck Yourself: The Guide To Designing A Life You Love

In this episode, Samantha, a U.S Certified Coach originally from Seattle Washington and now an ex-pat living in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, walks me through her experience of living life and working to empower others, in the process changing the world by design instead of existing by default.

Interestingly, Samantha's story is similar to that of other guests in the general sense thatshe was working in one direction, became successful, and achieved her goals -- but something was missing. Something just didn't feel right. Her values weren't quite being espoused in the work she was doing.

It's plain and simple: We're either going to live our life by design or by default. Which one will you choose?

Conversation Highlights

How a rocky childhood or past, or being a victim at one time, for one person blossoms into service to others, breaking the generational trauma chain.
What we need for ourselves based on our childhoods.
What people misunderstand about codependency.
The power of having a great example of what NOT to do - "You can control it if you take responsibility for things."
Discussing the pillars of her book: time, freedom, money, freedom.
The problem with blowing a cylinder
Don't be a shit magnet

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Samantha is, How do you live your life -- by design or default?

FIND SAMANTHA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthabh/
Website: yourcoachandtrainer.com
Blog: yourcoachandtrainer.com/coaching-blog/
LinkedIn The Book Leads Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-82-samantha-buckley-hugessen-unstuck-yourself-john-m--lbfje/?trackingId=1oU11vI6S%2FeK3FdEXxdDgg%3D%3D

TIME STAMP

0:00 - The Book Leads - Samantha Buckley-Hugessen

0:58 - Intro

2:29 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

7:27 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

20:46 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

24:21 - What does leadership mean to you?

25:09 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

32:07 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?

50:07 - A breakdown of the chapters in the book.

58:39 - Is there a certain part of the book that resonates most with people?

59:26 - What lessons have you taken away from the book?

1:01:38 - What’s next for your writing?

1:02:49 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons!

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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Episode 81: Mboone Umbima, MSOD & Her Book, Reflect and Renew: A New Year Workbook

This is Mboone's second visit to The Book Leads Podcast. InMarch of 2022, in Episode 20, Mboone shared with me the story behind the message of and vision for her book, Thank You: The 29 Day Gratitude Challenge.

In this episode, Mboone shares some best practices she's developed for assessing her life at the turn of each New Year. For instance, one of her many practices is going through her phone's pictures to remember the energy of the moments throughout the year as the days went by. This process helps her tie moments to the energy she wants to keep and expand on that while recognizing the energy that serves no purpose and should bejettisoned.

When it comes to her books, Thank You sought to offset the fear borne out of the uncertainty during the COVID-19 panedemicwhile Reflect and Renew seeks to build off that understanding of gratitude in a more strategic focus to determine what has served us and what has not in our our approach to life and work. It serves as a guide to help the reader truly, deeply, and carefully reflect.

I love the energy Mboone brings to everything she does, whether it's her work in wildlife conservation through the David Rio foundation, her leadership role at David Rio Chai & Tea, Inc., or her numerous memberships across various boards she serves on in her community.

She provides a reminder for us to get ourselves right -- to align our lives and work with our hearts and values -- so we can bring the best of ourselves to the world around us.

It's an ongoing process to recognize and reinforce the energies we want to keep while calling out and letting go of the energies we don't.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

How she and the family members who inspired to serve the greater good her are in the people business and makingthe world a better place business.
How painting a vision, as Martine Luther King, Jr. did, creates permanence in which that vision can outlive the leaders who created it.
Everything is energy, and it's the flow of energy that creates.
Ego is about survival, not thinking.
What would happen if you chose change instead of change choosing you?

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Mboone is, How do you review your life and work to determine what is working for you and what is not?

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

Thank You: The 29 Day Gratitude Challenge by Mboone
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Gilbert, Elizabeth

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE PAST EPISODES

Episode 11: Jessica Mand & Frequency: The Power of Personal Vibration
Episode 58: Camille L. Miller, MBA, Ph.D. ABD and her book, The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Soul-Aligned Business: 25 Practical Strategies From The Experts
Episode 63: Nancy Burger & Tracking Wonder: Reclaiming A Life Of Meaning And Possibility In A World Obsessed With Productivity
Episode 71: Dr. Bridget Cooper (Cannon) & Her BookUnflappable: How Smart People Quit Overthinking, Ditch the Drama, & Thrive at Work

LEARN MORE ABOUT MBOONE: https://linktr.ee/mmboneumbima

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about TheBook Leads: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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Episode 80: Don Schmincke & His Book, Winners and Losers: Entrepreneurial Lessons from 30,000 CEOs on How to Come Out on Top

For everything he's done in his career -- from dropping out of high school to getting his BS in Planetary Physics at MIT, a Master's Degree in Human Behavior (and teaching at) Johns Hopkins University, and traversing the world, travelling 200,000 miles a year to work with countless companies and explore to understand ancient civilizations -- Don, an explorer, scientist, and author, still considers himself, first and foremost, a teacher.

No one I've interviewed or spoken to before Don can claim to do, collaborate and write on as much research as he can where he seeks understand the biological make-up of who we are as a species.

Where the curiosity most of us have is limited to what's within our reach, Don has gone off to explore different corners of the world to see it first-hand.

And his expeditions and research turn most of the ideas we have of leadership on their head. His discoveries stem from that insatiable curiosity to learn about the world and history of its civilizations, and can help us be more honest with ourselves -- to understand ourselves.

He takes those lessons learned and applies them to corporate and entrepreneurial strategy, leadership, culture, structure, and sales.

What intrigued me the most in talking to Don was his work in (and desire to continue) busting myths -- dismantling current understandings of how the world and leadership work. From his research and "organizational autopsies," he's realized that what we think works in leadership actually doesn't.

Nothing is cookie-cutter, and times change, so of course it's important to keep learning -- and rethinking -- what we (think we) know.

Conversation Highlights
"Why is it that great leaders with great leadership styles crash the company but an asshole can dominate the world?"
"Followers don't follow leaders; they follow the saga you represent."
Ancient wisdom of...: "We must keep in mind constantly, by day and night, the fact that some day we must die."
The power of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) not being a disorder but being order instead, and how it's contributed to Don's (and other's) success.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Don is, How do you continue exploring (and busting myths) to ensure you're not becoming to complacent or blinded?

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

Don's Other Books
The Hypomanic Edge: The Link Between (A Little) Craziness and (A Lot of) Success in America by John D. Gartner
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared M. Diamond

ABOUT DON

Don is the author of the Best-Selling book The Code of the Executive: Forty-Seven Ancient Samurai Principles Essential for Twenty-First Century Leadership Success, and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. He is an Award-Winning Speaker, Researcher, Founder of the SAGA Leadership Institute and delivered over 1,700 speeches. Don's other books include High Altitude Leadership: What the World's Most Forbidding Peaks Teach Us About Success, Unleash Your Potential: How Artificial Intelligence Wants to Upgrade YOU!, and Winners and Losers: Entrepreneurial Lessons from 30,000 CEOs on How to Come Out on Top.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DON

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donschmincke/
Twitter: @schmincke
Website: https://www.sagaleadership.com/

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about TheBook Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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Episode 79: Tom Hine, CFP®, CFS®, MBA & His Book, The Balanced Wealth Approach: Secrets To Living Long And Living Rich

In this episode, Tom, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, and founder and CEO of Capital Wealth Management, shares with me how there should be comparable focus on both wealth and health when it comes to our futures -- even in his field of wealth management.

Through his own journey in finance (the numbers) and karate, meditation, yoga (the physical and the mind), he demonstrates that he's living what he's preaching.

The message he shares with his clients, into which he does a deep dive with me here, is a great reminder that we can't take anything for granted. The world is changing, and so how we respond to and live within it also needs to change and become both more intentional and mindful. "You need a 5G mindset to live within a 5G world."

What I appreciated most in Tom's message in his book and in the thoughts he shares here is the reminder to be healthier so that we can enjoy what we've accomplished.

That wisdom was sparked in Tom when he chose to focus more on his health, through karate as a younger professional, instead of merely climbing the corporate ladder. Financial and career success would not be sufficient to uphold and maintain his mindset.

"Drastic times call for drastic measures." This well-known quote comes to mind as Tom talks about how we have to offset all the negative in the world and work on ourselves to achieve the best performance and strongest longevity to move forward and enjoy ourselves and our communities.

We need to look for, take into account, and harness what it is we can control to make progress for ourselves.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

You want to be the CEO of your own health
When the mind is quiet, the world will show itself to you
Don’t be afraid to go back to the past and figure out what makes you whole
“A healthy person has a thousand wishes, a sick person only one” (Don't take that for granted.)

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

Tom's Other Books
What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles
The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success Hardcover by DanSullivan & Dr.Benjamin Hardy
Life Force: How New Breakthroughs in Precision Medicine Can Transform the Quality of Your Life & Those You Love Hardcover by Tony Robbins, Peter H. Diamandis, Robert Hariri

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Tom is, How are you focusing on health in order to move forward with longevity, ensuring you're not taking what you have for granted?

ABOUT TOM

Tom Hine is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the author of The Balanced Wealth Approach: Secrets to Living Long and Living Rich. He has over three decades of experience in the industry and is the founder and CEO of Capital Wealth Management in Glastonbury, CT. However, what makes Tom unique is his holistic approach to financial planning. He believes that true success is not just about building wealth but also aboutmaintaining good health so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Drawing from his background as a financial planner and a fourth-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, Tom aims to incorporate health and wellness into his financial strategies. Tom hopes to help his clients work towards their financial goals while also inspiring them to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TOM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hinetom/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CapitalWealthCT
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapitalWealthCT
Website: https://thebalancedwealthapproach.com/
Company: www.capitalwm.com

Watch the episode onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about TheBook Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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Episode 78:Steve Morris & The EOS Life: How To Live Your Ideal Entrepreneurial Life by Gino Wickman.

Steve, a Business Coach with an educational background in mechanical engineering and aerodynamics, is someone who is focused on performance -- of every kind. He is another great example of who someone is today being the culmination of all their experiences to date.

His educational and career journeys took him from being a mechanicalengineering student, to working on and designing racing yachts, to coachingteams based on his experience working with those racing teams.

Each successive experience builds on the previous, leading Steve's curiosity to move from the mechanical to the emotional, from systems to people. Since he was a child, he's been fascinated with taking things apart and studying them to see how they function.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The power of having the right people in the right seats to make a really great team.
Curiosity of systems and the technical vs. that of feeling and relationships
Paying attention to what we are triggered by when it comes to how we show up and who we are being
A huge component of successful leaders is knowing thyself

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

Traction: Get A Grip On Your Businessby Gino Wickman
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Artby James Nestor
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Steve is, How do you reassess the stability, foundation, and drivers of what you have built, including yourself, to continue -- and improve upon -- it?

ABOUT STEVE

Steve had a really cool and interesting start to his career designing multi-million dollar racing yachts and building and coaching high performing teams to help his clients win the world’s most demanding yacht races. He has run and grown a small business, and then transitioned his career to become a certified PMP program manager managing million dollar budgets and helping the US Navy launch ships into the fleet. Eight years ago he started his own business with the mission to help business owners build better lives through building better businesses, getting unstuck, fueling growth, achieving more profit and having more fun with their crew. Steve’s passion is bringing his expertise, experience, and lessons learned with world-leading high-performance teams to help his clients elevate their businesses, becoming more cohesive, healthy and organized, so they can attain the results and success they want. In addition to navigating the voyage to success with his clients, Steve is an avid learner and practitioner of techniques that elevate his mindset and physical fitness, such as breath work, hiking, yoga and meditation, as he journeys on the path to the Centenarian Olympics. He and his partner, Kathy, are also building a permaculture food forest on their farm in Hygiene, CO.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STEVE

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenamorris/

Website: www.eosworldwide.com/stephen-morris

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLEEPISODES

Episode 53: Laura Darrell & Wooden on Leadership by John Wooden
Episode 56: Connor DeLaney and I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships by Michael Sorenson
Episode 67: Holly Jackson & Her Book, Inspiration Contagion: Health Secrets For Raving Success
Episode 69:Corinne Coppola & The Gift 12 Lessons to Save Your Life by Dr. Edith Eger

Watch the episode onYouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about TheBook Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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Episode 77: Joe Weston & His Book, Mastering Respectful Confrontation: A Guide to Personal Freedom and Empower,Collaborative Engagement

With a career spanning 30+ years in the fields of conflict prevention, leadership, stress management, and communication, the wisdom Joe shares in this conversation and through his booksseems to be more timely (and deeply needed) these days than ever.

Having first started out as an actor -- and then teaching his own method -- and specializing in communication, Joe has been drawn to the power of connection and understanding that can lead us as a species to either become more cohesive and connected or fall to disconnection and distrust.

It says a lot about Joe's work and character that, while I look at this conversation and see the fear we all have inside of us that leads to that disconnection, he sees, believes, and is pulledmore toward the hope that exists and that is out there.

Although he's hopeful, he knows it takes work -- in understanding both ourselves and others.

Before looking to the outside world and either saying our needs aren't being met or believing another's needs are not as important as our own, we need to look inward, into our hearts, to seewhat this life should be all about.

Do we want to allow it all to fall apart around us, or take responsibility and contribute as much as we can -- nomatter how little or how much -- to creating ripple effects of support, concern, and community?

Each of us is more powerful than we believe. In my coaching, I've see most of us don't understand this. We leave too much ability, desire, and skill on the table by underestimating ourselves. We need to turn that around.

Conversation Highlights

"Unfortunately, the planet is filled with an enormous amount of information gatherers who haven't learned very much."
The problems in our world are complicated. The solutions are simple. But implementation is hard work.
The dangers of Chronic Niceness
The Power of Assertiveness vs. The Pitfall ofAggression
How Joe's work helps you get physical vitality, emotional stability, mental clarity, and spiritual grounding

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Joe is, How do you balance understanding who you really are and what you need/want with your responsibility in what the world needs?

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE EPISODES

Episode 61: Hesha Abrams & her book, Holding The Calm: The Secret To Resolving Conflict And Defusing Tension
Episode 69: Corinne Coppola & The Gift 12 Lessons to Save Your Life by Dr. Edith Eger
Episode 70:Oakland McCulloch & His Book, Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be

ABOUT JOE

Joe Weston is an international thought leader, facilitator, author, lecturer, consultant, coach, professor, and—above all else—an advocate for lasting peace. With a career spanning 30+ years in the fields of conflict prevention, leadership, stress management, and communication, he is a highly sought-after facilitator for individuals, as well as corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits around the world. As founder and owner of the Weston Network based in Washington, D.C., Joe and his international team provide training, consulting, and coaching based on hismethodology, called Respectful Confrontation®. Through a network of 30+ certified facilitators and even more allies and collaborators in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, people from all walks of life have greatly benefited from Joe’s highly effective methodology—from corporate innovators andentrepreneurs, government agencies, INGOs, educators, healthcare workers, parents, and young adults. More

LEARN MORE ABOUT JOE

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-weston-a6327931/

Website: joeweston.com

Website: respectfulconfrontation.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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Episode 76: Cindy Gersch & Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Lifeby Roxie Nafousi

For this conversation, Cindy, an Entrepreneur and Rare Disease Advocate, walks me through how her life changed dramatically when she was diagnosed with Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) in 2018. Cindy shares that she lost almost everything -- her husband, her running, her job, most of her friends -- she felt made her who she was at that point -- her identity.

A close brush with death woke her up, though, showing her she could be a healthy person living with a disease instead of an unhealthy person living with a disease. She made that intentional choice and moved forward, doing what she does best -- tellingstories.

Having studied broadcast journalism and spent years as reporter -- a natural storyteller -- she founded her own company and later became an advocate for those living with FMD. It was through that advocacy path of her journey that she realized her purposehad put her on a stronger path than she might have otherwise experienced had she never gone through her painful health challenges.

Tough days, tough experiences -- how do they change us and what do we get out of them? Everything happens for a reason. It's up to us to explore and understand what that reason may be, nomatter how painful, no matter how ugly those experiences are.

Purposehas almost become cliché, brought up so often that with each mention it loses some meaning. I recently had a conversation with college business students, sharing with them that they would know when they met theirs. That it's not the samepath for everyone -- but they would know it. And that it fell on them, if they wanted to find it, to stay curious and hungry enough to keep exploring.

Don't underestimate the power of purpose, that insatiable personal fire, fuel, and driver. Cindy herself here shares how much more she gets out of life now that she has that purposethat fires her up.

Conversation Highlights

Even though things may feel as down as they can be, there is always a silver lining.
The value of having the 1 dime (true friend) vs. 10 pennies (friends who might not come through)
We don't give ourselves enough love.
What would the letters you would write to your younger self say?

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Cindy is, In life, especially in those moments where you feel lost, how are you intentionally designing your path forward?

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLEEPISODES

Episode 11: Jessica Mand & Frequency: The Power of Personal Vibration
Episode 43: Lisa Hammet & From Burnout to Best Life: How To Take Charge Of Your Health & Happiness
Episode 57: Karen Brown, & Adam Grant’s book, Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know
Episode 67: Holly Jackson & Her Book, Inspiration Contagion: Health Secrets For Raving Success
Episode 75: Angelic Lovestrong & The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

ABOUT CINDY

Cindy is a former CBS and military reporter who covered the attacks on September 11th. With a successful career in corporate marketing for multi-billion-dollar developers, she eventually founded her own award-winning agency specializing in strategic marketing. She is also a former marathoner who has completed 13 full marathons, including the iconic Boston Marathon. Her life took a unique turn when she was diagnosed with a rare vascular disease, becoming a spokesperson for rare and chronic diseases. As a world traveler and Buffalo Bills diehard fan, Cindy is also a dedicated single mom to her 16 and 13-year-old children. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and advocacy, inspiring others with her unique experiences and passion for making a difference in the world.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CINDY

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindygersch/
Website: NEUmarketinggroup.com

Watch the episode onYouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about TheBook Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 75: Angelic Lovestrong & TheSecret by Rhonda Byrne

As Founder and CEO of Lady Powerhouse Solutions, and co-host of the Fempreneur True Confessions Podcast, Angelic is diving into all-things-entrepreneurship and building others up.

Her wide-ranging experiences and career moves have contributed to where she is today -- helping her clients get things done in their own businesses through a suite of professional services.

Building upon that mindset of getting things done, in this episode she shares her take on and experience with the book, The Secret. She speaks to what she's learned from the book and incorporated into her own life, manifesting what it is she wants to happen. Desires don't just materialize into existence. Preparation and planning go a long way in making things happen. A lot of times, though, manifesting is a matter of just...getting...started.

"Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation" by Zig Ziglar.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

“No more working for others, making everyoneelse awesome. It’s time for me and what I am called to do.”
The Itty Bitty Shitty Committee in your head
Facades – eventually people will come through the door and see the real
"Anything you can do I can do better" is not about being full of yourself

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE EPISODES

Frequency: The Power of Personal Vibration by Penney Peirce
Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Lifeby RoxieNafousi
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

Episode 11: Jessica Mand & Frequency: The Power of Personal Vibration
Episode 48: Edie Clarke & (1) Hello Fears: Crush Your Comfort Zone and Become Who You’re Meant To Be by Michelle Poler; (2) Practical Law of Attraction: Align Yourself with the Manifesting Conditions and Successfully Attract Your Desires by Victoria Gallagher.
Episode 76: Cindy Gersch & Manifest:7 Steps to Living Your Best Lifeby Roxie Nafousi

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Angelic is, c

About Angelic

Angelic started working when she was 16. She’s worked in restaurants, a big city PR Firm, web design, human resources, quality control, major fundraising, and opened and closed her own retail brick and mortar. No matter the industry, she’s been creating solid infrastructure for businesses since 1991. Then she decided, “No more working for others, making everyone else awesome. It’s time for me and what I am called to do.” It was time for a bigger leap. She’s created a business allowing her the power and freedom to choose who to serve and how. Lady Powerhouse Solutions supports women-powered initiatives that honor a calling and act with purpose to achieve their vision.

I was introduced to Angelic by video producer and YouTube Strategist Edie Clarke, whom I had a conversation with in Episode48 to cover: (1) Hello Fears: Crush Your Comfort Zone and Become Who You’re Meant To Be by Michelle Poler; and (2) Practical Law of Attraction: Align Yourself with the Manifesting Conditions and Successfully Attract Your Desires by Victoria Gallagher.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANGELIC

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelic-lovestrong/
Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/spring-hill-fl/lady-powerhouse-solutions
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladypowerhousesolutions/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/angeliclovestrong
Website: https://www.ladypowerhouse.com/

Watch the episode onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 74: Lisa Haisha & Her Book, SoulBlazing: Transform Your Imposters into Superpowers and Live a More Purposeful, Authentic Life

In this episode, Lisa -- a life coach, television host, author, and spiritual healer --walks me through her journey and work around the world that culminated in the creation of her soul-blazing therapy and book.

We hear about authenticity all the time. But what does that TRULY look like when our lives and work are not being hijacked by our inner imposters -- the Victim, The Egotist, The Seductor, The Joker, The Fixer, The Overthinker, and The Judge.

These personalities are the focus of Lisa's book. It's important we see how each of them plays out in whatever situation we may find ourselves. It's especially important to understand when we can use them to our advantage.

