Powerful On Purpose

Writing a nonfiction book gets much easier when you know exactly what you're promising your reader. In this Author Journey episode, Leslie Capps shares Decision #2 of the Four Decisions Framework: defining the clear outcome your reader should receive from your book.

Most authors know their book topic, but a topic isn't the same thing as a promise. Your promise answers a much more important question: What should your reader understand, experience, believe, or be able to do differently after finishing your book?

Once you're clear on that promise, it becomes a filter for the entire writing process. Does this chapter belong? Does this story support the reader's journey? Does each section move them toward the outcome you promised? That clarity can prevent thousands of unnecessary words—and help you create a more focused, useful nonfiction book.

If you're writing a book, relaunching one, or sitting on thousands of words wondering what comes next, this episode will help you step out of “just keep writing” mode and get clear on where you're actually taking your reader.

📖 Download the Four Decisions Workbook: https://authorin30.com/4decisions

Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for more Author Journey episodes about writing, publishing, and using your book to grow your impact.

Chapters
00:00 Why authors get stuck
00:55 Decision #2: Your book's promise
01:45 A topic isn't a promise
02:35 Make a promise you can deliver
03:30 Your promise becomes the filter
04:30 What belongs in your book?
05:30 Keep your reader on the journey
06:20 The one question to answer

#powerfulonpurposepodcast #authorjourney #nonfictionwriting #bookwriting #writingtips

Mindset, identity, and self-talk shape far more than we realize. In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Leslie Capps sits down with Dr. Carolyn Hatton—former dental surgeon, success coach, speaker, and soon-to-be author—to explore how the stories we tell ourselves influence our health, confidence, and the life we create.

Carolyn introduces her powerful concept that your body is always listening—to your thoughts, your beliefs, and the stories you repeatedly tell yourself. She shares how major life transitions, identity shifts, resilience, and even writing a book helped her gain greater clarity about her purpose and message.

One of my favorite moments is Carolyn's perspective on writing a book. She explains that while books create credibility, their greatest gift is the clarity they bring to your thinking, message, and mission.

In this episode you'll learn:

✅ Why your body listens to your thoughts and beliefs
✅ How identity shifts impact confidence
✅ Why resilience often comes from life's hardest moments
✅ The surprising value of writing a book
✅ Why clarity matters more than credibility

Connect with Dr. Carolyn Hatton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-hatton-6a453143/

Be sure to subscribe for more conversations with women who are using their stories, expertise, and purpose to make a positive impact in the world.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Dr. Carolyn Hatton
01:35 Your body is always listening
03:55 Carolyn's Aspen transformation
07:20 Belonging without losing yourself
10:10 Why everyone needs a coach
13:45 Helping women rewrite their stories
16:45 What dentistry taught Carolyn about people
20:15 Why writing a book creates clarity
21:55 Resilience and rewriting your story
22:45 Final thoughts

#powerfulonpurposepodcast #mindset #resilience #womenempoweringwomen #personalgrowth

Most nonfiction authors don't have a writing problem—they have a decision problem.

In this Author Journey episode, Leslie introduces Decision #1 of her Four Decisions Framework: Know Your Reader. Before you write a word, you need to know who you're helping and why that reader picked up your book in the first place.

Trying to write for everyone may sound generous, but it makes writing harder. Without a clear reader, it's difficult to know which stories belong, what examples matter, and how to create a book that truly connects.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Why writing for everyone creates confusion
How one reader becomes your writing filter
The simple shift that makes writing faster and more focused
Why clarity before Chapter One saves months of rewriting

📖 Download the FREE Four Decisions Workbook and start building your nonfiction book with clarity and confidence.

👉 https://authorin30.com/4decisions

Subscribe for the next episode, where we'll explore Decision #2: What promise are you making to your reader?

