Episode 119: Dr. Benjamin Ritter & His Book, Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be ABOUT BENJAMIN Benjamin is the founder of LFY Consulting and author of Becoming Fearless is an international leadership and career coach, Sr. Talent Management Consultant, Top LinkedIn Voice, global speaker, and host of The Executive, and the Live Fearlessly Podcasts. He has over 12 years of experience working internally as a Talent and Leadership Development leader, and externally as a coach in the realms of career and leadership development. Ben has coached over 500 leaders with a strong focus on senior-level executives across multiple industries and geographic regions, including Amazon, Coursera, Doordash, Google, Fiserv, Northwestern, Pinterest, Yelp, and more. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS "I wrote the book because I don't want people to deal with what I've dealt with." Discussing the responsibility we all have to ourselves. How soccer contributed to Ben's work today. Curiosity and Investing Time. The benefits and dangers of obsession. The power of tinkering and creativity. Ben's super power: Looking at a situation and asking, "Now what?" Questions to ask yourself as a leader to create the right environment for others. "How does the leader then constantly represent or highlight the meaning of the individual to the broader organization and the impact that organization is having?" What becomes heart-wrenching in Ben's work. "Every roadblock in life is there because you believe it's there." Your level of fearlessness across your various lives -- professional, personal, other. "My mind was the worst or best part in my life...my friend or my enemy." Life after suffering. The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Benjamin is, Are you willing to sacrifice certain things and accept the no's and the rejection along the way to create what you want in the world? FIND BENJAMIN Website: liveforyourselfconsulting.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drbenjaminritter-leadershipdevelopment LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Dr. Benjamin Ritter 01:00 - Introduction & Bio 02:24 - Books that have impacted Ben. 03:51 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 05:55 - What it feels like for Ben to help others work toward fearlessness. 08:08- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 18:40 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 22:42 - How Ben decided to change his branding, and why. 25:29 - What does leadership mean to you? 28:23 - What do you consider your super power? 29:30 - What do you define leadership? 31:54 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 33:35 - Ben speaks about his own fearlessness. 43:41 - Can you provide an overview of the book? 46:48 - Example of the an exercise in each the professional and personal side of the book. 52:30 - Where Ben's obsession for tracking performance came from. 58:24 - How did writing this book change you? 01:03:43 - What’s next for your writing? 01:04:50 - 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 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!

Episode 118: ⁠Wendy Wallbridge⁠ & Her Book, ⁠Spiraling Upward: The 5 Co-Creative Powers for Women on the Rise⁠ ABOUT WENDY Wendy is the founder of SpiralUp and a pioneering advocate for women's advancement and gender equity. An award-winning author and speaker, Wendy's Spiral Up! model empowers women to thrive by embracing their unique values and feminine wisdom. She has guided leaders at top companies like McAfee, VMware, Apple, HP, and Disney build high-performing, inclusive cultures where everyone can flourish. Wendy's work, informed by her own journey overcoming life-threatening lupus, has been featured in Fortune and The New York Times. Her latest book, Spiraling Upward: The 5 Co-Creative Powers for Women on the Rise, offers a transformative roadmap for people seeking success in both their personal and professional lives. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Each of us having a unique signature. "...the hardest things that I went through were the things that taught me kind of my that built my character and taught me what was important." How having had Lupus contributed to Wendy's finding her purpose. What Wendy considers the initiations in life. Life: Collecting the four A's vs. the Ow's and Aw's vs. the off-roading path. Masculine vs. Feminine strengths. What inner guidance looks like. Neurosis as Wendy's motivator. The "Little Miracles" of life. Where connection happens. "...the thing that we most missed getting can also be our gift." The vibe of leadership. A breakdown of Maslow's Hierarchy (again) and where we're living our lives on it. A mention of the happiness formula. How we can each have our own little ministry. Synchronicity is magic. The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Wendy is, What's in your heart or on the back burner that you need to express and put out there? FIND WENDY Website: ⁠spiralup.com/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/wendywallbridge⁠ LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-118-wendy-wallbridge-her-book-spiraling-5-john-m--zrrce/?trackingId=UA4yTPB9Qo2Pdv%2Bb3shLcw%3D%3D CHAPTERS 01:00 - Introduction & Bio 02:23 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 07:44 - Where Wendy's heart-centered focus that guides her work comes from. 17:03 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 23:09 - Where Wendy's interest in psychology came from. 40:00 - Where Wendy's spirituality came from. 43:06 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 47:47 - What is your super power? 48:59 - What does leadership mean to you? 01:04:52 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 01:20:26 - Can you provide a general overview of the book? 01:25:33 - What changed in you from having written this book? 01:28:24 - 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 ⁠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!

Episode 117: Melissa Marquis, MS, RN & Her Book, Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient’s Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease ABOUT MELISSA Melissa Marquis is a nurse, author and emergency management specialist. She has decades of experience in both the nursing and emergency management/public health fields. Beginning in 2008, she began noticing seemingly random symptoms, out of character for her. She quickly began her quest for answers. Utilizing her medical experience and connections, she sought care with numerous specialists. After almost 13 years, 5 rheumatologists, and numerous tests and procedures later- it was confirmed her symptoms were largely related to systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Since then, Melissa has been a passionate advocate for patients within the autoimmune disease community, specifically scleroderma. After recognizing the lack of information available for patients who undergo years of visits and tests with limited or no answers, Melissa curated a resource book to share her experiences and lessons learned in navigating this challenging spectrum of illnesses. In her debut as an author, Melissa presents Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient’s Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease which provides a broad-brush stroke of education about, and living with, autoimmune disease. She wisely incorporates topics such as symptoms, testing, doctor’s visits, and then shifts into her experiences as the patient. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Dealing with the predictably unpredictable. Understanding triggers and taking actions for readiness. Knowing what's coming but not really preparing yourself. Melissa's Super Powers: (1) Being a Good Listener & (2) Identifying What's Needed and Stepping In. Leadership and doing the hard things. You DO have something to say! How to be a good self-advocate. The importance of faith and God in Melissa's life and journey. "Your disease is not who you are at your core as a person." How our need for therapy evolves with our life's experiences. Knowing what the right mix of self-care looks like for you. The scariest thing to face in life. The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Melissa is, If you were to write a book, what would you write about and share with others of your own life and lessons? FIND MELISSA Website: westhartford.org/living_here/town_departments/health_district/index.php LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissamarquis Buy The Book LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-117-melissa-marquis-ms-rn-her-book-invisible-john-m--pb2ff/ CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Melissa Marquis 00:53 - Introduction & Bio 03:36 - How did your path into your career begin, and what did it look like up until now? 08:40 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 11:25 - How Melissa prioritizes self-care when it comes to all her work vs. her living with Scleroderma. 15:43 - Where Melissa was in her career and life when she began noticing symptoms. 25:14 - The origins of who Melissa is as a caregiver in life. 27:12 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 28:23 - What's your super power? 29:25 - What does leadership mean to you? 31:48 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 46:24 - Can you provide a general overview of the book? 01:07:12 - How have you evolved as a result of writing this book? 01:10:58 - What’s next for your writing? 01:12:43- What book has inspired you? 01:14:19 - 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 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!

