Beyond Better with Stacy Ennis

What does it really take to step into entrepreneurship—and build a life rooted in freedom and choice along the way? In this episode of Beyond Better, I sit down with Heather Udo, founder and CEO of Shoppable and entrepreneur business coach.

Heather shares the early experiences that set her on the path to entrepreneurship, the story behind launching Shoppable more than 13 years ago, and the mindset shifts that helped her own her role as a founder and CEO. We also dig into practical tips you can use to step confidently into entrepreneurship, whether you’re just starting out or scaling your business.

This is an honest conversation about the realities of building a company, making intentional choices, and creating a business—and a life—that aligns with your values.

Shoppable is an embeddable e-commerce technology that enables brands, retailers, creators, and publishers to power shoppable experiences anywhere online. Beyond her role leading Shoppable, Heather also coaches early-stage tech entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of building and growing their businesses.

If you’ve ever wondered how to merge business-building with life design—or how to truly embrace your identity as an entrepreneur—you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation

Learn more about Heather and Shoppable:

• Shoppable website
• Build or Bail Bootcamp Course by Heather Udo
• Instagram @heatherudo1
• LinkedIn

Book recommendation:

• Built to Sell by John Warrillow 

Follow me on:

• Instagram @stacyennis
• Facebook @stacyenniscreative
• LinkedIn
• YouTube @stacyennisauthor

To submit a question, email [email protected] or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

You’ve got a big idea—a message you know the world needs to hear. But how do you take that idea and actually turn it into a best-selling book?

In this episode, I share the three rules every impactful author follows to transform their ideas into a powerful, unforgettable book:

• Make a bold statement
• Uncover the simplicity
• Tell great stories

Whether you’ve been dreaming about your book for years or you’re just starting to explore the possibility, these three rules will help you move from “someday” to creating the book that truly changes lives—including your own.

📚 Read the full blog post here.

📹 Watch the full YouTube video here.

📩 Want to know more about coaching? Reach out here: [email protected].

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with a fellow aspiring author—I can’t wait to see the book you’ll bring into the world.

In this week’s solo episode, I’m freshly back from vacation, feeling recharged, and excited to share some reflections with you. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on what it looks like to scale both a business and a life, and how my team and I have reached a really sweet spot that allows me to do the work I love while living fully.

With this renewed energy, I’m thrilled to be launching a brand-new cohort of Idea-to-Draft and to invite you to a free live training on September 17: Unlock the Book Within You to Grow Your Brand.

And this is just the start—we have some really exciting episodes coming your way. I’d love to know what you want to hear about and who you’d love to see on the show. Send your thoughts directly to my producer, Rita, at [email protected].

Show notes:

• Register to the live training on September 17: Unlock the Book Within You to Grow Your Brand
• Learn more about Idea-to-Draft

Follow me on:

• Instagram @stacyennis
• Facebook @stacyenniscreative
• LinkedIn
• YouTube @stacyennisauthor

To submit a question, email [email protected] or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

As part of my summer podcast replay series, I’m sharing a replay of a powerful podcast episode with author Joel Pérez.

If you’ve been following my work for any length of time, you know social equity is deeply important to me. So when I met Joel Pérez and learned about his work, I instantly knew I’d love to support his work as a book coach.

In our vulnerable conversation about how culturalhumility can improve leadership, we talk through how to intentionally build a life that is more diverse and open, and why cultural humility is the foundation of connectedness in our workplaces and communities. And we get specific about how to create a more inclusive everyday by surrounding yourself with people whoare different from you. Joel also shares some behind-the-scenes on his author journey, what it was like writing a book, and advice for others who want to become authors too.

Dr. Joel Pérez is an executive and leadership coach, speaker, and consultant, passionate about helping leaders and organizations achieve their goals and develop a posture of cultural humility, so they can have the impact and create the culture they desire. Joel is owner of Apoyo Coaching and Consulting, LLC, and a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF). His first book, Dear White Leader, came out earlier this week!

Learn more about Joel:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram @apoyocoaching01
• Facebook
• Dear White Leader: How to Achieve Organizational Excellence through Cultural Humility

Follow me on:

• Instagram @stacyennis
• Facebook @stacyenniscreative
• LinkedIn
• YouTube @stacyennisauthor

To submit a question, email [email protected] or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

As part of my summer podcast replay series, I’m sharing a replay of a powerful podcast episode with author Arivee Vargas.

 In this episode, I talk with client and published author (!) Arivee Vargas to explore her journey of professional reinvention. Arivee shares how she transitioned from a high-achieving legal career to a purpose-driven role as a coach, navigating an identity crisis along the way. We dive into the challengesof redefining success, unlearning limiting beliefs, and embracing personal growth beyond traditional career markers.

 Arivee also opens up about her book-writing experience, discussing the obstacles she faced and the power of mentorship while writing Your Time to Rise. She offers real, practical strategies for overcoming writer’s block, managing self-doubt, and navigating the editing process.

 Whether you're considering a career shift, working on a creative project, or simply looking for inspiration to step into your next chapter, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement.

Learn more about Arivee:

• Website
• Instagram @ariveevargas
• LinkedIn
• Your Time to Rise: Unlearn Limiting Beliefs, Unlock Your Power, and Unleash Your Truest Self

Follow me on:

• Instagram @stacyennis
• Facebook @stacyenniscreative
• LinkedIn
• YouTube @stacyennisauthor

To submit a question, email ⁠[email protected]⁠ or visit ⁠http://stacyennis.com/contact⁠ and fill out the form on the page.

