Episode 111: Alexandra Dotcheva & Her Book, It Really Is Simple: A Holistic Approach to Self-Confidence -- A Practical Guide

ABOUT ALEXANDRA

Born into a musicians’ family in Bulgaria, Alexandra came to the United States as a graduate student in 2000 and earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance from Louisiana State University in 2007. In 2008, prompted by the financial crisis, she decided to pursue a career in nursing and has been practicing as an RN since 2011, with a strong passion for educating patients on acquiring optimal health. Her experience includes ICU, orthopedic trauma, and home care. In 2014, she began her investing career with a focus on rental real estate and, later on, options trading. She is the owner of three real estate businesses and a holistic coaching business. Alexandra’s passion for health, martial arts, fitness, and financial independence, as well as her experience with the challenges of cultural integration prompted her to write the book, It Really Is Simple: A Holistic Approach to Self- Confidence, in which she shares her path to success in an effort to motivate readers to embrace change and pursue their dreams, in spite of fear and insecurity.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Alexandra is, Are you taking proactive steps to freedom by overcoming your insecurities and lack of confidence?

FIND ALEXANDRA

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-111-alexandra-dotcheva-her-book-really-simple-john-m--hwcqf/?trackingId=%2F0R7cc5JSN%2B4grDc79iEOA%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Alexandra Dotcheva

00:57 - Introduction & Bio

02:26 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

13:17 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

23:38 - Alexandra's journey in Martial Arts.

26:36 - Alexandra's journey into confidence.

28:48 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

36:17 - What does leadership mean to you?

38:14 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

47:19 - Can you provide a general overview of the book

51:41 - Alexandra on spirituality.

55:58 - What lessons have you taken away from the book?

58:26 - What’s next for your writing?

01:09:02 - What book has inspired you?

01:11:28 - 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.

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

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last

Episode 110: Aaliyah Miller & Her Screenplay, I Am: Muslim/American

ABOUT AALIYAH

Aaliyah is a storyteller and uses words as her superpower to help drive change for individuals and organizations. She wrote the script “I Am: Muslim/American” for Long Wharf Theatre’s New Haven Play Project. The film was a multimedia project funded by the Doris Duke Foundation to foster connections between Muslim and non-Muslim community members. The film is an official selection of the New York Lift-Off Film Festival, the ‘Pulling Focus’ African American Film Festival of the Quad Cities, and the International Black and Diversity Film Festival. The film has also received recognition awards from the Global Accolade Film Competition for the following film categories: African American Filmmaker, Islamic Filmmaker, Women Filmmaker, Women Theme.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Aaliyah is, How do you invite others to understand who you are, not letting stereotypes and misinterpretations dictate the narrative for you?

FIND AALIYAH & OTHER RESOURCES

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-110-aaliyah-miller-her-screenplay-i-am-jaramillo-mba-msop-e46jf/?trackingId=QUH61ho0Rv%2Brarom9VelUA%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Aaliyah Miller

00:53 - Introduction & Bio

03:57 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

05:52 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

24:19 - The kind of work Aaliyah was doing while working on her writing career.

44:51 - Where Aaliyah's desire to help others comes from.

48:38 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

56:57 - What does leadership mean to you?

01:02:31 - Can you introduce us to the screenplay

01:06:19 - Can you provide a general overview of the screenplay's format?

01:26:41 - What did this project change in you?

01:34:13 - What’s next for your writing?

01:37:34 - What book has inspired you?

01:39:21 - What do you want people to take away from the film?

01:40:41 - 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:

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

Episode 109: ⁠⁠Ernest Ellender, PhD ⁠⁠& (a) His Book, ⁠⁠This Is How We Heal from Painful Childhoods: A Practical Guide for Healing Past Intergenerational Stress and Trauma⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠(b) Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington

ABOUT ERNEST

Ernest Ellender worked in the fields of psychology, life coaching, and martial arts for over 25 years before authoring his first book entitled “This Is How We Heal from Painful Childhoods: A Practical Guide for Healing Past Intergenerational Stress and Trauma.” His advanced martial arts training combined with his doctorate in clinical psychology to produce his effective skills-building curriculum for healing past childhood traumas and family dysfunction. Ernest was raised in Louisiana's Cajun communities that celebrate family life and a close connection to nature, and he spends his free time enjoying the wonderful Cajun cuisine, marshlands, beaches, and local microbreweries of south Louisiana with his family and friends.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Ernest is, What does your intentional

FIND ERNEST

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-109-ernest-ellender-phd-his-book-how-we-heal-john-m--iibdf/?trackingId=mbJaytKBQ7aLHNjQMO0UXg%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast

00:53 - Introduction & Bio - Ernest Ellender

02:27 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

05:57 - Ernest's life coaching specialization.