Episode 116: Garrett Delph & Becoming Facebook: The 10 Challenges That Defined the Company That's Disrupting the World by Mike Hoefflinger ABOUT GARRETT Garrett's mission is to help medium-to-large businesses transform operational chaos into system-led cultures that are repeatable and sustainable into the future. As a Founder/CEO/Operator with proven and demonstrated success, he has spent the last 25+ years building and scaling three businesses worldwide. With established subject matter expertise in leading and scaling people, processes, and culture. Garrett has a deep understanding of the critical role technology-first operational leadership plays in organizational success, particularly in specialized and high-stakes environments. One of his professional strengths is the systematic elimination of chaos through the implementation of proprietary operational frameworks, optimization of processes, alignment of teams, and the driving of sustainable growth. The culmination of his approach is a sturdy operational transformation to ensure repeatable and sustainable success. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS What makes up the "Engine of Success." The power of having (the right) mentors and tools for understanding people. Garrett turning around his (sort of) militant ways as a founder. The power of epiphanies. The foundation for people. process, and performance. Ignore these basics at your own peril. Sayings on the wall mean nothing -- if you don't abide by them. "...if you don't stop micromanaging your people and your business, you're going to kill it. And you're going to harm them more than you ever can imagine." The leader sometimes being the problem. When the powers the left brain and the right brain come together. How Garrett's belief in God informs his work. Leadership can be as easy as P. I. E. (acronym). Candor with Care The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Garrett is, How are you taking stock of what you're doing (or should be doing) to be successful -- especially when it means going back to the basics of what you stand for and what you want? FIND GARRETT Website: links.clarityops.co/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/garrettdelph Medium: https://medium.com/@garrett_delph Garrett's Thought Leadership Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1tf7Tf5FnswHzrgP_f-wvYuHlKee0t-I LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS 00:00 – The Book Leads Podcast – Garrett Delph 00:50 - Introduction & Bio 02:21 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 04:00 - How Happiness factors into what Garrett looks for in his clients' companies. 09:38 - How different company cultures and structure can be today versus 30 years ago. 14:34 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 19:37 - The epiphany in Garrett's life that changed his perspective on people. 26:05 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 28:15 - What is your super power? 31:01 - What does leadership mean to you? 36:33 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 38:08- Can you provide a general overview of the book? 53:52 - 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 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!

Episode 115: Rebecca Gebhardt & Her Book, Leaderboard to Leadership, How to Earn and Excel in Your First Sales Leadership Role ABOUT REBECCA Rebecca is a best-selling author, former top 1% sales leader. With over 20 years of experience leading sales teams that have generated over $50 million in revenue, Rebecca specializes in guiding emerging sales leaders through the transition from the sales leaderboard to leadership, while helping corporate sales leadership teams strengthen their leadership pipelines. Kolbe and Leadership Circle assessment certified. Rebecca reached out when she learned about the series and what I was doing, we learned about each other’s work. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Rebecca loves "working with people who are in transitions to become who they need to be." "Better people are better leaders." How people are left to fail by their leaders. How Rebecca's work empowers The Three R's: Recruit, Retain, Revenue. "If I can work hard, I have destiny, and I have control over my destiny." Questions Rebecca asked herself, leading her to found her company: What should I really be doing? Where are my talents? What's my purpose? How can I give back? Growing up with a massive chip on one's shoulder. "When the opportunity shows up, do you take it?" Being a corporate teacher. The power of Imperfect Action. Leadership and the Transference of Hope. Who is The Forgotten Middle Child of the Sales World? "No matter how successful you get, if you can still be a student of the game as you're playing the game, you're going to get further ahead than someone else." The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Rebecca is, How do you keep moving forward, seeking out the right tools to make you better, which makes everyone around you better? FIND REBECCA Website: riseupconsultinggroup.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/riseup Leaderboard to Leadership Accelerator Training: https://rebecca-gebhardt.mykajabi.com/leaderboard-to-leadership-accelerator LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/last-week-s-leadership-lessons-7058038561366794240/ CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Rebecca Gebhardt 00:51- Introduction & Bio 01:53- Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 09:39 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 15:40 - Rebecca's pursuit of Liberal Arts in College 20:01- How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 21:15 - What is your super power? 22:38- What does leadership mean to you? 23:16- Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 27:40- Can you provide a general overview of the book? 34:39 - How sales leaders receive Rebecca's work. 39:22 - What lessons have you taken away from the book? 48:09 - What book has inspired you? 50:04 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.) 52:16 - What’s next for your writing? 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!

