Beyond Better with Stacy Ennis

This week I have an inspiring conversation with Kevin Hutchison, a newly published author and wonderful person I worked with in my author program, Nonfiction Book School. We talk about his unique path from pastor to marketing professional, with a journey from self-rejecting into self-love. Kevin was inspired to share his story through his upcoming book, Alchemy from Ashes: Bringing My Shattered Faith, Mental Health, and Sexuality into Wholeness. We also explore the roadblocks he encountered during the writing process and how he was able to move through them.

Writing and publishing a book alone is difficult, and creative work can be a slow, nonlinear process. We discuss how Kevin surrounded himself with key people who helped him bring his book to life and how their contributions impacted the final product.

Kevin Hutchison is a marketing professional and former pastor, whose talent and expertise have been leveraged in both profit and not-for-profit organizations. He has worked for national and global agencies, held tenure in communications with a Midwestern mega-church, and has served on boards such as the American Marketing Association and RESPECT, an education-and theater-based anti-bullying nonprofit.

Learn more about Kevin:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Book recommendation: 

• Greenlights, by Mathew McConaughey

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.

Writing a book as an entrepreneur isn't just about authorship—it's about amplifying your vision, expanding your reach, and building your business. In this episode, I walk you through my proven step-by-step system—used by 100+ successful authors—for writing a nonfiction book that aligns with your entrepreneurial goals.

You'll learn:

• How to clarify your author vision and align it with your business strategy

• What goes into creating a powerful book concept and outline

• How to calendar your writing time for consistent, productive output

• Why editing is a team effort (and what kind of editor you really need)

• How to choose between self, hybrid, or traditional publishing

• The marketing strategies that turn your book into a long-term growth asset

If you’re ready to add “author” to your title and scale your brand with purpose, this episode is your roadmap.

Today’s a special day: Sun Shining on Morning Snow: A Memoir of Identity, Loss, and Living Boldly, the deeply moving memoir by Ingrid Hu Dahl, is officially live! What better way to celebrate this powerful milestone than by revisiting our beautiful conversation on the podcast?

When I first met Ingrid, I knew we were meant to create something meaningful together. She was working on a memoir about identity, loss, and living her truth—and I had the honor of walking alongside her as her book coach. Spoiler: her book is now out in the world, and it's absolutely stunning!

In this episode, Ingrid shares her story of growing up mixed-race, finding her voice through music, and navigating leadership and life transitions as the founder and CEO of her own coaching and consulting firm. We also talk about what it means to own your story—on the page and on the stage—with practical tips for showing up authentically in every space you step into.

Ingrid’s incredible career has spanned leadership roles at Meta, Gap Inc., Capital One, KQED, and beyond. She’s a TEDx speaker, musician, filmmaker, and now, published author.

Learn more about Ingrid:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram @ingridhudahl

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.

Most aspiring authors don’t struggle because they lack talent—they struggle because they’re making the same 3 avoidable mistakes.

In this special introductory episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new format designed specifically for new and aspiring writers—whether you’re working on your first book or finally trying to finish one that’s been sitting in a folder for years.

You’ll learn:

• Why “pantsing” without a plan killsmomentum
• How to actually build a sustainablewriting habit
• Why you shouldn’t write alone—andhow to get support

🎯 Take the free quiz to discover your writingsuperpower

💬 Got a writing mistake story? Share it with me—I’d love to hear it.

📩 Subscribe to get weekly episodes that move you closer to a finished manuscript.

What does it look like to build a life of true harmony, one where your wellness practices aren’t just another item on your to-do list, but an integrated part of how you show up in the world?

This week, I’m joined by Erin Clifford, a National Certified Counselor, NBC-HWC, and author of Wellness Reimagined: A Holistic Approach to Health, Happiness, and Harmony. Erin is also the managing director at Clifford Law Offices, which gives her a unique perspective to support high-achieving professionals in aligning personal wellness with demanding careers.

In our conversation, Erin shares the personal journey that led her to this work, and offers practical, grounded strategies for living well—from applying SMART goals in a meaningful way to discovering your core values and using them as a compass in daily life. We also dive into her book-writing process and what it taught her about sustainable wellness.

Whether you’re looking to reset your routine, reconnect with your purpose, or simply find a bit more harmony in your day-to-day, this episode offers inspiration and actionable insight for wherever you are in your wellness path.

Learn more about Erin:

• Website
• Facebook @erincliffordwellness
• X: @erinwellness
• Instagram: @erinwellness
• LinkedIn
• YouTube @erincliffordwellness

Book recommendation:

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

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.