We tend to default into passive mode in life and work, reacting to what life gives us. We do it to survive, and yes, we do get by. But, in doing that, how much are we forgoing we truly are and what we truly want?

In this conversation, as Lisa broke down what each of the personalities is and when it tends to show up, I thought about when each has reared its head in my life.

It also helps to think about when we just let it happens and when we tap into each of those for our benefit. Lisa gives great examples of when we can do just that.

Our energy in life should not be discounted or forfeited so easily. Working to understand our own will help us tap into what we want and need for ourselves -- REALLY need for ourselves.

Conversation Highlights

How the BS of the day gets washed away.
The "You blazed my soul" comment which led Lisa to launched her Soul-Blazing Therapy
"You’re the writer, producer, director of your own life. If you don’t like your life, you get to change the main character (which is you). Write in a different script for yourself."
It’s like being a parent: It’s not what you say. It’s what you’re being.

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

Whispers from Children's Hearts by Lisa Haisha
Frequency: The Power of Personal Vibration by Penney Peirce
Fascinate: How To Make Your Brand Impossible to Resist by Sally Hogshead
The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Lisa is, Are you aware of how much and how often the inner imposters are appearing in the various areas of your life?

ABOUT LISA

Featured as one of the top life coaches to watch in 2023 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Lisa is a television host, mother, entrepreneur, personal coach, author, cultural researcher, world traveler, motivational speaker, corporate keynote, and spiritual healer. Lisa has traveled to over 80 countries to learn from people on their terms, including in boardrooms, yurts, bedohwin caves, South American jungles, ancient cities, prisons, and orphanages. Leveraging these learnings and her education, holding a Masters in Spiritual Psychology, Lisa packaged her unique methodology into her best-selling "SoulBlazing" book, helping thousands worldwide live more purposeful, authentic lives.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisahaisha/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaHaisha/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.haisha/
Instagram: @lisahaisha
Website: https://soulblazing.com/

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE PASTEPISODES

Episode 5: Jenn T. & Fascinate: How To Make Your Brand Impossible to Resist by Sally Hogshead
Episode 11: Jessica Mand & Frequency: The Power of Personal Vibration by Penney Peirce
Episode 73: Kimberlee Pita & Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john

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The Book Leads - Episode 73: ⁠Kimberlee Pita⁠ & ⁠Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert⁠

The magic of who we are. That's what this book and conversation cover. In Episode 73, Kim, a Mental Wellness Coach and Founder of the Love Your Mental Health LLC, reflects on both her career and mental health journeys.

A tool pivotal in Kim's wellness work is mindfulness -- taking stock of both what's around us and within us.

She found Big Magicby chance, but it made -- and left -- adeep impression on her.

For her, the book put to words how different we all are, how different our circumstances are, and how much we tend to not realize what we're capable of in our lives. There is so much we can unlock from deep within ourselves.

We spend most of our lives and career looking for it (the "magic") on the outside and in our environments.

Those experiences help, yes. But they merely unlock what's always been there.

There really is magic inside all of us. It's that uniqueness we can bring to the world, something that is only ours, a culmination and result of ALL the experiences we've collected along our journey.

If you don't want to call it magic because it sounds hokey, call it whatever you want. A gift, that something special, your driver, your passion, your reason for being -- whatever resonates for you.

But society stops us from letting it (whatever you decided to call it just now) get through. We conform to the script of life, mute ourselves because of the attitude of others, fear that paralyzes us, and hold back on and give up on ourselves. We're through before we even get started.

Check out this book even if you're not a traditional creative -- the singer, the musician, the painter, the sculptor, the photographer, the writer. Everyone is capable of creating in one form or another.

Find what's yours.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

We were all given something. We all have a beautiful gift inside of us.
Once we can find our authentic, true self, thenwe can truly deliver our magic.
You honor yourself through self-care.

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go by Jay Shetty
Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World by Gretchen Rubin
The Creative Art: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Kim is, How are you tapping into the inner magic that is unique to you and that serves as your gift to the world?

ABOUT KIM

A mental health advocate and past board chair of Mental Health Connecticut, Kim founded and launched Love Your Mental Health LLC in 2021, where she helps people turn their fears of mental health into love through self-care. She serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Copper Beech Institute, a mindfulness center in West Hartford, Connecticut, as well as the Framingham State College Alumni Association. Kim is certified in Mental Health First Aid, life purpose & happiness coaching, mindfulness facilitation, and singing bowls (level 1).

LEARN MORE ABOUT KIM

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimpita/
Website: http://loveyourmentalhealth.com

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE EPISODES

Episode 38: Jill Siegel & Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brene Brown
Episode 63: Nancy Burger & Tracking Wonder: Reclaiming A Life Of Meaning And Possibility In A World Obsessed With Productivity
Episode 68: Pete Sena & The Creative Act: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin

Watch the episode onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about TheBook Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads - Episode 72: Sabina Sulat & Agile Unemployment: Your Guide to Thriving While Out of Work

In this episode, Sabina, an Employment Expert and Author, walks me through her corporate and entrepreneurial journey that's lead her to recognize -- through immense hardships -- the lessons she can share with others. She seeks to help others avoid the depth of the pitfalls she encountered in her own periods without a job.

Aside from the administrative tasks professionals need to be aware of between jobs, there's also the psychological work they need to do -- for themselves.

Sabina's book and talks are helping bring those psychological needs to the forefront so we don't forget them when it comes to improving our employment status. We tend to put ourselves completely at the mercy of employers, forgetting our own needs.

That needs to stop -- for our own sake.

My conversation with Sabina was a solid reminder to always consider your own self-worth and reinforce your own sense of meaning, not tying it to any particular job or relationship.

We should have a healthy understanding of where our work ends and where we begin. Once we find that meaning mentioned above, we can have an ongoing and consistent source of pride, fulfillment, and sustenance.

These reminders serve us whether we are between jobs or currently employed. The value of the lessons is that we should always be aware of them -- not just when we're looking for a job.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

What it means when one of her clients says, “Wait a minute. I’m the asset here!”
Understanding -- and avoiding -- enmeshment when it comes to who we are and what we do for work
The pillars of self-care that need to be addressed when it comes to grieving a job loss
Be a Margaret (listen to learn about Margaret)
Do you want to be a participant in your life – or do you want to be the driver?

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide by Michael B Firsch & Caroline Adams Miller
The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Futureby Ryder Carroll
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
The Artist’s Way/The Artist’s Way at Work by Julia Cameron
You Must Write a Bookby Honoree Corder
Man’s Search for Meaningby Viktor Frankl

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Sabina is, Do you recognize what an asset you are in the work you can do and the value you provide?

ABOUT SABINA

Sabina has worked in Human Resources and Organizational Development for the past fifteen years. In 2018 Sabina found herself unemployed for the first time in her career and used that experience to write the book "Agile Unemployment: Your Guide to Thriving While Out of Work". She also hosts the "Agile Unemployment Podcast", the top unemployment podcast in the US. Her current work, through her company, Re: Working, focuses on helping others to build confidence and resilience as they navigate through all aspects of being out of work to find careers and jobs that align with their values and skills. Sabina regularly speaks to groups and organizations to help others learn to take control of their careers and to help corporations take a human-first approach with their employees. This fall Sabina will be taking part in the Beyond Lean In book tour joining fellow female workplace authors for a series of events across the country as they share their knowledge and insights with others, regardless of gender. Sabina's second and yet untitled book will be released in the fall of 2023, tackling the topic of explaining how work works to those just starting their careers.

MORE ABOUT SABINA

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sabinasulat
Podcast: https://agileunemploymentpodcast.podbean.com/
Website: reworkingworks.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads - Episode 71: Dr. Bridget Cooper (Cannon) & Unflappable: How Smart People Quit Overthinking, Ditch the Drama, & Thrive at Work

This is my second episode with cage-rattler, prolific author, and leadership advisor Dr. B. For those only meeting Bridget for the first time in this episode, she walks me through her career journey, from empowering her coaching clients to that same work taking on even greater meaning when she experienced life-altering changes after a traumatic motor vehicle accident.

This conversation speaks to how our past is impacting our present and future. We need to heal and reconcile correctly, most importantly for ourselves, before we can really move forward.

And so much bullshit from our past gets in our way today. Yes, they are tools, and yes, they serve a purpose. But when they toxify what we're trying to do, they become bullshit.

We can design what we choose to do with those past traumas and disruptions. But most of us never take the time to look back and really see what's what. Bridget provides so many tools in thisbook -- and in her previous publications -- to tap into the best of ourselves, a part we typically let fall away.

Conversation Highlights

When it comes to traumatic moments..."howdare that moment take away one more moment of our life?"
"Trauma is an interruption of what wewere put here to experience…how we were formed was to see only beauty, feel only inclusion, have only love…anything shy of that, leaves marks."
Intent vs. Impact
Referenced "If you never heal what hurt you, you'll bleed on people who didn't cut you." — Yehuda Berg

Mentioned or Applicable Books

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing by Bessel van der Kolk
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork By Dan Sullivan

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Bridget is, Which tools do you have at your disposal to make your way through (and heal from) the obstacles, challenges, and traumas of your life?

About Dr. B.

Dr. B a cage rattler who helps teams and leaders think and communicate more clearly and strategically so they can work and navigate problems proactively and effectively. She works with clients to overcome the attitudes, tactics, and patterns that derail their success through coaching, corporate consulting, and leading workshops that guide and inspire people to live more authentic, peaceful, and powerful lives. TEDx speaker and best-selling author of seven books on communication, conflict, change, and empowerment (including the 2023 toolkit, "Unflappable”), her mission is to change the world, one life at a time. Dr. B volunteers for Junior Achievement, Lasagna Love, The Miss America Organization, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and various other charities near and dear to her heart.

Dr. B's been with me on the series before when in Episode 24 we covered her book Pain Rebel: How We Take Our Power Back. That was in April of 2022…we’re in October of 2023…a year and a half ater.

Learn More About Dr. B

Website: www.drbridgetcooper.com
Email: bridget@drbridgetcooper.com
Amazon Author Page:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bridget-Cooper/author/B00LXT7R26?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
YouTube - TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtsAuqu-TxI&ab_channel=TEDxTalks
Instagram: @drbridgetcooper
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBridgetCooper/ and https://www.facebook.com/bridget.cannoncooper

Watch the episode onYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about TheBook Leads: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads - Episode 70: Oakland McCulloch & His Book, Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be

Oak is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel whose life and career -- including 23 years in the military -- have been about service to others. After he retired, he went on to run his local Food Bank and continue his service to the military through recruiting future leaders into the service.

Now, Oak is out there, spreading the message of servant leadership across the country and around the world through both his writing and speaking.

The military is about both a higher standard of leaders and service to others. From being a captain across the sports of baseball, basketball, and football and being president of his class and student government while a young man to the work he's doing now, his is a leadership forged in the lessons and stories he shares -- a lifetime of serving others.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The clarification of what "servant leadership" means.
What "being a leader is not about you, and it is all about you" really means.
"Who are you mentoring?"
The power of remembering the simple things we can do that we might've let slip when it comes to our growth and leadership.

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

Wooden on Leadership by John Wooden
The Heights of Courage: A Tank Leader's War on the Golan by Avigdor Kahalani

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Oak is, How much do you serve others through your leadership?

ABOUT OAK

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch is a nationally recognized keynote speaker and the author of the 2021 release, Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be. Both his leadership presentation and his book are based on his 40+ years of leadership experience , including 23 years as a combat arms officer in the United States Army). In both his book and his leadership presentation, Oak highlights principles that will benefit today’s leaders and inspire the leaders of tomorrow, in any profession and at any level of leadership.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OAK

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oakland-mcculloch-34293256/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LtcOakland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LTCOakMcCulloch
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Ep1eqF3o0X5CBamtVgClQ
Website: www.ltcoakmcculloch.com

EPISODES WITH SIMILAR THEMES AND REFERENCES

Episode 53: Laura Darrell & Wooden on Leadership by John Wooden
Episode 62: Atlas Aultman & his book, Rule of 3: How Elite Leaders Win

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about TheBook Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads - Episode 69: & The Gift 12 Lessons to Save Your Life by Dr. Edith Eger

In this episode, Corinne, shares both insights from Dr. Eger's book and how those insights have benefitted her in her own life -- one of traumatic experience, forgiveness, and growth.

Having experienced that journey herself, she brings her energy for life and wisdom through experience and learning to her coaching clients and retreat guests to help them heal from their own adversity.

Like Dr. Eger conveyed to her patients and implored in her book, Corinne also wants those she's helping to recognize the light that exists beyond hopelessness.

We all need to heal in some way, shape, or form. It may not be apparent, obvious, and evident on the surface, so it may take some reflection to explore and understand the deep-rooted reasons why we feel -- or react to the world -- in a certain way.

The takeaway from this conversation that resonates with me most is that of intentional evolution through victimhood -- and the ability and need to get beyond that vulnerable state. Don't get uswrong. As we state in the episode, it's important we feel those sensations.

So, after we have fully experienced and felt what that source of pain has left behind, we must do the work to step beyond it and build from that remaining rubble and ash.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

Healing is body-based. It has to be.
Victimhood is a mental prison.
Dr. Dan Siegel's Hand odel of the Brain
No one at the end of their life has the regret that they laughed or loved too much.
What the acronym R.A.I.N. stands for when it comes to self-compassion.

MENTIONED OR APPLICABLE BOOKS

The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World by Desmond Tutu
The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor
The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Daniel H. Pink
Man's Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Corinne is, When you feel like a victim and you feel hopeless, what do (can) you see BEYOND those sensations?

ABOUT CORINNE

Corinne is a transformation expert serving women who experience challenging transitions – divorce, career change, empty nest, family estrangement, addiction and loss of a loved one. Through her uplifting energy, soothing demeanor, and extensive training in a mosaic of modalities – Internal Family Systems, Respectful Confrontation and Compassion-based therapies – Corinne guides women on a path of joy, connection and love, overcoming the pain of invisible loss. Because Corinne has experienced firsthand invisible loss and the power of healing in community, she leads intimate, small group retreat experiences in beautiful places all over the world as a foundation in creating the Healing the Heart Sisterhood. These intentional communities are comprised of women who are willing to do the deep soul work of Healing the Heart with vulnerability, compassion, and love. In addition to her coaching and retreats, Corinne has launched a weekly Mindfulness Class called Wisdom Wednesdays: Cultivating Calm for the Hurried Human, and that class began on September 20th.

I was introduced to Corinne by Erin Harrigan, who I had as a guest in Episode 55 of the series in which we covered her book, Pursuing Success God’s Way: A Practical Guide to Hustle With Heart.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CORINNE

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinne-coppola/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corinnecoppola16/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corinnecoppola16/
Website: www.corinnecoppola.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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In this episode, Pete, an entrepreneur, angel investor, and podcast host, whose superpower is storytelling and branding, walks me through how creativity has impacted his life and businesses. He and I both agree that Rick Rubin's book will become a seminal book of knowledge and wisdom -- a book of evergreen creativity -- and that its relevance will still be remain strong a hundred years from now.

We both agree with the foundational tenet of the book: We are all creators. Creativity is in our DNA as humans, and it's at our fingertips -- and within our birthright -- to find out what it is, how to tap into it, and share it as best we can.

Creativity should not only be left to the traditional creative professions -- the musicians, artists, sculptors, photographers, etc.

There is so much we can create in our everyday work and lives, no matter who we are. We can create ideas, discussions, questions, moments, emotions, solutions, etc.

Pete shares his evolution from his initial start as a technical creator to how creativity skills help him cast a ripple effect of awareness and creation, as a leader, throughout his team and businesses today.

Without curiosity, you can't learn about yourself, others, or your industry, tribe, or group.

The same way curiosity aims to seek what's out there, creativity seeks to channel what we can design and provide for others from ourselves. It doesn't matter what you do in work, business, or life, creativity is a part of you. It's a birthright, as Rick Rubin writes and Pete shares in this episode.

We are all capable of something unique. It's on each of us to find out what it is we're here to provide toothers -- for them and for ourselves.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

What drove his evolution from shy and introverted kid to stepping out from and into the light as a leader.
Why, if you think you have something to say, and you think no one wants to hear it, you're wrong.
The power of the Scientific Method -- for life.
The lesson -- and growth -- in his apology to others for how he has shown up in the past.

BOOKS MENTIONED

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Net and the Butterfly: The Art and Practice of Breakthrough Thinking by Olivia Fox Cabane

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Pete is, Do you realize everyone has thepower of creativity at their fingertips? What are you doing with yours?

ABOUT PETE

Pete Sena, a pioneering entrepreneur, co-founded Digital Surgeons, building his career on developing cross-functional teams for Fortune 50 companies and startups alike. He's a forward-thinking thought leader with expertise spanning from branding to Web3 technologies, attracting 33k Twitter followers and 4.2k on Medium. Dedicated to academia, Pete mentors at Yale and acts as an entrepreneur-in-residence at the University of Connecticut. He hosts the podcast "Forward Obsessed", exploring business and tech insights. Originating from a dorm-room startup, he built District, a CT-based tech campus, and guided startups to success. Now, Pete focuses on AI's societal impact, inspiring future entrepreneurs.

David Salinas, Pete's co-host on Forward Obsessed and co-author with me on a chapter in the book Ten Secrets to Success After Graduation, introduced me to Pete. Nick Wagner Sr. was lead author on that book.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PETE

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersena/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/petesena
Medium: https://medium.com/@petesena
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peteslense/
Website: https://www.petesena.com/

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads - Episode 67: Holly Jackson & Her Book, Inspiration Contagion: Health Secrets For Raving Success

In this episode, Holly, a Revenue Maximizer, Bestselling Author, and Podcast Host, walks me through her life's challenges and lessons that have lead her into the work she's doing now, the book she's written (with more to come), and the movement she's created.

She's another great example of an author who is putting to the page the lessons that have helped them to help others streamline their own journey and life pain points.

And we can use Holly's lessons to tackle most of the challenges in life, including overcoming fear. And she's practicing what she preaches. (I mean, how often has anyone had to give their Tedx Talk twice because the first one wasn't recorded?)

This episode is another great reminder for all of us to share the lessons we've learned in life while sharing our own story. Sure, they may not resonate with everyone who hears them. But there will be someone who needs to hear pieces of what we have to share -- especially when it comes to minimizing their pain (whatever form it might take).

It's also a great reminder of how often we need to take our own advice and medicine, remembering the lessons we've learned along the way -- even us coaches.

We often aren't cognizant of how much is in our control and all the various pieces that go into building a sound life. I love how well-rounded Holly's book is, covering such things as sleep, self care, self-talk, chronic pain, among many others, and all shared with a the foundation of inspiration underneath them to guide us toward respecting our lives by using the tools we've been gifted for it.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

“… any time you try to force something, have you not learned to let go and trust?”
How the book is "...authentic, vulnerable, real, and raw so others who are suffering realize they’re not alone."
The difference between being a "How are you?" person and one who wants to ask, "What is new in your world?"
Stopping a charging bear.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Holly is, Are we taking a holistic approach when we step back, assess, and manage the challenges in our life?

ABOUT HOLLY

Holly Jean Jackson is a Revenue and Performance Consultant, International & TEDx Speaker, Podcast Host of Inspiration Contagion, Best Selling Author, and founder of Business Builder Throw Down. Her career spans from technology to communications as well as organizational change, public relations and content strategy. In her Peak Performance Blueprint, she looks at a holistic and logistical approach to success. Business owners hire her to master the art and science of real success because most lack direction, action, and results. So, she helps define and design a business roadmap for impactful visibility, intentional profitability, and endless sustainability.

I met Holly through publisher and business strategist Laura Di Franco , whom I met while contributing my own chapter to the book The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Successful Soul Professional: 22 Powerful Growth Strategies for Upleveling Your Soul-Aligned Business, a book for which Laura was the publisher and Camille L. Miller, MBA, Ph.D. ABD, the lead author.

I had a conversation with Camille in Episode 58 of this series.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOLLY

Holly's Book: Inspiration Contagion: Health Secrets for Raving Success - Kindle edition by Jackson, Holly Jean. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyjjackson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CoachHollyJeanJackson/
Website: https://hollyjeanjackson.com/
Tedx Talk: https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&ei=UTF-8&p=tedx+holly+jean+jackson&type=E211US714G0#id=1&vid=81fcac3261ad796d87ab070ed9caa8fb&action=click

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe⁠

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck⁠

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The Book Leads – Episode 66 – Heidi Metro & The Energy of Money: A Spiritual Guide to Financial and Personal Fulfillment by Maria Nemeth

I recently sat down with Heidi, a visionary and CEO of When You Lead: Coaching & Consulting, to discuss the book and how important it is to lead in a new, updated way that goes beyond the old-fashioned and outdated take on leadership. That’s what Heidi and her team are all about, in both how they lead themselves and coach their clients.

And what’s great about the book is that, although it covers money, the lessons extend well beyond that to a way of being and living.

Leadership – what it is and what is means – is evolving rapidly, especially with the changes in the world resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Heidi and her team are ensuring those lessons are not lost but instead amplified with priority and awareness.