Episode 114: Susan Drumm & Her Book, The Leader’s Playlist: Unleash The Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership and Your Life ABOUT SUSAN Susan Drumm is a CEO Advisor, Speaker, USA Today Bestselling Author and Leadership Coach focused on helping leaders and their teams to develop the capacity and mindsets to lead in today’s disruptive environment. She has personally coached billionaire CEOs, high profile political figures, prominent Fortune 100 executive teams and incredible entrepreneurs that set out to disrupt the marketplace. She is the two-time #1 bestselling author of The Leader’s Playlist: unleash the power of music and neuroscience to transform your leadership and your life. Susan’s YouTube channel and podcast, The Enlightened Executive, is ranked in the top 2% of podcasts globally. In the show, she spotlights ground-breaking techniques and strategies to help executives and entrepreneurs get the edge in personal and leadership effectiveness. Susan’s firm, Meritage Leadership Development, works with C-suite executives from financial services, private equity, tech, healthcare, professional services, media, consumer products, consulting and law. She has worked with organizations such as KPMG, Oracle, Viacom, Microsoft, Conde Nast, L’Oreal, A&E Networks, USS Steel and Cisco. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS · When it comes to having an eclectic background, each step infuses the leadership development work that we do today. · Developing a skill set and losing interest in its application. · Strategy - Culture = Dead In The Water · Measuring the seemingly unmeasurable. · "What am I going to do with the rest of my life?" · How acting taught Susan to deal with her inner critic. · "It's okay if you don't figure it out. It's about collecting experiences, because if you stay open, the background will come together." · "If you keep looking and keep pursuing where that sort of bliss or passion will come from, you'll find it." · "Childhood wounds and experiences...give you a super power, but they also can come with a liability." · Returning home to an inherent sense of play: Spirit of Play + Fostering Creativity = Producing Best Work · Susan's Super Power: Patter Recognition & Disruption, which lead to Freedom. · From watching her father: I was never going to suffer in a job I didn't like. · "You are who you are in everything you do." The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Susan is, Have you learned about what triggers you in life in order to elevate yourself above it to lead others? FIND SUSAN Website: meritageleadership.com/ Website: susandrumm.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susan-drumm The Enlighted Leadership Quiz: https://susandrumm.com/quiz/ LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-114-susan-drumm-her-book-leaders-playlist-john-m--kzjye/?trackingId=zo4vjrH8Rfycz9KvgSFCKw%3D%3D CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Susan Drumm 00:58- Introduction & Bio 02:57- Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 04:14- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 16:16- How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 17:57- What is your superpower? 19:42 - What does leadership mean to you? 20:53- Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 23:38- The importance of music in Susan's life. 25:27- Can you provide a general overview of the book? 28:09- What lessons have you taken away from the book? 37:34- What’s next for your writing? 38:56 - Where Susan's aptitude for disruption comes from. 42:01- What book has inspired you? 44:55- 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!

Episode 113: Henry Woodman & His Father's Book, The Reincarnation of Marie: A Love Reborn in Paris from the Pages of History ABOUT HENRY Henry Woodman is a Florida native and a graduate of the University of Arizona for his bachelors and Nova Southeaster for his MBA. He is trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and French, and is a natural entrepreneur. In 1984, Woodman and his partner formed WoodMark Productions to pursue two of his passions -- film production and travel. He and the film crew would travel the world producing travel films for leading travel destinations worldwide on behalf of major travel companies including American Airlines, American Express, Eastern Airlines, government tourism boards, and leading international cruise lines. After a decade of travels, he settled in Santiago, Chile for two years to produce Machos, a local game show for the younger demographic. In 1997 he founded World Travelvision (WTV), a content provider for Internet Travel and Tourism. WTV pioneered the production and distribution of Digital Brochures and Virtual Reality 360°Panormaic Photography. In 2004, Woodman pivoted WTV to a technology company and formed IcePortal (ICE). ICE was founded to solve a problem in the newly formed online hospitality distribution industry - management and distribution of visuals to online distribution channels. ICE helps hotels and resorts, manage, and deliver their visuals to 1000s of online travel related websites. In 2019 Woodman exited the company. Woodman’s commitment found its roots in television and film production and earned him four local area Emmy nominations. Finally, in 1988, Woodman acquired the rights to a book which he just published and plans to develop into a series for streaming TV. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Doing stuff that you want to do, that you're interested in, that makes you happy. "Me, me, me." What is passion- and purpose-consuming to you? Career - Just a bunch of dots connecting along the way. Entrepreneurship vs. Filmmaking -- Both pre-production, a production, and post-production. "How bad can I fuck that up?" "Grit and Discipline...I don't really see the failure thing." On success -- "...you have a better chance with what talent you have to prepare and be lucky and hope for opportunity." How one's idea of leadership can change over time. "Love is a precious thing." The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Henry is, How much do you share of who you TRULY are, especially considering what little time we have in THIS life? FIND HENRY Website:iceportal.shijigroup.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hwoodman Book Website: https://mariethestory.com/ LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-113-henry-woodman-his-fathers-book-marie-love-john-m--ckpie/?trackingId=cfUoACn2Q9mX5X9LSldVNw%3D%3D CHAPTERS 00:00 – The Book Leads Podcast – Henry Woodman 00:51 - Introduction & Bio 03:52 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 09:14 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 19:06 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 20:44 - What do you consider your super power? 22:28 - Where Henry's Grit & Discipline come from. 25:21 - What does leadership mean to you? 27:16 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 32:02 - Henry's reaction to finding out his father wrote this book. 37:03 - What lessons have you taken/others take away from the book? 43:44 - What book has inspired you? 45:43 - 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!

Episode 112: Alan Lazaros & The Compound Effect: Jumpstart Your Income, Your Life, Your Success by Darren Hardy ABOUT ALAN At age 2, Alan’s father passed away in a car accident. At age 26, after getting into a nearly fatal car accident himself, Alan questioned everything he was doing in life. He questioned who he was and the choices he was making. He was at an all-time low. Filled with regret, Alan searched for answers and found two of the brightest lights he had ever seen. The first bright light was a book by Bronnie Ware entitled, “The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying,” and the second was a Ted Talk by Tony Robbins. Both of these resources helped Alan find his way and guided him to make the choice of going ALL IN on self-improvement to design a life of meaning and purpose. On this self-improvement journey, Alan learned he believed in a heart-driven but NO BS approach to inspiring, motivating, and educating others on what it REALLY takes to get to the Next Level. Today, he is proud to say it is his mission to help others design fulfilling lives, maximize their own unique potential, and build aligned businesses they love on their own terms. Alan has a powerful combination of technical expertise and business acumen specializing in Peak Performance, Productivity, Organizational Design, and Individual, Team, and Business Optimization. He lead a global team at NLU, has given hundreds of trainings all over the world, and has happily completed thousands of one-on-one coaching calls with clients. As he says, It would be his honor to help you get to the Next Level of your life, love, health, and wealth. I interviewed Alan’s business partner and partner in crime Episode 103: Kevin Palmieri & Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS "If you don't have self-belief, those adversities that could end up being your advantage actually just end up being adversity." (read that again) Understanding conscious and subconscious belief in yourself -- and whether or not they reconcile. "Every time you feel lost or directionless, just go back to the script." Success vs. Fulfillment and the 4 combinations you can fall into. "I want my future to be an amplified version of what it already is." What's your trauma response -- fight, flight, freeze, or fawn? The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Alan is, How are you sticking to what you want to do to get what you want? FIND ALAN Website: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/ Podcast: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-university-podcast/ LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-112-alan-lazaros-compound-effect-jumpstart-john-m--nyiee/?trackingId=oQJQVmrMR2yvIg7axG4nmg%3D%3D CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Alan Lazaros 00:50 - Introduction & Bio 05:12 - The origin of Alan's resilience and self-belief. 12:50 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 18:51 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 34:51 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child 50:39 - What does leadership mean to you? 53:53 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 59:45 - Is there a certain part of the book that stood out for you? 01:02:58 - How being math-minded helped Alan achieve his goals and success in life. 01:11:24 - The power of reprogramming yourself. 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!

