Leveraging Thought Leadership

In this episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast, host Bill Sherman sits down with Judy Wilkins Smith, an executive coach and trainer specializing in Systemic Constellation Work. Judy has recently released her second book, "The Hidden Power in Your DNA: How to Use Genealogy to Explore Ancestral Patterns & Transform Your Life." Dive in as she shares insights from her transformative journey and groundbreaking work. "Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint," emerged from personal tragedy. After losing her father, she turned to writing to channel her emotions. Her background in award-winning poetry helped her craft a powerful narrative that connects deeply with readers. That ability to connect and evoke emotion can be seen in Judy's Systemic Constellation Work. Bringing hidden patterns to light by Using 3D tools like paper and props, she helps clients visualize and understand their obstacles. This method allows for a tangible shift in perception and strategy. Judy talks about the humble journey of becoming the biggest version of oneself. It's about taking full responsibility for personal growth and inviting others to join the adventure. She emphasizes the importance of growth feeling like play rather than a burden. She uses these same ideals when helping clients see the biggest versions of themselves. In her coaching Judy prefers inviting clients to explore their potential rather than pushing them. She's keenly aware of hesitation, understanding it as a form of self-protection that can be transformed into a strength. Judy reflects on her own journey with undervaluing her work. Coming from a culture that shies away from ambition, she struggled with Imposter Syndrome. Her growth involved recognizing her worth and pushing past those limiting beliefs. Judy discusses her "Head, Heart, and Gut" framework, which combats negative self-talk and aligns these three powerful centers to manifest success. When your heart, head, and gut are in sync, you unlock your full potential. Looking ahead, Judy sees the need for leaders who inspire rather than push. She emphasizes moving beyond victimhood, using personal challenges as a catalyst for remarkable achievements. Three Key Takeaways: • Transformative Power of Ancestral Patterns: Judy Wilkins Smith's work with Systemic Constellation reveals how understanding and addressing ancestral patterns can transform lives. Her books, "Decoding Your Emotional Blueprint" and "The Hidden Power in Your DNA," explore how genealogy and systemic work can uncover hidden influences and provide pathways to personal growth. • Aligning Head, Heart, and Gut: Judy emphasizes the importance of aligning one's head, heart, and gut. By overcoming negative self-talk and ensuring these three elements work together, individuals can achieve conscious manifestation and unlock their full potential. This alignment is crucial for personal and professional success. • Inspiring Rather Than Pushing: Judy advocates for leadership that inspires rather than pushes. She highlights the significance of inviting others to explore their potential and grow in a supportive environment. Her approach focuses on turning challenges into strengths and moving beyond a victim mindset to achieve remarkable outcomes.

In this riveting episode of Thought Leadership Leverage with host Peter Winick, we dive into the world of non-fiction with Phil Simon, a multifaceted writer, ghostwriter, speaker, and podcaster. Phil shares his journey from a college professor in business information systems to becoming a prolific author and the founder of a hybrid publishing company. He explains his dual role as both a creator and coach, helping others craft their books and platforms while avoiding common pitfalls. Phil recounts his transition into writing in 2008, which ignited his passion for the craft and led to the establishment of his own publishing company. His unique perspective as an author, ghostwriter, and publisher enables him to guide others effectively. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit with clients, setting clear expectations, and ensuring that the client's voice shines through while adhering to effective business writing principles. Discussing the ghostwriting process, Phil highlights the critical need for compatibility and clear communication with clients. He shares insights into the evolving publishing landscape, noting the rise of hybrid publishing as a cost-effective and rewarding alternative to traditional publishers. Authors now have more control and potential for higher rewards, balancing the risks with substantial marketing and support efforts. Phil also delves into his personal intellectual property, which he proudly owns under "Racket Publishing." This ownership allows him to explore various avenues, such as international translations and teachable courses, without intermediary restrictions. He discusses innovative business models that leverage the credibility of a published book, including bespoke versions for corporate clients, custom training, and webinars. Phil's experience underscores the chaotic yet rewarding nature of thought leadership and publishing. His advice for aspiring authors and thought leaders is to embrace the non-linear path to success and capitalize on the multifaceted opportunities a book can provide. Three Key Takeaways: • Embrace Hybrid Publishing: Phil Simon emphasizes the advantages of hybrid publishing over traditional routes. This model offers authors more control, potential for higher rewards, and flexibility, while still maintaining professional quality. Hybrid publishing allows authors to manage costs and directly benefit from their work. • Find the Right Fit in Ghostwriting: The importance of compatibility and clear expectations in ghostwriting is crucial. Successful partnerships hinge on mutual understanding and clear communication, ensuring the final product resonates with the intended audience and meets client expectations. • Leverage Your Book for Broader Opportunities: Owning your intellectual property opens up diverse monetization avenues. Phil discusses how a book can elevate your brand, allowing for additional revenue streams through custom training, webinars, and bespoke book versions for corporate clients. Embracing these opportunities can significantly enhance your thought leadership platform. If you want to learn more about the Changing Landscape of Publishing be sure to check out this video by Peter Winick.