The Midwest, anxiety and depression, philosophy, seasons, empowered women, and sensitive men are all part of this discussion and mixed in. Heidi and I left no stone unturned – for the time we had here. We jump from topic to topic. Everything is applicable and these mindsets are transferrable across experiences and environments.

Most of all, though, the importance of listening to our bodies and our deeper selves is mentioned throughout the conversation. That idea has come up many times in this series – listening to ourselves. But Heidi takes it a step deeper to discuss the physiology at work and how we can tap into the feelings we have to discover what’s driving us forward or holding us back.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Whenever "something doesn't feel right" shows up, there's an opportunity for a system update within you
Leaders need to know how their bodies work
Anxiety & Depression -- barometers to measure going toward or away from her inner knowing
Tools, if you don't have any of the physiology and philosophy, are just more information.

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Heidi is, How (and how well) are you listening to your body to determine what it is you need for yourself?

ABOUT HEIDI

Heidi is the visionary and CEO of When You Lead: Coaching & Consulting. With an infectious passion for empowering leaders and professionals, she's a driving force, redefining the landscape of leadership from the inside out! When You Lead isn't just your run-of-the-mill company; it's a transformative experience that unlocks each individual's natural and unique potential, allowing them to become the unrivaled gurus of their own lives. Heidi firmly believes that when high achievers and passionate souls possess the mindset, toolset, and skillset of strengths-based leadership, the ripple effect is felt throughout their lives, careers, and communities. Nestled in a cozy Midwestern town, Heidi lives with her partner, their three children, and two pooches. When she’s not creating from her home studio, you might find her browsing a nearby indie bookstore, dreaming over a backyard bonfire, or participating in local community-building events. As a life-long learner, you never know what Heidi is brewing up next!

Heidi is a coauthor of mine on the book The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Successful Soul Professional: 22 Powerful Growth Strategies for Upleveling Your Soul-Aligned Business.

I got to know her a little better when she and I appeared on a podcast with the publisher of the book, Laura Di Franco, to promote the book. Check out that episode HERE!

LEARN ABOUT HEIDI

Website: https://www.whenyoulead.com/

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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Episode 65: Dale Wilsher & her book, What’s Your Mom Type: Discovering God’s Design for You

I recently sat down with executive leadership coach and personal development expert Dale Wilsher to discuss her book, What’s Your Mom Type: Discovering God’s Design for You.

Dale’s another unique story about overcoming adversity, understanding your calling, and putting in the work to make a difference. Admittedly, it’s very cliché to hear about someone being forged in the fire, but if there’s anyone who has been, having come out the other end ready to empower other women to neutralize their own difficult odds, it’s Dale.

In hearing about Dale's story and her work, you'll see that just because others don't understand the pieces of who we are, doesn't mean we can put them all together to create a deep, meaningful, and impactful purpose for ourselves and others.

It's incredible -- and sometimes unfortunate -- when we underestimate our own gifts because we don't understand them yet. But, from what I've learned in this series, it doesn't matter if you're a late bloomer. Because by the time you get to the point where you make that realization, your heart is set on that purpose and works harder and more efficiently to make up for that "lost" time.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Responsibility is one of Dale's highest values, in which we steward what we've been given
Knowing who you are isn't enough. You have to like who you are.
The power of Personality Pride
How our personalities are suitcases packed long before we were born for the journey of life.

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Dale is, Are you aware of your full worth and potential, no matter what others may believe they see (and misunderstand)?

ABOUT DALE

Dale is an executive leadership coach and personal development expert who helps individuals and organizations turn their purpose into full potential. She is the author of an award-winning personality book, creator of several online courses on personality, career reentry, and boundaries, as well as a faculty member for the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute of Organizational Management. She is ICF accredited as a Professional Certified Coach and holds certifications as a Certified Professional Life Coach, Certified Career Services Provider, and Gallup Strengths Finder Champion Coach. Dale is a Certified Behavioral Consultant in DISC Personality Profiles and an inspirational keynote speaker. Her background in sales and science, makes her uniquely qualified to provide high-level insights into the hidden strengths, beliefs, and calling of her audiences using the latest findings in positive psychology, leadership, and neuroscience. Once bound by the expectations of others, Dale is now on a mission to help women rise into their fullest lives and truest work.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DALE

Dale’s Speaker Demo Video: https://www.yourauthenticpersonality.com/2020-speaking-schedule
Website: https://www.yourauthenticpersonality.com/
Career Pivot Program: https://www.yourauthenticpersonality.com/careerpivot

I was introduced to Dale by Patricia Ortega, MS. Patricia is a Career Transition Coach and host of the podcast The Uncommon Career, and I had Patricia on Episode 60 of The Book Leads where we covered the book Building A Story Brandy: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller. Patricia’s Episode.

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 64: Misty Compton & her book, Escapegoat Daughter: A Memoir Of One Woman’s Decision To Go No Contact With Her Family.

What Misty, an international bestselling author and co-author, and founder and CEO of CoreCavity LLC, shares with me is an open, raw, and emotional journey that’s led to now, to her mission to help others grow through recognizing their value and sharing their own story.

What I was reminded of while listening to Misty's story is that, by default, we may believe our story may not matter, but in the end, there are lessons others can take from our path. And you might not know the value of your story until you put it out there, share it with others, and hear what it means to them.

Thank you, Misty, for sharing so much of your story with me and this audience. There’s so much I learned about the human spirit, understanding one’s own value, and living one’s best life, no matter what or who we're faced with.

Episode Highlights

"This is your life. It's time to choose."
What it really means to "not be a victim"
Following your ethical compass
How your story can help others

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Misty is, How do you prioritize your mental health and psychological safety around those in you environments, including your family?

About Misty

Misty is an international bestselling author, co-author, and founder and CEO of CoreCavity LLC, a writing and editing service. Her first book Escapegoat Daughter was published in July 2022 and has inspired many daughters raised by toxic mothers to heal from past traumas and pursue a healthy lifestyle. In March 2023, she coauthored, Her Badass Story 3, a book series where brave women share their traumas and challenges to give women strength to conquer their personal battles. Through her writing, she helps women grow, heal, and flourish after a difficult childhood and into the person they were meant to be! Misty is currently in the process of writing her first fiction novel series and can’t wait to share it with the world.

Learn More About Misty

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mistycomptonauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Authormistyc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormistycompton
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mistycomptonauthor
Website: https://www.mistycomptonauthor.com/

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 63: Nancy Burger & Tracking Wonder: Reclaiming A Life Of Meaning And Possibility In A World Obsessed With Productivity

I recently sat down with, Nancy, a speaker, workplace communications strategist, and executive coach to discuss a book written by her friend and mentor Jeffrey Davis, whose guidance and insights have been a major influence in her professional journey.

As mentioned in previous episodes, but through her own unique words, insights, and experiences, Nancy talks about the foundation of our childhood as it applies to our adulthood, and the programming and reprogramming that needs to take place to live and do our best, most fruitful life and work.

The key to working through the lasting impact of childhood trauma also exists in those formative years. We need to look to the playfulness, the wonder, and the curiosity of our younger years. In utilizing that same lens as an adult lies the freedom to truly explore life and break free of our self-imposed limiting beliefs.

And it's never too late to pursue the passions we always had when we were younger -- as evidenced by Nancy's joining, singing, and performing in bands beginning at 40, satisfying that creative hunger she had for the performative arts.

Episode Highlights

How childhood is a double-edged sword
Overcoming the fear of trying something new vs. the regret of not trying it -- the choice is yours
Dorothy, the Wizard of Oz, and knowing the power you already have
"People think wonder is kids stuff, but it's radical grown-up stuff." Jeffrey Davis

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Nancy is, For all the limiting beliefs created in childhood, can YOU find the wonder in childhood you can use to offset them?

About Nancy

Nancy Burger is a speaker, workplace communications strategist, and coach who guides leaders and teams to foster emotionally healthy cultures. A Marshall Goldsmith-certified leadership coach, author, and seasoned researcher, Nancy weaves together 10+ years in communications expertise and research in psychology and neuroscience to elevate workplace connections. She works with C-suite executives, heads of HR & training/recruiting, managers, business owners, and team leaders across many industries. Nancy also delivers workshops and talks to universities, leadership organizations, and networking groups, all with the aim of cultivating clear, effective, and productive communication dynamics.

Learn More About Nancy

Website: www.nancyrburger.com
Instagram: https://lnkd.in/eScUNy2G
Facebook: https://lnkd.in/eJFKsbKQ
LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/ekTYU6_e

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 62 – Atlas Aultman & his book, Rule of 3: How Elite Leaders Win

Joshua “Atlas” Aultman has had a career steeped in leadership lessons. Coming from a family lineage that’s traversed both law enforcement and the military, the family code is one of serving others.

From those family lessons to his 27 years of military experience (in over 30 countries) in the most elite teams -- from communities such as Special Operations, conflict zones, and the Obama White House -- through his speaking, writing, and coaching, we get to learn from Atlas’s takeaways.

Rule of 3 is a book Atlas began years ago, with its lessons seeding the children’s books he’s written since then, for which his son served as illustrator. Any time a guest can simplify the lessons of leadership to expose our youth to those virtues and prepare them with tools to live and serve with their best life, I’m all for it!

Any time we can learn the lessons of leadership streamlined to the most elite foundation, I'm here for that as well!

What I took away from this conversation is the urgency that exists in leadership. Most leadership positions will not carry the same life-or-death consequences as leadership positions in the military, but each will carry deep importance and significance in the life of the leader and those in their charge.

We often think of the military as being all business, stoic, hard-charging, and ready for action. But Atlas’s work serves through compassion, service, and honesty to impact everyone – even if they’re not the right person for the job.

Episode Highlights

What to learn from the biggest corporation in the world, the United States military
How leadership is a voice.
If you can tell a story to a child, that’s what everyone’s going to listen to.
The power and respect in honest candor with others regarding their performance
“The world is a stage, and your kids are watching you as the main character. So, if you spend time with them and take them to your stage and provide them the lessons you’re learning, that’s better than anything you can do.”

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Atlas is, How much do you understand (and provide to) the role of each person in the mission of your work?

Mentioned Or Applicable Books

Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationships by Eric Berne
Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss
The World Encyclopedia of Flags and Heraldry by Alfred Znamierowski

About Atlas

Atlas is a 4X bestselling author, former United States Air Force senior officer with experiences in communities like the White House, Conflict zones, and Special Operations. Atlas was recently voted as one of the nation’s top 150 unknown speakers. He is currently the CEO of Leaders-KIT, an organization that helps proven leaders. He resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his family.

Learn more about Atlas

Website - www.Leaders-KIT.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/atlas_aultman/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@atlas_aultman
TikTok - @atlas_aultman
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/josh.aultman.351

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe⁠

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck⁠

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The Book Leads - Episode 61: Hesha Abrams & her book, Holding The Calm: The Secret To Resolving Conflict And Defusing Tension

Hesha, an internationally acclaimed master attorney mediator, has a storied career in corporate and international mediation, shifting from a practicing litigator before that. Walking me through her career and book, we talk about the power and role of connection when it comes to mediation and understanding each other.

She gets conflict. She gets what mediation is and what it can do. She's a glass-full kind of mediator but without any Pollyannish Toxic Positivity getting in the way. She sees the possibilities but calls it like she sees it. That balance contributes to her success.

Even though Hesha’s work is in mediation, resolving conflict after it’s start, what this conversation with Hesha reinforced in me is the power of service, of giving back just as much as, if not more than, we take.

So much of what we talk about here is avoiding getting to that point of contention in the first place by serving and being there for each other.

There’s a way we can help stop the constant toxicity enveloping the world. And it begins with us. Little acts of impact we can carry out, which set a ripple effect in motion. The power of Micro-Interactions also came up in my conversation with Jim Frawley in Episode 45 of The Book Leads.

Episode Highlights

She’s a self-described laboratory of human conflict. She’s seen every variety and level of conflict in her work around the world.
The impact having a give-a-darn meter can have on a leader’s followers.
Why validation is the WD-40 of the universe
Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Hesha is, For all the rights given to you in this world, do you understand your responsibility to give back?

About Hesha

Hesha is an internationally acclaimed master attorney mediator, with a unique talent to manage big egos and strong personalities and a keen ability to create synergy amongst the most diverse personality types, driving them toward agreement. By Holding the Calm, she uses innovative approaches to deal making, specializing in crafting solutions for complex or difficult matters. During her 30+ year career, Hesha has resolved thousands of cases, both large and small, in every conceivable area, creating settlements worth billions of dollars, saving clients billions more, including a dispute over the secret recipe for Pepsi. Holding the Calm is her insightful, practical, easy to use tool kit, forged in the trenches of resolving human conflict. Its secrets will enable you to know how to approach every situation to prevent explosions, disarm conflicts, and reduce drama. Holding the Calm is Hesha’s contribution to help make our world, businesses, and relationships less acrimonious and more harmonious

Learn more about Hesha

Hesha's Website: https://lnkd.in/etiuiJZt
The Book: https://lnkd.in/ehgNTDQJ

⁠Watch the episode on YouTube⁠

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The Book Leads – Episode 60 – Patricia Ortega & Building A Story Brand Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen

The tough challenges Patricia, a Career Transition Coach and host of the podcast The Uncommon Career, had to overcome early in her life set the stage and lay the foundation for the work she’s doing today helping people recognize their value and tell that story to the world.

This was the perfect book for Patricia to discuss with me. In general, people are horrible at telling our stories – our REAL stories – and using them to reflect who we really are. So, we need to dial it in and tune it up.

And that’s exactly the work Patricia does to help others.

What I took away from this conversation is the reinforcement of what coaches preach, namely that value is already inside who we’re working with. It’s a matter of realizing it, refining it, and presenting it that makes up the journey forward. Patricia understands that process based on her own experience growing up and into her own career.

It’s a reminder to both her and I, as well. All the pieces we discuss in the episode are the building blocks of our own commitments to our craft, namely building up our brand before an audience is there by knowing our story, recognizing our own value, and delivering it for others. It keeps us showing up – especially as podcast creators, episode after episode.

We all need that constant reminder. It was great to share this exact conversation with a fellow coach and podcaster.

Episode Highlights

Breaking out and building up from the belief she was only ever meant to be at the bottom of the food chain, scraping up what no one else wanted.
The tight parallels between entrepreneurship and being career savvy.
The power of confirmation and validation for others.
A conversation of what Artificial Intelligence (AI) can and cannot provide in the career coaching space.
Confidence doesn’t come from success but from the endless hours -- sometimes of blood, sweat, and tears -- practicing and refining our craft.

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Patricia is, How much do we understand our story to then communicate our value to others?

About Patricia

Patricia is a master's level career counselor & coach with a decade of professional experience. Her mission is to use everything she’s learned to help career seekers overcome mindset challenges and walk out their career goals. She helps people explore options and strategically navigate their career journey. Through the power of coaching, she also helps candidates develop a professional brand and communicate signature strengths so they can become confident, sought-after professionals. She is also a Christian, wife, dog mom, and of course, host of The Uncommon Career Podcast.

I was introduced to Patricia by Erin Harrigan, my guest in Episode 55, in which Erin covered her book, Pursuing Success God's Way: A Practical Guide to Hustle with Heart.

Learn more about Patricia

Website: theuncommoncareer.com
Podcast: theuncommoncareer.com/sub-podcast

Watch the episode on YouTube

Learn more about The Book Leads

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The Book Leads – Episode 59: Danielle Perlin-Good and her chapter in the book, GODDESS: 22 Spiritual Women Share Their Stories of Healing, Growth & Transformation

Danielle is a Soul-Aligned Ghostwriter and an award-winning best-selling author. Even though some people know what they want to do from an insanely young age, it doesn’t mean the journey to make it happen is either straightforward or easy. Danielle is another example of that kind of path, with major lessons learned along the way.

She talks about being a recovering people pleaser, being intentional about who you surround yourself with, and the power of fulfillment in one’s life (especially as a parent).

What I take away from my conversation with Danielle is the importance of being true to yourself. Yes, this may seem cliché, but rarely does it happen, where people are living the life or doing the work they themselves want to do.

We stop operating with the mindset that “I should” and begin living with the “I want to” and “I desire to” foundation of thought.

The funny thing about being a reformed people pleaser is that sometimes the outcomes don’t change. Things still get done and people are still better off for it, but the driver behind the actions changes. You ensure your values, needs, and desires are represented, and the ripple effect to others is bigger, stronger, longer-lasting, and more fulfilling.

Episode Highlights

The self-limiting beliefs and fears that keep us from sharing our stories.
Vulnerability vs. the myth and false reality of balance.
Business networking vs. networking for changing the f’ing world.
Re-writing the book on what parenting looks like.

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Danielle is, What could you accomplish if you started thinking about your own needs, wants, and desires?

About Danielle

Danielle is The Soul-Aligned Ghostwriter and an award-winning best-selling author. She helps company founders and leaders share their powerful legacies by unleashing their memoirs, self-help, personal growth, and leadership books so they can create massive impact and transform lives. Since 2008, Danielle has written and edited hundreds of articles, books, social media content, e-newsletters, and more. She went from working overnight shifts at the Tribune Company to corporate digital marketing gigs, one of which was at Albert Whitman & Co., an esteemed children’s publishing house. Danielle uses mindset techniques, exceptional editing and interviewing skills, as well as quantum healing modalities to ensure her clients develop a beautifully crafted and publishable book that they will forever cherish. In her free time, Danielle enjoys swimming, practicing yoga, spinning, cycling, being outside, and spending time with her husband and their two children.

Learn more about Danielle

Website: https://thesoulalignedghostwriter.com/
The Book: https://www.amazon.com/GODDESS-SPIRITUAL-STORIES-HEALING-TRANSFORMATION-ebook/dp/B0BB84LJ36/ref=sr_1_1?crid=311H5RFPBOCJE&keywords=GODDESS+book+danielle+perlin-good&qid=1684349895&sprefix=goddess+book+danielle+perlin-good%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 58: Camille L. Miller, MBA, Ph.D. ABD and her book, The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Soul-Aligned Business: 25 Practical Strategies From The Experts

Combining her various educational degrees and her work in the non-profit sector, Camille is working, through her Soul Professional Movement, to help others maximize their business reach while making a difference in their communities in the process.

In this episode, she and I cover her first book of a trilogy that parallels the tenets of her organization. The first book is about launching one’s business. The upcoming second book is about reaching the next level of success. Finally, the third book will cover leadership and leaving your legacy.

In addition to talking about her career journey, Camille and I also talk about and compare notes on being introverts fascinated by network-building.

In the end, whether its about networking or building up our communities through our work, we stress the importance of changing the world by going for what we want – and we don’t take it lightly.

What I take away from my conversation with Camille is the realization that we shouldn’t forfeit who we are when it comes to our work and business. Some of us want to shake the world up and make a difference, doing what we can proactively instead of sitting out on the sidelines. Her organization helps business owners, new and established, do just that without losing their souls, instead achieving the alignment between making money and doing the work that feels right for you.

This is yet another conversation that amplifies the power of networking and realizing what we need and who we want to surround ourselves with.

Don’t compromise. Don’t forfeit who you are. Get out there and find what’s for you. Too many of us are waiting, tolerating the cards we’re dealt. There is more out there for you – should you want it and if you feel called to do so.

You just to be curious, explore, and experiment.

Episode Highlights

Porshe vs. Honda: It’s experiences and people that change the world.
When you don’t control things, sometimes you control more.
The A-Ha moment presented by Superstorm Sandy
The power of leading from behind.

Mentioned / Applicable Books

The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Successful Soul Professional: 22 Powerful Growth Strategies For Upleveling Your Soul-Aligned Business (July 2023)
The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Camille is, How do you align your business and/or work with who you are at your core and in your heart?

About Camille

Recognized as the pioneer of the Soul Professional Movement, Camille is on a quest to assist entrepreneurs in building authentic businesses that impact the world. She founded the first global professional organization celebrating the evolution of soul-aligned entrepreneurs who are ready to awaken their financial and spiritual potential. Camille is a transformational leader and celebrated influencer in the field of entrepreneurship. Her debut book, The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Soul-Aligned Business hit Amazon Bestseller status in six categories including Starting a Business and ranked #3 behind Joe Dispenza and Brene Brown in Personal Transformation & Spirituality. She is currently working on her second book which will be released July 2023, The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Successful Soul Professional: 22 Powerful Strategies to Grow Your Soul Aligned Business.

Learn more about Camille and the Soul Professional Movement

• Discover the Soul Professional Movement: https://lnkd.in/dwcVQ8HK

• Website: https://CamilleLMiller.com

• Blog: https://lnkd.in/dCJdy6_E

• YouTube Channel: https://NLBP.tv

• FREE Global Collaborative on Facebook: https://lnkd.in/d_eXG27C

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe⁠

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck⁠

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The Book Leads – Episode 57: Karen Brown, & Adam Grant’s book, Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know

In my conversation with Karen, we talk about her career, from her beginnings in real estate to her role today as an Executive Coach, and Founder and CEO of Exponential Results, as well as her passion for competing in ultra-marathon and triathlon events.

Her education, research, and work in neuroscience and human behavior guide and are the foundation of her team's work at Exponential Results.

