Episode 139: David Fradin & his book, Letters From My HymieABOUT DAVIDDavid Fradin was born and raised in Detroit during the automotive go go years of the 1950s and 60s. Later he pioneered the field of environmental mediation and joined Hewlett Packard to help site new facilities after running a successful campaign for Governor Al Quie and John Connally’s Minnesota presidential campaign. While at HP he was classically trained as an HP Product Manager during the 50 years that HP grew 20% a year. He was recruited by Apple to bring the first hard disk drive on a PC to market and later became the Apple 3 Business Unit Manager at the same level as Steve Jobs by heading the Apple 3 product line and providing the profits which helped fund the development of the Macintosh. He is the author of "Building Insanely Great Products," "Organizing and Managing Insanely Great Products," and the Wiley published "Successful Product Design and Management" all available now on Amazon plus Letters from My Hymie. He has trained companies such as Cisco on product success worldwide. His mission is to help products succeed. He is a commercial pilot, flight instructor and advanced ground instructor in addition to a certified SCCA race driver and white water rafting guide. Overall, since 1969 he has worked on over 75 products and services, at 25 small, medium and large organizations and eleven startups covering hardware, software, services, internet, SaaS, mobile, advertising, online training, video and for non-profit public policy associations and political campaigns.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• The engineer's mind.• The power of mediation vs. litigation, and the need to advocate for oneself.• The shift from product strategy to political strategy.• When companies indoctrinate their values.• Working with Steve Jobs.• The need for authority commensurate with responsibility.• Understanding the customer.• When corporations intentionally try to undermine their values.• A memo is not enough.• Having a North Star.• What is lost by fearing rejection.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with David is, What (or who) is it that informs the non-negotiable values you hold and use to navigate your life, work, and career?FIND DAVIDWebsite: www.davidfradin.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidfradinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.fradin/LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – David Fradin00:16 - Introduction & Bio03:03 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?03:36 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?29:11 - Values across different organizations.34:05 - How values are best ingrained and sustained in organizations.36:22 - How David was drawn toward science.38:36 - David's evolution across different fields, roles, and specializations.42:07 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?44:51 - What do you consider your super power?45:14 - How David ended up in politics.50:04 - What does leadership mean to you?51:19 - David's thoughts on the Great Resignation and what it demonstrated about personal vs. corporate values.54:52 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:06:33 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book? (Plans for David's final book)01:12:29 - What book has inspired you?01:13:23 - 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 theseconversations.Learn more about The Book Leads andlisten to past episodes:Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 162: Eric Lucrezia & Profiles In Courage by John F. KennedyABOUT ERICEric is an MBA Admissions Consultant, 5-time author, podcast host, and keynote speaker based in Paris, France. Originally from NY, he's always loved working in education, leadership development, and anything with an international flavor. In his spare time, you can find him at the gym, painting watercolors, or playing the sax with his band. And Eric was my fraternity brother at Hofstra University.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• What's really achieved through the admissions process -- aside from getting into the school you desire.• Living abroad: Spain, Australia, & France.• "...being curious makes you want to open that next door."• ADHD• Empathy x Vision in Connecting people.• Having human connection -- what it's all about.• The power of storytelling interviews.• Resumes vs. Conversations• The greatness and fallibility of heroes.• Power intoxication.• Carrying your values through the phases of your life.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Eric is, What are the gems in your story? Have you even looked for them? (Pssst: They help with courage.)FIND ERIC· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericlucrezia/· Twitter: https://x.com/EricLucrezia · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricLucrezia· Other: https://www.instagram.com/candidate.coach/LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Eric Lucrezia00:36- Introduction & Bio01:29 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?03:28 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?09:07 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?10:17 - Where Eric's curiosity comes from.11:23 - What do you consider your superpower?18:40 - What does leadership mean to you?19:13 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?26:22 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?34:47 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?43:19 - 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 PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 161: Saahil Mehta & his book, Break Free: A Guide To Decluttering Your LifeABOUT SAAHILSaahil Mehta is a global entrepreneur, author, and transformation coach who helps leaders declutter their lives to unlock clarity, focus, and fulfillment. With over 20 years of experience building businesses across three continents, Saahil brings a rich perspective to conversations about leadership and personal evolution. His book Break Free explores how letting go of physical, emotional, and digital clutter can lead to profound breakthroughs in both life and work. As a speaker and coach, he blends ancient wisdom with modern strategy to guide high-achievers toward sustainable success. Saahil’s journey—from scaling companies to summiting mountains—offers powerful lessons on resilience, intentional living, and redefining what it means to lead. He’s passionate about helping others align ambition with well-being and believes that true transformation begins with subtraction, not addition. His insights resonate deeply with those seeking purpose-driven leadership and personal reinvention.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• The power of delegating.• Sustainability.• Discovering your internal seven summits.• What is your own definition of success?• The importance of picking a niche.• The entrepreneurial bug.• Communication and difference of expectations between partners.• Two words: "No Judgment."• People-pleasing.• Mother Earth.• Waking up the inner child (and not letting them go back to sleep).• Ahimsa.• Operating from fear or regret vs. operating from love.• Ancient wisdom.