In this riveting episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast, host Bill Sherman engages with Martin Gonzalez, the co-author of the best-selling book "The Bonfire Moment" and the visionary behind Google's "The Effective Founders Project." Dive into the fascinating journey of Martin, who transformed a personal passion into a global initiative that has reshaped the landscape of startup success.

Martin Gonzalez's journey at Google began a decade ago at their Singapore campus. Embracing Google's culture of innovation and autonomy, Martin seized the opportunity to embark on a passion project that aligned with Google's business goals. His fascination with startup founders and the early stages of company development led him to partner with Joshua Yellin, who was leading Google's Startup Accelerator Program. This program, with its focus on machine learning, globalization, and growth hacking, provided a fertile ground for Martin's innovative ideas, despite his initial lack of expertise in these areas.

Martin's breakthrough came when he uncovered a Harvard study indicating that 65% of startups fail due to people issues. Armed with this insight, he proposed a two-day workshop aimed at addressing these challenges. The workshop, first tested in Jakarta and then in Bangalore, received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Their success was not a one-time anomaly; the workshops continued to garner high ratings worldwide, eventually impacting founders across 70 countries.

In this episode, Bill and Martin explore the journey of understanding why startups succeed or fail. Martin highlights the pitfalls of relying solely on data from successful founders, which often leads to "Survivor's Bias." He stresses the importance of comprehensive data that includes insights from failed ventures to paint a realistic picture of startup dynamics.

Martin also shares the genesis of their book "The Bonfire Moment." Initially hesitant to commit to writing, Martin was eventually convinced by Joshua Yellin, who saw the immense value their workshops offered. The book became a natural extension of their workshops, providing an open-source toolkit for startup founders. This approach, rooted in Google's ethos of sharing and collaboration, aimed to empower others with the tools and knowledge to replicate their success.

The conversation also touches on Martin's unique role as an "Enlightened Practitioner." He bridges the gap between academic research and practical application, translating complex research findings into actionable insights for leaders and managers. This ability to synthesize and communicate evidence-based advice makes Martin a pivotal figure in the startup ecosystem.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the development of a validated measure for assessing founders. Through years of collecting 360-degree feedback surveys and analyzing thousands of data points, Martin and his team published the "Effective Founders Report." This report, which garnered significant attention from their publisher, laid the foundation for their influential book.

Join Bill Sherman and Martin Gonzalez for an illuminating discussion on the intricacies of startup success, the power of data-driven insights, and the transformative potential of open-source tools. This episode is a must-listen for thought leaders, authors, and speakers who are passionate about innovation and leadership in the startup world.