Episode 111: Alexandra Dotcheva & Her Book, It Really Is Simple: A Holistic Approach to Self-Confidence -- A Practical Guide ABOUT ALEXANDRA Born into a musicians’ family in Bulgaria, Alexandra came to the United States as a graduate student in 2000 and earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance from Louisiana State University in 2007. In 2008, prompted by the financial crisis, she decided to pursue a career in nursing and has been practicing as an RN since 2011, with a strong passion for educating patients on acquiring optimal health. Her experience includes ICU, orthopedic trauma, and home care. In 2014, she began her investing career with a focus on rental real estate and, later on, options trading. She is the owner of three real estate businesses and a holistic coaching business. Alexandra’s passion for health, martial arts, fitness, and financial independence, as well as her experience with the challenges of cultural integration prompted her to write the book, It Really Is Simple: A Holistic Approach to Self- Confidence, in which she shares her path to success in an effort to motivate readers to embrace change and pursue their dreams, in spite of fear and insecurity. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS "20 years of very poor self-confidence and self-esteem with never believing you would ever be able to accomplish even a fraction of what it is today." Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. Whether talking about health, career, or finances, moving forward is all about mindset. Fixating on one area of focus as "the problem," when it's really something completely different. Doing the one major thing that seems impossible, and the possibilities it can open up going forward. "...be very careful who you listen to because the influences in your life, they're very well-intentioned, but oftentimes they're wrong." What Black Belt Mentality means. Awakening the child in yourself in order to succeed. What it means to face yourself. Writing in your authentic, true voice. Burning certain bridges in order to prosper. Accomplishing dreams by breaking them down into smaller goals. How fear and anxiety work for you as friends and allies. The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Alexandra is, Are you taking proactive steps to freedom by overcoming your insecurities and lack of confidence? FIND ALEXANDRA Website: https://www.holisticselfconfidence.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-dotcheva/ LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-111-alexandra-dotcheva-her-book-really-simple-john-m--hwcqf/?trackingId=%2F0R7cc5JSN%2B4grDc79iEOA%3D%3D CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Alexandra Dotcheva 00:57 - Introduction & Bio 02:26 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 13:17 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 23:38 - Alexandra's journey in Martial Arts. 26:36 - Alexandra's journey into confidence. 28:48 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 36:17 - What does leadership mean to you? 38:14 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 47:19 - Can you provide a general overview of the book 51:41 - Alexandra on spirituality. 55:58 - What lessons have you taken away from the book? 58:26 - What’s next for your writing? 01:09:02 - What book has inspired you? 01:11:28 - 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 Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 110: Aaliyah Miller & Her Screenplay, I Am: Muslim/American ABOUT AALIYAH Aaliyah is a storyteller and uses words as her superpower to help drive change for individuals and organizations. She wrote the script “I Am: Muslim/American” for Long Wharf Theatre’s New Haven Play Project. The film was a multimedia project funded by the Doris Duke Foundation to foster connections between Muslim and non-Muslim community members. The film is an official selection of the New York Lift-Off Film Festival, the ‘Pulling Focus’ African American Film Festival of the Quad Cities, and the International Black and Diversity Film Festival. The film has also received recognition awards from the Global Accolade Film Competition for the following film categories: African American Filmmaker, Islamic Filmmaker, Women Filmmaker, Women Theme. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS How a really good story can affect change for the things you do. You can't write without listening. Opportunities for creatives exist, even if it's not your full-time job. "When you wear too many hats, you're going to shortchange one thing." Pressing pause and putting aside your biases. A plea to the audience here: Consider what your story is and how valuable it is. "Have a close community that you can trust...to be candid with you, to be truthful with you about your work." No one is going to tell your story better than you. What is your superpower? "Whatever comes from within us, wherever we bring that, we're going to make better what we can." The power of encouraging young people who don't see themselves as being able to command a story. The power of shout-outs to those who have made a difference in our lives. How are you measuring what you do? Consider what it's like to be "the other." The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Aaliyah is, How do you invite others to understand who you are, not letting stereotypes and misinterpretations dictate the narrative for you? FIND AALIYAH & OTHER RESOURCES I Am: Muslim/American (trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y7eLY_Xb2k LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaliyahmiller/ ProduceHERS FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheProduceHERS Mentioned: Western Connecticut State University | Online MFA in Writing LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-110-aaliyah-miller-her-screenplay-i-am-jaramillo-mba-msop-e46jf/?trackingId=QUH61ho0Rv%2Brarom9VelUA%3D%3D CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Aaliyah Miller 00:53 - Introduction & Bio 03:57 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 05:52 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 24:19 - The kind of work Aaliyah was doing while working on her writing career. 44:51 - Where Aaliyah's desire to help others comes from. 48:38 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 56:57 - What does leadership mean to you? 01:02:31 - Can you introduce us to the screenplay 01:06:19 - Can you provide a general overview of the screenplay's format? 01:26:41 - What did this project change in you? 01:34:13 - What’s next for your writing? 01:37:34 - What book has inspired you? 01:39:21 - What do you want people to take away from the film? 01:40:41 - 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!