As part of my summer podcast replay series, I’m sharing a replay of a powerful podcast episode, with Karen McNally from Girl Friday Productions.

When you first enter the world of book writing and publishing, the options can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m excited to welcome Karen McNally of Girl Friday Productions (GFP) to talk all things publishing.

Karen has been with GFP for ten years. Prior to joining, she worked for Amazon Publishing, as well as Amazon’s retail division. She’s passionate about helping authors achieve their goals and ensuring an excellent client experience. Areas of expertise include end-to-end book production, distribution, complex book design, and illustration management, as well as all stripes of print management. 

•  In this episode, we discuss:   How she accidentally ended up in publishing
• Tips for selecting the rightpublishing route for you
• What hybrid publishing is andhow to know if it’s a good option for you
• Why you have to run your booklike a business
• Three things she wishes everynew author knew about publishing

This is a great episode with a lot of heart and useful information. Don’t miss it!

Show notes:

• The True ROI Of Writing A Book (Replay)

Learn more about Karen and Girl Friday Productions:

• LinkedIn
• Girl Friday Productions website
• Facebook @girlfridayproductions
• YouTube @girlfridayproductions9620

Follow me on:

• Instagram @stacyennis
• Facebook @stacyenniscreative
• LinkedIn
• YouTube @stacyennisauthor

To submit a question, email [email protected] or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

I love hearing from you about topics you’re interested in. So in this week’s replay solo episode, I address a very interesting question from a listener:

I do have a question that I’ve been thinking about when I see your posts and wondered how you approach your research for the books you write. I’m curious as to how research factors into the process for you. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. I also appreciate your snippets of life in Portugal; it’s been many years since I have visited, but I have great vivid memories!

Join me as I discuss my process for gathering research (a process I love!) for the books I write.

Show notes:

• Transcripts for everyday use: fireflies.ai
• Transcripts for ghostwriting projects: CLK Transcription
• Google Scholar
• Copyright And Intellectual Property 101 For Writers With Attorney Brad Frazer

Follow me on:

• Instagram @stacyennis
• Facebook @stacyenniscreative
• LinkedIn
• Youtube @stacyennisauthor

To submit a question, email [email protected] or visit www.stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

As part of my summer podcast replay series, I’m sharing a replay of a powerful podcast episode with book strategist Richelle Fredson.

Nearly every author I meet wants to be traditionally published. But the path to get a book deal can feel darn near impossible. Not only do you have to create a book proposal, which is a massive project in and of itself, but you then need to pitch agents. Where is an aspiring author to start?

Well, Richelle Fredson is here to help in this week’s episode. As a book proposal coach and publishing consultant, Richelle has worked with aspiring and published authors to create impactful book concepts and competitive book proposals. In this episode, we cover:

• What a nonfiction book proposal is and why authors need one
• The key components of a nonfiction book proposal
• How an author’s platform, credentials, and other aspects factor into their ability to get signed by a publisher
• Common misconceptions about the process of looking for an agent and landing a deal
• Tips for making your proposal stand out and getting your dream book deal

Richelle is the former director of publicity and book marketing for Hay House, and also served in acquisitions, so she knows her stuff. This was a fantastic conversation—don’t miss it!

Learn more about Richelle:

• Instagram @richellefredson
• @richellefredson
• LinkedIn
• Website
• Podcast: Bound + Determined

Follow me on:

• Instagram @stacyennis
• Facebook @stacyenniscreative
• LinkedIn
• YouTube @stacyennisauthor

To submit a question, email [email protected] or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.

Think you’re too busy to write a book? Think again.

In this episode, I’m sharing 3 powerful secrets that have helped hundreds of busy professionals finally start (and finish!) their books. If you’ve been dreaming of writing a book but feel like life is just too full, this is for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to build a sustainable writing routine—even if you only have 15 minutes a day.
• Simple tools to organize your ideas and avoid overwhelm.
• Why writing alone is a mistake—and how to build support systems that keep you moving forward.

You don’t need to quit your job or wait for the “perfect time.” You just need systems that support your dream—and that’s what I’m here to help you build.

Resources:

🔗 Get the full blog post here.

📘 ⁠Download my free 10 Things You Should Know Before Writing a Nonfiction Book⁠.

📩 Want to know more about coaching? Reach out here: [email protected]

As part of my summer podcast replay series, I’m sharing a replay of a powerful podcast episode with Alexa Bigwarf.

Writing a book and being successful as an author is hard work. This week on the podcast, I unpack the hardness and amazingness of the author journey, from writing to marketing and beyond, with Alexa Bigwarfe, a USA Today best-selling author, publisher, and founder and CEO of Write, Publish, Sell. In this episode, we discuss:

• Alexa’s moving, personal journey into publishing
• What authors should know about the big-picture process of writing, editing, publishing, launching, and marketing a book
• The difference between integrating your book into your business growth strategy and making a living as an author
• Advanced author marketing strategies

Alexa owns three hybrid publishing houses: Kat Biggie Press; Chrysalis Press; and Purple Butterfly Press, a children's book publishing company. Her courses and training focus on author professional development, platform growth, and fun, creative ways to market books.

No matter your stage of authorhood—idea to ongoing marketing—I know you’ll find value in this episode. Enjoy!

Learn more about Alexa:

• Website
• Instagram @writepublishsell
• LinkedIn
• Facebook @WritePubSell

Follow me on:

• Instagram @stacyennis
• Facebook @stacyenniscreative
• LinkedIn
• YouTube @stacyennisauthor

To submit a question, email [email protected] or visit http://stacyennis.com/contact and fill out the form on the page.