In this engaging episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Peter Winick interviews Renee Moorefield, a pioneering leader in human-centered leadership for over 25 years. Renee, the CEO and co-founder of Wisdom Works Group, has been instrumental in transforming how leaders build thriving organizations. Wisdom Works offers innovative resources and guidance to create workplaces and leadership practices that foster well-being and success. Renee discusses the development of her intellectual property (IP). Her extensive experience in global companies highlighted a critical need: leaders often overlook human factors while focusing on financial and technical performance. Observing this trend, she brought her insights to the University of Colorado's business school, aiming to scientifically explore the factors that contribute to thriving and stress resilience in leadership. This led to the creation of the "Framework of Thriving" under the "Be Well, Lead Well Pulse Assessment" platform. This framework redefines what it means to thrive, helping leaders understand the essential elements for success in complex environments. Wisdom Works is now scaling its impact by working with global organizations, especially in the food and consumer goods industries. They conduct one-on-one sessions, team workshops, and organization-wide assessments to identify areas of high and low thriving. This holistic approach introduces new metrics for measuring organizational success and fosters meaningful conversations about well-being. Additionally, Renee's team certifies individuals in various industries to implement their tools, creating a network of approximately 225 certified Guides. Peter and Renee discuss the differences between internal and external certified guides, highlighting the unique challenges and benefits of each approach. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the value of their tools, increasing demand for internal coaches equipped to navigate stressful times. Ensuring the quality and consistency of their certified guides is paramount for Renee. The program sets clear expectations for knowledge, skills, and abilities, relying on an honor system for self-assessment and continuous feedback. With a 94% return on investment rate, the program's effectiveness is evident, consistently meeting participants' needs and enhancing their capabilities. Three Key Takeaways: • Human-Centered Leadership is Essential: Renee Moorefield emphasizes the importance of focusing on human factors in leadership, highlighting how financial and technical performance often overshadow the well-being of people and organizational culture. Leaders need to prioritize creating thriving, sustainable environments. • Scalable, Science-Based Frameworks: The "Framework of Thriving" and the "Be Well, Lead Well Pulse Assessment" offer a scientifically grounded approach to understanding and fostering leadership that promotes resilience and thriving. This framework helps organizations identify areas of high and low thriving, driving better performance and well-being. • Certified Guides Enhance Impact: Certifying individuals in various industries to use Wisdom Works' tools has expanded their reach and effectiveness. With approximately 225 certified guides, the program ensures consistent quality and effectiveness, as demonstrated by a 94% return on investment rate, meeting the evolving needs of leaders and organizations. Want to learn more about customized training? Be sure to watch this short video where Peter Winick discusses How much customization is needed while developing training.

In this episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Peter Winick sits down with Elizabeth Lotardo, author of "Leading Yourself: Find More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have," to explore her journey into thought leadership. Elizabeth, a consultant, Harvard Business Review contributor, and LinkedIn Learning instructor, shares her inspiring story and insights. Elizabeth's journey into thought leadership began with a powerful act of defiance. After quitting her job at an ad agency due to a toxic culture and lack of opportunity, she penned a raw and passionate article titled "Why Millennials Keep Dumping You. An Open Letter to Management." This article went viral, resonating deeply with professionals who felt unheard and undervalued. Elizabeth and Peter delve into the nature of viral content and the power of authentic, heartfelt writing. Going viral brought both support and criticism. Elizabeth discusses the mixed reactions and how she managed the rough comments alongside the positive feedback. This experience led her to write more on engagement from a Millennial perspective, eventually leading to her involvement with LinkedIn Learning. Transitioning from writing articles to creating courses for LinkedIn Learning was a new challenge for Elizabeth. She shares how LinkedIn helped her transform her engaging writing style into actionable, educational content. The key was to maintain authenticity while adapting to the platform's demands, focusing on engagement and retention. Elizabeth's upcoming book, "Leading Yourself," is set to release in Fall 2024. It addresses how to find joy, meaning, and opportunity in less-than-perfect jobs. Drawing from her decade-long consulting experience, Elizabeth highlights how mindset, behaviors, and relationships can transform one's work experience. Inspired by the success of her LinkedIn course during the COVID-19 pandemic, she realized the growing need for this topic. In addition to her book, Elizabeth is developing a video version and corresponding training programs. These resources aim to help organizations instill the mindsets discussed in her book, empowering employees to create positive changes in their work environments. Three Key Takeaways: • Elizabeth's viral article, "Why Millennials Keep Dumping You," succeeded because of its genuine, passionate approach. Authenticity in thought leadership can resonate deeply with audiences and drive engagement. • Transitioning from writing articles to creating courses for LinkedIn Learning required Elizabeth to adapt her writing style while maintaining authenticity. Thought leaders must recognize and play to the strengths of each medium they engage with. • Elizabeth's upcoming book, "Leading Yourself," emphasizes the importance of mindset in finding joy, meaning, and opportunity in one's job. A positive mindset can empower individuals to thrive in less-than-perfect work environments. If you are interested in additional LinkedIn Learning courses be sure to check out the content from Leveraging Thought Leadership.