It’s amazing what the mind can do. Even though it’s a simplistic machine, it can either hold us back from or propel us forward to our greatest dreams.

Its strength lies in its programming – something we need to pay attention to and reassess regularly. We have to INTENTIONALLY re-evaluate it because so much of how it controls us takes place subconsciously without our awareness of what’s happening. We just go through the motions if we let ourselves.

Is it programmed to limit our beliefs or to achieve what’s possible? It's up to us to review and decide.

In covering Grant’s book, Karen and I give so many examples from the book and our own lives of the powers of mindset, learning and relearning, and remaining mentally pliable.

Episode Highlights

We’re all unique individuals, like different puzzles, but our brains all work the same way.
Definition of Trauma: ANY experience we have that triggers a significant emotional response.
How constantly questioning your value and having to prove your worth, although limiting, can make you a good rethinker.
“The world will be a changed place when we can all enter into one-on-one and collective conversations like this.”

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Karen is, What are you holding yourself back from based on your lifelong and programmed limiting beliefs?

About Karen

Karen is the Founder and CEO of Exponential Results. She draws on 30 years of success as a corporate executive with over 20,000 hours of senior executive coaching experience. She’s also a focused and fearless athlete, having completed, as an amateur, the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii and competing in numerous ultra-marathon and triathlon events around the world. It was during her Ironman training that Karen discovered the key to greater performance and effectiveness: identifying and addressing blind spots – the repeated thinking patterns that impede success. Using a professional coach and science-based methodologies of how our minds work, she busted through her own blind spots to achieve astounding results. Her discovery led to the creation of Exponential Results’ proprietary Power Pathways™ methodology, stemming from neuroscience. Karen is the author of Unlimiting Your Beliefs: 7 Keys to Greater Success in Your Personal and Professional Life (Morgan James Publish, 2018). The book is available on Amazon and other online outlets.

Learn More About Karen

LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/e_cXtfmn
Website: https://lnkd.in/egBfQE2w

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe⁠

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck⁠

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The Book Leads – Episode 56: Connor DeLaney and I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships by Michael Sorenson

Connor’s the exact person and leader you want in your business, especially in its founding and building. As Director of Membership at IMPACT, he’s helping create the customer and client experience. He’s understood that power from an early age, working in the restaurant business before working in the office environment. Because of that early experience, he knows the power of relationships and communication.

He’s continued to refine – and improve – his approach to relationships as a result of having read this book.

Connor’s approach is a lesson across the values of curiosity, empathy, and work ethic.

Through the stories and examples we both share here, he facilitates how the lessons of this book apply to our everyday work and personal lives. That there’s too much we’re leaving on the table if we don’t learn about and listen to each other.

Even if we have the best of intentions in everything we do, it doesn’t mean we’re demonstrating that in our actions. There’s always room for improvement and refining.

Connor and I met when I joined the board of the American Marketing Association – Connecticut Chapter. We only had one brief conversation at that time since our times on the board did not overlap. Nevertheless, we’ve stayed in touch. I appreciate what Connor brings to the LinkedIn community, always sharing and engaging to create value to his team, colleagues, and network.

Connor’s my first repeat guest on the show. All the way back in Episode 12 we covered the book They Ask, You Answer: A Revolutionary Approach to Inbound Sales, Content Marketing, and Today's Digital Consumer by Marcus Sheridan.

Episode Highlights

The power of the early work and doing the reps, and what that does for your relationship building and networking.
The power of exploration and discovering new things to keep your energy high, even in new and unexpected areas of life and work.
The power of trust, honesty, and candor: “Take the thing that’s in the back of your head and put it in your mouth and spit it out.”
The power of validation in seeing others and building relationships

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Connor this time around is, How do you take the time to learn to listen, to hear and see others and improve relationships?

Learn more about Connor & IMPACT

Connor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-delaney/
Website: app.impactplus.com
LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eFSvVBUR

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 55: Erin Harrigan & Her Book, Pursuing Success God's Way: A Practical Guide to Hustle with Heart

In this conversation, Erin, a Christian business coach, shares how she was called to the work she's doing now, trading in the traditional definition of success for doing God's work while making an impact in the lives of others.

The driving need for success in our culture can do us in -- as evidenced by so many stories in previous episodes of The Book Leads. Erin's story presents another lesson in reinvention as a result of burnout, coming out the other end of those challenges by finding God later in her career.

Erin seemed to find her faith at the precise moment she needed it, then sharing those lessons with other women seeking to elevate their business and their faith simultaneously.

Whatever your faith may be, most of us have something that is calling to us, whether it be that faith, goals, tradition, or legacy. Our unique desires don't match up to society's definitions and stories of success. It's hard to step away from that when it's all we've known. But it is possible.

The best part about those stories of people finding their calling mid-career is that when they do find what they're meant for, they hit it with everything they've got and make the greatest impact. It reinforces the idea that all those struggles and all that suffering weren't in vain.

Episode Highlights

The evolving definition of success and what it means to us.
The power of Yielding Your Fruit -- one of the 5 principles she outlines in her book for pursuing success God's way. You have something you can share that is unique to you. How are you sharing it?
Erin works in the space where business and faith don't understand each other, where one feels there's no place for the other. To demonstrate that they can coexist is her calling.

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Erin is, Whether for yourself, others, or a higher power, what is the driver behind your wanting to achieve “success”?

About Erin

Erin Harrigan is a Christian wife, empty nest mom, speaker, author and business coach on a mission to help high-achieving Christian women level up their businesses without compromising their faith. Bringing to bear her 30+ years of corporate work and 10+ years of network marketing, she helps women be more focused and fruitful by aligning business strategy and goals to God's truth through her customized business coaching, speaking and award-winning podcast, Redefining Hustle: Pursuing Success as a Christian Woman. Erin is the author of Pursuing Success God's Way: A Practical Guide to Hustle with Heart.

Learn more about Erin

FB: https://lnkd.in/e3nt2ySD
IG: https://lnkd.in/eucZYzD5
LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/e_WHe24E
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eJcyw43G
Free download: https://lnkd.in/ewPBCZY2
Email: erin@erinharrigan.com

I was introduced to Erin by Laura Di Franco, who is a book publishing business strategist who’s coordinating the release of an anthology I’ll be a part of in July 2023 – The Ultimate Guide to Becoming A Successful Soul Professional: 22 Powerful Growth Strategies For Upleveling Your Soul-Aligned Business.

In my chapter, I break down what inspired my signature talk, Platinum Networking: Designing A Unique Experience For Others In A World Of Disconnection, digging into my story -- and that of and with my parents -- to understand what's behind the way I interact with those in my network, serving them as if they were my clients.

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 54: Moshe Goldstein & his book, STARTERMINDSET

In STARTERMINDSET, Moshe interviews fourteen young (17-25 year old) professionals, each coming from unique and diverse backgrounds, who tell their stories and share their motivations to succeed. These stories range across all industries showing that, with the right mindset and motivation, prosperity is within reach. In this book you will discover where to go with your concept and the steps needed to create a lifelong career.

Moshe has a background that spans work as a high school teacher and studies in computer science, mathematics, cybersecurity, patent prosecution, and Talmudic law. With that connection of teaching young students and his own experience across so many fields, Moshe became curious about how it is young people can tap into their best skills and abilities to achieve groundbreaking work in their fields.

My curiosity on learning and development in youth has led many of podcast episodes to become two-pronged – one to glean knowledge from my guests for professionals while a second is to ask, from time to time, how we can provide those tools for younger generations. It’s not that we need to make things easy and safe for them. But if we can provide them tools early, we can empower them sooner to begin making a difference through their own ability and passions

Episode Highlights

Appreciating and tapping into one’s own unique vision and way of thinking.
The Starter Mindset can exist in any field and industry.
The power of people sharing their knowledge and paying it forward.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Moshe is, Regardless of age, what ideas have you had for the world, and how have you gone about executing on them?

Moshe’s Bio

Moshe Goldstein is a high school teacher and has studied computer science, mathematics, cybersecurity, patent prosecution, and Talmudic law. He also is a community service volunteer with Kids of Courage (K.O.C.) and is an emergency medical technician…so he’s always seeking to help others while expanding his own knowledge. Moshe recognized the lack of advice for young people getting their footing in the “real world;” making it his goal to encourage the next generation to forge their own path. Drawing from his own experience, his debut book STARTERMINDSET, sets out to inspire people to get started and find their passion. Instead of settling for good enough, Moshe strives to draw out the very best in himself and those around him.

Learn more about Moshe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moshe-goldstein/
Twitter: @startermindset
Instagram: startermindset1
Website: startermindset.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe⁠

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck⁠

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Episode 53: Laura Darrell & Wooden on Leadership by John Wooden

In this episode you'll find two leadership coaches geeking out on all-things-leadership, exchanging notes, experiences, and insights on what we hope leadership can become.

Laura’s journey begins with the immigrant story of her parents and the mindset they brought with them in their migration to Canada. She shares with me here the stories behind the mindset triad that has lead to the hard work and determination she’s lived in her career: (1) Be positive; (2) Have incredible work ethic; and (3) Understand the power of freedom to create what it is you want.

You can tell Laura lives the lessons she learned from her parents, picked up along the way in her career, and gleaned from Coach Wooden’s book. The book itself is one with transformative lessons, setting the example for what we all can do for others in their lives and work.

A ripple effect of humanity. We can make a difference and change their lives. We typically underestimate that power.

In addition to covering Coach Wooden’s book, in which he lays out his approach to and vision for leading others – which helped his UCLA team win a total of 10 NCAA championships in 12 seasons – we cover Laura’s own journey of leadership and the lessons from Coach Wooden’s book she’s infused into her approach to life and leadership.

Episode Highlights

“You want to make the world a better place, let’s focus on the caliber of leadership that exists in the world today.”
The Magic of Leadership: Creating space for amazing things to happen. It’s your job to believe the people you’re leading are capable of greatness.”
The power of detachment: If you give it all in the practice, you don’t have to worry about the outcome of the game.
If you’re not prepared to love your people, leadership is not for you.
Coach Wooden: “Make each day your masterpiece.”

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Laura is, How does your leadership make a lasting impact well past those moments of leadership

Laura’s Bio

Laura is a top-selling leadership author and guest speaker passionate about franchisee/franchisor success, organizational health, and leadership development. She has twenty-five years of people, team, and departmental leadership experience with some of Canada and the world's most iconic brands. She holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Royal Roads University with thesis research focused on how enhanced collaboration between multidisciplinary key stakeholders can lead to better business outcomes for both.

Learn more about Laura:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauravik/
Website: www.lauradarrellleadership.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083941399388

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads - Episode 52: Chris Felton & Think & Grow You: How To Get Out Of Your Own Way And Level Up Your Life

I recently sat down with Amazon bestselling author, 7-figure entrepreneur, and speaker Chris Felton to cover his book.

Like so many authors I’ve interviewed, Chris’s story is rooted in the life challenges he overcame himself. At the brink of financial ruin, he turned it around with the help of his wife. They did the work, got things done, and want to help others through their story, which they infused into a book. The book we cover in this episode is Chris’s own.

As Chris shares – and I’m sure you can attest to it -- people get stuck and they stay stuck. Chris wants to help 10’s of millions get unstuck and get back on the path of life they deserve. That’s what his purpose is in everything he does.

I enjoyed Chris’s honesty and no-punches-pulled style of expression. You can hear the urgency in his voice for others, and he’s full of perfect sound bites of one-liners.

He calls himself both a miracle and a mess. Aren’t we all, though? We all have our “stuff,” bullshit we’re going through in our lives of every look, size, and feel. It’s how we deal with and navigate through it that establishes the measure of our character, humanity, and resilience. I hope it gets you as fired up as it got me.

Some Episode Highlights

Chris shares he quite living in Hopium -- Hoping the outside world changes while he fiercely insisted on staying the same
Chris admits he wanted to avoid the prices others had to pay for him wanting to stay a "dumbass."
How always not making time for others and responding "I'm busy" can send out a signal that you can't handle the blessings coming your way.
He recommends, whether you're an author or not, that you write your personal history to understand yourself more fully and deeply.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Chris is, Do you understand what the difference is between interest and commitment when it comes to changing your ways?

Chris's Bio

Chris Felton is an Amazon bestselling author, 7-figure entrepreneur, and owner of a financial services firm which he started in 1999.Chris leads and trains 200 agents across the US as they have helped over 17,000 clients, and he’s achieved Top 1% status in a company of 60,000+ agents. He’s been featured in US News & World Report, Market Watch, Yahoo Finance, and Nasdaq to name a few. As an international speaker and bestselling author, Chris is committed to sharing his story and lessons learned from being on the brink of financial ruin and divorce to building one of the most successful financial services firms in the country. He speaks on stages to audiences of over 20,000 and appears on top podcasts, such as the Ed Mylett show, reaching millions of listeners around the world.

Learn more about Chris: https://chrisfelton.me/

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 51: ⁠Matt Thieleman⁠ & his book, This Is Coaching: How to Transform a Client’s Performance, Life, and Business as a Master Coach & Warrior of Love

My discussion with Matt is yet another open and vulnerable conversation in which we cover my guest’s life and path that led to their work today. Specifically for Matt, that means helping clients today “who are missing something and don’t quite know what it is.”

The conversation covers so many areas – childhood trauma, how we can be drawn toward chaos, and the power of healing in both living our best life and doing the best work we can.

Drawing from the career lessons and experience of his own journey as a human and his own work as a coach, Matt has published This Is Coaching to provide more insight into what coaching can become.

Episode Highlights

Marketing’s applicability to leadership
A question that has driven Matt throughout his work and career: How do I put myself in another person’s perspective and get curious about what would actually be useful for them?
Why looking back at our childhood can feel “icky.”
Growing as a leader means to be able to grow our capacity to play on the full spectrum of life, however that looks.
How fear shows up whenever possibility shows up

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Matt is, How do you step into what it is you need to do to get to where you want to go and who you want to be?

Matt’s Bio

Matt works with leaders and change-makers to help them live into their purpose more fully and bring their masterpieces to the world. He educates and trains coaches to be world-class in their field and help their clients reach their full potential . Prior to becoming a coach, Matt was in the marketing world, working with clients in practically every industry imaginable., having worked with companies such as Michigan Ross School of Business, Gannett, Parthenon Publishing , and others, Through that work, Matt had a good look at how well-intentioned leadership not getting out of their own way was causing businesses harm. Matt has been a leadership coach since 2016 and spent 2021 as CEO of Pilea, a coaching organization for venture-backed founders. After a year of intense growth and hard work, Matt turned his focus back to coaching and other soul-work he’s called to bring to the world. It’s simply a continuation of a lifelong mission to heal himself, help others heal, and lead others with authenticity. Matt is the founder of Golden Bristle, a TEDx Speaker on Mindful Leadership, “Why The World Needs Mindful Leaders,” and Co-Sensei of Samurai Coaching Dojo

Learn more about Matt:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattthieleman/
Website: https://goldenbristle.com/

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 50: Sean Glaze & STAYING COACHABLE: A Story With 4 Questions to Help You Thrive in Change and Enjoy Relentless Improvement

I recently sat down with author and leadership expert Sean Glaze to cover his book STAYING COACHABLE: A Story With 4 Questions to Help You Thrive in Change and Enjoy Relentless Improvement.

Sean is someone who worked as an English Teacher and coached 4 sports before his current work in the leadership field.

And it makes sense to me that that’s the path he’s taken to his leadership and teambuilding practice.

Experiencing his demeanor in our conversation, while understanding the power of communication from his 30 years of teaching literature and the lessons a coach puts into play with students – especially across four different sports -- I see the tremendous value that confluence of attributes and skills creates for his clients and audience.

I believe our great teachers were our first leadership coaches, whether we know it or not.

And here’s a teacher who learned his lessons while coaching, shifting from directing and instructing to asking and learning.

Episode Highlights

The idea of being coached and being coachable are two very different things.
What are the questions that lead people down the path where they make a commitment instead of remaining complacent?
“We can only give people what's already in our backpack.”
Experience vs. Awareness in Leadership – Which makes great leaders?

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Sean is, How do you stay coachable, remaining open to learning and getting better in yourdevelopment?

Seans's Bio

Sean is an author and leadership expert who has worked with clients like the CDC, John Deere, Coca-Cola, and Emory University to increase collaboration, boost productivity, and build exceptional workplace cultures. Sean’s engaging conference keynotes and interactive team building events help accelerate the growth of more effective leaders. As a successful basketball coach and educator for over 20 years, Sean gained valuable insights into leading winning teams - and founded Effective Leaders to share those lessons. Sean’s books, Rapid Teamwork, The 10 Commandments of Winning Teammates, and STAYINGCOACHABLE: A Story With 4 Questions to Help You Thrive in Change and Enjoy Relentless Improvement are entertaining parables with powerful take-aways to improve team performance and leadership! The question that Sean asks, that gets to the core of his work is: What issues are you dealing with that would disappear if you had a workplace culture that emphasized connection, accountability, and a team-first attitude?

Learn more about Sean:

Company Website https://lnkd.in/e3kX_6eH
Linkedin https://lnkd.in/eadwmEpP
Twitter https://lnkd.in/eVSBsBb4
TikTok https://lnkd.in/eK3_SXY2
Facebook https://lnkd.in/eTWmSvvb
Youtube https://lnkd.in/e9a6z3yB
Email Sean@EffectiveLeaders.live

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe⁠

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck⁠

Staying Coachable: A Story with 4 Questions to Help You Thrive in Change, Keep Climbing, and Enjoy Relentless Improvement

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The Book Leads – Episode 49: Greg Kettner & Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz

Greg speaks to how this book changed his view on finances, which, let’s be honest, plays very much into our stress vs. peace of mind dynamic. It helped him organize and be disciplined about his business finances, freeing him to focus his energy for helping more people.

I have a deep appreciation for Greg’s work because, well, I love laughing. Yes, I know, most people do. But I NEED a good laugh every day. That, honestly, is my measure of a great day: At some point in the day, did I enjoy what I was doing enough to let out a good laugh?

Greg, a former professional comedian who is also the Founder of WorkHappy™ Nation, understands that power of happiness and laughter, and also how it’s residual ripple effect can enhance our work environments, success, and profits.

In this world we’re living in, filled with tension, stress, anxiety, and chaos, we can’t leave our happiness to chance. Whatever level of happiness it is that each of us needs, we need to be proactive and intentional about setting the stage for it.

In our conversation, Greg breaks down how his mission to bring more intentional happiness to the workplace began and the results he achieves for his clients.

I also appreciate the awareness Greg brings to men’s mental health. For far too long the stigma of talking about mental health has kept men from both expressing ourselves and getting the help we need.

I was introduced to Greg by Darrin Tulley, Founder and Chief of Possibilities at Ignite Happy, and I interviewed Darrin in Episode 21 of this series on his book, Live Your Possible: Ignite Your Happy, Authentic Self and Live a Fulfilling Life Rooted in Joy, Inclusion, Love, and Possibilities.

Episode Highlights

The question that set Greg on his current journey: “Why don’t you go and help other people work happy?”
The Zone of Service is magical.
How do we be more human? We’ve gotten away from it.
Every point made about men’s mental health.
What we can all learn from Billy Joel.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Greg is, Whether as an organization or an individual, what intentional steps are you taking to make your happiness and mental health a priority throughout the day?

Greg’s Bio

Greg Kettner is a TEDx Keynote Speaker, Trainer, and Coach who uses the WorkHappy Program to assist leaders and organizations in reducing stress, boosting productivity, and fostering a culture of mental health mindfulness. In his talk "The Power of Laughter" he shares how businesses can inspire and empower their workforce by putting people before profits. WorkHappy businesses succeed by ensuring that voices are heard, opinions and perspectives are valued, and that discussions about mental health take place in the workplace. Coca-Cola, RE/MAX, Ford Motor Company, iCIMS, TractionGuest, Vizier, SunLife Financial, and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games are just a few of the companies that now WorkHappy.

Learn more about Greg:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkettner/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gregory.kettner/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gregkettner/
Twitter https://twitter.com/gregkettner
Podcast https://www.gregkettner.com/podcast

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 48: Edie Clarke &…

Hello Fears: Crush Your Comfort Zone and Become Who You’re Meant To Be by Michelle Poler
Practical Law of Attraction: Align Yourself with the Manifesting Conditions and Successfully Attract Your Desires by Victoria Gallagher

I recently sat down with Edie, a Remote Video Producer & YouTube Strategist, to discuss two books which have impacted her life.

Edie’s path began in studying and obsessing over the details and structure of educational TV shows as a young girl growing up in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s passion which, building off of that childhood fascination, continues today as she helps clients understand, craft, and reflect their own story on video by harnessing the power of YouTube.

But that path was shaken by self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

Edie shares that, during that period, she found these books, just at the right time, to help her step through fear and manifest what she wanted to deliver for herself and, therefore, for her clients.

Fear can do most of us in. It paralyzes us at the core before we’re able to tap into what we’re really about and deliver that quality and value to our community, whether it be to our personal or business community. Hello, Fears helped Edie work through those self-imposed obstacles.

