In this episode, Michelle sits down with Julia Scott – chartered accountant, wealth educator, and founder of Love Luck Wealth – to discuss empowering women to take control of their finances, overcoming money blocks, and building long-term wealth. Julia shares her personal story, insights into the psychology of money, and practical strategies for transforming your money mindset.

After beginning her career advising ultra-high-net-worth families, Julia saw firsthand that many capable women had been left out of the financial conversations shaping their futures. Determined to change that, she founded Love Luck Wealth, where she teaches women how to overcome money blocks, invest wisely, and build meaningful wealth. Julia is also the founder of Money by Jane, an upcoming financial platform designed to give women easier access to banking, investing, and financial education. Her work is driven by a simple belief: when women understand money, they change the trajectory of their lives and the generations that follow.

Key Topics:

• Societal and psychological barriers women face around money and wealth building

• How women can cultivate confidence through small daily practices and shifts in belief systems

• The importance of energy, intuition, and holistic approaches in financial success

• Practical steps to start or rebuild wealth at any stage of life

• Rewriting a financial story to align with personal desires and intentions

Whether you're starting fresh or rebuilding, Julia's insights will inspire you to own your financial story and design a future of abundance.

Get Connected

Free Mini-Masterclass — everything you need to go from blank page to published book.

Work with Sulit Press | Apply for the Multi-Author Book Program

Connect with Michelle Savage on IG: @michellesavagewriter

Connect with Julia:

https://www.loveluckwealth.com/

www.instagram.com/loveluckwealth

Disclaimer

This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected]

In this episode, Michelle Savage talks with Ashley Barnhill — comedian, filmmaker, TV writer, and novelist — about how she faced a life-changing interruption during her creative journey.

Originally from Texas, Ashley is known for her subversively dark material and unnervingly sharp delivery. She tours internationally with Dave Chappelle, performing over 500 shows. She's appeared on Netflix & IFC's Maron and Comedy Central's Drunk History. A festival-screened director and HBO Project Greenlight Top 10 finalist. Ashley ventured into filmmaking and has written, directed, edited and acted in many of her own festival winning short films. Ashley's short film #blessed was selected by Chicago's Gold Coast Film Festival. Ashley holds a law degree from UT Austin and a titanium-plated skull.

Ashley shares her experience rebuilding her life after a coma from a catastrophic accident, and how she uses humor as her resilience tool. Michelle and Ashley's discussion delves into adapting to life's unpredictable interruptions with courage and wit while developing personal growth.

Key topics:

• The impact of unexpected life interruptions and how they reshape identity

• Lessons from Ashley's career across comedy, filmmaking, TV, and writing

• Using humor and fearlessness to navigate difficult life moments

• Reinventing oneself after profound adversity

• The importance of voice, authenticity, and resilience in personal reinvention

• The power of embracing discomfort as a step toward growth

Whether there's a traumatic experience holding you back, or you simply don't know where to start, this episode will meet you right where you are — and remind you that being seen is an act of courage, not vanity.

Get Connected

Free Mini-Masterclass — everything you need to go from blank page to published book.

Work with Sulit Press | Apply for the Multi-Author Book Program

Connect with Michelle Savage on IG: @michellesavagewriter

Connect with Ashley:

www.ashleybarnhill.com

www.instagram.com/ashley_barnhill

Disclaimer

This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected]

This week on Her Best Chapter, we're doing something a little different. Instead of an interview, Michelle Savage is sharing insights through this first "solosode" on how to take the quantum leap in your life, overcome fear and risk, and embrace your true potential. If you want to learn how to trust your intuition, leverage community support, and pursue your greatest interests with confidence, this episode is for you.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Understanding the concept of the quantum leap

• The roles of risk and fear in personal growth

• How to listen to your body for your intuition and decision-making

• Overcoming the lizard brain and fear-based thoughts

Key Takeaways:

• The distance between where you are and where you want to be is just one decision away.

• Risk is the vehicle that creates opportunities for quantum leaps.

• Your body and intuition are powerful guides in decision-making.

• The lizard brain will always try to hold you back, but you are the boss.

• Believing in the possibility of your dreams is essential for success.