Episode 109: ⁠⁠Ernest Ellender, PhD ⁠⁠& (a) His Book, ⁠⁠This Is How We Heal from Painful Childhoods: A Practical Guide for Healing Past Intergenerational Stress and Trauma⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠(b) Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington ABOUT ERNEST Ernest Ellender worked in the fields of psychology, life coaching, and martial arts for over 25 years before authoring his first book entitled “This Is How We Heal from Painful Childhoods: A Practical Guide for Healing Past Intergenerational Stress and Trauma.” His advanced martial arts training combined with his doctorate in clinical psychology to produce his effective skills-building curriculum for healing past childhood traumas and family dysfunction. Ernest was raised in Louisiana's Cajun communities that celebrate family life and a close connection to nature, and he spends his free time enjoying the wonderful Cajun cuisine, marshlands, beaches, and local microbreweries of south Louisiana with his family and friends. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS What a little bit of mischief and thrill-seeking in youth can mean for adulthood and career later. Going from general practitioner to finding your niche. Where the overlap exists between martial arts and psychology. Being aggressive in a good way. Examples of generational trauma vs. generational desire to help the community. How Sylvester Stallone, Charles Bronson, and Chuck Norris led Ernest to the work he's doing now. What you find in the MRI Images associated with childhood trauma. Playing as an adult is essentially diving into the mud of life. "Healing requires training, education, empathy for all." The power of healing in human connectivity. Even coaches, therapists, and doctors needs to take their own medicine. "Anger begets anger, violence begets violence, and love begets love." The dignity of work. The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Ernest is, What does your intentional process and practice for healing look like? FIND ERNEST Website: www.ernestellenderphd.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/coach-ernest-ellender Ernest's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXJ5C4NB LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-109-ernest-ellender-phd-his-book-how-we-heal-john-m--iibdf/?trackingId=mbJaytKBQ7aLHNjQMO0UXg%3D%3D CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast 00:53 - Introduction & Bio - Ernest Ellender 02:27 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 05:57 - Ernest's life coaching specialization. 07:48 - The connection between martial arts and psychology. (More at 39:00) 10:42 - What "respectful aggression" means. 16:53 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 26:45 - What draws Ernest to the field of trauma and family dysfunction. 41:12 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 43:34 - What does leadership mean to you? 45:05 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 45:47 - Can you provide a general overview of the book (Ernest's Book)? 47:34  - What made Ernest write his book. 50:20 - An overview and breakdown of the chapters in the book. 01:18:43 - What evolved in you in the process of writing the book? 01:28:45 - What’s next for your writing? 01:30:16 - An overview of Booker T. Washington's book and why Ernest chose to discuss that book as well. 01:46:13 - The lessons readers can take from Booker T. Washington's book. 01:57:03 - 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!

Episode 108: H. Jackson Calame & 5 Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni ABOUT JACKSON Jackson teaches visionary entrepreneurs how to unlock sustainable revenue growth and expand their legacy by becoming a Power Brand in their market. 96% of businesses fail within the first 10 years. Jackson teaches businesses, not only how to avoid failure, but how to win, by becoming a true leader in their market. Having worked in, launched, and scaled several successful startups in the b2b industry & SaaS space, servicing thousands of SMBs, Jackson has seen firsthand that even the best operators struggle and often fail. The problem begins with poorly managed growth, due to establishing a weak foundation, which inevitably leads to collapse. Jackson and his teams prepare business owners and executives to bridge their growth gaps. Collectively, we often fill the roles of COO, CMO, or CEO during this transformative process. Your key to success as growth occurs and operations shift, will require that you evolve. Developing an incredible culture, built around a clear vision dedicated to customer satisfaction, must be the focal point of a company's mission in order to ultimately thrive. Most operators think they are prepared for this. The truth is, you aren't. Personal growth will be necessary. Personnel shifts will occur. And in order for everyone to win, a business can only afford to have leaders who pull their own weight, who add value to the mission, not anchors who will hold you back. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Jackson story as a son of God. "...instead of...honoring or fostering the anger that existed in my dad's home, taking the choice to stand for the values that I learned about virtues from my mom's home." What he learned by convincing his dad to pay child support. The power of representing what you absolutely love. "There are so many ways that we react as leaders rather than allowing our people to step up and guide us." Being a student of life. The power of your impact on other people. The importance of a rally cry in the workplace. "...if I can't feel love in the way that I'm leading, then I need to take a step back." What it means to work in a championship culture. Do you have meetings that reinvigorate you? The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Jackson is, What lessons are you taking from your past trials and tribulations to instead create value and empowerment for yourself and others moving forward? FIND JACKSON Website: firstclassbusiness.io LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacksoncalame Podcast: https://visionproslive.com/vision-pros-guest LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-108-h-jackson-calame-5-dysfunctions-team-john-m--1cxse/?trackingId=j2xySK0LS%2FCHmh8%2BIaJOIg%3D%3D CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Jackson Calame 00:53 - Introduction & Bio 03:06 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 07:10 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 21:40 - Jackson speaks on his faith. 32:29 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 45:59 - What does leadership mean to you? 53:17 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 55:49 - What 5 Dysfunctions Of A Team means to Jackson's company including a poster designed to summarize its points. 01:17:56 - How Jackson would pitch the book's lessons to someone. 01:18:46 - What’s in store for your own writing? 01:26:12 - 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!

Episode 107: James Hipkin & His Book, Journey to Success: Digital Marketing for Small Business Owners ABOUT JAMES Over a 40-year career, James has worked in marketing and advertising at a high level. Since 2010, he has built his clients’ businesses with digital marketing. James is an accomplished, forward-thinking marketing professional. His clients included Sprint, Apple, Wells Fargo online bank, Nestlé, and Toyota. They appreciate his practical, no-nonsense approach. He has the scars and many stories to share. His stories are always valuable and entertaining. His humor and infectious good-natured approach to marketing are fun and practical. But he never loses track of what’s important. Marketing, done well, creates value for customers and the business. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Applying strategy to marketing versus Just making it pretty. How a conversation with Geddy Lee, lead singer of Rush, helped shape James' path into advertising and marketing. Marketing is a discipline, being creative about the things you're doing. The power of listening in being a successful marketer. How advertising was a balancing act between the left brain and the right brain for James. Stereotypes surrounding degrees. Standing out through Critical Thinking. People are more creative than they think and know. Water the flowers and prune the weeds. Don't be part of the noise. The power of inherent curiosity. Respect, patience, and empathy in leadership. Are any puppies going to die? Understanding the delicate dance of people talking to each other. The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with James is, Whether in your leadership or marketing, how are you stepping away from the message you want to share to ensure you're conveying it in the most thoughtful and intentional manner? FIND JAMES LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jameshipkin Website: inn8ly.com/ Website: https://red8interactive.com/ LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-107-james-hipkin-his-book-journey-success-john-m--obfre/?trackingId=%2BdJGLVSWQwOwfCcGiNvJ9g%3D%3D VIDEO TIME STAMP 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – James Hipkin 00:55 - Introduction & Bio 01:56 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 05:46 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 07:55 - Geddy Lee's wisdom that helped shape James' path. 12:43 - James' pivot from musical promotion to advertising. 25:03 - James and his passion for music. 33:53 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 36:10 - What does leadership mean to you? 46:14 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 48:58 - What made James want to write the book. 50:51 - Where James' practice of patience and respect comes from. 56:21 - Can you provide a general overview of the book 01:01:13 - What lessons have you taken away from the book? 01:02:38 - What’s next for your writing? 01:06:11 - What book has inspired you? 01:09:30 - 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!