Once we get beyond fear, what are we going to do with what we want for ourselves – our ideas, passions, dreams, and hopes? Navigating and overcoming the negative is one thing; designing and building the positive is yet another. So, once we overcome our fears, how are we going to design what we want to see happen? How will we manifest those visions?

Edie covers both those areas in this conversation as it pertains to her journey.

Episode Highlights

· Another great story about how strongly some people know their passion early in life but spend part of their career ignoring the voice that keeps calling them back to that original love.

· The power of detachment – knowing you did the best that you could in your craft and work, and letting go, not becoming crippled by wondering what people are going to draw from your effort.

· “Everything happens for a reason, and it happens at the time that you need it, and you see it to do it when it’s right for you.”

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Edie is, What has fear kept you from accomplishing, and how are you going to get out there, beyond it, to make them happen anyway?

Edie’s Bio

Edie Clarke is a highly experienced and knowledgeable remote video producer and YouTube strategist who is dedicated to helping service-based entrepreneurs leverage the power of video to enhance their online presence and achieve their business goals. Through her expertise in video production, she empowers entrepreneurs to create effective YouTube videos that showcase their knowledge and expertise in their field, attract new customers, and build a loyal following. By providing her clients with the tools and guidance they need to produce high-quality videos without a steep learning curve, she helps them build the confidence they need to succeed. In addition to her technical expertise, Edie is also a skilled strategist who understands the nuances of YouTube and how to use it effectively to reach a target audience. She helps her clients to develop content that is tailored to their specific niche and optimized for the platform, ensuring that their videos are seen by the people who are most likely to be interested in their services. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced entrepreneur, her expertise and guidance can help you take your YouTube channel to the next level.

Learn more about Edie:

· Website: https://edieclarke.com

· LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/VirtuallyInSync

· Facebook: https://facebook.com/VirtuallyInSync

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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The Book Leads – Episode 47: Andrew Beamon & From Promises To Progress: A Leadership Guide To Help Organizations Avoid Common Mishaps And Bring Their Racial Equity Aspirations To Life

I recently sat down with Andrew, a Corporate Social Responsibility Professional, Author, and fellow University of Hartford Alum, to discuss his career and experiences leading up to his new book.

Beyond continuing the conversation that seems to fade back into discomfort between major racist tragedies and murders, he's pushing it further so ompanies understand what they can do beyond instinctively grabbing for the low-hanging fruit of launching surface-level campaigns and reworking public perceptions.

He wants them to dive deeper.

These open, honest, and learning conversations are what I would love to see more of – where each person is sharing their experience and understanding. We’re not always going to get it perfect, but the conversations should be equal parts honesty and patience.

As for companies operating in today’s society: No more lip service and facades. Do right by your people and community.

Episode Highlights

Examples of companies called out for racist practices and missteps;
How companies can take their anti-racist responsibility seriously;
His experience going to an HBCU;
The difficulty he found in expressing what he was feeling after various senseless high-profile murders of black men; and
The difficulty that exists in having these conversations in society.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Andrew is, What steps are you and/or your company taking in the fight against racism?

Andrew’s Bio

Andrew Beamon is an experienced professional in Corporate Social Responsibility, Racial Equity, Human Resource Strategy, and Economic Development. Prior to joining a global financial institution to lead the U.S. Corporate Citizenship Colleague Engagement Programs, he worked as the Director of Field Operations for the SCORE Association, and as a Human Capital Consultant with The Gallup Organization. Andrew earned his bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in hospitality and tourism administration from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, and his master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Hartford in Hartford, Connecticut. He completed Georgetown's Strategic Diversity & InclusionManagement Executive Certification and Boston College's Certification in Strategic Corporate Citizenship Management. Currently resides back in hishometown, Waterbury, Connecticut.

Learn more about Andrew Beamon:

Website: www.andrewbeamon.com
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Promises-Progress-leadership-organizations-aspirations-ebook/dp/B0BSSQDGML/ref=sr_1_1?crid=187C5PLQO81SW&keywords=from+promises+to+progress&qid=1681229599&s=digital-text&sprefix=from+promi%2Cdigital-text%2C2330&sr=1-1

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe⁠

Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck⁠

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The Book Leads – Episode 46: Ally Berthiaume & Dear Universe, I Get It Now: Letters on the Art and Journey of Being Brave and Being Me.

I recently sat down with Book Coach, Writing Guide, and Ghostwriter, Ally Berthiaume, to discuss her career in and passion for writing, and her book.

Here’s another creative in my circle who is sharing her story with me. This is yet another story of someone who goes down a path in life that just doesn’t feel right, all the while feeling something is whispering in her ear, beckoning her to take a different path. In our talk she shares with me that journey and what happened when everything finally clicked.

Ally’s book is made up of letters she wrote to the universe, walking it through the emotions and experiences of various periods through her life, the good, the bad, the ugly.

It’s amazing how we can look back at all we made it through and see it all with a different lens, even laughing at the chaos of the hard times, knowing we made it through and that we’re better for it.

So many of us have similar over-arching themes to our lives but that remain so unique to who we are.

We all have the opportunity to look back. We all have the opportunity to learn. We all have the opportunity to laugh.

It looks different from one person to the next, but the answers to most of what we need are there – in the past.

Episode Highlights

·Her work has a lot of cross-over between her loves of psychology and creative writing, for which the center of it all is the human story and experience.
She talks about one of the most pivotal moments in her life, when she had 2 months of living expenses, a hope, and a dream, and never looked back. (Although she still thinks it was a bit insane.)
“If you can impact one person, I know you can impact many more.”
We’re all asked, “WHAT do you want to be when you grow up?” when it should be “WHO do you want to be when you grow up?”

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Ally is, If you could send the universe letters, how would writing about each of the major experiences in your life change you?

Ally’s Bio

Ally is the founder of The Write Place, Right Time, her virtual boutique of book coaching and ghostwriting services. As a writing guide or ghost, Ally serves leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries across North America and Europe who know they have the power to activate healing (their own and their readers’) by sharing their stories and spreading their message. She supports her clients in writing the book that will light up their world and ours. Ally is also the author of Dear Universe, I Get it Now: Letters on the Art and Journey of Being Brave and Being Me. She's co-authoring her next upcoming book, due out sometime this August of 2023 (which is currently still untitled) but that will focus on helping newbie nonfiction authors write, publish, and promote their books. When she's not at the keyboard or stuck inside a book, you'll find her drinking Maple Lattes, solving the most recent Hunt-a-Killer case, watching The Princess Bride for the umpteenth time, or spending time with her husband and son.

Learn more about Ally:

Website: thewriteplacerighttime.com
Ally’s Book: ayberthiaume.com/dearuniverse

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

Watch the episode on YouTube: ⁠https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe⁠
Learn more about The Book Leads: ⁠https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck⁠

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The Book Leads – Episode 45: Jim Frawley & Adapting In Motion: Finding Your Place In The New Economy

There are two major lessons I’ve learned from my conversations while hosting The Book Leads. First, preparation is everything. Getting ready before we have to be ready, not waiting until the urgency is upon us, sets us up in a better position for what’s coming. And second, just how much we can learn from the children around us – and even our own inner child.

This episode’s conversation is no exception. During this talk with Jim, he walks us through what he conveys are the critical steps needed to adapt to unforeseenchange. The two components I mentioned above come up in this conversation. First, the bulk of Jim’s work is preparing his clients and their workforces forunexpected change. Second, part of that preparation is knowing what we don’t know, being curious, and tapping into the wonder of children who are alwaysexploring and always asking questions.

Some highlights from this episode:

One of my favorites: The importance of micro-interactions.
To be active adapter, you have to have an opinion and belief system – most people don’t have it.
Most questions come with judgements and assumptions. How do we shed those?
The reason kids are so happy is because they’re asking questions, with awe and wonder, while adults are miserable because they have all the answers.

Other Notable Mentions:

Book: The Art of Focused Conversation: 100 Ways to Access Group Wisdom in the Workplace by R. Brian Stanfield
Quote: “All human beings have three lives: public, private, and secret.” ― Gabriel García Márquez

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Jim is, What steps do you take to prepare yourself as best as possible today against changes you can’t see coming in the future?

Jim’s Bio: Jim is the Founder of Bellwether, an executive development community, dedicated to helping both individuals and organizations build resiliency, adapt to change and thrive in rapidly-shifting contexts. Jim provides a range of services, including Keynote Speaking, Executive and Business Coaching and Workshop development and facilitation. He is the Author of "Adapting in Motion: Finding Your Place in the New Economy" and Host of the Bellwether Hub Podcast, Building a library of resources for teams and individuals to continually develop themselves. He has worked with clients in eight countries and thirty-nine states to date to create and implement change management, corporate training, and strategic planning programs, as well as organizational re-designs. His specialties include executive communications, self-efficacy and accountability, and preparing for change when we don’t know what change is coming.

Learn more about Jim and his work:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jimfrawleyNY
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jim_frawley
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellwetherhub
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoi8Pzqx5D-gL31aT_qWaA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimfrawleyNY/
Website: https://www.bellwetherhub.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

The Art of Focused Conversation: 100 Ways to Access Group Wisdom in the Workplace (ICA series)

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The Book Leads – Episode 44: Tia Hawkins & Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Tranforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead by Brene Brown

I recently sat down with my childhood friend Tia Hawkins to talk about her journey to today and how Brene Brown’s book has influenced her path, development, and success.

The book is about opening up with vulnerability and putting yourself out there in the arena of life. Sometimes we want to hold on to safety and familiarity, and in the process, we let ourselves down. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Tia seemed to find the book at the most challenging time in her life. Since that time, my friend, a Registered Nurse, Wellness Coach/Educator, Speaker and Author, has been sharing her message with others, helping them take care of themselves, tofind that courage to move beyond their own perceived limitations.

Some highlights from this episode:

“It’s not about success or failure, because the journey is going to teach you.”
Asking yourself, How do I live this way instead of getting the tools to not live this way anymore?
Your passions as a kid don’t leave you; they are just hidden deep inside you.

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Lisa is, how have you been vulnerable, opening yourself up and stepping into the arena of life and into your greatness?

Tia’s Bio:

Tia is a Registered Nurse, Wellness Coach/Educator, Speaker and Author. Combining both education and life experiences, Tia has gained a social media presence for her wise quotes, relatable life stores, and transparent advice. Her words have been published online by some of the biggest parenting forums on social media today, including Today Parents, Scary Mommy, Love What Matters, and, Her View From Home. Tia has a passion to guide others through the wilderness of life’s journeys and extends a personal vulnerability others can relate to. Tia’s words will soon be going from virtual to bookshelves with her first published print piece in the book, “So God Made A Mother,” Written by Leslie Means and which hits shelves in April 2023.

Learn more about Tia:

http://www.teatalkswithtia.com
Social Media Platforms: @teatalkswithtia

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

YouTube Page: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/etCRYyc
Google Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eu-Re-P
Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/dxRSTXZX
The Book Leads - Blog Post: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 43: Lisa Hammet & From Burnout to Best Life: How To Take Charge Of Your Health & Happiness

Because of the nature (and timeliness) of the book, I wanted to read it before our conversation.

From Burnout to Best Life really is a manual and tool box of insights, experiences, and exercises to put the knowledge Lisa shares into action. Lisa has lived the burnt-out life. She’s used the personal challenges and struggles she endured as the foundation for this book, being open and vulnerable about her own journey.

Some highlights from this episode:

The power of how the past can shape us.
How people look at joy and happiness as a destination, attaching value to the end.
The power of mental fitness, shifting to the right brain in the positive right brain for a clear-headed focus, peace, calm, the ability to see the big picture, create great communication and optimal health.

In this post I listed some takeaways I gained from Lisa’s book: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jmjaramillo_books-reading-writing-activity-7038539881790238720-3Vp-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Lisa is, how are you taking care of yourself in the everyday to avoid burn out, preparing in advance of when you meet that challenge?

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Bio: Lisa Hammett is the international best-selling author of From Burnout to Best Life, a TEDx speaker, and a Success Coach, helping stressed and burned out business owners and executives develop mental fitness to manage stress and get healthy. After 26 years in the corporate retail sector, she reached burnout. Upon leaving the industry she lost 65 pounds and became a Wellness Coach for one of the largest global weight loss companies. For the past 11 years she has helped thousands of members develop sustainable healthy habits to lose weight and get healthy. In May of 2020 she started her Success Coaching practice, incorporating Life Coaching. She is currently working on her Positive Intelligence certification.

Learn more about Lisa and her work:

· The book: https://www.amazon.com/Burnout-Best-Life-charge-happiness/dp/1667866508/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KWYWRUERVMDM&keywords=from+burnout+to+best+life&qid=1678805435&sprefix=from+burnout+to+best+life%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1

· https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChGQY8WAdQsQnGlFRlIoEbA

· https://www.facebook.com/healthylivinglisahammett

· https://www.instagram.com/lisa.hammett/

· https://twitter.com/lisahammett

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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COVID-19 has shown us what kind of gap exists between what people want and need in the workplace and what the reality is of what they get. Compounding the workplace impact of the pandemic is the growing fear of a impending recession which is leading to preemptive steps by companies to streamline their operations by making cuts – tens of thousands of layoffs across major companies and throughout the country.

What lessons have companies learned from previous recessions, if any, in how quickly they make those on their rosters expendable? The same can be asked from the shock to the economy caused by the pandemic.

Disrespect, neglect, and toxicity on the part of and allowed in many companies is leading to a ripple effect of mental health issues, fear, and uncertainty through their ranks, from the top to the bottom.

In this episode, Alla shares with me what it means to care for others in the work environment. Basic courtesy, respect, and compassion – basic humanity – is free and effective. And aside from it being the right thing to do, an argument can be made that creating such an environment of safety, which Alla covers in her book, leads to innovative work and lasting results. Everyone wins. Everyone benefits.

Some highlights from this episode:

What if all the boxes society lays out for you are checked but you’re not fulfilled?
As humans, fear is what we’re feeling most of the time. That’s just how we’re wired.
A major problem: Although so much has shifted and evolved around us, our human body and nervous system have not changed or evolved in 10,000 years.
The meaning of Post-Traumatic Growth.

Mentioned or Applicable Books:

The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
Leadership is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say – and What You Don’t by L. David Marquet

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Alla is, to both receive the humanity you deserve and achieve the best work, how are you ensuring a culture of safety – of physical, emotional, and psychologically safety – for both yourself and those around you?

Bio: Alla is the CEO of SPOKE & WHEEL, a culture design company that helps organizations build cultures of safety. She is a culture designer & author who has incorporated her design background with the principles of neuroscience, positive psychology, and relationship research to offer the most customized and compassionate cultural solutions available. In her book, A Culture of Safety: Building an Environment for People to Think, Collaborate, and Innovate, Alla delves into the tools, practices, and rituals that help leaders create physical, emotional, & psychological safety.

Learn more about Alla and her work:

· The book: A Culture of Safety: Building a work environment where people can think, collaborate and innovate: Weinberg, Alla: 9798985240207: Amazon.com: Books

· Website: spokeandwheel.co

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

A Culture of Safety: Building a work environment where people can think, collaborate and innovate

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In most of the podcast episodes I’ve made mention about or been curious as to how the lessons of my guests, from the work they do, can be transferred and imparted on children. It’s a two-pronged approach: Beyond repairing what we need to as adults and building from there, how can we prepare the younger generations, providing them the right tools to make their arduous journey through life more efficient? Not easy, but more efficient. Not any less obstacles or challenges, but smarter work and life habits to tackle them.

For this episode, Katie walks me through both her career and the drivers behind her book. As a student athlete and then teacher, she recognized the power of mindset – how you’re thinking about your thinking. It was one thing to teach kids what to think, quite another to teach them a mindset and approach with which to handle all of life’s challenges and bullshit.

I’ve begun this journey with my own son, working through the 100 tips Katie provides in the journal, each with its lessons, reflections, jokes, and question for parents. And it makes sense that the exercises pull the parents in. For all the lessons we try to teach our kids, most of those we can stand to relearn ourselves.

Some highlights from this episode:

What the true deciding factor in a coin flip really is
Katie, on kids: Why are we not spending this critical time in life teaching them how to center themselves and attract more positive and change their mindset…to not be afraid of failure?
Regret is harder than failure, rejection, or anything else. It’s like the devil.
“A U-Haul doesn’t follow a hearse”

Mentioned or Applicable Books:

Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D
School of Grit: Unlock Your Potential Through Purposeful Adversity by Brad Ritter (Episode 37)

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Katie, is how are you preparing your children (or yourself, for that matter) by picking when to do the hard things? Do you do them now, controlling what you can, or put them off and deal with the unknown consequences later?

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Bio: Katie Wood is a thought leader, entrepreneur, and author of "A Simple Seed" journal of growth, gratitude & giggles. In 2014, she transitioned from a 10-year career in teaching special education to fully embracing entrepreneurial life. Katie speaks frequently at training events, schools and is also developing several business ventures. 'A Simple Seed' has been ranked a best-seller on Amazon, #1 in All Children’s Books, #1 in Happiness Self-Help, and #5 in ALL BOOKS. The journal has been featured on The TODAY SHOW, NBC, Entrepreneur Magazine and podcasts such as "The Story Behind Her Success" with Candy O’Terry. Additionally Katie was invited to "Entrepreneurs on Fire," an award winning podcast with over 100 million listens every month and has had guests such as Tony Robbins, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, Barbara Corcoran, and Tim Ferriss. Among her successes, Katie credits her most rewarding role as that of mom to her 4 wild and fun-loving kids and fire-wife.

Learn more about Katie & A Simple Seed:
· simpleseedjournal.com
· https://lnkd.in/eZQZ_2mP

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 40: Nicole Weyer & Her Chapter "Escaping the Leadership Trap: My Journey to and through burnout” in the book Cracking the Rich Code, Vol 8.

For this episode, Nicole walks me through her background and experience, from familial influence to studying abroad to living and working at various educational institutions around the U.S., where she learned as much about herself as she did about her students and colleagues.

Because of her own experience with burnout, Nicole felt called to help others understand – and avoid – their own.

As a result of her education and diverse living experiences., Nicole’s path has been driven by her openness to others, understanding where they come from, seeing their humanity, and providing the tools they need to move forward.

Until Nicole publishes her own book, we’re lucky enough to have her contribution to the Cracking The Rich Code anthology series in which her chapter specifically breaks down how the lessons she’s guiding others through she learned herself in own career journey and story.

Some highlights from this episode:

How the idea of travel, crossing cultures, and curiosity has been engrained in her by her family from a young age.
What it means to choose to be the clear bubble dish water Instead of the dirty dish water
The importance of bringing humanity back and taking connection to a different level

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Nicole is, How do you navigate your inner landscape as a means to bring your best to the world around you?

Bio: Nicole Weyer is a coach, podcaster, and educator at her core. She has an M.A. in International & Intercultural Management and is the founder of Root to Rise Coaching. Nicole stepped out of the Dean’s Office on a mission to transform educational institutions from ones that foster depletion to ones that promote emotional and physical wellness, nurture healthy organizational cultures, and honor our individual needs.

Learn more about Nicole:

Twitter: @nicoleweyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachNicoleWeyer
Website: https://roottorisecoaching.com/
Link to grab a copy of the book: https://bit.ly/EscapingTheLeadershipTrap

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 39: Maureen Ross Gemme & Emerge: 7 Steps to Transformation (No Matter What Life Throws At You!)

For this episode, Maureen shares with me the trauma that impacted her life, beginning with addiction, leading to the hard work of recovery addiction, and eventually using those lessons to help others. The method in which she helps others is fascinating – using both traditional tenets of addiction recovery and the lessons she herself learned and took away from that same healing journey.

We may not all be trying to recover from the traditional ideas of addiction, but we all have some experience with trauma that’s hindering our path forward. But there are steps we can take to work through those obstacles and challenges to reach our best version. That’s the basis of Maureen’s work.

Some highlights from this episode:

Once you realize you have choices, you can live by design instead of default.
The majority of us don’t have tools like people in recovery.
What she means when she’s become the person she spoke to way back then.
To deal with all the darkness in the world, we need more light work in the world.

Mentioned or Applicable Books:

The Four Agreement: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior by David Hawkins
Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue – Neale Donald Walsch

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Maureen is, How are you working to recover from past obstacles, and possibly trauma, to grow into the best version of yourself?

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Bio: Maureen is CEO of Emerge Leadership Academy. She began training leaders across New England in 2015 after a 30-year corporate career. She loves riding motorcycles and is a leadership and life coach. She trains and coaches professionals who want to make an impact. As a personality expert, Maureen helps her clients own their own gifts and embrace the differences in the diversity of others to build better relationships. After living through her teenage years as a drug addict and alcoholic, Maureen stepped into recovery and created an awesome life. She has a deep compassion for helping others to emerge, evolve, and lead their best lives. She’s the author of Emerge: 7 Steps to Transformation (No Matter What Life Throws At You!) and she turned her book into an online program called Recovery@Work.