Connect with Michelle:

www.instagram.com/michellesavagewriter

www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-savage-43032659/

www.sulitpress.com

Disclaimer

This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected]

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, host Michelle Savage sits down with Marie Incontrera — serial entrepreneur, business strategist, and creative powerhouse — for an invigorating conversation about the journey of entrepreneurship, creative roots, and overcoming perfectionism.

Marie is the Founder and CEO of Incontrera Consulting LLC and the Growth Speak Agency, a visibility consultancy that combines brand strategy, PR, speaker placements, digital marketing, and executive thought leadership to help clients scale their presence and profits. Marie has worked with global executives at companies like Salesforce, Meta, IBM, Aura Intelligence, and Further; bestselling authors; Broadway shows; TEDx speakers; and top-performing entrepreneurs of businesses of all sizes to build their online visibility, land them on stages like SXSW, Alibaba CoCreate, Climate Week, TEDx, and get them placements in media outlets such as Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and CNBC.

In this conversation, Michelle Savage and Marie Incontrera explore the journey of entrepreneurship while focusing on the importance of speed, momentum, and overcoming perfectionism. Marie shares her transition from a jazz musician to a successful entrepreneur and emphasizes the value of creativity in business along the way. Empowering women to take the stage and share their stories, Michelle and Marie navigate the challenges of success, failure, and the significance of taking action in writing and business all while embracing imperfection and the urgency in pursuing important goals.

Whether you've been holding back your story or simply don't know where to start, this episode will meet you right where you are — and remind you that being seen is an act of courage, not vanity.

Key Takeaways

• Many women quit not due to lack of capability but due to slow results.

• Creativity from the arts can be a powerful business asset.

• Empowering women to share their stories is crucial for visibility.

• Success often requires navigating through failures and setbacks.

• Perfectionism can hinder progress and momentum.

• Writing a book can be accelerated with the right support and structure.

• Taking action is essential; time will not wait for you.

• Every entrepreneur faces challenges, and honesty about them is important.

Get Connected

Free Mini-Masterclass — everything you need to go from blank page to published book.

Work with Sulit Press | Apply for the Multi-Author Book Program

Connect with Michelle Savage on IG: @michellesavagewriter

Connect with Marie:

www.incontrera.com

www.linkedin.com/in/marieincontrera/

Disclaimer

This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected]

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, host Michelle Savage sits down with Susan Schroeder — writer, creative brand strategist, and advisor — for an inspiring conversation about visibility, personal branding, and the courage it takes to share your story with the world.

Susan writes the Substack newsletters Tales of a Glitchy Body and the Monday Morning Pep Talk, where she blends honesty and humor to explore health, creativity, and the messy process of living. She published her memoir, Closer to the Sun, as a serialized work on Substack, writing alongside her readers in real time as a bold experiment in vulnerability. With over 20 years of experience in branding, marketing, and communications, Susan works as a thought partner to founders, leaders, and creatives — helping them get unstuck, trust themselves a little more, and take the very next step.

In this conversation, Michelle and Susan explore why confidence is built in public — not in private — and how every woman entrepreneur has a story worth telling. Susan shares how a personal health journey led her to Substack and transformed not only her writing but her entire sense of self and brand. They dive into the power of showing up authentically, why marketing is really just about making friends, and how to choose what to share in a way that feels true to you.

Whether you've been holding back your story or simply don't know where to start, this episode will meet you right where you are — and remind you that being seen is an act of courage, not vanity.

Key Takeaways

• Confidence is built in public, not in private.

• Start where you feel safe and practice sharing your dreams.

• Feedback is critical to helping you create your story.

• Your personal story is your brand.

• If you can't do it for yourself, do it for others who need your message.

• Being visible means being brave and doing it anyway.

• You are not alone; seek community and support.

• Your story can inspire and connect with others.

Get Connected

Free Mini-Masterclass — everything you need to go from blank page to published book.

Work with Sulit Press | Apply for the Multi-Author Book Program

Connect with Michelle Savage on IG: @michellesavagewriter

Connect with Susan:

SusanSchroeder.Substack.com

SusanGSchroeder.com

Disclaimer

This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected]

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, host Michelle Savage engages in a heartfelt and deeply moving conversation with Kim Berry Jones, bestselling author in Empathy Impact, President of the Kinship Fund, and a bold advocate for relationship-driven philanthropy.

