Episode 135: Connor DeLaney & Endless Customers: A Proven SystemTo Build Trust, Drive Sales, and Become The Market Leader by Marcus Sheridan

ABOUT CONNOR

An innovator at heart, Connor is always bringing new ideas to the table and challenging the norm to find better solutions for both the teams and communities he is a part of. If you ask him, he combines his passions for education and marketing to empower others to meet their business and revenue goals and loves building unforgettable experiences through ground-breaking industry events and engaged, passionate communities. In his free time, you will find Connor watching the Yankees game, reading a new book, or out on a hiking trail on his next adventure!

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• Understanding what IMPACT does.

• Buyers, trust, and education.

• The ever-evolving relationship of customers to business.

• The role of AI in sales.

• ",...we're in the business of, which is more frankly, in the business of trust and education in, in giving buyers more control of the buying experience than we ever have before."

• "...the ones that do the best work are the ones that say, look, I'm not just here to get a paycheck. I'm here to help someone become successful."

• The problem with keeping score.

• The power, thinking, and ideas behind good feedback.

• "I'm someone who people trust."

• The need for difficult conversations.

• What "balancing" life and work might really look like?

• The Four Pillars of a known and trusted brand.

• How Endless Customers can be applied to leadership.

• Overcomplicating what works.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Connor is, How are you taking the time to intentionally understand what you offer others, to then allow them to find you and trust you?

FIND CONNOR

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-delaney/
• Website: impactplus.com/team/connor-delaney
• IMPACT LIVE EVENT - Hartford, CT: https://www.impactplus.com/impact-live/2025/hartford

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-135-connor-delaney-endless-customers-proven-john-m--f8f9e/?trackingId=jaKpxiRlQgW1NmjHfPAkLw%3D%3D

CHAPTERS - FINALIZE

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Connor DeLaney

01:04 - Introduction & Bio

04:17 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

08:23 - The evolution of AI since my last conversation with Connor.

13:36 - Why customer trust is so low.

19:25 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

23:49 - Where Connor's values for his customers come from.

26:56 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

29:55 - What is your super power?

33:29 - Connor's approach to feedback.

38:45 - What does leadership mean to you?

47:46 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

49:28 - A breakdown of the 4 Pillars of a known and trusted brand.

57:03 - Takeaways from the book for leadership development

59:11 - Connor's contribution to the book.

1:00:55 - Book recommendations by Connor

01:05:12 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 134: Debra Buhring Llapaj (pen name: Sophia Elan) & Her Book, Sicilian Seductions, a Mediterranean Love Affair

ABOUT SOPHIA

Sophia is a former corporate lawyer turned wellness advocate and multi-genre author, is on a mission to inspire and empower others to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. After conquering complex PTSD, she centered her life around passion, purpose, and pleasure. A passionate advocate of self-care and Mediterranean living, she shares her insights and journey through her writing and Mediterranean Me lifestyle brand. Sophia has authored over a dozen books, including an uplifting memoir, a holistic wellness “KISS” (keep it simple, sweetheart) collection, and a multi-part Mediterranean-based Happily Ever Now series, inspired by her life. She is a HeartMath® Certified Coach and is creating a non-profit, GiGi’s Angels, to raise awareness for mental health and cardiovascular health. Most recently from Napa, California, Sophia, a frequent contributor to International Living, has lived throughout the Mediterranean for the last two decades. She encourages us all to embrace life with a curious spirit and an open heart.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• The meaning of KISS.

• Examples of the ravages of chronic stress.

• Writing to undo repression.

• "Happiness loves company."

• "...enhance your holistic wealth."

• "Hugs not drugs."

• The cyclical patterns of relationships we live.

• The programming we endure in childhood.

• "...until you get to that point where you're helping somebody manage their bodies, their emotions, their minds, and not just pumping them with information, you're just creating little soldiers to send out into the world."

• "I think we tend to complicate things by trying to oversimplify things."

• "...that my husband trying to kill me is what actually catapulted me to truly living an authentic life."

• "Don't blame the clowns for being clowns. Ask why you keep going to the circus."

• Living a life like Pinocchio.

• "...our brains are wired to where we like the familiar, even if it's familiar misery, familiar hell."