Learn more about Maureen:

www.EmergeLeadershipAcademy.com
www.facebook.com/emergentleadership
www.twitter.com/mrgmentor
Podcast: Emerge. Evolve. Lead. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emerge-evolve-lead/id1545422911

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The Book Leads – Episode 38: Jill Siegel & Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

It’s fitting that Jill selected Atlas as the book she wanted to discuss. The subtitle of the book seems to perfectly describe the journey she’s undertaken since having left the corporate world to focus full-time on the desire to do good for others in her community and beyond. In this walk through her career, there are many points where she’s reborn, each time gaining insight into her next focus, including how her need for self-care lead to her study of mindfulness.

I met Jill during our work with the American Marketing Association – CT Chapter board. Like so many others, she’s a great connection I made during the pandemic – a connection I haven’t met in person.

Some highlights from the episode:

· Jill’s work ethic is on display, mixing up a career in corporate life and being a stay-at-home mom with volunteering duties in various industries.

· She breaks down the experiences that lead her to do what she felt good about, where she felt “This is making a difference in the world.”

· The area of her life that she explains by saying, “Sometimes it is nature. Sometimes it is nurture.”

· How any emotion can be both healthy and unhealthy.

Mentioned or Applicable Books and Stories:

· The Parable of the Trapeze by Danaan Parry

· The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at Itby Kelly McGonigal

· Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole by Susan Cain

Bio: Jill is a branding strategist and marketing professional with 25+ years of experience in industries including advertising, hospitality, healthcare, media, nonprofit, publishing and law. She has worked in collaboration with key members of leadership teams and executive committees to develop and foster new strategic relationships and revenue streams for both public and private organizations. She has managed and cultivated hundreds of high profile client accounts, projects and events and has been recognized for launching notable strategic programs to optimize ROI, client experience and market engagement. Today, Jill focuses her work in environments where giving back is the driving force. She is Managing Director of the Connecticut Women’s Council, a Branding Strategist at J.Lauren Consulting, and a Cause Entrepreneur at One Hope Wine, an award-winning Napa Valley winery that gives back with every bottle. She’s is currently enrolled in Copper Beech Institute’s Mindfulness Facilitation Certification Cohort, and she will be certified as a Mindfulness Facilitator after she graduates this November. Jill is on the Development Committee for Mental Health Connecticut, she is certified in Mental Health First Aid, and after going through her own mental health crisis in 2016, she is an advocate for helping those dealing with a mental health challenge. Jill believes there is nothing more important than kindness and that we rise by lifting others. She is a mom to two daughters (age 24 and 21) and considers motherhood and her girls her greatest gift and life accomplishment.

The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It

Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole

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The Book Leads – Episode 37: Brad Ritter & School of Grit: Unlock Your Potential Through Purposeful Adversity

In this episode, Brad breaks down his book and career as a coach to his client’s physical, mental, emotional, intuitional, and warrior spirits, and how it all stemmed out of a calling he felt after he had already achieved success in the traditional sense. Before coaching others in those capacities, he sought out the hardest challenges possible to test himself and overcome.

Mentioned/Applicable Books:

Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover
Embrace The Suck: The Navy SEAL Way to an Extraordinary Life by Brent Gleeson

Some highlights from this episode:

The power of asking “What’s next?” and being reborn.
Why getting to good enough might be better than getting to perfect.
How Brad crafts his definition of Grit to include perseverance, adversity, your why, and a worthy goal

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Brad is, Beyond what you have today, what’s next?

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Bio: First and foremost, Brad is a husband, father, brother, son, and friend. Family is #1 to Brad. He enjoys training hard, endurance events, the beach, fishing, shooting, and food. Professionally, he’s held various positions in the medical device, higher education publishing, and specialty print industries. After graduating from Kokoro camp in 2015, he wanted to find a way to serve others and help people take control of their lives and get unstuck. He accomplishes this through a proven system that focuses on your physical, mental, emotional, intuitional, and warrior spirit. His job is to help you achieve a goal or produce a certain result. He will hold you accountable as well as celebrate your success. What Brad teaches is a lifestyle. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. It’s for anyone who despises mediocrity and is willing to do the daily work. If you’re ready to step into courage, focus on others, and train relentlessly, then you have found the right place.

Learn more about Brad and School of Grit: www.schoolofgrit.org

The book: https://schoolofgrit.org/book/

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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For this episode, Cory Carlson provides some background on his career and book. It’s been great to learn about what prompted his original journey into civil engineering and why he later pivoted away from that career, trading hats from being an executive himself to coaching executives instead.

What stood out most in my conversation with Cory is how much he admits his faults, humbling himself as a flawed man who is always moving forward, practicing the work of courage and confidence, both of which are based in his faith and that he covers in Rise and Go. The power of humility, I believe, is what makes a great coach – cutting the BS, dropping the veneer, admitting shortcomings, and building from a true, genuine base, not an unstable facade. We’re all works in progress. Knowing that and taking action is what matters most.

It's an open and honest conversation -- and yet another great path of life a guest has shared with me through this series.

Some highlights from this episode:

“When you’re in the valley, you don’t even know what you want.”
“Confidence is believing more in yourself and what you’re doing by getting your reps in.”
What Cory means when he says, “God has the night shift.”
The purpose of Cory’s regular routine of putting on his armor.

Mentioned or Applicable Books:

How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Win at Home First: An Inspirational Guide to Work-Life Balance by Cory Carlson
Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance by Angela Duckworth

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Cory is, Where do you find the strength and motivation to get up and keep moving forward?

Cory’s Bio: As an entrepreneur, former executive, husband, and father of three, Cory Carlson understands the pressures working parents face. He is passionate about helping business leaders win at home and work. Twenty years in corporate America gave Cory amazing opportunities as he worked his way up to the executive level. But he also saw brokenness: work without purpose, burnout, lack of focus, strained marriages, and absentee parents. Business leaders especially were often not living life to the fullest. When Cory discovered coaching, it helped him become a better leader, husband, and father. So he left his corporate career to help other leaders win at work and at home. Cory does this through executive coaching, speaking, and writing. Cory has a Civil Engineer degree from the University of Missouri and an MBA from Rockhurst University. His first book released in June 2019 is titled, Win at Home First, and is an inspirational guide for work-life balance. His book was Amazon #1 New Release in 3 Categories and listed in FORBES as‘7 Books Everyone On Your Team Should Read’.Cory just released his second book, Rise and Go. This book is for leaders who get knocked down and want to get back up quicker. He hosts the leadership podcast, Win at Home First, a Top 1.5% global podcast per ListenNotes. Currently, Cory lives in Cincinnati with his awesome wife and three amazing children.

Learn more about Cory:

Website: www.CoryMCarlson.com
Email: cory@corymcarlson.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cory.carlson.1023

Watch the episode on YouTube:https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads:

Win at Home First: An Inspirational Guide to Work-Life Balance

Rise and Go: How to Get Back Up with Courage and Move Forward with Confidence

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The Book Leads – Episode 35: Drew T. Jackson & The Executive Leader’s Handbook: A Guide for the Daily Challenges of Leadership

For this episode, Drew walks me through a career path that’s ranged from his faith-based work, including planting a church in Santa Barbara, CA, to his current career in leadership training, speaking, and coaching. His path to executive coaching was borne out of sharing the lessons of his sermons within networking groups. Little by little, the lessons of leadership he learned throughout his own leadership in faith-based organizations found an audience, a home, and application in the business world.

Drew is another colleague whose career path and impact pivoted because of the pandemic, leading to his writing this “user manual for leadership,” where a leader can find insights from Drew on the specific challenge(s) they’re trying to overcome.

Some highlights from this episode:

What the metaverse means for the field of coaching.
The famous quote, “If you want to avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”
Drew: “It’s not our responsibility to judge how many our voice resonates with. It’s just to go out and use our gift, use our skills, use our abilities, and let the cards fall where they may.”

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Drew is, Are you able to be yourself in your leadership and life? Do you afford others the same consideration?

Bio: Drew is the author of the Amazon best new seller, The Executive Leader’s Handbook. He is an executive coach and a leadership trainer for companies including Chick-fil-A, Lennox, Habitat for Humanity, and many more. Drew believes that anyone can be a leader if they have the proper motivation and a clear path for development. Drew has also been married to his wife Heather for 20 years, and they have five kids and three dogs.

Learn more about Drew:

Website: drewtjackson.com
Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/DrewTJackson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewtjackson/
Download The Executive Leader’s Handbook FREE at: theexecutiveleadershandbook.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 34: Jason Merchey & Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought

For this episode, Jason walks me through his life’s curiosity, work, and writings as they pertain to Wisdom. From his decades of studying and appreciating the great philosophical thinkers, both those well- and lesser-known, Jason wants to bring Wisdom to the forefront, where it can achieve a new appreciation that would allow society to crawl out of the mire of confusion, tension, and discord that we’ve all been trapped in for years.

We tend to choose sides, pick argument points, and stick firmly to and defend what we feel. So much of what we fight about is driven – and hindered -- by emotion. Wisdom can allow us to go a little past and rise above what we fear losing. It provides a clarity.

Some highlights we touch upon:

“Freedom always entails a sense of responsibility.”
How the conversation about wisdom can impact kids.
Why we can’t have wisdom without compassion.

Mentioned or Applicable Books:

Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Wisdom: From Philosophy to Neuroscience by Stephen S. Hall

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Jason is, What does wisdom look like to you, and where do you seek it in your life?

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Bio: Jason is the founder of Values of the Wise. He is also a philosophical thinker, social critic, author / essayist / blogger, and a student of the tradition of arts and letters. After junior college, he earned a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in psychology and social behavior from the University of California Irvine, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa for excellence in liberal scholarship. Jason went on to earn a master’s degree in clinical psychology from California State University Fullerton. He then obtained thousands of hours of experience counseling clients of all types. It was in that capacity that Jason became intrigued by and began to study wisdom, values, and ethics. Jason has earned a graduate certificate in philosophy and ethics from Harvard University Extension. His fourth book is titled Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought (2022). Jason lives in the Hendersonville, NC area with his wife and pets.

Learn more about Jason:

ValuesoftheWise.com
The book: https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Valuable-Virtue-Cannot-Bought/dp/057831679X/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=wisdom+book&qid=1659575019&sr=8-8

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 33: Stephanie Dalfonzo & Goodbye Anxiety, Hello Freedom: How to Build Resilience and Overcome Anxiety.

For this episode, Stephanie walks me through her career path as a celebrity DJ, life coach, and hypnotist. She speaks about the challenges in her own life which led her to helping others live their best life in spite of their experiences with anxiety. As with so many of these episodes in the past, we get into the impact of early life trauma and experiences on later life living and anxiety.

I’m grateful for this opportunity – and so many others -- to share so openly about my own experience with anxiety. We each have our story.

Thank you, Kisha L.S. Zullo, MBA,CMP, for introducing me to Stephanie!

Some highlights from this episode:

The difference between “coping” and “living with”.
The importance of breaking points, self-preservation, and taking small steps to move forward.
We discuss the techniques we each utilize to live within our anxiety experiences.

Mentioned or Applicable Books:

Breathe: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How To Get Good At It by Dr. Kelly McGonigal

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Stephanie is, What steps have you taken to live with the anxiety you’ve experienced in your journey?

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Stephanie's Bio: With over 20 years of research, Integrative Hypnotist Stephanie Dalfonzo combines the latest neuroscience with practical and simple skills and techniques to help you live your best life. She is also the author of “Goodbye Anxiety, Hello Freedom,” available on Amazon. Stephanie’s first career was as Celebrity Radio DJ “Stevie Knox,” Back then, she “hypnotized” her listeners to come back day after day. For the past 17 years, as an Integrative Hypnotist, she has been using her voice to literally hypnotize her clients into making incredible life changes.

Learn more about Stephanie:

www.StephanieDalfonzo.com
www.ChatWithStephD.com
Her book: https://stephaniedalfonzo.com/goodbye-anxiety-book/

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 32: Carrie-Lynn Hotson & Knowing Who You Lead: Important Lessons On Why We Need To Understand Those We Lead

For this episode, Carrie-Lynn walks me through her book, one built on her life and career, from her time as a police officer to her work in human resources. Those experiences (along with those found living on a farm) lead her to launch her businesses to help others through leadership coaching and facilitation and ultimately culminated in her book.

It’s important to know who you lead. It sounds like common sense, right? Unfortunately, common sense is usually uncommon practice, and too many leaders only think about what they want to share and communicate without giving any thought to those they’re trying to lead. They’re constantly giving without understanding.

Some highlights we touch upon:

A lesson Carrie-Lynn learned as a child involving a penny is what laid the foundation for the work she does today.
There is an interconnectivity to everything, as evidenced by the lessons she’s able to draw from farming into her work and business.
“What is perfectionism? Not wanting to be vulnerable”

Mentioned or Applicable Books:

A Culture of Safety by Alla Weinberg
Leadership Is Language by L. David Marquet
The Thin Book of Trust: An Essential Primer for Building Trust At Work by Charles Feltman
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead & Win by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Carrie-Lynn is, Do you REALLY know and understand those you lead or even seek to influence?

Carrie-Lynn’s Bio: Carrie-Lynn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Psychology, a Certified Human Resources Leader accreditation (CHRL), and is a graduate of Interest-Based Mediation training. She has 25 years of experience as a coach, facilitator, and leader, including seven years as a senior human resources manager with extensive experience addressing workplace issues and organizational challenges. Carrie-Lynn’s expertise in interviewing, onboarding, and training informed her interview coaching business, jobinterviewcoach.ca. What she’s gleaned from meeting candidates, learning about their skills and abilities, and gaining insight into why they are seeking to leave their current employment has been integrated into her book, Knowing Who You Lead. These key lessons will help current and future leaders empower, engage, and retain employees. Carrie-Lynn has now expanded her services to include the coaching and mentoring of leaders in her second business inspiringorganizationalgrowth.ca.

Learn more about Carrie-Lynn’s work:

https://www.inspiringorganizationalgrowth.co/home
https://www.jobinterviewcoach.ca/
The book: https://www.knowingwhoyoulead.com/

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 31: Karen Senteio & A Culture of Safety: Building A Work Environment Where People Can Think, Collaborate and Innovate

For this episode, Karen and I cover a book that most organizations need and shouldn’t be without. Companies – and actually all of us in the business of relationships – look past this book at their own peril. (I’ll be recording an episode with the author, Alla Weinberg, in the coming weeks.)

This is a book for which the topic and focus are timelier than ever, at this moment, considering what the world and its workplaces have been going through over the last few years. Organizational dynamics, the pandemic, social justice issues, school massacres, the great resignation, etc -- regardless of what the issue might be, there's a need to be open to and invite, foster and empower discussion. Safety first is what allows for that openness to occur.

Although the book is focused on the workplace, there are so many lessons that can cross to the world outside work -- much in the same way the ripple effect of the issues of the outside world penetrate the workplace.

Some highlights we touch upon:

I learned what a “Smergologist” is.
“Once you have that flame in your heart, you can’t put it out.”
The meaning of the Hebrew word “Selah” and how we can utilize it in our chaotic lives.

Mentioned or Applicable Books:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good For You And How To Get Good At It by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D.
The Spark, The Flame, And The Torch: Inspire Self. Inspire Others. Inspire the World
Leadership Is Language by L. David Marquet

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Karen is, Whether in business, work, or personal relationships, how do you create an environment of physical, emotional, and psychological safety in order to move forward?

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Bio: Karen is an Executive Coach and President of Karen Senteio Consulting, which focuses on inspired leading, working, and living. She has 30 years of corporate experience and close to 5 years of work in non-profits in leadership, project management, change management, facilitating, and COURAGING. Karen advocates for life reinvention and believes that a leader must be willing to change their mind and unlearn as well as learn. She works with leaders ready to UNAPOLOGETICALLY harness their greatest power for the greatest good, activating their internal compass to embody INSPIRATION and COURAGE as a daily practice.

Learn more about Karen: www.KarenSenteio.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 30: Andrea Waltz & Go For No! Yes Is The Destination, No Is How You Get There

For this episode, Andrea walks me through what the Go For No! strategy means and how it has evolved since she and her husband co-wrote the book over a decade ago.

Although the book was written with business and sales in mind, our conversation on Going For No, failure, and rejection illustrates the evolution of that mindset into so much more -- a mindset of self-care and getting what we need.

Some highlights we touch upon:

Andrea breaks down what the Five Failure Levels are.
The connection that crime scene investigation has to Going For No in sales.
How our survival instincts play into our fears: “I’m warm, safe, and dry. This one ‘No’ is not changing my state right now.”

Mentioned or Applicable Books:

The Aladdin Factor: How To Ask For What You Want – And Get It by Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Andrea is, Do you ever wonder what your fear of “no” will cost you?

Bio: Andrea Waltz is the co-founder of Courage Crafters, Inc. and co-author of the best-selling book, Go for No! Yes is the Destination, No is How You Get There. For almost two decades, Andrea has been teaching people in virtually every business and industry how to think and feel differently about failure, rejection, and the word, “no” to achieve their goals and dreams.

A member of one of the highest regarded professional groups of women in sales, Women Sales Pros, Andrea is considered a top sales influencer online, featured on lists curated by Hubspot, Salesforce.com, Live Hive and many others. The book, Go for No! reached #1 on Amazon’s “Sales & Selling” list in 2010, and has remained in the top 50 Sales books for the last 12 years, selling nearly 500,000 copies.

The “Go for No” strategy has been featured in online and offline magazines and journals including Success Magazine, Inc., Forbes, and many others. Today, "go for no" is a well-known methodology in the world of sales and widely recognized as the singular best program that deals with rejection in business.

Learn more about Andrea’s work:

www.GoForNo.com
www.GoForNoKeynote.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/GoforNo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Goforno
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GoforNo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goforno
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Goforno
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/goforno/

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 29: Nike Anani & Lifetime to Legacy: A New Vision for Multigenerational Family Businesses

For this episode, Nike Anani guides me through the nature of her work as a Succession Specialist who guides families in preparing family businesses to live on beyond this generation, the next and those that follow. Her career journey began after returning to her homeland of Nigeria, after having lived and studied abroad, to move the family business forward.

What I took away from this great conversation is how we can all consider that successional mindset, to declare and work for what will be here beyond our work today and that of the generation that follows us. There’s being reactive to the world around us, and then there’s being proactive about what steps we’re going to take, how we’re going to work together, and how our name and mission will live – and thrive – beyond our lifetimes.

Some highlights we touch upon in this episode:

How society can tend to be about façade and veneers, but trauma can bring something beautiful, and that the failures and hardships allow us to learn so much – even in the family business.
How perspective can be everything, allowing us to realize what we have when we step away and come back with fresh and opened eyes.
The writing process and what worked for Nike

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Nike is, How do you go about setting up your legacy, whether individually, as a business, or as a family?

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Bio: Nike is an international award-winning entrepreneur, succession specialist, and a legacy planning expert for future-focused business families. She is on a mission to help businesses move from lifetime to legacy, such that they build family enterprises of the future. Nike is the Author of "Lifetime to Legacy: A New Vision for Multigenerational Family Businesses,” She is the co-founder of African Family Firms, a pan-African association of family businesses that is focused on promoting generational wealth and generational legacies on the African continent, and host of "The Connected Generation" podcast - a top-10 Family Business podcast globally that is dedicated to NextGens that are seeking how to navigate building generational enterprises whilst leaving an impact. Nike has a global outlook, having lived and worked in three continents. She is a champion for diversity, passionate about improving age and gender diversity and inclusion in business families

Learn more about Nike:

na@nikeanani.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikeanani/
Website: https://nikeanani.com/
The Connected Generation Podcast: https://wavve.link/connectedgeneration

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 28: Gramps Jeffrey & I Don’ Want To Turn 3

For this episode, multi-title author Gramps Jeffrey walks me through what it was that prompted him to write his book. Simply put, it came out of spending more time with his grandkids, watching the way they think, negotiate, and navigate their way through life.

Gramps is a veteran of business, spending decades in retail and sales – leading to his writing the book “The Secrets of Retailing…How to Beat Wal-Mart” -- and catching the wave and harnessing the power of the internet in its infancy to both launch and consult for online businesses.

Between his career in business and his love of being a grandfather, he can see the intertwined relationship between those early, formative years of childhood and how we can shape – or at least try to guide – how our society’s kids think.

I loved having this conversation because I’m growing more fascinated about what the early years of our lives, even this young, mean for who we are later.

Some highlights we touch upon in this episode:

The behavior of children and how it translates to later in life, work, and business.
How we lose ourselves (sometimes our best attributes) after adolescence.
The power of learning from our mistakes, even if it takes a generation.

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Gramps is, How do you both proactively impact the lives of the youth around you while also learning from them?

Bio: Gramps Jeffrey is the pen name for Marc Joseph whose first book “The Secrets of Retailing…How to Beat Wal-Mart” was written to help entrepreneurs and small businesses compete against the big guys. Arianna Huffington read his book and asked him to contribute to the Huffington Post, and so he has written over 100 articles about small businesses, education, the homeless and several other nonprofit topics dear to all of us. Gramps and his lovely wife Cathy live in Scottsdale, Arizona where 2 of his grandchildren live. 2 more live in Austin, Texas and 2 in Orlando, Florida.