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Saahil is, How are you proactively and intentionally decluttering the excess baggage -- no matter what form it may take -- from your life?FIND SAAHIL· Website: https://www.saahilmehta.com/· Book: Break Free· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saahilmehta/ · IG: https://www.instagram.com/saahilmehtaofficial/· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saahilmehtaofficial/LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article HERECHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Saahil Mehta00:35 - Introduction & Bio02:18 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?12:09 - Saahil breaks down his businesses14:12 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?33:05 - Saahil's path into mountaineering.43:47 - How Saahil came to the idea of decluttering.48:54 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?56:09 - What do you consider your super power?01:01:15 - What does leadership mean to you?01:06:47 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:10:21 - Can you provide a overview of the path you lay out for the reader?01:28:55 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:30:18 - What’s next for your writing?01:31:45 - What book has inspired you?01:33:40 - 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 PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 160: Michael Trugman & Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan CainABOUT MIKEMike Trugman is a Life and Leadership Coach who helps people move from fear to fulfillment—building lives rooted in purpose, passion, and authenticity. Through his work, Mike supports clients in reconnecting with their inner compass so they can show up more fully in every area of life, both personally and professionally. Mike is also the host of Mike’s Search for Meaning, a top 3% podcast dedicated to exploring what it truly means to be human. His conversations dive deep into transformation, vulnerability, and the inner work required to live a life aligned with who we really are. Mike’s own journey is proof of what's possible. He once felt paralyzed by self-doubt—so anxious about speaking in meetings that his body would shake. With time, courage, and consistency, he not only found his voice—he built a life around helping others find theirs too. Before stepping into coaching and podcasting, Mike spent over a decade in public accounting, specializing in financial services clients like hedge funds and private equity firms. That experience taught him a lot about achievement—but even more about the cost of ignoring our inner truth. Mike lives just outside New York City with his wife and young son. When he’s not coaching or podcasting, you’ll find him reading, learning, cooking, walking in nature, passionately rooting for the Knicks and Jets, and cherishing time with loved ones.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Reconnecting to your inner voice.• Your dojo of leadership.• Reconciling your work to who you are, your values and virtues.• "These days, I try not to be so motivated by pain."• Working past shame & humiliation.• "...all the people that really like helping other people, it's because they have overcome, transcended, worked through their own limitations, their own pains, and they wanted to help other people."• Working with coaches and therapists.• Coming out of the spiritual closet.• Conformation (and losing yourself) to what's socially acceptable.• "...it's usually the stuff that we try and pretend that we aren't that has the most power over us."• The three types of pilots.• The Manifesto for Introverts.• "...even though I'm this way..."• Letting go of "shoulds."The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Mike is, Whatever you've overcome in the past -- what has it taught you about how to navigate things in the future?FIND MIKE• Website: https://miketrugmancoaching.com/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-trugman/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytrugofchoice/• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7F18LLh0p7YOvvl4hSCDKu?si=792bfdc566e34040&nd=1&dlsi=4f6aeb20ddff41caLinkedIn – Full Podcast Article HERECHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Mike Trugman00:38 - Introduction & Bio03:00 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?06:33 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?39:58 - Coming out of the spiritual closet.58:20 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?01:00:22 - What does leadership mean to you?01:04:07 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:05:40 - The Manifesto for Introverts (from Cain's book).01:21:13 - How introversion still shows up.01:28:56 - Introversion and having kids.01:34:05 - What book has inspired you?01:37:38 - 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 tojoin 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 PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 159: Sean Glaze & his book, What Effective Leaders Do: A Business Parable About Developing AWARENESS, Challenging ASSUMPTIONS, Refining FOCUS & Growing CONFIDENCEABOUT SEANSean Glaze is a sought-after leadership and workplace culture speaker, who gained valuable insights on turning talent into teamwork as a successful basketball coach–and now he travels around the country to share those actionable lessons. Sean’s engaging conference leadership keynotes and custom team building programs have helped clients like Cisco, John Deere, the CDC, and Emory University to increase collaboration, boost productivity, and build Sticky Cultures that inspire more profitable team work. Sean’s books, Rapid Teamwork, What Effective Leaders DO, The 10 Commandments of Winning Teammates, and Staying Coachable are entertaining parables that accelerate the growth of leaders and teams! And Sean was previously my guest in May of 2023, in Episode 50 of the series, in which he covered Staying Coachable: A Story With 4 Questions to Help You Thrive In Change, Keep Climbing, and Enjoy Relentless Improvement.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• What creates sticky cultures.• Focusing too much on strategy and forgetting culture and relationship-building.• "...failure opens our eyes and ears to opportunities."• Confidence vs. Arrogance.• The humility in failure.• "Baby, I know where I'm supposed to be."• Work across generations.• The X's and O's can be taught. What kind of person are you, though?• Who's the best teammate you've ever had? Why? • Eating your own cooking/Taking your own medicine.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Sean is, How often do you look in the mirror as much as you analyze your environment to ensure you're considering all factors for moving your team forward?FIND SEAN• Email: Sean@greatresultsteambuilding.com• Website: https://stickycultures.com• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanglaze• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/leadyourteam • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatResultsTeambuilding?sk=wall• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SeanGlaze• Free Resources: VISIT-WWW.TOOLBOXSTUFF.COMLinkedIn – Full Podcast Article HERECHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Sean Glaze00:30 - Introduction & Bio03:11 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?04:59 - What's a sticky culture?06:44 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?09:48 - Sean's most important light bulb moment.19:18 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?26:32 - What is your super power?27:05 - What does leadership mean to you?27:51 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? Recap of previous books.34:12 - What lead to you writing this book?36:01 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?38:06 