• Better vs. Bitter.

• Nature as Vitamin N.

• The power of community.

• Embrace the magic that happens with uncertainty.

• Loneliness

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Sophia is, Where do you feel at home so that you can be truly and authentically yourself?

FIND SOPHIA

• Website: www.mediterraneanme.org
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mediterraneanme
• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/mediterraneanme52
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewellnessangel

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-134-debra-buhring-llapaj-her-book-sicilian-john-m--prxge/?trackingId=6MQcg4T5ThqapjXrjpXVLw%3D%3D

CHAPTERS - FINALIZE

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Sophia Elan

00:59- Introduction & Bio

02:09 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

22:10- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

26:17 - The story of Sophia's PTSD.

28:03 - The power of trauma in someone's story.

52:36 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

55:49 - What is your super power?

58:47 - What does leadership mean to you?

59:28 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

01:00:59 - Sophia's love for the Mediterranean and Türkiye

01:15:05 - What lessons do you hope readers take away from your novel?

01:20:05 - What book has inspired you?

01:23:24- What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's LeadershipLessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 133: Laura Darrell & Her Book, The Great Resignation: How Coaching and Appreciative Leadership Can Help You Win the War for Talent

ABOUT LAURA

Laura Darrell is a top-selling leadership author and guest speaker passionate about franchisee/franchisor success, organizational health, and leadership development. She has twenty-five years of people, team, and departmental leadership experience with some of Canada and the world's most iconic brands. She holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Royal Roads University with thesis research focused on how enhanced collaboration between multidisciplinary key stakeholders can lead to better business outcomes for both.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• The parallels between organizations and communities.

• Damaged trust -- especially if left unchecked.

• The role of adaptive leadership.

• The role of fear in division.

• The lessons used in and taken from backpacking through Europe.

• The immigrant mindset and mentality.

• The power and effect of negative leadership.

• How do you awaken someone to who they can be based on who they are?

• The risks of not acknowledging employee and worker needs.

• "Don't compare, don't complain, and don't criticize."

• The lessons we continue to learn after the passing of our parents.

• The perception of Mexico vs. the reality.

• The new place of play.

• "You don't need anybody to give you permission to do anything."

• A breakdown of the Top 5 Problems organization encounter.

• Awareness of a plan vs. working to change it.

• The four o'clock leadership test.

• The ripple effect of leadership toxicity.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Laura is, What are you REALLY creating for those you lead?

FIND LAURA

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauravik/
• Book Website: thegreatresignationtoolkit.com
• Website: www.lauradarrellleadership.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083941399388

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-133-laura-darrell-her-book-great-resignation-john-m--ztvte/?trackingId=NQNZQu0dSiStI9j19WbeyQ%3D%3D

CHAPTERS - FINALIZE

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Laura Darrell

00:54 - Introduction & Bio

03:05 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

16:09 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

28:12 - The source of Laura's appreciation of other cultures.

33:15 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

44:06 - What do you consider your super power?

54:23 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

58:43 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?

01:02:06 - The 5 Major things companies need to take into consideration when it comes to their employees.

01:04:21 - How companies seem to be doing now since The Great Resignation during COVID-19.

01:10:04 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?

01:14:33 - How leadership impacts employees outside of work.

01:17:47 - What book has inspired you?

01:19:50 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's LeadershipLessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 132: Dr. Bridget Cooper & Her Book, The Book: How To Navigate Clocksuckers and Live a Happy Abundant Life

ABOUT BRIDGET

Dr. B a cage rattler who helps teams and leaders think and communicate more clearly and strategically so they can work and navigate problems proactively and effectively. She works with clients to overcome the attitudes, tactics, and patterns that derail their success through coaching, corporate consulting, and leading workshops that guide and inspire people to live more authentic, peaceful, and powerful lives. TEDx speaker and best-selling author of seven books on communication, conflict, change, and empowerment (including the 2023 toolkit, “Unflappable”), her mission is to change the world, one life at a time. Dr. B volunteers for Junior Achievement, Lasagna Love, The Miss America Organization, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and various other charities near and dear to her heart.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• Problem solver vs. problem identifier.

• People getting stuck in the wrong stories.

• Why B calls herself Goldilocks.