In this episode of the Thought Leadership Leverage podcast, host Bill Sherman sits down with Phil Geldart, CEO of Eagle's Flight, to discuss his innovative approach to leadership and learning. With his upcoming book, "Leading What Matters Most: A Business Parable on Unlocking Human Potential," set to release later in 2024, Geldart shares insights from his transformative career.

In this compelling episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Peter Winick dives deep with Matt Hullander, a versatile entrepreneur from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hullander, who has ventured into real estate development, e-commerce, private equity, recently authored the inspiring book "The Daily Climb: 10 Principles to Change Your Life." Today, he shares his transformative journey from business mogul to author. After selling his successful home improvement company in 2021, Hullander faced a life-altering cancer scare. This experience shifted his perspective, prompting him to reflect on his purpose. At 50, he felt compelled to share his life lessons and stories to benefit others. Proceeds from his book, "The Daily Climb," support teenage suicide prevention (The Jason Foundation), demonstrating his commitment to making a difference. Hullander's book challenges traditional goal-setting paradigms, advocating for a vision-driven approach. He emphasizes building habits that align with the life you want, rather than merely setting goals. Other principles include the importance of finding a guide, akin to his fly-fishing mentor, and the value of surrounding oneself with a supportive tribe. Writing the "The Daily Climb" has created unexpected opportunities, opening new doors for Hullander, expanding his network beyond Tennessee and into various industries. The book has also led to speaking engagements, enhancing his credibility and setting him apart in his field. Hullander encourages aspiring authors to leverage hybrid and self-publishing models. He highlights the importance of seeking guidance, sharing how his publisher, Foresight Publishers, helped him shape his book's content and design. His message is clear: with the right support, anyone can bring their book to life. Three Key Takeaways: • Embrace Life's Challenges as Opportunities: Matt Hullander's cancer scare transformed his outlook, leading him to share his experiences and insights through his book, "The Daily Climb." This illustrates the importance of turning personal challenges into opportunities for growth and contribution. • Vision Over Goals: Hullander advocates for a vision-driven approach rather than traditional goal-setting. By focusing on the habits and lifestyle that align with your envisioned future, you can create lasting change and achieve a more fulfilling life. • Seek Guidance and Build a Supportive Tribe: Hullander emphasizes the value of having mentors and a supportive community. Whether through a life coach, business guide, or peer groups, surrounding yourself with knowledgeable and supportive individuals can significantly enhance your success and personal growth. If you have a vision for your business, then you'll want to check out this article How Are You Applying Your Vision by Thought Leadership Leverage Founder and CEO Peter Winick.