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?39:25 - What’s next for your writing?41:03 - What book has inspired you?43:33 - 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 PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 158: Emma G & her book, Mental Health Sounds Like This: A Creative Blueprint for Healing, Mindfulness, and Self Discovery through Music ABOUT EMMAEmma G is a force of nature — a two-time TEDx speaker, #1 bestselling author, empowerment coach, and award-winning musician on a mission to save the world one song at a time. Born with hydrocephalus and having undergone 10 brain surgeries, she turned to songwriting as a lifeline, transforming struggle into resilience and purpose. Today, she helps teens, professionals, and audiences worldwide reclaim their voices through her Empowerment Through Songwriting and Vocal Coaching programs, music-infused keynotes, and original songs. Emma has performed at The Kennedy Center, National Cherry Blossom Festival, The Viper Room, Rockwood Music Hall, and headlined a 20-city Youth Empowerment Tour with Hard Rock Café. Her latest singles, Grieve and Glitter, continue her mission of using music to heal, empower, and inspire change. Featured by FOX, CBS, NPR, ABC News, KATU Portland, The Washington Post, and Medium, Emma brings a raw, engaging energy that reminds us all: “Don’t let the world write your song.”CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Working in the flow with and of yourself.• Social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental well-being.• How hydrocephalus creates a rock start (...in Emma's case).• The impact of suicide on survivors.• The little voice inside you.• Keep showing up.• "A goldfish grows to the capacity of its bowl. Make the bowl bigger."• Street performing for 5 years.• Don't let the world write your song.• Creativity being taught out of us by education.• "I live my life one cheesy line at a time."• The Tale of Two Wolves.• Helping people remember what joy looks like.• Man plans and God laughs.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Emma is, Are you letting the world write your song?FIND EMMA· Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/emmagmusic· YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/emmagmusic· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmagmusic/· Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/emmagmusic· Facebook: https://facebook.com/EmmaGmusic· Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0kxEBRxvNRQQRfXTQGQH5d· Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/emma-g/378468674LinkedIn – Find the Full Podcast Article HERECHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Emma G00:36- Introduction & Bio02:15 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?08:44 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?17:18 - Emma working and living across multiple endeavors and projects.51:16 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?54:40 - Emma's lessons from traumas.55:50 - What do you consider your super power?58:28 - Examples of Emma's incorporation of music into coaching.01:01:52 - What does leadership mean to you?01:04:57 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:21:45 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:24:57 - What book has inspired you?01:26:43 - 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 tojoin 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 PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 157: Oksana Yusupova & her book, Focus on Emotions: The Kids' Guide to ThemselvesABOUT OKSANAOksana Yusupova is a psychotherapist based in Toronto, Canada, specializing in child and family therapy. She is the founder and CEO of Focus on Emotions, an innovative approach that helps children and parents understand emotions as meaningful signals rather than problems to be fixed. As an author and speaker, Oksana shares her vision of emotional awareness through her book Focus on Emotions: The Kids’ Guide to Themselves and through workshops, talks, and her parent community. Her work combines psychology, neuroscience, and practical tools to make emotional intelligence accessible for families and educators. With more than 20 years of experience, she is dedicated to helping people connect with themselves and each other on a deeper level.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Being pulled, like a magnet to the work you're meant to be doing.• The danger in avoiding emotions, whether consciously or subconsciously.• From fashion design to psychology.• The intuitive life.• The feeling that something is missing.• "...the main thing...I wanted was to not let my fears go to my child as I got from my mom."• Children making you question your fears.• The inner empathetic compass.• Psychoeducation.• Paying attention to your body.• The many looks of happiness.• Finding and sharing your true voice.• Emotional journaling.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Oksana is, Whether as a child or not, how do we understand preparing our emotions like the weather -- and not merely suppressing them?FIND OKSANA· Website: https://focusonemotions.ca· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksana-yusupova· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focusonemotionsLinkedIn – Find the Full Podcast Article HERECHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Oksana Yusupova00:31- Introduction & Bio01:51 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?13:01- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?23:18 - Oksana's learned lessons from raising her own kids.38:06 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?42:24 - What do you consider your super power?45:10 - What does leadership mean to you?46:32 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?53:24 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?57:02 - A breakdown of the chapters in the book.01:06:25 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:16:38 - What’s next for your writing?01:25:46 - 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 Apple Podcasts · Read About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's LeadershipLessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 156: Dr. Lisa M. Wisniewski & her book, Navigating Education as a Forgotten Immigrant: Perspectives from the Eastern European CommunityABOUT LISADr. Lisa Wiśniewski is Professor of Sociology at Goodwin University. Her research has focused on immigrant students, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and effective teaching practices focused on Universal Design for Learning. Dr. Wiśniewski presents regionally (New England), nationally, and internationally and has consulted on effective teaching practices (pedagogy, curriculum design, course design) at the higher education level. She also has several publications, podcasts, and blog posts featuring her work in teaching and advocacy. She is the host and producer of Community Conversations: From local to global engagement podcast. She is the author of Navigating Education as a Forgotten Immigrant: Perspectives from the Eastern European Community. The results of her research have led to the development of the website Clues for College, a college resource blog. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• A great breakdown of time management.• How everything in the past is practice for now.• Understanding yourself and what makes you come alive.• The power of mentors.• Breaking generational boundaries.