• "I didn't allow the amount of the fear to stop me from recreating myself."

• The 3 questions to work toward answering at the end of life to live the best life today.

• "...watching my parents suffer to exist..."

• The laboratory of life.

• The power of micro-moments.

• "I think in some ways it has challenged me to become a better version of myself in a lot of ways."

• Being a duck on a pond.

• "Awareness equals choice and choice equals power."

• The power of the Otter.

• Right here, right now.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Bridget is, How are you regularly reviewing the contracts you have in life and work, making sure they still work with who you are, your energy, and what you want?

FIND BRIDGET

• Website: www.drbridgetcooper.com

• Email: [email protected]
• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bridget-Cooper/author/B00LXT7R26?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
• YouTube - TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtsAuqu-TxI&ab_channel=TEDxTalks
• Instagram: @drbridgetcooper
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBridgetCooper/ & https://www.facebook.com/bridget.cannoncooper

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-132-dr-bridget-cooper-her-book-how-navigate-john-m--dy82e/?trackingId=Hp7CzJFiTl2oy3wXkWQcIQ%3D%3D

CHAPTERS - FINALIZE

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Dr. Bridget Cooper

00:60 - Introduction & Bio

03:02- Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

05:45 - The evolution of things since COVID.

08:23 - How B has changed over the course of our conversations.

13:03 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? (Including the "3 Questions")

19:01 - How B came up with the 3 Questions.

24:25 - B recaps her car accident and how it's changed her life.

35:28 - The driving force between B's study of psychiatry.

39:54 - What do you consider your super power?

41:05 - What does leadership mean to you?

43:49 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

49:53 - B's daughter's reasoning in suggesting the book title and topic.

52:15 - Exercise examples from B's books.

55:01 - Example of the many people from B's daughters life who contributed messages to The Book.

01:01:52 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?

01:08:17 - What do you hope people take away from The Book?

01:11:37 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 131: Judi Neal & Her Books, (1) Edgewalkers: People and Organizations That Take Risks, Build Bridges, and Break New Ground; and (2) Creating Enlightened Organizations: Four Gateways to Spirit at Work

ABOUT JUDI

Judi Neal is an author, scholar, and consultant. Her focus is workplace spirituality and on personal and organizational transformation. After receiving her Ph.D. from Yale University, she served as an internal consultant to Honeywell. Judi taught management at the University of New Haven and then became the director of the Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace at the University of Arkansas. Author of ten books on workplace spirituality and transformation, she is the President of Edgewalkers International and Executive Director of the Global Consciousness Institute.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• The value of spirituality.

• Spirituality's two primary directions -- vertical connection and horizontal connection.

• The 5 Archetypes of Change

• Walking and building bridges between worlds.

• The power of trauma and disruption to trigger one's edgewalking.

• "I can't be tamed."

• What turns an organization into a dinosaur.

• How leaders can own their edgewalkerness.

• Rigor Mortis of life.

• What music and accounting have in common.

• The trauma of being a whistleblower.

• Spiritual DNA

• The power of music in Judi moving beyond her painful shyness and agoraphobia.

• "It's like they spoke me into more fullness of who I am."

• We need models in courage and curiosity.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Judi is, How are you walking the edge between what it is that you have and what it is you want? What are the worlds you walk between and can bridge for others?

FIND JUDI

• Edgewalkers Website: www.edgewalkers.org
• Global Consciousness Institute Website: https://www.gci.earth/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judi-neal-99a1027/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judineal

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-131-judi-neal-her-books-1-edgewalkers-2-jaramillo-mba-msop-ftmje/?trackingId=yhwrSKZtRc61grVzoAPRrA%3D%3D

CHAPTERS - FINALIZE

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Eric Hamilton

00:54 - Introduction & Bio

03:43 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

06:27 - How Judi defines spirituality.

12:16 - The meaning of "Edgewalker."

17:16 - Where does someone's ability to edgewalk come from?

29:37 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

38:22 - How Judi's ideas on spirituality and edgewalking developed.

49:09 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

51:50 - How Judi shifted beyond her painful shyness and agoraphobia?

58:57 - What do you consider your super power?

01:07:05 - What does leadership mean to you?