Kim leads the Kinship Fund, a private foundation that uplifts women and girls to stay in school, stay out of prison, and be rooted in possibility. She practices community-driven, trust-based philanthropy, building long-term partnerships that enable everyone in the community to thrive. Her work is grounded in the belief that transformation happens through relationships, not transactions.

In this conversation, Michelle and Kim explore the power of community, the beauty of unlikely friendships, and how protecting your peace allows you to show up more fully for others. Kim shares the deeply personal story of Nancy, an unconventional friendship that reshaped her understanding of love, caregiving, and legacy. Through navigating grief and loss, Kim discovered a deeper calling to shake up philanthropy and inspire transformational impact as a speaker, author, and advocate.

For anyone who has ever questioned whether small acts of kindness truly matter, this episode offers a resounding answer. Kindness is never small. Its impact ripples through lives, families, and entire communities.

Work with Sulit Press | Apply for the Multi-Author Book Program

Follow Michelle Savage on Instagram

Connect with Kim:

[email protected]

kinshipfund.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberryjones/

Read her chapter in Empathy Impact

This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected].

What does it look like to live with a wholehearted yes?

In this energizing conversation, Michelle Savage sits down with Debra Blue, a cultural anthropologist, tech industry veteran, endurance athlete, world traveler, and bestselling author of multiple books, to explore what it truly means to dream big and follow through. Debra's life reads like a bucket list in motion: a half Ironman, hiking the Himalayas, visiting Antarctica, and a marathon on that same frozen continent still to come. But beyond the headline adventures, this episode is really about the mindset that makes all of it possible.

Whether you're stuck in a comfort zone, navigating midlife, or just wondering if it's too late to say yes to something bold, this one's for you.

In This Episode We Cover

• How Debra has maintained a personal goal list since ninth grade and why it still drives her today

• The surprising emotional resilience that comes from endurance sports like the half Ironman

• Why immersing yourself in unfamiliar cultures is one of the most powerful tools for self-growth

• Lessons from unexpected travel mishaps in Southeast Asia and what they taught her about adaptability

• How to break audacious goals into manageable steps, even within a packed schedule

• Recognizing early signs of mental health struggles and responding with empathy

• The legacy she's building around kindness, authentic relationships, and showing up for others

• Her upcoming adventures and what keeps her saying 'yes'

Resources & Links Mentioned

• 📖 Empathy Impact by Debra Blue, Sulit Press (recent bestseller)

• 📖 Going Places by Debra Blue, Sulit Press

Connect with Debra Blue

• 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woman.spread

• 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrablue/

About Debra Blue

Born into a military family, Debra was on the move from day one and learned how thrilling it can be to go to new places and learn about different people. This was the catalyst in her pursuing a Cultural Anthropology degree. The experience also meant she was frequently the "new kid" and learned the importance of kindness and empathy, early in life.

After a short stint in NYC, Debra began a career in the tech industry that has spanned 24+ years and has allowed her to delve into her travel addiction. She constantly pushes herself to learn and try new things. Her favorites among them include: completing a half Ironman in 2013, hiking in the Himalayas in 2016, obtaining an MBA in 2018, visiting Antarctica in 2020 (before the world shut down), and becoming a Best Selling Author in 2023.

Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and share it with someone who needs a nudge to say yes to their next big adventure.

In this engaging conversation, Michelle Savage and Michelle Merritt, bestselling author in "Empathy Impact," recognized executive career expert, national speaker, and Chief Strategy Officer at D&S Executive Career Management, explore the intricacies of negotiation, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in achieving successful outcomes. They discuss personal experiences, the impact of upbringing on negotiation skills, and the significance of building a strong network. Merritt shares her journey of realizing the financial implications of not negotiating effectively, highlighting a staggering $2.8 million lesson learned over her career. The discussion also touches on the unique challenges women face in negotiation and the importance of advocating for oneself in the workplace.

Takeaways

• Negotiation is not just about holding your ground; it's about understanding what matters to both parties.

• Empathy in negotiation is a strategy, not a weakness.

• Women often undervalue their potential compared to men, who are hired for their potential.

• Building a strong network is crucial for career advancement and negotiation success.

• Understanding your automatic yes and no can guide your negotiation strategy.

• Money buys freedom and choices, which can lead to happiness.

• Demonstrating ROI is essential in negotiations, whether for a job or a service.