• Feeling loneliness.• The student mindset.• Bringing the human element.• Living your loved ones' legacy.• "I know this is your dream. Let's go."• Navigating different identities as the child of immigrants.• Resilience, perseverance, and "Bóg, Honor, Ojczyzna"The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Lisa is, Whether related to your family's roots and culture or not, what of who you are and where you've been as been practice for what you're doing today?FIND LISA· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lisa-m-wisniewski-41974557/· Website: https://cluesforcollege.com/homeLinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Dr. Lisa Wisniewski00:32 - Introduction & Bio01:54 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?07:21 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?18:04 - Why teaching clicked for Lisa.19:54 - Understanding and student burnout.32:57 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?35:05 - What do you consider your super power?36:13 - What does leadership mean to you?37:55 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?44:02 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?53:29 - What Lisa draws from her Polish ancestry into her work.59:14 - A breakdown of the chapters in the book.59:50 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:03:50 - What’s next for your writing?01:04:56 - What book has inspired you?01:07:14 - 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 Apple Podcasts· Read About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's LeadershipLessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 155: Bruce Mayhew & How to Work with Almost Anyone by Michael Bungay StanierABOUT BRUCEBruce is a corporate trainer, keynote speaker, executive coach, and now author. For over twenty years, he’s helped leaders grow and organizations thrive by helping turn good intentions into everyday behaviours that build trust, engagement, and results. As president and founder of Toronto-based Bruce Mayhew Consulting, his leadership approach is both human-centered and forward-thinking, blending emotional intelligence, strategic vision, and actionable frameworks. Much of his work involves customizing his business etiquette and soft skills programs to meet the specific needs of his clients and match their culture, strategy, and goals. He delivers practical, research-informed programs on leadership and new-leader development, difficult conversations and/or constructive feedback, generational differences, time management, and email etiquette. Bruce’s goal is to help organizations and employees build trust, transparency and respect, hereby sharing their unique values and behaviours, to consistently and confidently improve employee engagement, employee loyalty, productivity and customer satisfaction.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Coaching as a personal investment.• Being an introvert.• Being an introvert & being curious.• Why kids should work at McDonald's.• Experiencing emotions that aren't necessarily yours.• Arguing with yourself.• Going from the best boss immediately to the worst boss.• Transitioning from corporate to one's own business.• Being a good boomer.• Email etiquette: "if we thought about every email as a relationship, it would be very different, right?"• Trust, managing expectations, transparency.• Keystone conversations.• The five questions that serves as catalysts for working with (almost) anyone.• Appreciative inquiry.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Bruce is, How intentional are you about addressing what's happened and what you're going to do about it going forward?FIND BRUCE• Website: brucemayhewconsulting.com• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brucemayhewconsulting/• Instagram: bruce.mayhew• Twitter / X: @BMCtrainercoach• Email: bruce@brucemayhewconsulting.comLinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Bruce Mayhew00:39 - Introduction & Bio02:43 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?06:51- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?08:33 - Bruce speaks about his introversion.28:26 - Getting empower to strike out on his own as an Entrepreneur46:09 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?51:20 - What do you consider your super power?55:09 - What does leadership mean to you?58:02 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:04:51- Can you provide a general overview of the book?01:21:32 - Bruce speaks about his upcoming book.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 YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 154: Matt Rogers & his book, Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College AthletesABOUT MATTMatt is a College Recruiting Adviser and Motivational Speaker mentoring student-athletes and families on how to maximize their college recruiting journeys. Coach Matt has helped over 4000 families with their journeys to play college sports. He's also an author, having written the 5-star reviewed book Significant Recruiting: The Playbook for Prospective College Athletes, a step-by-step guide to maximizing student-athlete exposure to college coaches at colleges and universities throughout the United States. He has also published The Recruit’s Journal Series that are companion workbooks for families going through the college recruiting journey. He also works as a University Athletics Consultant training college coaches and athletic directors on recruiting, team-building, and program development, presently consults with a small community college on the West Coast helping them build their first Athletics Department and competitive sports program, hosts a podcast interviewing high school, college, and professional coaches and athletes -- Significant Coaching (& Recruiting) with Matt Rogers. He's also blogs weekly essays entitled The Blog of Significance to help guide coaches, parents, and student-athletes. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Compartmentalizing and boxing commitments.• Matt having 14 nieces and nephews by the time he was 17.• Helping 4,000 kids get to college.• Coming full circle as a writer.• Empathy can be good and bad.• What you can learn in volunteering at the car line at school.• Success vs. Significance• "...because I see too many men in our country don't have that skill."• "Give me three months."• Seeing others' (but not your own) self-worth.• The benefits of hiring athletes into the workplace.• Understanding thoughtful commitment.• Unlocking potential.