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Author Journey
00:12 Writing isn't the problem
00:42 The real reason authors get stuck
01:02 Decision #1: Know Your Reader
01:35 Why "everyone" isn't your audience
02:00 Think of your book as a conversation
02:20 The house guest analogy
03:05 Your reader becomes your filter
03:45 A real author example
04:35 Download the Four Decisions Workbook

#powerfulonpurposepodcast #authorjourney #bookwriting #nonfictionauthors #writingtips

Perfectionism doesn't make us better—it keeps us stuck. If you've ever felt like you're either overachieving or completely frozen, this conversation will change how you think about progress, habits, and success.

In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Leslie Capps sits down with Monica Packer, founder of About Progress, identity and habits coach, podcast host, and author of Sticky Habits. Together they explore perfectionism, habit formation, women's personal growth, identity, self-compassion, and why traditional productivity advice often fails women.

Monica shares her own journey from battling eating disorders and perfectionism to creating a movement built around progress instead of perfection. She explains why perfectionism isn't really about achieving perfection—it's about tying our identity to outcomes—and how women can finally step off the exhausting cycle of all-or-nothing thinking.

The conversation also dives into Monica's "Do Something List," why habits should support us instead of control us, and how invisible labor changes the way women need to approach productivity and personal growth.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why perfectionism isn't what you think it is
How to replace shame with self-compassion
The power of creating a "Do Something List"
Why women need a different approach to habits
How invisible labor impacts our energy and time
Why habits should serve you—not the other way around

✨ Connect with Monica Packer

Website: https://aboutprogress.com

Podcast: About Progress

Pre-order Sticky Habits: https://stickyhabitsbook.com

Free Do Something List training:
https://aboutprogress.com/dsl

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe for more inspiring interviews with women who are using their stories, businesses, and expertise to make a positive impact in the world.

Chapters
00:00 – Meet Monica Packer
01:15 – Perfection isn't the goal
03:30 – The hidden cost of perfectionism
06:20 – Why shame keeps us stuck
07:30 – The first step toward progress
09:10 – The Do Something List
15:30 – Why women need different habits
18:00 – Invisible labor changes everything
24:00 – Habits should help you
24:35 – Connect with Monica

#powerfulonpurposepodcast #aboutprogress #perfectionism #habitformation #personalgrowth

"Just start writing." It's probably the most common advice aspiring authors hear—and it may be the very thing keeping you stuck.

In this episode of Powerful on Purpose: The Author Journey, Leslie Capps shares why writing isn't the problem. Instead, most authors get overwhelmed because they haven't made the key decisions that shape a successful book. If you've been thinking about writing a book, have a half-finished manuscript, or feel buried under years of content, this episode will help you approach the process with greater clarity.

Drawing from her own experience of writing a book in just 30 days after years of struggling with traditional writing advice, Leslie explains how making a handful of intentional decisions changed everything. Rather than staring at a blank page, she discovered that defining the reader, the promise, the structure, and the purpose of the book made writing dramatically easier.

If you're an expert who knows your knowledge belongs in a book, this episode introduces the Four Decisions framework and explains why writing a book begins long before Chapter One.

In this episode you'll learn:
Why "just start writing" often leads to overwhelm
The real reason most books stall
How clarity creates momentum
Why every successful book starts with decisions, not chapters
What to expect in the upcoming Four Decision Framework series

✨ Join the Author Lab
If you're ready to stop wondering where to start and begin making the right decisions for your book, join us for a free Author Lab session.
https://authorin30.com/labregister

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode, where Leslie begins unpacking the first of the Four Decisions every author needs to make before writing Chapter One.

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to The Author Journey
00:50 – Why "just start writing" failed
02:20 – My 30-day book challenge
03:45 – Writing isn't the problem
05:15 – The decisions that matter
06:40 – Why books stall
07:45 – Writing doesn't have to be lonely
09:10 – Introducing the Four Decisions

#powerfulonpurposepodcast #authorjourney #writingabook #authors #bookwriting

What if writing a book didn't just preserve a story—but transformed a relationship?