Episode 106: Cameron Nathan Singh & His Book, Navigation and Discovery: A Path of Navigating and Discovering Through Your Journey of Faith ABOUT CAMERON Cameron Nathan Singh was born and raised in San Bruno, California. Cameron primarily works in the business aviation industry and has such a dire passion for leadership and making an impact on the younger generations. Over the last decade, Cameron has had the privilege of moving up the ladder very quickly within the aviation industry throughout his 20s living in New Jersey, Southern California, Chicago, and the beautiful Caribbean twin island of Antigua and Barbuda. Cameron has a Doctorate of Executive Leadership from the University of Charleston and now resides in Northern Colorado. He is the host and co-host of several podcasts and a John Maxwell certified coach, speaker, and trainer. Cameron is also the author of Navigation and Discovery: A Path of Navigating and Discovering Through Your Journey of Faith. Cameron’s passion is to help young people strive for leadership and is so excited to share his journey of leadership to you. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS "Oftentimes, the root of the business issue is a people issue." Workplace culture focus during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Giving back to next generations to help navigate their life path. All the times we don't recognize others are looking at us as the leader. The power of one's religious faith. "Start with those 30-second conversations and those 1 minute touch points." The powerful seeds planted in our minds by others. "...you can strive for higher, you are called for more." "Run your race." The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Cameron is, How are you stepping back from your own life to assess it, learn about it, and share it (and its lessons) with others? FIND CAMERON LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronsingh/ Website: www.CameronSingh.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cameronsingh LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-106-cameron-nathan-singh-his-book-navigation-john-m--rlk4f/?trackingId=XirQqFrZTyGoYO8SkeeiLw%3D%3D CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Cameron Singh 00:43 - Introduction & Bio 02:15 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 04:24 - The business of people / Management vs. Leadership 08:12 - Impact of COVID-19 on workplace culture 10:55 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 15:58 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 22:10 - What does leadership mean to you? 24:35 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 29:36 - Cameron's realization of the power of faith in his life. 35:00 - The focus on the younger generation. 42:45 - Can you provide a general overview of the book? 46:59 - What lessons have you taken away from the book? 51:39 - What’s next for your writing? 55:19 - What book has inspired you? 56:37 - 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!

Episode 105: Massimo Backus & His Book, Human First, Leader Second: How Self-Compassion Outperforms Self-Criticism ABOUT MASSIMO Massimo has dedicated his career to empowering leaders with a powerful reminder: You are enough. His journey began amidst personal battles with perfectionism and a harsh inner critic fueled by the challenges of dyslexia. These struggles ultimately guided him towards finding and teaching self-compassion. As an executive coach, speaker, and facilitator, Massimo has revolutionized the leadership styles of thousands across prestigious companies like Amazon, Nintendo, Fox Entertainment, and Sony. His coaching approach is straightforward and impactful, tailored for open-minded and committed senior leaders who are serious about change. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Massimo can't help people if he's not committed to being his best self ever day Emotions and what they are and aren't. “It felt like a healthy drug for me…it lit me up inside for the first time, to see the impact of something I can do to benefit other people and make their experience better.” What's on the other side of change? The power of trauma in shaping people's later lives and careers. "Self-love is a leadership epiphany." The biggest misconception about leadership today. Massimo's admitted past hypocrisy. Who are you without defensiveness and fighting the good fight to prove you’re the smartest person in the room? What a W.I.M.P is. Massimo's WARD Model What being internally resourced means. The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Massimo is, In the face of your past adversities, and even traumas, how are you utilizing self-compassion and self-love to move forward? FIND MASSIMO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/massimo-backus/ Website: MassimoBackus.com Massimo's Book: https://massimobackus.com/book LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-105-massimo-backus-his-book-human-first-how-john-m--b1cne/?trackingId=VM7SdMe6SXOzeo0tY9NDfw%3D%3D CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Massimo Backus 00:51 - Introduction & Bio 02:04 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 04:55 - How the human aspect of Massimo's work evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic. 21:31 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 32:16 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 36:21 - What does leadership mean to you? 39:08 - What Self-Compassion means in Massimo's work. 47:36 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 52:56 - Can you provide a general overview of the book? 57:01 - A breakdown of the chapters in the book. 01:06:33 - What lessons have you taken away from the book? 01:09:32 - What book has inspired you? 01:12:14 - 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!

Episode 104: Oksana Yusupova & Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster, and Unlock Your Exceptional Life by Jim Kwik ABOUT OKSANA With over two decades of experience since beginning my career in 2001, I am dedicated to understanding and helping others navigate their emotions. As a psychotherapist, I specialize in Emotion-Focused Therapy, working with children, families, and adults. My areas of expertise include treating emotional trauma, behavioral and social issues, anxiety, depression, and life challenges.  I hold a Master's degree in Psychology and offer a range of psychotherapy services (individual, family, couple). In addition to one-on-one sessions, I lead workshops, events, and courses on emotions and emotional intelligence for schools, universities, and organizations. I am also a content creator and speaker. You can find my YouTube channel, "Focus On Emotions," and hear me as a guest speaker on Spotify. As an author, I have written a book for children and teenagers about emotions, titled "Focus on Emotions. The Kids’ Guide to Themselves." I am passionate about emotions, the brain, and psychology, and I explore the powerful connections between these areas. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Emotions are different than what people usually find in books about emotions and emotional intelligence. The benefits of emotions and unlocking the power of their energy. Emotion - The Inner Self vs. Socially Appropriate Roles The power of one's calling. The error in teaching to stop emotions, especially in children. Exhibiting leadership -- in the face of low self-esteem. The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Oksana is, How are you utilizing the tools available to you to navigate your emotions, do your best work, and show who you really are? FIND OKSANA Website: https://yusupovapsy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksana-yusupova-0b330b194/ Facebook:facebook.com/yusupovaoks LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-104-oksana-yusupova-limitless-upgrade-your-john-m--c6wje/?trackingId=iVms25m0QDKGH0MV9z703Q%3D%3D VIDEO TIME STAMP 00:00 - The Book Leads - Oksana Yusupova 00:49 - Introduction & Bio 02:16 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 03:38 - How Oksana views emotions differently than most others. 10:01 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 18:41 - How Oksana's views on emotions evolved into what they are now. 30:54 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 34:11 - What does leadership mean to you? 36:20 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 39:45 - Can you provide a general overview of the chapters in the book? 42:43 - How Oksana utilized the tools in the book in her own career and life. 51:31 - Oksana speaks on her own book, Focus on Emotions: The Kids' Guide to Themselves. 01:02:19 - 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!