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Matt is, Where do your self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence stand when it comes to tactfully and intentionally demonstrating your true value?FIND MATT• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RecruitCoach4U• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachmattrogers/• ikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coachmattrogers• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachMattRogers• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogersmatt16/• X: https://x.com/coachmattrogers• Threads: https://www.threads.com/@coachmattrogersLinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-154-matt-rogers-his-book-significant-playbook-john-m--kifhe/?trackingId=0OveFSfWTVKNPWiDPI68vg%3D%3DCHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Eric Hamilton00:36 - Introduction & Bio02:29 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?08:28 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?11:53 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?13:26 - Seeking out the significance in a story.18:31 - What do you consider your super power?19:41 - How Matt realized the power of his empathy.24:18 - What does leadership mean to you?31:13 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?32:49 - Matt's own self-care realization.51:16 - Can you provide an overview of the book?55:48 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?59:24 - What’s next for your writing?01:04:09 - What book has inspired you?01:09:02 - 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 PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 153: Mario Lanzarotti & Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender by Dr David HawkinsABOUT MARIOMario Lanzarotti is the founder of Aligned Founders, a global movement helping male entrepreneurs scale their businesses without losing themselves in the process. After exiting his first startup in New York, Mario learned what many men quietly face - success without peace, pressure without purpose. His coaching helps founders shift their identity from survival-driven operator to aligned leader rooted in trust, brotherhood, and faith. Over 2,000 men across 15+ countries have used his frameworks to reclaim their time, reignite their purpose, and scale without burnout. His TEDx talk on self-doubt has reached nearly 3 million people, and his work has been featured in Forbes, Affluence Magazine, and on stages with NYU and Skanska Walsh. Clients say it’s not just what he teaches, it’s the way he helps men remember who they truly are.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• The inner shift of the human needed to achieve the outer success of the business.• "I know what I need to do, but I'm not doing it."• Contemplating suicide.• Separating who you are from what you do.• The Tony Robbins Awakening.• Pain and suffering for your parents.• The loneliness of leadership and ambition.• "...it felt like fucking finally someone speaks to my soul."• The blessing and curse of entrepreneurship.• "I don't want to be one of those bullshit people..."• Avoiding the Constant Honeymoon Phase.• Listening to your body.• What it means to live a free life.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Mario is, Who and what is speaking to your soul, and how are you listening and letting go?FIND MARIO· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanzarottimario/· IG: https://www.instagram.com/mario.lanzarotti/· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariolanzarotti· Website: https://www.mariolanzarotti.com/LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Mario Lanzarotti00:45- Introduction & Bio02:48- Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?06:14 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?11:07 - Where Mario's entrepreneurial and ambitious spirit originates.23:15 - A description of strong entrepreneurial drive.32:44 - The role of religion in Mario's life.38:51 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?47:15 - What do you consider your super power?53:00 - What does leadership mean to you?54:13 - Can you introduce us to and provide an overview of the book you want to share?01:15:39 - 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 YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's LeadershipLessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 152: Nick Cooney & his book, What We Don't Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do MoreABOUT NICKNick is the founder and managing partner of venture capital firm Lever VC and the founder and board chair of Lever Foundation, a non-profit focused on advancing a humane and sustainable food system. He is the author of several previous books on effective charity and philanthropy work, including, How to Be Great at Doing Good: Why Results Are What Count and How Smart Charity Can Change the World, and Change of Heart: What Psychology Can Teach Us About Spreading Social Change. His latest book is What We Don't Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More. Nick advises on effective giving and previously founded and co-founded the non-profits The Humane League and the Good Food Institute. A graduate of Hofstra University, he lives in the greater New York City region.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Venture capitalism in the sustainability space.• Splitting between volunteer time, personal time, and passion time.• Religion as a psychological foundation.• The role of punk rock music in Nick's story.• The power of inter-family debates.• Being Obsessive Light.• Reducing as much suffering in the world as possible.• The importance of what we do and don't do with our money• The three main resources we have: money, time, mental energy.• Fighting our instinctual reactions.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Nick is, What steps or actions are you taking reduce the suffering around you, or at least improve the state of the world around you?FIND NICKLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcooney1/Website: https://nickcooney.com/Twitter: https://x.com/nickcooney2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nick.cooney1/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nick.cooney2/LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-152-nick-cooney-his-book-what-we-dont-do-face-john-m--fyvwe/?trackingId=t8JQPBDlTr%2BHZUDLTOOSNw%3D%3DCHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Nick Cooney00:36 - Introduction & Bio01:36 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?03:47 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?9:18 - The power and skill of debating.15:30 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?18:30 - What do you consider your super power?20:29 - What does leadership mean to you?23:28 - An introduction and walkthrough of Nick's books.27:03 - The mindset when launching a non-profit.28:59 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?32:22 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?36:24 - The power and value of one's time (in changing the world).38:43 - General thoughts on the state of the world today.46:51 - What book has inspired you?50:39 - The role of religion in Nick's life, business, and work.54:06 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)55:02 - 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 YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 151: Julie Donley, EdD, MBA, RN, PCC & her book, Leading at the Speed of People: Strategics for Success in a Fast-Paced WorldABOUT JULIEDr. Julie Donley is a leadership expert, award-winning author, and former Director of Nursing with nearly 30 years of experience helping professionals navigate high-stress environments, manage conflict, and lead with emotional intelligence. With a background in behavioral health and organizational leadership, she guides leaders to shift from emotional reactivity to intentional leadership, building stronger teams and healthier workplaces. She holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, an MBA, and is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. Her latest book, Leading at the Speed of People, explores the power of self-awareness and emotional mastery in leadership. Through her coaching, speaking, and writing, Dr. Donley shares practical strategies to help leaders reduce stress, communicate more effectively, and lead with empathy and clarity.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• What you offer now vs. when you were 25.