01:07:58 - Judi breaks down Edgewalkers: People and Organizations That Take Risks, Build Bridges, and Break New Ground.

01:15:09 - Judi breaks down Creating Enlightened Organizations: Four Gateways to Spirit at Work

01:19:08 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book? (The 5 Archetypes of Change)

01:25:52 - What’s next for your writing?

01:30:07 - What book has inspired you?

01:31:56 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations. Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 130: Refugio A. Atilano & His Book, The Latino Leadership Playbook: A Toolkit of Insight to Accelerate Your Impact in the Workplace

ABOUT REF

Ref Atilano is 2nd-gen Mexican and native Chicagoan. He’s a first-generation graduate and business leader with vast experience working in many corporate environments for Fortune 500 companies. He is a senior business leader for the world’s third largest global pharmaceutical company and is currently the Director, Cultural Competency, where he helps connect with under-served communities. Ref’s passion is advancing the leadership representation of the Latino community. He is the Global Chair of the award winning AHORA Latino ERG, is a DEI Champion, Author of The Latino Leadership Playbook, and creator of the top-tier Latino-centric development program, The Latino Leadership Club. Ref is an influencer for the Latino professional community and uses his network to help drive the collective leadership development of the Latino everywhere.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• How tearing his Achilles heel lead to now.
• Diversifying your presence and value across your organization.
• How we (Latinos) operate is part of our culture.
• Undoing "Yes" person programming.
• Generational changes in parenting.
• "If they can get by me, they can get by anybody."
• What it is that makes business a magical place to be.
• Working hard vs. working smart.
• You as the project manager of your development.
• Bringing emotion into professional writing.
• The power of Jackie Robinson and the number 42.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Refugio is, Who is the person who pointed out to you how much further you can go? Who are you that person for?

FIND REF

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/refugio-a-atilano-00837912/

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-130-refugio-atilano-his-book-latino-playbook-john-m--xq7xe/?trackingId=3Il9xUPmQ1ujFCTuY9tBSw%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Refugio Atilano

00:50- Introduction & Bio

02:40- Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

04:23- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

08:46- Where Ref picked up his communication and collaboration skills.

15:40- How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

17:28- What do you consider your super power?

18:26 - What does leadership mean to you?

19:53 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

23:18 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?

26:56 - Is there a certain part of the book that resonates most with people?

32:52 - The power of people being made aware of the power they hold.

37:19 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?

39:53 - The power or writing.

47:33 - What’s next for your writing?

53:53 - What book has inspired you?

55:12 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 129: Jennifer Wilson & Her Book The Heart of Homestay: Creating Meaningful Connections When Hosting International Students

ABOUT JENNIFER

Jennifer Wilson is an author, certified leadership coach, and business consultant. After a 17-year career with her family’s business, The Canada Homestay Network (CHN), she now chairs their Board of Directors. At CHN, Jennifer worked in HR, Technology and leadership roles, and served as CEO for 12 years. Prior to CHN, she practiced as a Registered Midwife in Manitoba and British Columbia. Jennifer is a certified Kolbe Consultant and is trained in crisis intervention and compassion fatigue. She holds an MBA in leadership and an MFA in creative nonfiction. Her book, The Heart of Homestay: Creating Meaningful Connections When Hosting International Students is an essential resource for any host family—both new and experienced—complete with practical tools and expert advice.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• How families who host international students are leaders.

• Jennifer as sailing instructor, midwife, CEO.

• Experiencing burnout as a leader.

• Coaching in the role of CEO

• The power of teaching, instruction, and guidance in leadership.

• How we evolve as leaders.

• The impact of COVID-19 on Jennifer's leadership

• The divisive topic that is servant leadership.

• Plotters vs. Pantsers

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Jennifer is, How are you continuing to learn and evolve in order to meet the moment when it's required?

FIND JENNIFER

• Website: www.jenniferrobinwilson.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferrobinwilson

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/JenniferRobinWilson

• IG: https://instagram.com/JenniferRobinWilson

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-129-jennifer-wilson-her-book-heart-homestay-john-m--5ih3e/?trackingId=O6bzJ8VMT1e9AEDN%2B%2BbIEA%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Lead - Jennifer Wilson

00:51 - Introduction & Bio

01:47 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

06:47 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

10:30- What the business of homestay is and looks like.