Episode 103: Kevin Palmieri & Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck ABOUT KEVIN Kevin is the founder and co-host of the Next Level University podcast. Early in his life, Kevin found “success”, but after a brush with near suicide he realized he wasn´t living a life he truly wanted. He became passionate about self improvement and decided to make it his purpose in life to impact as many people as possible by becoming a role model, podcaster, and speaker. He has succeeded at making his podcast one of the top 100 with almost 1700 episodes and  one million listens in over 170 countries. He has taken his life to the next level and achieved both personal and professional success. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Identity Crisis: "I was quite literally in the best shape of my life. But internally, I was miserable and unfulfilled and depressed and anxious and all those things." Living Unconsciously Kevin's ideations of suicide and what pulled him back from the edge. What happens when your awareness doesn't reconcile to your environments? How do we get a little better? The problem with your expectations being your desires. Overnight Success vs. Overnight Awareness "Don't ego up when you're scared." Human beings are malleable: "The way you are today is not the way that you must remain." Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset. What failure looks like. What mentorship can look like when it comes to the Fixed vs. Growth mindsets. "The thing that would benefit us the most is the thing we run fastest away from." The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Kevin is, How do you become hyperconscious in order to become intentional about getting a little bit better as you go? FIND KEVIN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-palmieri-5b7736160/ LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-103-kevin-palmieri-mindset-new-psychology-john-m--kej8e/?trackingId=M9aQn%2FxAQUWh6llrBCekNw%3D%3D VIDEO TIME STAMP 00:00 - The Book Leads - Kevin Palmieri 01:45 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 02:37 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 09:09 - Kevin's process and goal for his podcast, Next Level University 16:26 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 28:26 - What does leadership mean to you? 29:49 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 32:59 - A general overview of the book and the Table Of Contents 43:08 - How moving into a Growth Mindset can cause trauma 46:04 - Kevin's process for alleviating stress and anxiety 55:27 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.) 56:15 - Where Kevin's drive for serving others comes from. 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!

Episode 102: Jenn T. Grace & Her Book, Publish Your Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide to Write, Publish, and Grow Your Big Idea ABOUT JENN An award-winning author, nationally recognized speaker, and savvy publishing strategist, Jenn is the founder of Publish Your Purpose, the acclaimed hybrid publishing company that gives first-time authors the secrets to getting their books written, finding an eager audience & marking their place in the publishing world. Publish Your Purpose is a certified B Corp social enterprise that meets the gold standard of socially and environmentally-friendly business practices. Jenn leads ambitious authors through every aspect of writing, editing, and publishing so their book strategically aligns with their business objectives. Whether it’s a business guide that shows the breadth of their expertise or an emotional memoir that takes readers deep into life’s challenges, she helps authors articulate their purpose and fulfill their mission.  Jenn has published the books of almost 200 business owners, entrepreneurs, speakers, and memoirists so more diverse stories can exist in the world and her authors can make a positive impact and achieve the recognition and success they deserve. she is the author of seven books, including, Publish Your Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide to Write, Publish, and Grow Your Big Idea. Jenn has been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNBC. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS Getting your reader into your ecosystem. Motivation is knowing your message is bigger than you. The power of a zig-zaggy path in life, career, and work. The temptations of (and the fault in) the shiny objects. The defining characteristic of curiosity. Leadership: Not a destination but a way of being. The power of doing the work and showing your clients what's possible. Lovingly using the phrase "shit-show." Providing epiphanies and Ah-Ha moments to others. The importance of your North Star. Words of the Year: "Fuckery" & "Experiment." The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Jenn is, With regard to what you want to share with others, how are you sharing and infusing your story into the process to enhance the lessons? FIND JENN Website: http://www.publishyourpurpose.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenntgrace/ Twitter: www.Twitter.com/JennTGrace & www.Twitter.com/PublishPurpose Facebook: www.Facebook.com/JennTGrace & https://www.facebook.com/publishyourpurpose Instagram: www.Instagram.com/JennTGrace & https://www.instagram.com/publishyourpurpose YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/publishyourpurpose Company Video: https://youtu.be/9xnwBQAvLI4?si=7MS_cNDoXF-7is04 LnkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-102-jenn-grace-publish-your-purpose-guide-big-john-m--yyy9e/?trackingId=oL7AP2M2Tz%2BuSJDX1ye9OA%3D%3D VIDEO TIME STAMP 00:00 - The Book Leads - Jenn T. Grace 00:42 - Introduction & Bio 03:07 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 05:33 - What kind of authors Jenn works with. 12:25 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 20:01 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 23:11 - What does leadership mean to you? 25:08 - A walkthrough of some of Jenn's books, including her latest book. 29:23 - Can you provide a general overview of the book 35:52 - What fueled Jenn's drive for storytelling? 43:52 - How Jenn enhanced her values and integrity, being selective in which authors she works with. 46:38 - A book that has inspired Jenn recently. 55:26 - What’s next for your writing? 01:02:59 - 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. Check out why! 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!