• Feeling at one with life.• Toxic bosses: Isn't anyone leading them?• The power of trauma.• "I have to be me."• "How do you use that knowledge for the good of the world?"• Creating a bigger impact through empathy.• Leadership learning gaps.• "Confidently unknowing."• The power of self-awareness.• The acronyms of C.A.R.E., H.A.R.D., and V.E.R.B.• The muckiness of change.• "Nobody's helping us learn how to live."• "People are not as aware as they think they are."The MAIN QUESTION posed by Julie in this conversation is, How do you feel good about yourself and do great things that you were meant to do in the world without apology?FIND JULIELinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjuliedonley/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJDonley/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjuliedonleyWebsite: https://drjuliedonley.com/LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-151-julie-donley-edd-mba-rn-pcc-her-book-john-m--cc0ce/?trackingId=fN0vYF%2BsSXmr0vmzk1P0%2FQ%3D%3DCHAPTERS00:00 – The Book Leads Podcast – Dr. Julie Donley00:36 - Introduction & Bio01:32 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?12:01 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?21:41 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?31:31 - What do you consider your super power?39:34 - What self-leadership means.38:05 - What does leadership mean to you?44:59 - A rundown of Julie's previous books.49:58 - Introduction to latest book and general overview?01:02:43 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:08:15 - What book has inspired you?01:14:09 - 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 YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 150: Carrie-Lynn Hotson , CHRL & her book, VISH – Value, Inspire, Support, Hear: The Essential Elements of Business SuccessABOUT CARRIE-LYNNIn this second visit to The Book Leads Podcast, Carrie-Lynn, an Organizational Coach, Author, and Leadership Expert, talks about how things have changed since her first visit to the series in Episode 32 in which we covered her book, Knowing Who You Lead: Important Lessons On Why We Need To Understand Those We Lead. It's always great to have a conversation with someone who's returning to the series. I get to see how much they've changed and evolved in that time since our last meeting, and what's lead up to her latest book on VISH.Since our first episode together, Carrie-Lynn's focus has shifted to both sides of the leadership equation -- both the leaders and those being led. She makes the great point that you can't work on anyone's leadership with them if you don't understand what it is they see and perceive in others, what others see and perceive in them, and how those understandings reconcile (or don't). And it all comes back to LISTENING to each other. Not just doing, working, helping, and surviving but utilizing, practicing, exemplifying deep, considerate listening.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Leadership Coach vs. Organizational Coach• "...it opens up this world of opportunity to really go to that next level of understanding."• One of the biggest mistakes we all make.• Let's just get curious about each other."• The evolution of someone's needs.• The importance of what a new employee does and doesn't understand.• Conflict as an opportunity.• When we're not good at conveying (or knowing) what it is we need.• The (super)power of self-correction.• What V.I.S.H. means - "I need to ensure people feel valued, inspired, supported and heard."• Intent vs. ImpactThe MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Carrie-Lynn is, How are you listening to others to understand how they need to be valued, inspired, supported, and heard?FIND CARRIE-LYNN· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-lynn-hotson-chrl/· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrielynnhotsonIOG· Website: https://www.inspiringorganizationalgrowth.com/LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Carrie-Lynn Hotson00:39 - Introduction & Bio02:42 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?09:46 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?19:40 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?30:24 - How the training in and work of mediation informed Carrie-Lynn's coaching work.34:17 - What is your super power?40:54 - What does leadership mean to you?43:04 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?52:32 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?01:02:28 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:04:05 - A breakdown of Carrie-Lynn's other books.01:05:40 - What’s next for your writing?01:07:50 - What lessons do you hope readers take away from your book?01:12:13 - How farming informs her work today?01:15:00 - What book has inspired you?01:16:49 - 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. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-masterclass-humanity-10-lessons-ive-learned-from-john-m--gkype/?trackingId=rCl0VxRnSOeS50gAxAWJMA%3D%3DLearn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:· YouTube Page: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe· Spotify: https://lnkd.in/etCRYyc · Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/dxRSTXZX · The Book Leads - Blog Post: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ckFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already! https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/last-week-s-leadership-lessons-7058038561366794240/
Episode 149: Iran Nazario (He/Him/His) & his book, Rage to Peace: From Wounded Child to Gang Member to Peace AdvocateABOUT IRANIran Nazario is the Principal Owner of Nazario Motivation, LLC. and has worked in the program management, gang prevention, youth outreach, engagement, and community support field for 30 years. He is an expert in Gang Prevention and Mediation with a proven impact on the management of staff and programs as well as one of the first individuals to tap into the formerly incarcerated as a resource to bring peace to his community. He has trained and presented for youth service agencies, court support services, schools, and many others on a local and national level.He is a motivational speaker, consultant, skilled trainer and expert in community crisis response, violence intervention, youth & community engagement. His publications include a co-authored poetry book Bullets into Bells that describes the impact of gun violence on individuals across the State of Connecticut and his memoir Rage to Peace that hopes to inspire readers to embrace positive change in their lives.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Preventing human suffering.• The music inside you.• The comfort in chaos.• Community activism.• Drops of hope.• Learning the power of conversations.• Shaping perceptions - "I walked away from that conversation feeling blessed by what I learned and also again motivated...to continue to see the opportunity to converse with people who are different ⁓ in whatever ways they are."• Building safe spaces for youth.• The power of emotional intelligence - "...the more emotionally intelligent you are, not o only are you better at listening, you're also better at evolving and you're also better at communicating who you are and actually having empathy."• Action in compassion.• The healing power of storytelling.• Continued healing for Iran.