• Negotiation strategies should be customized to fit individual priorities and values.

• The $2.8 million lesson highlights the long-term impact of not negotiating effectively.

• Empathy can enhance leadership and negotiation outcomes.

About Michelle Merritt

Michelle Merritt is a recognized executive career expert, national speaker, and Chief Strategy Officer at D&S Executive Career Management. She has guided hundreds of C-suite leaders through career pivots and strategic visibility-building, combining her background in corporate HR, leadership development, and executive search with extensive board experience, serving on 30+ boards overseeing $1B+ in assets.

As a thought leader and keynote speaker, Michelle empowers senior executives to lead their careers as intentionally as they lead their organizations. She addresses audiences on executive leadership, career strategy, compensation negotiation, and breaking into the boardroom.

Currently serving as Vice President of the Westfield Police Department Merit Commission, an avid reader and Guinness World Record holder, Michelle is a recipient of the Civilian Award for Excellence from the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard. She enjoys entertaining and hosting memorable gatherings in her Indianapolis home.

• Connect with Michelle Merritt:

• www.dscareermanagement.com

• www.linkedin.com/in/michellemerritt

• Read Her Book

• Work with Sulit Press — Apply for the Multi-Author Book Program

Disclaimer: This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected].

On this episode of Her Best Chapter, Michelle Savage sits down with Sarah Soucie Eyberg, a three-time bestselling author and Social Security Disability Attorney, to explore what it means to realign with your core values when everything shifts. We talk about sobriety, empathy in the legal profession, the courage to share vulnerability through writing, and how women in demanding careers can make intentional choices without burning out.

Sarah is the principal attorney of Soucie Eyberg Law, LLC, where she practices exclusively in Social Security Disability law. Recently named a 2025 Rising Star Super Lawyer and Minnesota Lawyer's Attorney of the Year for Outstanding Service to the Profession, she now serves as Secretary of the Minnesota State Bar Association.

In her most recent book Empathy Impact, Sarah writes that empathy isn't optional, it's the foundation of meaningful advocacy for people navigating dehumanizing systems at their most vulnerable. She brings decades of experience, deep compassion, and an unwavering commitment to seeing her clients fully in their hardest moments.

Key takeaways

• Change is constant. Recalibration isn't failure, it's how we stay aligned with who we're becoming.

• Define your core values. When you know what matters most, decisions become simpler and actions feel authentic.

• You can't do everything well all the time. It's okay to let some things go in service of what truly matters.

• Empathy transforms advocacy. In law and in life, seeing people fully, especially in their hardest moments, changes everything.

• Vulnerability is strength. Sharing your struggles, whether in writing or conversation, creates connection and helps others feel less alone.

Quick links

• Guest: Sarah Soucie Eyberg — Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

• Work with Sulit Press — Apply for the Multi-Author Book Program

• Buy Empathy Impact

Disclaimer: This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected].

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, host Michelle Savage engages in a profound conversation with bestselling author of Empathy Impact Hilary Graham, PhD, MA. She is a storyteller and strategist passionate about helping people get better answers in moments that matter most to their health. As Senior Director of Marketing for Bio-Techne's Diagnostics Division, she leads portfolio strategy, product management, and marketing while serving as commercial chief of staff. Her career spans diagnostics and life sciences, including leadership roles at Luminex, Syneos Health, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Hilary's superpower is connecting the big picture with the smallest detail. She blends strategic vision with empathy, creating clarity and alignment that drive meaningful, lasting results. And that's exactly what this episode dives into: blending leadership with empathy.

Michelle and Hilary explore the transformative power of empathy in leadership, the importance of intentionality, and the role of community in personal and professional growth. Hilary shares her journey of overcoming challenges with a positive mindset and the impact of empathy as a strategic tool. A fearless force of nature, Hilary brings curiosity, creativity, and joy to every challenge—balancing execution excellence with a genuine belief that how we work together is as important as what we achieve.

This episode is a guide that proves empathy is the most effective and valuable tool for successful leadership and connection.

• Connect with Hilary

• Read her chapter

• Work with Sulit Press — Apply for the Multi-Author Book Program

Disclaimer: This show is independently produced by Sulit Press. The views shared belong to the hosts and guests. Questions? Email [email protected].