Learn more about Gramps:

https://grampsjeffrey.com/

https://idontwanttoturn3.com/

https://turning3.net/

https://www.facebook.com/grampsjeffrey/?business_id=193853812379998

https://twitter.com/AuthorGramps

https://www.instagram.com/authorgrampsjeffrey/

https://www.pinterest.com/hellogrampsjeffrey/_created/

grampsjeffrey@gmail.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 27: Prati Kaufman & The Alchemist

For this episode, Prati, a Marketing & Human Energy Expert – and close friend, collaborator, coach, and confidant of mine – breaks down The Alchemist with me. Books were her gateway to the world, both while growing up in India and in her travels across the globe before coming to the U.S.

She shares how it was an innate curiosity with the support of family and community that influenced her to seek more, to discover what was always beyond that moment. She shares how she read this book later in life, but how it solidified her path, showing her the meaning in each step to now – and beyond. (It's about time I got around to this book. I've been hearing about it for years, with its consummate inclusion on top ten read lists.)

Prati and I have covered various themes that are touched upon in The Alchemist in our podcast Mindset Talks: Life Beyond The Checkboxes, such as fear of failure, destiny, motivation. So many of our ongoing conversations run parallel to the spirit of the book – What are we here for? What are we meant for? What is our personal legend? (Check out the latest episode here: https://bit.ly/3auuFTW)

Some highlights we touch upon in this episode:

The fact that sometimes you don’t understand what you’re going through until you look back on your path at a later time.
What it means to really live each day intentionally.
The power of childlike innocence, wonder, and imagination, which we tend to have programmed out of us.

Books Mentioned:

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Harry and the Terrible Whatzit by Dick Gackenbach
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Prati is, What is it we’re doing about our own personal dreams? Are we pursuing or forfeiting it/them? What is your dream?

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Bio: Prati is a leading Global Marketing and Human Energy Expert based out of West Hartford, CT. After 20+ years in marketing across the globe working with everyone from local entrepreneurs to Fortune 500+ corporations, she quit her job four years ago. In those four years she has grown from a one-person company to a full-service marketing agency. Her agency helps small business owners get in front of the right audience with laser-focused, integrated marketing

Learn more about Prati: www.pratikaufman.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 26: Cornell Thomas& Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

For this episode, Cornell, an international speaker and multi-title author, walks me through what this book means to him. It’s funny that he and I both shared the same reaction when the book was first introduced to us as impactful – to Cornell by one of his students years back and to me a few weeks ago when Cornell mentioned he wanted to cover it in this episode: Wait, what did this guy just say?

But it all make sense.

There’s big heart, great positivity, intentional impact, and an endless work ethic in Cornell’s story. He’s out to change the world in his own way, on his own terms, in his own skin, telling his own story. No one else’s. Now having learned his story, it makes sense that he’s the creator of the Positivity Summit.

And his story has been crafted through up’s and downs, trials and tribulations, matching the journey in the book.

One theme covered here, similar to that of other episodes, is how much we’re indoctrinated with a life of curriculum in our schooling, to get us ready for the work we’ll be asked to do by our employers, but we’re not empowered with the true lessons to prepare for what life really is – a journey of trial-and-error.

This book does just that. It’s a jumping off point, a foundation, to that discussion.

Some highlights from this episode:

Legacy. We don’t have a lot of time on this rock.
What it is that makes me and Cornell “griots” with a deep love of storytelling.
How losing something you depended on every day can actually change your life.
How a path different than what we desired the most can create a even bigger positive ripple effect.

Books Mentioned:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Covered with Prati Kaufman in an upcoming episode)
Who Moved My Cheese? By Dr. Spencer Johnson (Covered with guest Kisha Zullo in Episode 25)
Game of Death: A Survivor's Guide to Entrepreneurship by Cornell himself

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Cornell is, Have you been made aware of the up’s and down’s, the good, the bad, and the ugly that is life?

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Bio: Cornell Thomas is an international speaker, multiple title author, mindset coach, speaker trainer, podcast host, basketball trainer, creator of the Positivity Summit, husband, and most importantly, father of two. Thank you to both Kisha Zullo and Maryann Cruz for introducing me to Cornell.

Learn more about Cornell:

www.CornellThomas.com
Cornell will be speaking at the WIB Summit this Friday, May 20th: www.wibsummit.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

Game Of Death: A Survivors Guide To Entrepreneurship

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For this episode, entrepreneur Kisha Zullo breaks down the book and draws parallels between its lessons and the journey her career and life have taken. I’ve been hearing about the WIB Summit for years and have seen the resources Kisha and her partners have provided for its attendees in the areas of leadership, money management, entrepreneurship, and personal development. It creates a major ripple effect in the lives of the attendees as well as into our own network and community.

I love how Kisha walks us through what it took to begin her journey of self-discovery – even before knowing what she wanted to do. That it took her own imagination from childhood, when she would create events and experiences for her family while still under 10 years of age, and support from both great bosses and wonderful family to carry out the work she’s meant to be doing in event planning, creating great experiences for all involved.

Some highlights from this episode:

How the show Dallas plays into Kisha’s current work
Why great clients need to be celebrated
How the WIB Summit was almost called the WIBPTBTTAB Summit

Books Mentioned:

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
The Leadership Challenge by Barry Posner and James Kouzes
Q: The Autobiography by Quincy Jones

The MAIN QUESTION for you, which underlies my conversation with Kisha is, How is it you proactively work to see what’s out there for you, fighting complacency and comfort to expand your comfort zone?

Bio: Kisha is a multi-passionate entrepreneur. She uses her 25 plus years of experience as an event professional to connect female leaders who are also entrepreneurs to the people and resources that they need to succeed through her annual Women in Business Summit. She is the go-to event planner for busy executives who hire her event planning company, Events of Joy, to assist with the planning and execution of their signature live or virtual events. She is a coach and cheerleader to an all-star team of women as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Her favorite quote is “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” African Proverb

Learn more about Kisha and register for the WIB Summit here:

www.wibsummit.com
http://www.eventsofjoy.com
http://www.kishazullo.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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For this episode, cage-rattler, prolific author, and leadership advisor Dr. Bridget Cooper walks me through her career journey, from empowering her coaching clients to that same work taking on even greater meaning when she experienced life-altering changes after a traumatic motor vehicle accident.

In her book Pain Rebel, Dr. B. shares the lessons of engaging and working through pain, utilizing both accountability and compassion, working from her own traumatic experience to enhance the purpose of the book. She shows – and has lived – that we can look to our past, no matter what it looks like or how unideal it may be, to learn, move on, and thrive.

Who knew talking about pain could be so fun? In this conversation, we talk about how pain is a human experience we’ve all gone through in our own way. The more we talk about it, the more we can understand and get out of our own way.

Some highlights from this episode:

Why rage and other emotions we may consider unsettling are actually beautiful.
The 3 Questions to ask in determining if you’ve lived your best life.
“Borgiveness” – Dr. B’s take on forgiveness without the compromise

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Dr. B. is, No matter their level of severity, what do you do with the pain, trauma, and negativity you’ve experienced in your life?

Bio: Dr. Cooper is a cage rattler. Change strategist. Thought shifter. Best-selling author of six books on communication, conflict, change, and empowerment. Her latest, “Pain Rebel” offers us a roadmap out of being buried by pain with no purpose and into empowerment and abundance. Her ambitious mission is to change the world, one hopeful life at a time. Born onto the welfare system and raised by wolves, she’s made her own success, one broken fingernail at a time. She knows heartache and hopelessness and she also knows the power of the mind and spirit to carry you upward. Bottom line: “Dr. B” sculpts the leader in all of us by making us better people first. Her clients run the gamut from the Girl Scouts to Vietnam Vets. From universities to jails. From insurance companies to massage therapists. Her secret mission is to bring all of these groups together someday and see what fun transpires!

Learn more about Dr. B:

· www.drbridgetcooper.com(primary)

· Email - bridget@drbridgetcooper.com

· www.amazon.com/author/drbridgetcooper

· YouTube - TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/XtsAuqu-TxI

· Instagram: @drbridgetcooper

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBridgetCooper/ and https://www.facebook.com/bridget.cannoncooper

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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For this episode, muti-faceted, multi-talented, and fellow multipotentialite Randye Kaye walks me through the heart of her own book on happiness and what it took for her – through the up’s and down’s of her own life – to come to the realization of how much we can really enhance our own happiness.

We can’t do what the self-help and development gurus suggest for us without a sound foundation of our own fulfillment to work upon. We all want to build more in our lives, working toward goals and dreams, but without that authentic and resilient foundation, anything we build today can more easily cave into itself and be undone tomorrow.

I love that message most of all from my conversation with Randye: We need to have a sound foundation before we go out and try all the advice that’s out there for how to achieve more. I’ve seen it in my coaching when clients have finally gone back to who they’ve always been – their values, needs, and wants – and what they had forgotten and forfeited, but return to again, feeling more authentic and fulfilled.

Some highlights from this episode:

From Randye: “The combination of being comfortable with yourself -- that we’re more than just our achievements -- and that we’re lovable even being stripped of our achievements and titles, is also important at the end of the day with how your life has been lived.”
The Stephen Sondheim quote, ““Anything you do, let it come from you. Then it will be new.” comes up and is pertinent to our conversation. This is a major lesson we need to hear and understand when it comes to how we express ours views in life.
We learn what the acronym B.R.E.A.T.H.E stands for.
This kind of happiness is not about Toxic Positivity – that everything has to work out 24/7.

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Randye is, Do you know what happiness really means to you, what your own definition and feeling of it are?

About Randye: Connect, Create, Communicate - that’s the thread that runs through Randye’s work as radio personality, improv and stage actor, drama teacher, humorist, podcast host, writer, motivational speaker, voice talent, and audiobook narrator. Her latest book, Happier Made Simple: Choose Your Words. Change Your Life. reached #1 International Bestseller status on Launch Day. Her previous bestselling title, Ben Behind His Voices: One Family’s Journey from the Chaos of Schizophrenia to Hope, was nominated for a Publisher’s Weekly Award. She lives with her family in Connecticut.

Learn more about Randy, her work, and her book at www.randyekaye.com and www.happiermadesimple.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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For this episode, the second of my discussions covering The Bible, Pastor Brown talks about the real messages in this sacred text, those that seem to get lost and even hijacked (my word) in the chatter and noise of today’s society.

Through his early ties to Christianity via his father, who is also a Pastor, and his own work with youth, running a faith-based non-profit, teaching as a professor, and co-hosting his own podcast, Jordan has grown and enhanced his engagement and study of society and community, seeking out conversations to understand what it is people might need.

Because he is realistic, understanding that a growing number of people is turning away from religion and that his own faith has been misinterpreted and misunderstood, he seeks to help people find its true meaning and applicability to all our lives, meeting people where they are.

Some highlights from this episode:

-- What TGI Friday’s (yes, the restaurant) has to do with empowering the effectiveness of Jordan’s pastoral duties.

-- That it’s okay to wrestle with that in which we believe. We shouldn’t pledge blindly to a belief without questioning for our own understanding. Faith in anything doesn’t have to be all or nothing, perfectly tied up and neat. Instead, it mimics life, which is about chaos and struggle.

-- I realize how much of my own leadership foundation is built from my own exposure to the stories in The Bible when I was a child.

The Bible was also covered in Episode 19 of the The Book Leads with Karen Hinds, but each of these conversations is just as powerful, with my partners in conversation providing different voices and vantage points, experiences and stories when it comes to how the book has impacted their understanding of our tumultuous human lives.

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Jordan is, Are you willing to learn for yourself what others have already claimed to master, to take on and understand for yourself that which can be a point of contention and disagreement?

Jordan’s Bio: Jordan Brown is the Lead Pastor of [OV]Church in Norfolk, VA. He’s been in this position since October, and was previously the director of the Urban Renewal Center, a faith based social justice non-profit. In addition to this, he’s a professor at Wave Leadership College in Virginia Beach as well as co-host of the I-2-I Podcast (short for Inspired to Inspire). He’s resides in Suffolk, VA where he lives with his wife, Michón and their dog, Little Bear the Muppet. He is glad to serve as a confrontational peace maker and conversationalist.

Learn more about Jordan’s work:

Inspired to Inspire (I-2-I) Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-2-i-inspired-to-inspire/id1464154967
Email: inspired1usa@gmail.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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For this episode, Darrin walks me through happiness, joy, wonder, and possibilities -- all sensations we seem to have lost as adults.

The foundation of his message and book is his own realization that he was "upside-down," giving more priority as an executive to the numbers and performance of the business than the people and humanity behind it.

As much as it's been the case with episodes of The Book Leads so far, this conversation is timely, chock full of reminders we should all heed so that we can find ourselves again. Specifically, in this episode, it's about regaining a true sense of happiness, similar to that of when we were children. He believes there's no reason we can't carry out the responsibilities of adulting without maintaining our inner child's sense of possibilities.

Some highlights from this episode:

-- Everything we do is connected (as also mentioned in my last episode w/Mboone Umbima).

-- The more we know to look for and practice them, the more we can find moments of joy and happiness.

-- Darrin and I agree whole-heartedly about what has been programmed out of us as adults.

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Darrin is, Are you working toward living what's possible, reaching a full life by keeping an eye out for joy and happiness?

Darrin's Bio: Darrin is the Founder and Chief of Possibilities @ Ignite Happy. He is also an author, executive coach, board advisor, keynote speaker, and leader of experiential learning workshops for his original platform, Live Your Possible. A Business Executive with 30+ years of leadership and coaching experience in Corporate America, Darrin is known for activating business units into lean, top-producing, innovative and joyful workplaces by building and leading high-performing teams with a unique, rare blend of pragmatic, data-informed, and empathic servant-leadership style. Darrin believes there is a light inside each of us ready to “POP” with joy and possibilities. Darrin strives to help both individuals and businesses feel the power of possibilities. When we shine and live out our true potential, we help others beam too. As your tour guide, Darrin shares vulnerable stories and relatable real-life examples to inspire you to take purposeful pauses and intentionally activate steps in your daily routine where you will embrace and explore the multi-experiential journey ahead.

Learn more about Darrin's work:

-- Website: https://ignitehappy.com/

-- Purchase the book: https://www.amazon.com/Live-Your-Possible-Fulfilling-Possibilities-ebook/dp/B09SRGH5RF/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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For this episode, Mboone walks me through the realizations she’s made throughout her career, always focusing on that next pursuit – whatever that next pathway is in her life and work -- leading her to recognize the power of gratitude.

She lives the message of thriving in the uncomfortable, as evidenced by writing her book, and building an accompanying workshop, on gratitude – what she sought out to offset the stresses of the world – during the global pandemic.

With everything going on in the world, events that have global reach and are constant stressors, gratitude is powerful and not quite as simple as saying “thanks” for what you have.

Mboone’s is such an inspirational journey, starting off with the foundation of an immigrant story, reconnection to homeland, the power of working to help others, and wildlife conservation – among so many other endeavors and missions. She’s truly a product of – and building upon – the growing legacy her parents have laid out in helping others.

Some highlights from this episode:

-- Everything we do is connected.

-- The benefit Mboone shares of cross-race mentoring – understanding the experience of someone else.

-- The power of being uncomfortable.

-- I love the breakdown she gives of love versus fear and why love is the opposite of fear.

The MAIN QUESTION that underlies my conversation with Mboone is Do you truly understand what gratitude means?

Mboone’s Bio: With a background in Organizational Change, Mboone has earned the reputation as a genuine change agent and a trailblazing brand and marketing executive. Coupled with her experience as an executive coach and corporate social responsibility leader, few people have the depth and breadth of experience that Mboone has. With 15 years of experience spanning multiple industries, including banking, food service, philanthropy and now the beverage industry, Mboone has been recognized for her bold thinking and cutting-edge ideas. Among other things I hope to dive into, she’s chaired a diversity and inclusion council, established a mentorship program for women and people of color, has served on several boards, took a year-long Sabbatical in Kenya to head communications for Kenya’s largest foundation, is currently the VP of Brand Strategy at David Rio Coffee and Tea. And she has two 5-year old boys that are not twins.

Learn more about Mboone’s work: https://linktr.ee/mmboneumbima

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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The Book Leads – Episode 19: Karen Hinds & The Bible

For this episode, Karen walks me through the lessons she’s taken from The Bible, a book of which she’s now in her seventh reading, with each reading providing new insights and lessons.

What’s great about our conversation is that, if someone isn’t necessarily religious – like me – you might not know what to expect when opening up a conversation on The Bible. I’m someone who always says there are lessons everywhere for life and leadership, and that lesson holds true based on this talk with Karen about The Bible.

In the same way Karen’s mentor had urged her to read it as a novel, when Karen herself was unsure of how to further her understanding of its readings, Karen urges both you and me to read the book – should we take on that challenge -- and consider the stories. We don’t need to be religious to appreciate the experience of those living the stories. She shares there are lessons in those pages for those challenges and obstacles we face today.

Some highlights from this episode:

-- Karen's reading has changed her life through consistent growth, development, discipline (in terms of her commitment to reading and learning).

-- She walks us through specific examples of how she’s used practical lessons from the stories in The Bible during both her professional work and personal life.

-- Karen welcomes the challenges of people and clients having a preconceived notion of what she may bring to the table, oftentimes being someone who looks very different from her clients.

The main question that underlies my conversation with Karen is, How open are you to seeking answers in areas where you may not expect to find them or be familiar with?

Karen Hinds is founder and CEO of Workplace Success Group, a global training and strategic consulting firm that works with organizations to cultivate and retain their next generation of leaders. For the last twenty years, she has served as a trusted advisor to C-Suite executives committed to building talented leaders and inclusive cultures where every employee can thrive and make an impact. She is the author of five books, a prolific contributor to business and leadership publications, and is frequently quoted or invited as an expert on radio, television, and podcasts.

Learn more about Karen’s work: www.karenhinds.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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For this episode, Jill and I, based on what she’s taken from the book, talk about the power of performance in the various areas life and how it’s driven by how well we monitor and balance our energy, which will determine how fully engaged we are with what we’re after.

What’s great about this book is that, although it’s from 2003, Jill demonstrates how timely it is for life today as most of us navigate the burnout we feel with everything going on in our own lives and the world at large. Per the book, being fully engaged means balancing our energy across the realms of the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual.

Jill is a certified leadership and executive coach working across a variety of industries with over 20 years in her national business. Jill has worked with hundreds of leaders, providing in-person and virtual services for one-on-one coaching, team coaching, executive transition, as well as training and speaking on leadership topics, such as: Leader as Coach, Emotional Resilience, Rewiring the Brain from Chaos to Calm, High Performance Teams, and Unleashing Your Brilliance. With Jill as their trusted partner, her clients expand their influence, powerfully lead their teams, drive organizational change, and live a more purposeful life.

Some highlights from this episode:

-- Before burning out or getting too bored with anything, we need to work at it and then recover -- regularly.

-- Jill and I go through how we’ve tried to work through the pandemic and turn things in the direction we want for ourselves, areas where we might have lost sight of what was important.

-- We have a deep fascination with the word “oscillation” during this conversation -- and the word serves a great purpose!

Some books mentioned in the conversation:

-- The Inner Game Series by W. Tim Galway

-- Relentless: From Good To Great To Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover

-- Indistraction: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life by Nir Eyal

Learn more about Jill’s work: www.jillberquist.com

The main question that underlies my conversation with Jill is, How do you consider the use of your energy when you’re trying to engage with the world, work, life, and people around you?

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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For this episode, Tonya breaks down the value she’s found in Ryan Holiday’s books – one of which is Courage Is Calling – as well as the path her life and career have taken and the courage she’s still building in her own life (modeled by her own mother).

Tonya is a great example of the ripple effect we can cast through our networks by creating a community where we can all learn from each other. She works to take courageous steps in the world around her, especially to speak, work, and live with her authentic voice.

Tonya is a self-described teacher and learner at heart. She is a mentor to many, a trusted advisor to senior executives, and an award-winning Human Resources executive with over 20 years of experience in large, high profile media organizations. Currently, Tonya is the vice-president of development, inclusion, and wellness at ESPN where she’s been for 12 years. Prior to joining ESPN, Tonya led employee and executive development and organizational effectiveness at Turner Broadcasting based in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications (broadcast media) from the University of Florida and master’s and doctoral degrees in human resource and organizational development from the University of Georgia. Tonya is the founder of Your Aha! Life, a global movement, community and blog focused on helping people reach their highest potential and live their best lives.

Some highlights from this episode:

-- Little moments – including interactions -- can shape the rest of our lives (as it did with Tonya with one of her 11-year-old students)

-- The reminder that this life is not a dress rehearsal. This is it. You only get one life.

-- Being courageous isn’t only required when taking massive undertakings; it’s needed in the everyday – even in being ourselves.

Some books mentioned in the conversation:

-- Authentic: How To Be Yourself And Why It Matters by Stephen Joseph

-- The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday

-- Leaders: Myth and Reality by Stanley McChrystal and Jeff Eggers (when I mention the story I had read about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)

The main question that underlies my conversation with Tonya is Where is courage calling you?

Learn more about Tonya’s community and work:

-- The Aha! Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/197184320894618

-- Your Aha! Life (website): https://yourahalife.com/

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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For this episode, Randye provides some insight into her life and career and how it serendipitously seems to mirror the book – a memoir -- she’s chosen to cover with me.