• "This book opened incredible avenues for me to hear other people's not only real truths, facts, but also suffering."The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Iran is, How are you helping, guiding, and empowering others who might be experiencing challenges, obstacles, or traumas similar to those found in your story?FIND IRAN· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iran-nazario-he-him-his-aa873a35?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app· Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nazariomotivation?_t=ZT-8vLgElPWyjb&_r=1· Website: https://www.nazariomotivation.com/LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-149-iran-nazario-hehimhis-his-book-rage-peace-john-m--aesze/?trackingId=7Jmv%2BLrYTY69wTLjoUxHyw%3D%3DCHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Iran Nazario00:32- Introduction & Bio01:30 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?03:57 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?35:13 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?43:02 - The types of programs Iran has created and launched.48:33 - Iran's experience with learning about Emotional Intelligence54:55 - Iran's beacon of compassion.57:03 - What does leadership mean to you?01:02:17 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?01:06:49 - What’s next for your writing?01:08:05 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:18:44 - What do you hope others take away from this book?01:24:59 - What book has inspired you?01:29:20 - 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 Apple Podcasts· Read About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 148: Rebecca Lee Desjardins & Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More & Live Bolder by Reshma SaujaniABOUT REBECCARebecca Lee Desjardins is a lifelong learner and coach, committed to engaging people in meaningful moments that promote personal growth, leadership development, and a greater sense of community. As a Behavioral Agility Coach, Rebecca uses The BioCode System to teach strategies that leverage stress as a tool for leadership development and personal wellness. As a community leader at The Connext Exchange, she invites connection, reflection and exploration through conversation. Guided by curiosity and hope, Rebecca believes in the power of possibility and the unrealized potential of our shared humanity.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Being in a state of becoming.• What am I prioritizing? What really matters?• "I did learn that's not valued everywhere."• Being a Disruptor. • Seeking fluidity.• The life of perfectionism and what it prevents.• Failure.• "Judgement always comes in."• Helping people find their place.• Cultural messaging and programming.• What are you about? vs. What do you do?• The power of religion and spirituality.The MAIN QUESTION basked directly by Rebecca is, Which of your gifts is left behind, not shared, all because of this anticipation of judgement or not being perfect enoughFIND REBECCA• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rldesjardins/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupwithintention• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShowUpWithIntention• The Connext Exchange - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-connext-exchange/• The Connext Exchange - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connextexchange• The Connext Exchange - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connextexchangeLinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Rebecca Desjardins00:33 - Introduction & Bio03:17 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?06:25 - Lessons of stress during COVID.09:14 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?20:59 - Perfectionism in Rebecca's life and work.28:46 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?34:34 - What do you consider your super power?35:24 - What does leadership mean to you?36:51 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?38:30 - What Rebecca's taken away from reading the book at different points in her life.47:14 - The importance of finding the right community for you.50:36 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?53:45 - Looking back on what we might've considered a failure in the past.01:08:02 - Rebecca on Spirituality.01:11:30 - 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 theseconversations. Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter LastWeek's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 147: Karen Senteio, Executive Coach & The Let Them Theory by Mel RobbinsABOUT KARENKaren Senteio is an executive coach, trainer, facilitator, and founder of Karen Senteio Consulting. With over 30 years of experience in corporate, academic, government, medical, and non-profit environments, she partners with leaders looking to open their hearts and minds to a different way of thinking and leading. She helps leaders activate their internal compass to embody authenticity, inspiration, and courage as daily practices. She works with leaders to create innovative cultures that deliver results powered by connection, engagement, and inclusion. She works with leaders committed to fostering environments where people can do their best work, access their strengths and talents, and create the scaffolding needed to succeed. Her corporate experience provides a unique backdrop to her coaching practice, providing a lens into individuals' many workplace and home challenges. She co-created and facilitated a highly successful Coaching and Mentoring Workshop for Leaders, training over 350 leaders from middle management to executives and facilitating post-workshop coaching and mentoring support.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• The power of Zeitgeist energy.• The power of Vuja De• What we can learn from kids.• Where we as humans are missing the mark.• The transformative partnership that unlocks a leader's full potential.• "Leadership is a moment."• Coaching and agency.• Being a smurgeologist.• The power of creativity.• Everybody needs something different.• Hope with action.• Let Them / Let Me.• "...any book that I can pick up that after 38 years of marriage, where I feel like I've learned, had an aha moment, is worth paying attention to."• The power of accountability.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Karen is, Yes, you've let them (do what they're going to do), but what do you let yourself bring to the world (maybe with your Zeitgeist energy)?FIND KAREN· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-senteio-executive-coach-9058942/· Website: www.karensenteio.comLinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-147-karen-senteio-executive-coach-let-them-john-m--yrtfe/?trackingId=BuOqdgAXSaGIj%2BcgvwfuVQ%3D%3DCHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Karen Senteio00:33 - Introduction & Bio01:37 - Discussing Episode 42: Alla Weinberg & A Culture of Safety: Building an Environment for People to Think, Collaborate, and Innovate09:57 - Karen's own self-care approach.21:18 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?29:19 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?33:50 - What drew Karen to coaching?42:09 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?47:07 - What do you consider your super power?48:22 - What does leadership mean to you?49:21 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?55:14 - A breakdown of the areas covered in the book.01:15:32 - 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 PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 