In this episode of Powerful on Purpose: The Author Journey, Leslie Capps sits down with Yvonne Caputo, author of Flying with Dad and Dying with Dad, to explore memoir writing, family stories, World War II history, self-publishing, author mindset, and the unexpected gifts that come from telling someone else's story.

If you've ever wondered whether your family's stories are worth preserving, this conversation will inspire you to begin.

Yvonne shares how one unexpected phone call with her father led to years of conversations about his experiences as a World War II soldier. Those conversations became Flying with Dad, but they also became something much more meaningful—a relationship built on trust, vulnerability, and understanding after years of emotional distance.

Together, Leslie and Yvonne discuss the realities of self-publishing, learning to ask for help, trusting editors, and recognizing that writing a book is really a series of small decisions. They also explore how Yvonne's second book, Dying with Dad, encourages families to have difficult conversations about end-of-life wishes before it's too late.

In this episode you'll learn:
✅ How one conversation became two published books
✅ Why preserving family stories matters
✅ Lessons Yvonne learned through self-publishing
✅ The importance of asking for help as an author
✅ Why trusting yourself is part of the writing journey
✅ How books can heal relationships across generations

✨ Connect with Yvonne Caputo
https://yvonnecaputo.com

✨ Book Momentum Session
If you've been saying, "Someday I'll write a book," let's find out what's standing in your way.
In a complimentary Book Momentum Session, we'll explore your ideas, experiences, content, and goals to uncover the book that's already taking shape—and the next step to finally get it moving.
👉 https://tidycal.com/lescapps1/wheres-the-book

Be sure to subscribe for more Author Journey conversations with writers who are turning their stories into lasting impact.

Chapters
00:00 – Meet Yvonne Caputo
02:10 – One phone call changed everything
05:30 – Learning to self-publish
07:00 – More than a WWII story
10:00 – Rebuilding a relationship with Dad
14:00 – Why difficult conversations matter
18:45 – Learning to trust the process
22:00 – Every book is small decisions
25:30 – The gift of sharing your story
27:45 – Advice for aspiring authors

#powerfulonpurposepodcast #authorjourney #memoirwriting #familyhistory #selfpublishing

How do you know when it's time to write your book? And what if your story isn't just for you—but for someone who desperately needs it?

In this episode of Powerful on Purpose: The Author Journey, Leslie Capps sits down with Teresa K. Page, leadership empowerment advocate, and author, to talk about writing a book, overcoming self-doubt, finding your voice, self-discovery, nonfiction writing, and the journey of becoming an author.

If you've ever wondered whether your story is "big enough" to matter, this conversation will encourage you to stop waiting and start writing.

Teresa shares how writing became her safe place as a child, the mentor who helped her recognize her gift, and why each of her books reflects a different stage of her own personal growth. She explains why nonfiction authors often need to live the lesson before they can write about it, and why waiting until you're "finished evolving" is one of the biggest myths aspiring authors believe.

Together, Leslie and Teresa also discuss building stages for other authors, repurposing content you've already created, and why your story may belong to someone else who needs hope, encouragement, or direction. Teresa also shares her vision for the International Authors Expo, a virtual event designed to help authors connect with readers and expand their reach without the expense of traditional book fairs.

In this episode you'll learn:

✅ Why your story is more valuable than you think
✅ How to overcome the fear of not being "known enough"
✅ Why every book is part of your evolution
✅ How to repurpose content into a book
✅ Why authors don't have to write alone
✅ How creating your own stage can amplify your impact

✨ Teresa's Free Gift

Join Teresa's International Authors Expo with a complimentary guest ticket! Meet authors from around the world, attend masterclasses, discover new books, and learn more about the writing and publishing journey.

👉 https://teresakpage.squarespace.com

✨ Book Momentum Session

If you've been saying, "Someday I'll write a book," let's find out what's standing in your way.