Randye seems to be a prime example of those of us who want to show our authentic self, wanting to express who we are and what we really desire, yet didn't quite know which avenue or form that authenticity should take until it reveals itself to us one day.

And she’s taking full advantage of that realization, because it’s never too late. Randye, like the author of Where In The OM, spent much of her career in corporate America only to find it wasn’t the best outlet for her to align her everyday work with who she is in her heart.

Randye is a native New Yorker and founder and managing director of Marketing On a Mission, a marketing consultancy specializing in working with mission-driven social enterprises. Prior to this, she led Affordable Marketing Solutions, a small business marketing agency for 13 years. She is on the Board of Arts Alliance of Stratford and serves as their Marketing Director. Previously, she was VP of Marketing and New Product Development at a financial services company. And, she was the first General Manager of the start-up co-branded credit card division of a global travel company. She is the author of Affordable Marketing Solutions: Proven Techniques to Profitably Market Your Small Business, and an award-winning Adjunct Professor of Marketing and Communications.

Randy and I met through the American Marketing Association – CT Chapter

Some highlights from the episode:

· There is a way to do work from the heart while meeting – and exceeding -- business goals.

· Balance is everything.

· “’No’ is a complete sentence.”

Some books mentioned in the conversation:

· Quantum Marketing: Mastering the New Marketing Mindset for Tomorrow's Consumersby Raja Rajamannar

· The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

· Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievementby Rich Karlgaard

· The Empath's Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive Peopleby Judith Orloff

The main question that underlies my conversation with Randye is: How are you truly living your authentic life, feeling the alignment of what you do and who you really are?

Learn more about Randye’s work: www.marketingonamission.com

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

The Empath's Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People

Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement

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For this episode, Tina walks me through what drove her to seek her own FREEDOM from professional unhappiness, helping her prioritize and allowing more time for what makes her happy – and that’s what she hopes to guide her clients through.

There’s more out there for each of us – if we choose to seek it out.

In F.R.E.E.D.O.M., Tina breaks down and provides action steps for the concepts behind the acronym – Faith, Release, Evaluation, Energy, Determination, Optimism, and Mindset.

Tina has over two decades experience in Leadership Development, Team Building and Talent Acquisition. She speaks and coaches at events all over the country. Her strategies lay out the roadmap which give her clients the clarity and insight to escape their 9 to 5 jobs. She helps make dreams a reality! As a result, her clients are getting their time back in their life which is priceless. They have the freedom to spend quality time with their family and friends. Her clients create a life on purpose while prospering in the process. Tina’s clients are achieving financial success in their personal and professional lives which enables them to give back to their community.

Tina and I met through the National Speaker’s Association – CT Chapter. After a chapter event, we set up a time to get to know each other and each other’s work.

Some highlights from the episode:

She shares with me how she’s lived what she shares in her book, allowing her more flexibility in how she has spent her time, sharing that she was free to spend more time with her daughter, who passed away.
She provides an overview of what F.R.E.E.D.O.M., from which you take away the passion she brings to her work and the message she wants to share with all of us.
We share our common upbringings of growing up in blue collar households, which drove us to build on those lessons, work hard, and become role models for our own kids.

Some books mentioned in the conversation:

The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Jack Canfield: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/96593.The_Success_Principles
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40745.Mindset?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=4kf0DrFEpb&rank=1

The main question that underlies Tina's work with her clients: What is one goal that you are looking to achieve?

Learn more about Tina: www.lifeisideal.com

Get your copy of Tina’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094T5KBRP/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_1SSBGR06XFTNR72CVYQJ

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

F.R.E.E.D.O.M.: 7 Steps to Thrive in Life and Business

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For this episode, Jess shares her long journey of uncertainty and self-discovery – one which lead her right to where she’s supposed to be, allowing her to tap into what she feels she was meant to do while helping others along the way. She shares her major lesson in one of the chapters of the Be The Beacon anthology.

Be The Beacon offers stories from women across a spectrum of journeys, from those looking to discover what is meant for them to those who are further along in their path, reaching back to share the stories of their own obstacles, challenges, and achievements, hoping to ignite the spark of hope and drive in others.

Jess is a Learning Alchemist on a mission to make the creation process easy and enjoyable so that purpose-driven entrepreneurs can unleash their brilliance to a wider audience through online courses, programs, and memberships. She believes that the key to learning is connection, and that when we connect an idea to our own past, present, and future, we bring it to life and allow it to transform us. This process doesn’t always happen on its own, which is why she founded Alchemy Learning Solutions -- to increase access to the incredible power that is a well-crafted learning experience.

Some highlights from the episode:

· What the power of finding YOUR tribe, community, and network can do for your ability to share who you are with others.

· Each of us can have something in us we don’t see or realize until it’s pointed out by someone else or when we finally hear ourselves speak it out to others.

· It’s inspiring to hear when we realize business can be more than a service transaction, instead leading to life-changing transformation.

Where are you on your journey? Are you looking for the beacon to guide you in the right direction? Are you on that discovery path now? Or, through your experience, can you help others find theirs?

Learn more about Alchemy Learning Solutions: www.AlchemyLearningSolutions.com

Get your copy of Be The Beacon! https://www.amazon.com/Beacon-Ladies-Power-Transformation-Anthologies-ebook/dp/B09JL3X4RC/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=be+the+beacon&qid=1637198539&qsid=143-6024481-2748714&sr=8-1&sres=B09JL3X4RC%2CB093RP246S%2CB001J25OI6%2CB07C8GY6HT%2C1450593895%2CB08Y6G6JWS%2CB08C8KQTR1%2CB07PPJ8RRM%2CB07PPJGFKK%2CB08M8RJLM6%2CB06WRR4M6P%2CB08W3QKDRT%2CB09H4XC1YS%2CB0975DKZYT%2CB07TXQYTTN%2CB07PH338XJ

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

Be the Beacon (Ladies' Power Lunch Transformation Anthologies Book 3)

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For this episode, Eric shares the lessons he’s taken away from Obvious Adams, which was first published in 1916. From his own experience in higher education, specifically in the field of MBA programs in world-renowned institutions, Eric has seen both the respect the book has garnered in business academia and the impact of the book on his own life and work.

Obvious Adams offers a great lesson in how often we overcomplicate our lives, work, and business, forfeiting the choices that can be more obvious for the more complex path.

Eric is the founder of Candidate Coach, a boutique admissions consulting and career coaching agency, working with people worldwide, who seek admissions into top-ranked MBA or masters programs. As the former Director of Recruitment for the Global MBA program at ESSEC Business School, he leverages his vast network and knowledge of the industry to provide customized services for his clients. Eric has presented as the keynote speaker at various colleges and universities on the topic of careers, and is also the author of the MBA guide book series, including "Getting into an MBA in France", "Getting into an MBA in the UK", and "Getting into an MBA in the USA" (coming out in November).

Some highlights from the episode:

· Even when we know what we should do, we still put things off – a practice Eric and I can still be guilty of.

· What we’re called to – what we should be doing and is most natural and fulfilling – can come to us in a roundabout (globe-trotting) way – as Eric experienced in his career.

· There can be power in reaching into the unknown, starting form scratch, and designing a new world for ourselves.

Even without having read this book (yet), do you tend to take the most obvious path in life, work, and leadership – or do you tend to overcomplicate both the resources you have and what it is you want?

Learn more about Candidate Coach: www.candidate.coach

Learn more about Eric’s own books: https://www.amazon.com/Eric-Lucrezia/e/B08QXT1TG1?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000

Learn more about The Book Leads - Blog Post: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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For this episode, Connor, in breaking down the book, shares with me the power of meeting the customer where they need to be by making their experience as streamlined and efficient as possible. We share stories of what drives use to help others, striving for efficiency, and the simplicity companies often abandon when they turn a blind eye to their everyday resources – their people.

Connor is the Member Success Manager at IMPACT+. An innovator at heart, Connor is always bringing new ideas to the table and challenging the norm to find better solutions for both the teams and communities he is a part of. If you ask him, he combines his passions for education and marketing to empower others to meet their business and revenue goals and loves building unforgettable experiences through ground-breaking industry events and engaged, passionate communities.

Some highlights from the episode:

· Connor’s foundational desire and ability to help others has parlayed into building a better experience for his organization, its customers, and himself.

· How fear, whether at the individual or organizational level, can keep us from offering our fullest service to our customers and those around us.

· The power of building trust.

Other Books referenced

· Quantum Marketing by Raja Rajamannar

· Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo

· Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller

How would you describe your customer experiences, both those where you serve the customer and those where you are the customer? How can they get better? How DO they get better?

Learn more about IMPACT+

Website: app.impactplus.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-impact-plus/

Learn more about The Book Leads - Blog Post: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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In this episode, I give a quick breakdown of the books I’m currently reading.

It’s such a random combination of books, and it speaks to the power of what we bring to relationships, what leadership really means, how we need to be pragmatic about the things we can’t control in life, controlling what we can to fascinate others, and studying how to develop great habits.

I love studying leadership, and although there's only one book listed here that speaks explicitly about leadership, all of these, in one way or another, apply to leadership.

What do you think?

Let me know if you’ve read any of these. johnmjaramillo@coachitout.com.

Here are links for where to find the books:

Clarity & Connection by Yung Pueblo

Leadership Is An Art by Max De Pree

The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman

Fascinate: How To Make Your Brand Impossible To Resist by Sally Hogshead

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

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For this episode, Jess and I read a book she selected for us to cover. Every so often each of us may come to a point where something may seem off between us and our environments. Something doesn’t reconcile. Something doesn’t click. The best of us doesn’t come out.

Frequency offers insight into why that might be – that those environments, people, or experiences are neither tapping into our energy nor elevating its frequency to where it needs to be.

Jess is an award-winning, results-driven communications leader and Founder of INDEMAND Communications, who helps companies engage, inspire, and activate employees, organizations, and teams. A creative storyteller who simplifies complex business scenarios,

Jessica delivers innovative and engaging communications programs with real, positive impact. Jessica is also a co-founder of and practitioner in Purpose Practiced, where she works with individuals to help them realize their life’s purpose, and bring their desired future into reality.

Some highlights from the episode:

As it relates to what the book covers, Jess says, “The energy that you bring forward -- you don’t know how people are responding to it, but you’re doing miracles with your eyes closed. You don’t even know.”
Jess and I talk about our own experiences with introversion and what it means to our work and how the pandemic has moved us to step forward.
Jess speaks to the power of manifesting.

Even without having read this book (yet), how do you think your energy reconciles to those in your environments?

Jess is another connection and colleague I met through Create What’s Needed and The Connext Exchange, both communities created by Fathom.

Learn more about Jess and INDEMAND Communications: https://www.indemandcomms.com/

Learn more about The Book Leads - Blog Post: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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In this episode, David and I discuss the journey to writing his book, his passion for enabling people, and how the power of people setting the example for others set him on his course to being not only a coach, writer, and keynote speaker on leadership but a consummate and evolving student.

David’s Human Resources and Organizational Development consulting career spans 30 years. In his current role, he is responsible for providing Leadership and Team Effectiveness training, coaching, and consulting services to clients including market leaders such as Aetna, Advanced Behavioral Health, Allied World, Behavioral Health Network, Chelsea Groton Bank, Day Pitney, Kaman Aerospace, KPMG, Mass Mutual, Otis Elevator, among many others. He is a frequent keynote speaker on the topic of leadership excellence and has lectured at a number of academic institutions including UConn, University of Hartford, Quinnipiac University, and the University of New Haven.

Some highlights:

-- We get into how our fathers provided us with gifts, through their examples, that lead to our passions for leadership development and impact.

-- He explains why he believes, “In many ways, leadership is an opportunity to be a role model for the behaviors you wish to see in others.”

-- The lessons he’s learned while writing the book.

-- Breaking down the 5% Rule: Why it’s important to deliver 5% more than people expect.

What (or who) is it that navigates and guides your ongoing leadership (and personal values) development?

David is another connection and colleague met through The Connext Exchange

Learn more about David & his work: www.workchoicesolutions.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidobrienleadership/

Learn more about The Book Leads - Blog Post: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

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“You’re born looking like your parents. You die looking like your choices.”

Most of us are so impatient. We want the big thing now. We want to see our success, goals, and achievements play out ASAP! We want what’s beyond tomorrow – without really looking at (or appreciating) the strides and steps we’re taking on a regular basis in the short-term today. Little changes and little habits -- our choices -- can make a world of difference.

And that quote above was brought up by my guest in this episode, Greg Hammond, Chief Executive Officer of Hammond Iles Wealth Advisors, co-founder of Planned Giving Strategies, author of You Can Do More That Matters, and co-host of the Your Money, Your Purpose radio show and podcast. In this conversation, Greg breaks down a book that has impacted his life and which, by using its mindset on the power of compounding in all areas of life, has made a world of difference in his life – even possibly saving it, as Greg tells me.

What kind of compounding gains are you making in the areas of your life?

Learn more about Greg:

www.hiwealth.com

www.yourmoneyyourpurpose.com

www.domorethatmatters.com

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The Book Leads – Episode 8: Angela Silva Mendes & her book, Getting There by Being Here, Life’s Invitations to Dance

In this episode, Angela and I talk about her book, which, I believe, came out at a great time for its readers – during the COVID-19 pandemic. Influenced by Angela’s life of experiences where she didn’t quite know where she belonged – but also fueled and empowered by her comfort in that uncertainty – this book can show us all what we can do, within our own power, to handle whatever uncertainty and obstacles life throws at us – by remembering who we are.

Angela, with a diverse academic background including bachelor’s degrees in Education, Communication Theories, and a master’s in International Affairs, among other accomplishments, is guided by her desire to serve and her thirst for meaning. Honoring her African heritage, Angela named her practice Upanji, meaning energy, a space of acceptance, holding what arises, and integration. With work experience in Europe, Africa, and the USA, Angela coaches, facilitates, and teaches internationally through individual sessions, workshops, and talks.

Angela's Website: https://www.upanji.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upanji/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upanjilifecoaching

This was another connection and colleague met through The Connext Exchange: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-connext-exchange/

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In this episode, Matt and I talk about his book The Road Will Someday Bend, which brings together his strong love of history and family – specifically honoring his grandfather, whose life serves as an inspiration for the novel. In this discussion we get into what inspired Matt to write the book, the power of the immigrant stories, and how we can take experiences from our own lives and share our lessons across the generations of our family lines.

Aside from a published author, Matt is a litigator by trade and has a penchant for social media and community building. His daily musings about the UConn Huskies, the New York Mets, Greater Hartford, and the Adirondacks can be found on Twitter at @UConnNetch. Matt lives in Glastonbury with his wife Jen and his daughters, Abby and Riley.

Website: matthewnecciwrites.com

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Back to The Leadership Challenge (TLC) we go, as Amy mentions that TLC is also the book she would highlight for this series, as I did in Episode 1. After a walkthrough of how TLC has impacted her, she then breaks down Everyday Leaders, Extraordinary Leadership, the follow-up to TLC targeted specifically to those who are not yet in titled, formal leadership positions.

In this episode, Amy and I talk about how the book has impacted us, how we got into our fields as a result of being introverts, and how out of the 5 Practices of Exemplary Leadership covered in TLC, she and I are both drawn to Challenging The Process. She’ll break down how the books have impacted her work as the founder of Dunn Talent Consulting which is a leadership and organizational health consultancy.

Amy offers leadership coaching, team building, and training workshops designed to optimize capability and effectiveness at the individual, team, and organizational level. Amy is a Certified Master of The Leadership Challenge® which is an evidence-based approach to leadership development. She also leverages programs and assessments such as The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team™ and DiSC®. Her work spans several industries including insurance, financial and professional services, high tech, telecommunications, academic, healthcare, and government organizations. Amy’s approach to her consulting is shaped by her experience as a successful Vice President of Human Resources and Talent Management in a Fortune 50 company. She led a nation-wide team of 50+ HR and training professionals, supporting a $7 Billion business that was driving explosive growth and change inside a complex corporate structure. This experience keeps her grounded in the real-world challenges and pressures leaders face. Amy combines this practical experience and powerful development tools to help people and organizations reach their full potential.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyelizabethdunn/

Website: www.dunntalentconsulting.com

Email: amy@dunntalentconsulting.com

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I ordered this book based on my conversation with Jenn, who is the Founder & CEO of Publish Your Purpose. There’s such a disconnect that exists when it comes to the effort of marketing and branding. We tend to reflect ONLY what we think people want to see – which, granted, is very important in order to demonstrate value – but most times we end up forgoing and limiting our uniqueness, authenticity, and what’s at the core of who we really are.

In this episode, Jenn breaks down what she learned in the book as well as how she recognized and applied the lessons both in herself and with her clients, helping to elevate how they show up in the work they do. The book emphasizes that we all have different attributes and skills which make up our archetype, but they can all work for us – as long as we’re aware of them.

Publish Your Purpose Press: https://publishyourpurposepress.com/

Information on Jenn’s Upcoming Author’s Lab which begins on August 15th: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jenntgrace_check-out-what-well-be-covering-during-our-activity-6830838203919007744-2ZsW

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In this episode, I interview Jenn T. Grace, a Certified B Corp, Founder and CEO of Publish Your Purpose, and Assistant Principal at the Oliver Ellsworth School in Windsor Stephen Higgins about the I Am Me book.

I Am Me is a compilation of stories written by students ages 3-8 and represents the diversity of the Windsor community. Through their stories the students bring us into their lives, sharing their fears, values, and their family’s cultural stories and rituals.

Please consider supporting this great #community project!

I Am Mine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1951591763/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_X2WGE9QR3176NW5D143V?fbclid=IwAR2OTmAXnPlUSZ7uKSm55C-hM_qTEQCM9Li2wfI69rtVgegJkutP5GEz7kU

Publish Your Purpose Press: https://publishyourpurposepress.com/

Information on Jenn’s Upcoming Author’s Lab which begins on August 15th: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jenntgrace_check-out-what-well-be-covering-during-our-activity-6830838203919007744-2ZsW

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In this episode, I provide more of an introduction to the John's Read On... subseries of The Book Leads podcast and I provide some information on The Mindset Talks Podcast that I'm co-hosting with my friend, colleague, confidant, and collaborator, Prati Kaufman.

Prati: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pratikaufman/

John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmjaramillo/

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Known as America’s Marketing Motivator, Kathy McAfee works with organizations to help them build more robust, diverse leadership pipelines, and with individual professionals who want to be known as experts in their fields.

Through her coaching, training, and speaking services, Kathy helps people build more meaningful careers, stronger personal brands, and successful businesses and teams.

She is the author of four business books, including Stop Global Boring and Sharpening Your Point, and the creator of The Fearless Leader program, an 8-week, cohort-based mentoring program designed to help professionals get their businesses, careers and lives back on track.

As a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion, Kathy focuses her energy and influence on empowering women and "hidden leaders" to reach higher levels of leadership and success in the business world and beyond.

Kathy believes that reading books is essential to professional and personal development, and she likes to quote Harry S. Truman: “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers."

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathymcafee/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakerKathyMc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathyMcAfeeMarketingMotivator

Instagram: instagram.com/kathymcafeemarketingmotivator/

Website: http://www.americasmarketingmotivator.com/

Email:

marketingmotivator@yahoo.com

Kathy@AmericasMarketingMotivator.com

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In this Episode, I give a breakdown of how the books pictured here (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jmjaramillo_overkill-thebookleads-podcast-activity-6820804673340002304-N8sP) are related to the book Frequency (also included in the picture).

I brought all these books to an interview I was conducting with a friend to reflect the themes I saw as common across each of those books and Frequency.

I was getting questions on why I included all of those books as related to Frequency, since I didn't refer to every one. Here, I provide just that -- and a little more about each book and its value as I see it.

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In this episode, Christina and I cover The Four Agreements: A Toltec Wisdon Book.

Christina Dufour, an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of the Carnelian Connection, is passionate about helping people thrive and realize their full potential. Navigating the road less travelled has led Christina to live with passion and purpose, offering mindfulness education and coaching on work/life balance and stress management. She has extensive certifications and experience in leadership, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, theatre, and dance. Her business degree and background in management and strategic development gives Christina a unique perspective on the needs of organizations and individuals. She supports today’s top companies, executives, and entrepreneurs to drive performance from a foundation of well-being. As a motivational speaker Christina brought mindfulness to the World Business Forum and enjoys delivering engaging and inspiring talks.

Website: https://www.carnelianconnection.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinaldufour/

Email: christinad@carnelianconnection.com

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In this episode I cover the book The Leadership Challenge: How To Make Extraordinary Things Happen In Organizations.

This is the book that, although I only read it once as a graduate student, stands out as the most impactful for me, pound-for-pound.

I give a breakdown of who I am, my background, an overview of the book itself, and what I take away from it -- for both life AND leadership!

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In this video I introduce The Book Leads: Impactful Books For Life & Leadership.

The series aims to get to the heart of the books recommended by its guests by getting to know the guest, their background, and how they believe we can all tap into the book they're recommending.

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

The Book Leads: Impactful Books For Life & Leadership: Recent Episodes

John M Jaramillo