13:02- Jennifer's own evolution as a leader and what lead her to coaching.

17:31- How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

19:48 - Where Jennifer's desire to help others -- in teach, leading, coaching, and writing -- comes from.

21:37 - What is your super power?

22:52 - What does leadership mean to you?

26:01 - Jennifer's evolving take on leadership.

29:45 - The divisiveness found surrounding servant leadership.

33:42 - Jennifer's leadership evolution during COVID-19.

36:11 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

38:10 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?

51:13 - Takeaways for the reader.

54:15 - What book has inspired you?

56:05- What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• My Masterclass In Humanity: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7150200326447382528/
• YouTube Page: https://lnkd.in/ey_KTZe
• Spotify: https://lnkd.in/etCRYyc
• Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/dxRSTXZX
• The Book Leads - Blog Post: https://lnkd.in/eFb76ck

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 128: Jeanne Omlor - 7 figure Coach for Coaches and Consultants & Antifragile: Things That Gain From Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

"I'm mission driven so I just really emotionally connected to helping people to thrive and that's one of my larger massive transformative purposes on this earth..."

ABOUT JEANNE

Jeanne Omlor is a Business Strategist, multi 7-Figure Online Business Coach, and Certified Servant Leadership Executive Coach. At 54 years old she was a solo parent in deep debt and got herself online and to $1M in 17 months, without ads, and has since scaled to multi-millions in 5 years. Her company has helped almost 500 businesses to thrive online. She is emotionally connected to helping others prosper, as she lived in lack for years and overcame that mindset. She is now helping as many people as she can to maximize profits and reach their full potential while being the visionary they're destined to be.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• When business owners lose heart.

• Eliminating the word "try" from your vocabulary and mentality.

• The power of real partnership in coaching and business.

• Business-client communication is a two-way street.

• "...everything that we go through, we're either going to develop from it, or we're going to get bitter from it, or we're going to get stuck in a pattern from it, or we're going to grow from it."

• Life as an adventure.

• The romanticism of a frugal, artistic life.

• The primary intelligence of human beings -- adaptation.

• Actors and Psychology.

• "And I thought, I'm just going to do this. I'm not going to give up. I'm not going to say this is hard. It's the only way forward now. And I knew that it was a gift. I know an opportunity when I see it."

• The "No flies on me" idiom.

• "I'm kind of bossy."

• The value of messy action.

• "Getting your ducks in a row is the worst thing you could possibly do ever."

• The experimentation and the "series of tests" that is business -- and life, for that matter.

• "Why would I want to be in your movie?"

• As it pertains to anti-fragility, the value in being triggered.

• The danger in using the word "trauma" in the wrong way.

• "There's no such thing as a comfort zone." -- paralysis by lack of analysis.

• The power of religion to shape who we are.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Jeanne is, How are you taking what has challenged you the most and made yourself better?

FIND JEANNE

• Website: https://jeanneomlor.com/reviews/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanneomlor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanneomlor/
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-wealth-impact/id1723749967

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-128-jeanne-omlor-antifragile-things-gain-from-john-m--4bjze/?trackingId=xmeL6E3URDuyEpKe0ehU3Q%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Jeanne Omlor

00:56 - Introduction & Bio

01:44 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

03:29 - How Jeanne developed her business philosophy for serving the client.

11:07 - The power of Unreasonable Hospitality

19:50 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

32:51 - Jeanne on her creative and artistic nature.

40:14 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

44:30 - What do you consider your super power?

54:56 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

59:52 - The need for anti-fragility in society today.

01:12:11 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 127: Mimi Gonzalez & The Creative Act: A Way Of Being by Rick Rubin

ABOUT MIMI

Mimi Gonzalez is the founder and podcast host of griefsense, a platform and community exploring grief, mental health, and social impact. She’s a LinkedIn creator, speaker, and community builder based in Hartford, CT, passionate about storytelling that centers community care, identity, and rewriting the narrative for future generations.

Mimi created griefsense after losing 36 loved ones, building the spaces she wished existed. In addition to podcasting, she supports first-generation college students and partners with brands and workplaces on responsible marketing, mental health and well-being, and Gen Z inclusion.