In this episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Bill Sherman sits down with Clemence Sop, the Head of Marketing Innovation at InterSystems, for an insightful discussion on marketing high-ticket items, leveraging digital platforms, and the power of thought leadership. Clemence shares her fascinating journey from yacht sales to marketing innovation, highlighting the complexity and strategy involved in selling luxury items. She delves into the concept of a cultivation strategist, emphasizing the importance of digital knowledge and social listening to engage potential buyers at the right moment. Drawing from real-life experiences, Clemence explains how using LinkedIn and celebrity brand ambassadors can build trust and nurture relationships with high-profile clients. She illustrates how positioning oneself as a trusted advisor can enhance visibility and engagement, even with audiences outside the initial target group. Bill and Clemence explore her career transition from supply chain engineering to big data and social media, driven by her curiosity about the future impact of collective intelligence and connection data on human behavior and business. In her current role, Clemence spearheads innovative marketing solutions to tackle existing challenges. She narrates a compelling story about addressing thought leadership needs in Belgium's healthcare system through the "One Patient, One Record" initiative. By sharing personal stories and building a community around patient data challenges, InterSystems was able to foster trust and drive meaningful change. The episode concludes with a discussion on overcoming mental and spam filters in today's saturated digital landscape. Clemence emphasizes the necessity of targeting a specific audience, creating relevant content, and establishing authentic connections through thought leadership. Tune in to learn from Clemence Sop's unique experiences and insights on transforming marketing strategies through innovation and thought leadership. Three Key Takeaways: • Strategic Digital Engagement: Clemence Sop emphasizes the importance of leveraging digital knowledge and social listening to effectively engage potential buyers. By cultivating relationships through targeted digital networking and positioning oneself as a trusted advisor, brands can enhance their visibility and build trust with high-profile clients. • The Power of Personal Stories in Thought Leadership: The "One Patient, One Record" initiative showcases the effectiveness of using personal stories to address pain points and build a community. By sharing authentic experiences and focusing on the emotional aspects of patient data challenges, InterSystems was able to establish trust and drive meaningful conversations in the healthcare sector. • Navigating Content Saturation: In a world overwhelmed with digital content, it is crucial to target specific audiences with relevant and purposeful content. Clemence highlights the need for authenticity and relevance in thought leadership, ensuring that content not only reaches but resonates with the intended audience, thereby overcoming mental and spam filters. If you want to learn more about thought leadership marketing check out this article Decoding Thought Leadership Marketing: A Blueprint for Success by Thought Leadership Leverage Founder and CEO Peter Winick.

In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Bill Sherman engages with Steve Wunker, Managing Director of New Market Advisors and co-author of the groundbreaking book The Innovative Leader: Step-By-Step Lessons from Top Innovators For You and Your Organization. Join them as they delve into the intricacies of fostering innovation within organizations and cultivating innovative leadership. Steve Wunker shares the core essence of The Innovative Leader, emphasizing its focus on the practical "how" of innovation. Drawing from interviews with 50 top innovative leaders and two decades of professional experience, the book provides actionable insights for individuals and organizations aiming to embrace innovation effectively. Delving into the genesis of the book, Wunker explains the rationale behind merging leadership and innovation, bridging a crucial gap in existing literature. He recounts his journey collaborating with luminaries like Clayton Christensen and Fred Reichheld, emphasizing the transformative power of distilling complex concepts into compelling narratives. The Innovative Leader isn't just another book; it's a culmination of rigorous research and inductive conversations aimed at demystifying innovation. Wunker sheds light on the book's data-driven approach, underscored by the belief that innovation is fundamentally about systems rather than sporadic bursts of inspiration. As they explore the strategies for book promotion, Wunker emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between broad outreach and deep engagement. From social media blitzes to keynote speeches and immersive articles, the book's marketing campaign is meticulously crafted to resonate with diverse audiences. Looking ahead, Wunker envisions The Innovative Leader as a seminal work shaping the landscape of innovative leadership for years to come. With aspirations for it to become a staple on the shelves of aspiring and seasoned leaders alike, Wunker underscores the importance of continuous engagement and dissemination across various platforms. Tune in to this episode for invaluable insights into building a culture of innovation and unlocking the potential of leadership in driving meaningful change within organizations. Three Key Takeaways: • Innovation is Systematic: The episode emphasizes that innovation isn't merely a stroke of luck or genius but a systematic process. By understanding and implementing effective systems, individuals and organizations can foster a culture of innovation and sustain it over time. • Practical Actionability: The Innovative Leader stands out for its emphasis on practicality and actionability. It fills the gap in existing literature by providing step-by-step guidance for leaders and managers who aspire to drive innovation within their organizations, offering tangible strategies derived from real-world experiences. • Comprehensive Marketing Strategy: Wunker highlights the significance of a comprehensive marketing strategy for launching a book successfully. By combining broad outreach through platforms like social media with deep engagement via keynote speeches, articles, and podcasts, authors can maximize their book's impact and ensure its longevity in the market. If you want to learn more about balancing Innovation and Integration be sure to check out this article by Thought Leadership Leverage founder and CEO Peter Winick.