146: Erich Davis & The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan HolidayABOUT ERICHErich Davis is a Certified High Performance Coach, workshop facilitator and art fabricator whose career has been focused on bringing his clients' vision forward. Erich’s Certified High Performance Coaching curricula is scientifically proven to build daily practices and mindsets aimed at elevating clients’ performance in all areas of their lives. As the facilitator of WorkWorkshop, Erich hosts in-person group workshops remotely and in his studio designed to inspire participants to go beyond their comfort zone to realize greater potential and connect them to their creative potential for greater authenticity, confidence and self expression. Erich also facilitates professional development group workshops weaving his Certified High Performance Coaching curricula into creative events that builds cohesion, develops creative problem solving skills and increases overall effectiveness in teams. As owner/operator of E J Davis Aesthetics Erich’s work can be seen in museums, galleries, private collections and public spaces all across the country.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Coaching in creativity.• The commonality between fabrication and coaching.• Person to person inspiration.• Tools are different than solutions.• Reality vs. Perception.• mpathy and sensitivity.• Living in Connecticut vs. living the Florida.• "I knew there was a means to an end, but I didn't believe in what I was doing."• Character stuff.• "I just don't fucking quit."• Parenting styles.• Perception, action, will.• Removing the crutch of emotion.• After suffering and obstacles: "...what I get after that is the ability to do the next hard thing with more grace, with more understanding, with more ease."• What helps plant the seed for confidence and creativity.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Erich is, What lessons do you take from the obstacles and suffering in your life to move forward in your life and leadership?FIND ERICH· LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erichjdavis-chpc· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workworkshops/· Website: WorkWorkshop.comLinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: 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 PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 145: Reese (Zahner) Maher (pen name: Cleo Childs) and herupcoming book "Moving With" that's based on her spoken word poetryalbum "Moving With" (May 2024)ABOUT CLEOCleo released her spoken word poetry album "Moving With" in May 2024. Her book "Moving With" will be released later this year. These projects are the culmination of years of writing about the journey of grief she experienced after losing her mom to Alzheimer's when she was 28 years old. Her mother was an English major in college and her grandmother, who is also one of her editors, was an English teacher for 30 years, so she came by her grief-processing tool of writing naturally. With these projects, she hopes to show the path her grief took from having her mother, losing her mother, and the peace and acceptance she feels now. She also hopes to give an authentic and honest look at what her grief felt like so other people going through grief don't feel alone and feel community in their grief.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Processing grief through poetry and writing.• Stephen Colbert's story of tragedy.• The meaning of loss and moving with (not past or beyond) grief.• Connection through shared suffering.• Perspective-giving moments in life.• Easing the path for others through writing.• The antidote to loneliness.• Embracing imperfection.• The freedom in authenticity.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Cleo is, How do you process and utilize the suffering you've experienced in life to move with your grief and move forward in life?FIND CLEOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reesezahner/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleochildspoetry/Website: cleochilds.comLinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Cleo Childs01:07- Introduction & Bio02:00 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?08:00 - On Stephen Colbert's experience of life vs. career in comedy.56:00 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?01:07:04 - What does leadership mean to you?01:18:46 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:22:01 - What book has inspired you?01:23:52 - 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 YouTubeListen on YouTube MusicListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
Episode 144: Jennifer Jane Young & her book, Say Yes to Your YES: How to Trust YourGut and Take the Leap ABOUT JENNJennifer Jane Young is an Intuitive Leadership Coach & Business Consultant to entrepreneurs and business leaders around the world, International speaker and author of "Say Yes to Your YES: How to Trust Your Gut and Take the Leap." Since 2011, Jenn’s leadership roles have spanned several continents, from leading a community of 5,000 entrepreneurs for the International Trade Centre as a United Nations Consultant to advising startups and multi-million dollar businesses. Through her workshops, talks, and her signature podcast, “Finding your Flow”, Jenn has helped global entrepreneurs & leaders change the paradigm in how they lead their businesses, transforming lives in the process.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• High school as a suffocating disaster.• "...yoga became like a first vehicle that led me in a direction that was like, ⁓ this world feels good to me. This world makes sense to me."• "...my soul was screaming to be unleashed."• The programming -- both good and bad -- we get from our families.• High Sensitivity Empathy.• Self-Care vs. Burnout.• Sensitivity as a super power.• Being an ally to men's mental health.• Glamorized leadership.• What Your Yes is.• 75 Summers.• Moving to Mexico.• Healing.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Jenn is, What are you waiting for when it comes to doing what YOU want to do, what you're being called to?FIND JENNLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-jane-youngTwitter: https://twitter.com/jennyjaneyoungFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferjaneyoung11Instagram: https://instagram.com/jennifer.jane.youngSubstack: https://jenniferjaneyoung.com/substackWebsite: https://jenniferjaneyoung.com/LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-144-jennifer-jane-young-her-book-say-yes-your-john-m--xpzze/?trackingId=ZsAKyZExS7amx4QBz1R2Vg%3D%3D CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Jennifer Jane Young00:59 - Introduction & Bio02:06 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?04:42 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?14:07 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?18:31 - What is your super power?21:05 - Jenn's self-care as a Highly Sensitive Empath32:59 - What does leadership mean to you?36:56 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?40:16 - What the title of the book means to Jenn.42:01 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?45:27 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?47:46 - What the lessons from the Jenn's book and work look like.58:26 - What’s next for your writing?01:01:16 - What book has inspired you?01:02:40 - 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 YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!