In a complimentary Book Momentum Session, we'll explore your ideas, experiences, content, and goals to uncover the book that's already taking shape—and the next step to finally get it moving.

👉 https://tidycal.com/lescapps1/wheres-the-book

Be sure to subscribe for more conversations with authors who are turning their stories into impact and showing what's possible through the Author Journey.

Chapters
00:00 – Meet Teresa Page
01:45 – Writing as a safe space
05:00 – The mentor who changed everything
09:00 – Why every book is personal
11:30 – You don't have to write alone
13:00 – Is your story big enough?
16:20 – Why authors keep evolving
20:10 – The International Authors Expo
26:45 – A final message for aspiring authors

#powerfulonpurposepodcast #authorjourney #writingabook #nonfictionauthor #authors

What if the problem isn't your job...but your experience of work?

In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Leslie Capps sits down with Lindsay Barnett, award-winning author, speaker, workplace experience strategist, and team coach, to explore workplace culture, employee wellbeing, burnout prevention, work-life balance, leadership, AI in the workplace, and creating healthier work experiences.

Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or employee, this conversation offers practical ways to create more fulfillment and purpose at work.

Lindsay believes we have more influence over our workplace experience than we often realize. She shares how self-awareness, clear boundaries, meaningful hobbies, and role modeling healthy behaviors can transform not only our own work lives but also the culture around us. One of her favorite concepts—"leaving loudly"—encourages leaders and employees alike to model that life outside of work matters.

Leslie and Lindsay also explore burnout, employee wellbeing, the future of work, and how artificial intelligence can either enhance or diminish the human experience depending on how organizations choose to implement it. Rather than chasing productivity alone, Lindsay encourages us to design workplaces where both people and businesses can thrive.

In this episode you'll learn:
✅ How to create a healthier relationship with work
✅ Why self-awareness is the foundation of workplace wellbeing
✅ The power of hobbies and life outside the office
✅ What "leaving loudly" teaches about leadership
✅ How AI is changing the future of work
✅ Practical ways leaders can help prevent burnout

✨ Connect with Lindsay Barnett
https://barnettcoaching.com

✨ Book Momentum Session
If you've said, "Someday I'll write a book," let's find out what's standing in your way.
In a complimentary Book Momentum Session, we'll explore your stories, content, and goals to uncover the book that's taking shape—and the next step to get it into the world.
👉 https://tidycal.com/lescapps1/wheres-the-book

Be sure to subscribe for more conversations with women who are using their stories, expertise, and experiences to create meaningful impact in the world.

Chapters
00:00 – Meet Lindsay Barnett
01:35 – What is workplace experience?
03:10 – From working hell to working well
05:05 – The power of leaving loudly
07:45 – Identifying your Big Three needs
10:00 – Why hobbies matter
13:10 – Preventing burnout
17:40 – AI and the future of work
24:10 – Rethinking the 40-hour workweek
29:00 – Final thoughts

#powerfulonpurposepodcast #workplaceculture #leadership #burnoutprevention #futureofwork

Why do so many high-achieving women struggle with visibility, burnout, self-worth, and the constant need to prove themselves?

In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Leslie Capps sits down with Dr. Liz Dubois Erskine, executive coach, conflict analyst, and marketing strategist, to explore the connection between mindset, trauma, leadership, women's mental health, burnout, visibility, and business growth.

If you've ever felt stuck in hustle culture, questioned your worth, or struggled to confidently show up in your business, this conversation is for you.

Drawing from her background in conflict resolution, executive coaching, and marketing, Dr. Liz explains how our beliefs about money, success, visibility, and self-worth shape the way we lead our businesses and our lives. She shares why so many women stay trapped in "prove yourself" energy, how generational patterns influence our decisions, and why true confidence begins with changing the stories we tell ourselves.