In this episode of "Leveraging Thought Leadership," host Peter Winick sits down with Tony Martignetti, Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer at Inspired Purpose Partners, author of climbing The Right Mountain: Navigating the Journey to An Inspired Life and host of the Virtual Campfire podcast. Tony shares his journey into the world of thought leadership, which began not from a clear plan, but through a series of life shifts that revealed a deeper passion for guiding leaders in chaotic times. Tony describes how his path transitioned from finance and strategy roles in biotech to thought leadership and executive coaching. Despite success in his previous careers, he felt something was missing. Growing up, Tony had a creative side, known for his art, but societal expectations pushed him toward pre-med and then business. The discomfort of being in the wrong field led him to re-evaluate his career, ultimately deciding to forge his own path. He emphasizes the importance of creating your own place when you don't fit in elsewhere, using curiosity and exploration to discover where you belong. His approach to finding his niche combined a balance of passion, skill, and market demand. Tony introduces his guiding philosophy, "Expand your vision, narrow your focus," encouraging exploration before narrowing down on a specific area to serve. By having "curiosity conversations," he was able to understand the problems and pain points of others, leading him to his current role as an executive coach for tech leaders. Tony's clients are typically in the tech industry, where his unique perspective aligns well with innovative thinkers. He helps chief technology officers, chief science officers, and chief strategy officers communicate their technical ideas to a broader audience and break down silos within their organizations. Through his work, he facilitates better communication among teams and creates a collaborative environment for leaders. While most of his work requires being physically present with his clients, Tony is considering productizing some aspects of his coaching to offer more scalable solutions in the future. He acknowledges the challenge many thought leaders face with marketing and sales and shares his three-part strategy to overcome it: "Affiliate, Associate, Collaborate." This approach involves partnering with other experts, engaging in professional groups, and collaborating with others to create greater impact. Overall, this episode delves into Tony's journey from a traditional career path to becoming a thought leader in the tech industry. It highlights his insights into building connections, fostering communication, and navigating the challenges of a rapidly hanging world. Three Key Takeaways: • Forge Your Own Path: Tony Martignetti's journey illustrates that career paths are not always linear. He transitioned from finance and strategy roles in biotech to thought leadership in tech, emphasizing that sometimes you need to create the place where you belong rather than trying to fit into predefined roles. He encourages people to use curiosity and exploration to find their unique path. • Expand Your Vision, Narrow Your Focus: Tony's guiding philosophy underscores the importance of exploring a wide range of possibilities before honing in on a specific niche. This approach allows for a broader understanding of where one can make the most impact before concentrating efforts on a particular area. Through "curiosity conversations," he was able to understand others' needs and pain points, guiding him to his current role as an executive coach for tech leaders. • Affiliate, Associate, Collaborate: Tony shares his strategy for overcoming the marketing and sales challenges that many thought leaders face. This three-part approach involves affiliating with other experts to offer comprehensive solutions, associating with professional groups for personal and business development, and collaborating with others to create greater impact. These steps highlight the importance of building relationships and leveraging a network to succeed in thought leadership.