She’s regularly invited to speak to organizations on building inclusive, supportive cultures.

Mimi is a 3x alum of the University of Hartford and serves on the Board of Hillyer College. Her work has been featured in NOW THIS, Success Magazine, SHRM, The Atlantic, LinkedIn News and more.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• "...we are all humans having a human experience. Like for us to only talk about one dimension of our lives when we are multidimensional beings, I mean, it's just myopic..."
• Being radically present.
• The State of Flow.
• Making your own rules means breaking someone else's.
• Organizational Psychology - a catalyst for doing it all.
• The impact of Scott Haney.
• Channeling pain into being radically happy, present, and creating.
• Having to be a parent for yourself.
• The power of side quests.
• Being a Manifesting Generator.
• The power of creator hindsight.
• "We live on a floating rock in space!"
• The power of detachment.
• The magic in being sensitive.
• Being a recovering people-pleaser.
• The power of your breakout rooms, workshops, and keynotes.
• How can you tune into your inner frequency?

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Mimi is, Are you living the life you want, or wasting it? Do you know what it is you really want (and need) to do deep down inside, or are you still playing by someone else's rules?

FIND MIMI

• Website: https://mimigonzalez.komi.io
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimi-gonzalez/
• beehiiv: https://griefsense.beehiiv.com/ 

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-127-mimi-gonzalez-creative-act-way-being-rick-john-m--j8ise/?trackingId=IuiG0xxtR%2ByL27uV42r2zQ%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Mimi Gonzalez

00:45- Introduction & Bio

06:05- Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

11:51- Mimi and the feeling of Flow

22:26 - Mimi on her podcast, griefsense

25:20 - Mimi on self-care after so much loss

26:57 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

31:57 - What do you consider your super power?

34:45 - Mimi's discoveries through Human Design

36:37 - Mimi's definition of griefsense

45:36 - The power of detachment

48:52 - What does leadership mean to you?

49:41 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

52:42- Can you provide a general overview of the book? / A breakdown of the chapters in the book.

01:20:06 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 126: Camille Malicdem & Her Book, This is What Doubt Looks Like

ABOUT CAMILLE

Camille is a Communication Arts graduate with love for music and movies. She attended De La Salle University-Manila where her hobby for writing grew. Later, she joined public relations as an Account Manager for Ogilvy PR, supporting major brands like SONY and Facebook. Today, Camille keeps up with two daughters and a husband in the US Army. In her spare time, she enjoys being alone, reading in the bookstore, and sharing her silly but inspiring stories over and over. Camille was born and raised in California.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

• The need to regularly find something you love.

• Parenting and cross-generation comparisons.

• Where does the shouting of what's taking place inside of you happen?

• How parenting can be an experience that's both a blessing and where you can lose who you are.

• Being down with doubt but standing back up.

• Bonding over our stories no matter how different they may be.

• "If you live by the cheers, you will die by the boos."

• Finding the balance of showing who we are while taming ourselves.

• What helps you gain perspective on and let go of old fears.

•Doing the work and earning your leadership.

• How our work today can inform and guide our children in the future.

• "...It doesn't make sense you keep calling yourself an amateur."

• Hope, humility, humanity.

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Camille is, How do you experience but not wallow in doubt?

FIND CAMILLE

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camille-malicdem-9a480b14a/

• Twitter: camillebwrites or https://x.com/camillebwrites?s=21

• My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camille-malicdem-9a480b14a/

• Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/49enrhR

• Book on Barnes and Noble Online: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-is-what-doubt-looks-like-camille-barrios/1143600232

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-125-camille-malicdem-her-book-what-doubt-like-john-m--7dk5e/?trackingId=p18R%2FDEuHjhxSMgv7yBBtQ%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Camille Barrios

01:04- Introduction & Bio

03:56- Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

16:38- How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

43:32- How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

49:30- Camille on Journaling

53:02- What do you consider your super power?

56:52- What does leadership mean to you?

01:05:43- Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

01:16:51- Can you provide a general overview of the book?

01:21:11- What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?

01:22:52- What Camille hopes people take away from her book?

01:27:00 - What’s next for your writing?

01:35:35- What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.

Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:

• Watch on YouTube

• Listen on Spotify

• Listen on Apple Podcasts

• Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!