We also dive into burnout, women's mental health, ADHD, autism, masking behaviors, and the importance of seeking support before reaching a breaking point. Dr. Liz offers practical, compassionate insights for anyone ready to stop surviving and start leading from a place of self-trust and intention.

In this episode you'll learn:
✅ Why visibility feels uncomfortable for so many women
✅ How hustle culture fuels burnout
✅ The connection between self-worth and business success
✅ Why your relationship with money affects your growth
✅ How to recognize limiting stories and rewrite them
✅ The importance of mental health support for high achievers

✨ Connect with Dr. Liz
https://coachdrliz.com

✨ Book Momentum Session
If you've been saying, "Someday I'll write a book," let's find out what's standing in your way.
In a complimentary Book Momentum Session, we'll explore your ideas, experiences, content, and goals to uncover the book that's already taking shape—and the next step to get it moving.
👉 https://tidycal.com/lescapps1/wheres-the-book

Be sure to subscribe for more conversations with women who are using their stories, expertise, and experiences to create meaningful impact in the world.

Chapters
00:00 – Meet Dr. Liz DuBois Erskine
02:20 – Visibility and leadership
05:00 – Why women stay small
07:00 – Hustle culture and self-worth
10:00 – The American work story
13:15 – Women's roles and identity
17:15 – Choosing a new story
21:20 – Women's mental health
24:00 – Burnout and finding support
26:00 – Your relationship with money
29:00 – Final thoughts

#powerfulonpurposepodcast #leadership #burnoutrecovery #womeninbusiness #moneymindset

What if the biggest obstacle to growing your business isn't your sales strategy—it's your confidence?

In this episode of Powerful on Purpose, Leslie Capps sits down with Jean Wright, sales confidence expert, speaker, and author, to explore how women entrepreneurs can overcome the fear of selling, build authentic sales confidence, and create genuine customer relationships that grow their businesses. If you've ever worried about sounding "salesy," struggled with sales conversations, or hesitated to promote your services, this episode will help you rethink what it means to sell with confidence and integrity.

Jean shares how our beliefs about sales are often come from past experiences and why authentic selling is about building trust, solving problems, and creating lasting relationships—not using pressure or pushy sales tactics. From selling Girl Scout cookies as a child to coaching women entrepreneurs today, Jean explains why people buy from people they know, like, and trust, and how confidence is often the missing ingredient in successful sales.

Whether you're a coach, consultant, author, speaker, or business owner, this conversation will help you develop a healthier sales mindset, communicate your value with confidence, and stop apologizing for sharing what you have to offer.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Why so many women struggle with sales confidence
✅ How to stop worrying about sounding "salesy"
✅ Why authentic selling creates stronger customer relationships
✅ How your mindset impacts every sales conversation
✅ Why trust is more powerful than the perfect sales script
✅ Why customer service begins after the sale

✨ Jean's Free Gift
Change your mindset about the word "salesy" into a positive affirmation by using your ideal personal traits to sell authentically.
https://jeansellsconfidence.com/coaching-moment


If you've been saying, "Someday I'll write a book," let's find out what's standing in your way.

In a complimentary Book Momentum Session, we'll explore your ideas, experiences, content, and goals to uncover the book that's already taking shape—and the next step to finally get it moving.

Schedule here: https://tidycal.com/lescapps1/wheres-the-book

Be sure to subscribe for more conversations with women who are using their stories, expertise, and experiences to create meaningful impact in the world.

Chapters
00:00 – Meet Jean Wright
01:15 – Why selling feels uncomfortable
03:45 – From Girl Scout cookies to sales
06:45 – Why people buy from you
09:30 – Rethinking the word "salesy"
12:30 – Selling with authenticity
15:45 – Building trust through relationships
19:00 – Why customer service matters
22:45 – Jean's free coaching moment
24:45 – Final thoughts

#powerfulonpurposepodcast #salesconfidence #womeninbusiness #authenticselling #entrepreneurmindset