In this episode of Beyond Better, I introduce the Writing Superpower Quiz specially designed to uplift those of you writers who often focus on your weaknesses. This insightful quiz helps you identify your unique writing superpowers, while drawing on my expertise of working with over 100 books.

You will learn about the four superpower types: Super Verbalizer, Super Ideator, Super Learner, and Super Discipline, each accompanied by growth opportunities and practical tips.

By focusing on strengths, the quiz offers a personalized approach to enhance the writing process, combining fun with practical advice to support aspiring nonfiction authors. Don’t miss this week’s episode and jump in to take the quiz and share your experience!

Show notes:

• Writing Superpower Quiz

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.

This week’s episode highlights an insightful conversation I have with Lata Hamilton, a change leadership and confidence mentor based in Sydney, Australia. We talk about how she carved her own path for change—both professionally and personally—and the turning point that led her to leave a traditional career path to step into independent consulting.

We also discuss her book, Pioneer Your Career Change, and the one thing she wished she’d known at the start of her author journey. (You know we have to talk books!)

After tripling her salary in just three years to almost $200,000, Lata’s mission is to help women carve their own paths for change in career, leadership, and life, and find the confidence and authenticity to truly earn what they’re worth. She is the creator of the Leading Successful Change program and the founder and CEO of Passion Pioneers. Lata has worked with some of Australia’s biggest companies to initiate changes that have impacted over 100,000 people: operating model changes impacting thousands, global cultural transformations, and digital transformation that is changing the way that we work.

Show notes:

• The Instance Change Consultant Retreat
• Free Coaching Action Guide

Learn more about Lata:

• Website
• Podcast: InsightTimer
• LinkedIn
• Instagram @latahamilton
• YouTube @LataHamilton

Book recommendation:

• The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho

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.

In this week’s episode, I have a delightful conversation with Louise Brogan about how she helps people boost their online visibility through content marketing, specifically through LinkedIn. Louise walks us through how to build a sustainable presence using four key pillars of her LinkedIn strategy—especially valuable for busy entrepreneurs and thought leaders.

She also shares how to effectively use video to strengthen your LinkedIn presence, as well as common mistakes to avoid when developing your profile. We also talk about her book, Raise Your Visibility on LinkedIn, and how the book-writing journey impacted her growth personally and professionally.

Louise is an award-winning LinkedIn expert, author, podcaster, YouTuber, and mother of three who runs a boutique marketing agency working with B2B clients to create their LinkedIn content with a focus on video marketing. She is a Small Business Champion in the UK and was recognized by King Charles at a special reception at Buckingham Palace. She is very proud to champion other entrepreneurs, especially women over forty.

Learn more about Louise:

• Grab Your FREE Guide: 3 Easy Ways to Get Started with Video
• LinkedIn
• Raise Your Visibility Online podcast
• YouTube @RaiseYourVisibilityOnline

Book recommendation:

• The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver
• Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You, 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.

In today’s podcast episode, I give an update on my life in Portugal. When my family and I decided to move here, we understood that no place is perfect. There are trade-offs wherever you decide to land. It’s important to understand your personal hierarchy of needs—a crucial element when deciding to relocate. For instance, decide what your non-negotiables are when choosing living arrangements. We also made an intentional division of household roles, with my husband being a stay-at-home dad.

We have lived in four countries, and we don’t know if Portugal is our forever home, but for now it’s the perfect place for our family.  

Join me as I talk all things Portugal and answer your questions about the challenges and rewards of living abroad.

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.

In this week’s episode, I welcome sales expert and communication strategist Nikki Rausch to explore the art of selling with intention, clarity, and heart. With over 25 years of experience working with powerhouse organizations like NASA, HP, and the Gates Foundation, Nikki brings a wealth of knowledge to the table—along with a deep commitment to helping women sell with integrity.

We dive into how shifting your sales mindset from “selling to win” to “selling to serve” can transform your business. Nikki shares how her background in neurolinguistic programming helps clients authentically connect with their audience, navigate sales conversations with confidence, and overcome the common mistakes that keep entrepreneurs from closing with impact.

Whether you’re growing your business, launching a book, or learning to trust your voice, this conversation will leave you feeling equipped and inspired. If you’ve ever felt that sales isn’t your thing—this episode will change your mind.

Show notes:

• Seal the Deal: Hone Your Skills in Asking the Right Questions to Close More Deals
• Hidden Brain podcast
• Nikki’s book recommendation: The Go-Giver

Learn more about Nikki:

• Website
• Facebook: @yoursalesmaven
• Instagram:@ your_sales_maven
• LinkedIn

Follow me on:

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