Episode 101: Rev. Michael Sean Harvey, MSOD, MSEd & His Book, Warrior Compassion: Unleashing The Healing Power Of Men ABOUT SEAN Sean is a TEDx Speaker and founder of Warrior Compassion Men’s Studio. Sean is an Interfaith Minister whose book, Warrior Compassion: Unleashing the Healing Power of Men offers a roadmap for men’s soul-healing as a catalyst for systems change. Sean brings 25 years of experience in leadership and organizational development consulting and taught organizational behavior and change at Cornell, NYU, and Baruch College CUNY. His work focuses on deepening compassionate humanity into hyper-masculine systems and developing leaders as emergent facilitators, compassionate bridge builders, and conscious change agents equipped to transform systems and heal cultures on a global scale. His current research focuses on facilitating bridges across polarized divides. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS When Sean was asked to show his heart instead of his polish. Sean's pillars of authenticity, connection, and purpose. The messaging for healthy masculinity, for deeper connection, for healing, and for breaking down the walls of isolation and disconnection. "You're not broken, but you might be wounded." "We've had toxic conditioning and faulty teaching." When we're born, we have everything within us. Where shame breeds. "Let's stop saying what the answer is and start creating a set of questions for men to be in their own inquiry, to discover their own truth of who it is that they are that reflects their journey, that honors who they are, and that moves from a place of self-loathing of the ways that they're not measuring up to self-love for gratitude for who they are." The two things we can't do when talking about men's healing, men's growth, men's transformation. The power of seeing someone's humanity even if you don't agree with or abhor their views. he need to get out of the over-intellectualization we do on most topics. The four existential question in every one of Sean's engagements. The difference between learning how to behave vs. learning how to be. How do we heal the wounds that hold us back from being compassionate? The Shame Spiral The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Sean is, What kind of wounds do you need to address and heal in order to move forward with your life and live your truth? FIND SEAN Website: https://warriorcompassion.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/seanharvey Instagram: @warrior_compassion LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-101-rev-michael-sean-harvey-warrior-healing-john-m--7cjke/?trackingId=aelMCAQAQoOfagIMw0pVkQ%3D%3D VIDEO TIME STAMP 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Sean Harvey 00:47 - Introduction & Bio 02:12 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 10:49 - Sean's take on what's happened to lead to the current state of men in America. 28:34 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 44:04 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 48:26 - How ministry plays into Sean's career and mission. 57:27 - What does leadership mean to you? 59:22 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? (Overview included) 01:03:44 - The reaction Sean gets when his work is carried out in hyper-masculine environments. 01:17:52 - What lessons have you taken away from the book? 01:20:24 - What’s next for your writing? 01:31:09 - What book has inspired you? 01:34:09 - 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!

Episode 100: Christina Dufour & The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide To Self-Mastery ABOUT CHRISTINA Christina, a Founder with Native American heritage, has a background in Finance and brings over a decade of experience in Business Development to her mission of specializing well-being in the workplace. With a degree in Business Management and Organization, Christina integrates well-being and performance practices into corporate settings, collaborating with esteemed organizations and executives. Christina developed an expertise in well-being with 13+ years of studying and teaching meditative modalities and supports individuals at all levels to overcome their unique challenges, foster inner balance, find confidence, and more effectively manage stress. She has studied with many expert teachers and a Buddhist monk, and is certified in multiple other introspective and expressive modalities. She leverages her unique blend of wellness and business expertise to craft customized programs that provide results-based tailored solutions for industry-specific stressors. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS How the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light more of the need for stress reduction. The power of introspection through meditations and mindfulness. How meditation is truly part of the beginning of knowing yourself. How theater is the study of expression and the opposite end of things, all of your emotionality. What the early exposure to death and dying opened up for Christina. "We don't have enough respect for being human and what we're built to do and not do." The power of being a good friend to yourself. Needing opposites: Needing distraction to practice focus. Needing doubt to practice faith. The Attentions of the Victim, the Warrior, and the Master. What kind of messenger are you? Why peace can be hard. The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Christina is, How has life's programming of your perception limited your understanding of yourself AND the world around you? FIND CHRISTINA Website: www.carnelianconnection.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinaldufour The Book Leads, Episode 2:https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6824361291977670656/ LinkedIn Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-100-christina-dufour-fifth-agreement-guide-john-m--geguf/?trackingId=8RlmwMneQIao%2B4zCOjRAhw%3D%3D CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads - Christina Dufour 00:46 - Introduction & Bio 02:42 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 04:03 - The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Christina's work and people's needs. 07:18 - How Christina's expressive work has contributed to the introspection work with her clients. 10:44 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 16:35 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 21:29 - What does leadership mean to you? 22:52 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 25:46 - Overview of the 1st Agreement - Be Impeccable With Your Word 33:37 - Overview of the 2nd Agreement - Don't Take Anything Personally 52:56 - Overview of the 3rd Agreement - Don't Make Assumptions 01:21:35 - Overview of the 4th Agreement - Always Do Your Best 01:31:12 - Overview of the 5th Agreement - Be Skeptical, But Learn To Listen 01:39:07 - Overview of the Three Attentions: (1) Victim, (2) Warrior, and (3) Master 01:51:07 - 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!

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, he guides 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 leadership lessons 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 Ages is 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!

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, the world 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 Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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 the revered 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 has worked 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 anywhere with 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 Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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 networking means. "How do you bring your brand to life for 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!

Episode 95: Suzi Hunn & Her Book, Big-Hearted Entrepreneur: Own Your Worth and Amplify a Mission That Matters ABOUT SUZI Suzi 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 passionate about 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 Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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, LinkedIn for 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, and associations. 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 someone like 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: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7190804621861208064/ 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 your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 08:59 - Sandra's jump from sales to LinkedIn 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? (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!

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 toxic relationship 56:30 - What's changed in you as a result of 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 Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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 are you 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!

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!

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 take away from her book 01:02:13 - The books that have inspired Autumn 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 Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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 organizations recover 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 a group) 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 Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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!

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!

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 and companies 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 Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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 in Boston 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 Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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 going to 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 Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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. I don'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 in the 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 away from 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 Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

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 that she 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/

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. In March 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 be jettisoned. When it comes to her books, Thank You sought to offset the fear borne out of the uncertainty during the COVID-19 panedemic while 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 making the 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 Book Unflappable: 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 The Book Leads: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/

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

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 Dan Sullivan & 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 about maintaining 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 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/

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 mechanical engineering student, to working on and designing racing yachts, to coaching teams 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 Business by 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 Art by 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 APPLICABLE EPISODES 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 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/

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 books seems 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 pulled more 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 see what 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 -- no matter 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 of Aggression 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 his methodology, 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 and entrepreneurs, 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/

Episode 76: Cindy Gersch & Manifest: 7 Steps to Living Your Best Life by 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 -- telling stories. 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 purpose had 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, no matter how painful, no matter how ugly those experiences are. Purpose has 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 same path 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 purpose that 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 APPLICABLE EPISODES 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 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/

The Book Leads – Episode 75: Angelic Lovestrong & The Secret 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 everyone else 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 Life by Roxie Nafousi 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 Life by 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 Episode 48 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 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/

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

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 Magic by chance, but it made -- and left -- a deep 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, then we 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 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/

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 Future by 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 Book by Honoree Corder Man’s Search for Meaning by 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/