07:48 - The connection between martial arts and psychology. (More at 39:00)

10:42 - What "respectful aggression" means.

16:53 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

26:45 - What draws Ernest to the field of trauma and family dysfunction.

41:12 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

43:34 - What does leadership mean to you?

45:05 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

45:47 - Can you provide a general overview of the book (Ernest's Book)?

47:34  - What made Ernest write his book.

50:20 - An overview and breakdown of the chapters in the book.

01:18:43 - What evolved in you in the process of writing the book?

01:28:45 - What’s next for your writing?

01:30:16 - An overview of Booker T. Washington's book and why Ernest chose to discuss that book as well.

01:46:13 - The lessons readers can take from Booker T. Washington's book.

01:57:03 - 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:

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

Episode 108: H. Jackson Calame & 5 Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni

ABOUT JACKSON

Jackson teaches visionary entrepreneurs how to unlock sustainable revenue growth and expand their legacy by becoming a Power Brand in their market. 96% of businesses fail within the first 10 years. Jackson teaches businesses, not only how to avoid failure, but how to win, by becoming a true leader in their market. Having worked in, launched, and scaled several successful startups in the b2b industry & SaaS space, servicing thousands of SMBs, Jackson has seen firsthand that even the best operators struggle and often fail. The problem begins with poorly managed growth, due to establishing a weak foundation, which inevitably leads to collapse. Jackson and his teams prepare business owners and executives to bridge their growth gaps. Collectively, we often fill the roles of COO, CMO, or CEO during this transformative process. Your key to success as growth occurs and operations shift, will require that you evolve. Developing an incredible culture, built around a clear vision dedicated to customer satisfaction, must be the focal point of a company's mission in order to ultimately thrive. Most operators think they are prepared for this. The truth is, you aren't. Personal growth will be necessary. Personnel shifts will occur. And in order for everyone to win, a business can only afford to have leaders who pull their own weight, who add value to the mission, not anchors who will hold you back.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Jackson is, What lessons are you taking from your past trials and tribulations to instead create value and empowerment for yourself and others moving forward?

FIND JACKSON

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-108-h-jackson-calame-5-dysfunctions-team-john-m--1cxse/?trackingId=j2xySK0LS%2FCHmh8%2BIaJOIg%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Jackson Calame

00:53 - Introduction & Bio

03:06 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

07:10 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

21:40 - Jackson speaks on his faith.

32:29 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

45:59 - What does leadership mean to you?

53:17 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

55:49 - What 5 Dysfunctions Of A Team means to Jackson's company including a poster designed to summarize its points.

01:17:56 - How Jackson would pitch the book's lessons to someone.

01:18:46 - What’s in store for your own writing?

01:26:12 - 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.

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

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last

Episode 107: James Hipkin & His Book, Journey to Success: Digital Marketing for Small Business Owners

ABOUT JAMES

Over a 40-year career, James has worked in marketing and advertising at a high level. Since 2010, he has built his clients’ businesses with digital marketing. James is an accomplished, forward-thinking marketing professional. His clients included Sprint, Apple, Wells Fargo online bank, Nestlé, and Toyota. They appreciate his practical, no-nonsense approach. He has the scars and many stories to share. His stories are always valuable and entertaining. His humor and infectious good-natured approach to marketing are fun and practical. But he never loses track of what’s important. Marketing, done well, creates value for customers and the business.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with James is, Whether in your leadership or marketing, how are you stepping away from the message you want to share to ensure you're conveying it in the most thoughtful and intentional manner?

FIND JAMES

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-107-james-hipkin-his-book-journey-success-john-m--obfre/?trackingId=%2BdJGLVSWQwOwfCcGiNvJ9g%3D%3D

VIDEO TIME STAMP

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – James Hipkin

00:55 - Introduction & Bio

01:56 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

05:46 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

07:55 - Geddy Lee's wisdom that helped shape James' path.

12:43 - James' pivot from musical promotion to advertising.

25:03 - James and his passion for music.

33:53 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

36:10 - What does leadership mean to you?

46:14 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

48:58 - What made James want to write the book.

50:51 - Where James' practice of patience and respect comes from.

56:21 - Can you provide a general overview of the book

01:01:13 - What lessons have you taken away from the book?

01:02:38 - What’s next for your writing?

01:06:11 - What book has inspired you?

01:09:30 - 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:

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

Episode 106: Cameron Nathan Singh & His Book, Navigation and Discovery: A Path of Navigating and Discovering Through Your Journey of Faith

ABOUT CAMERON

Cameron Nathan Singh was born and raised in San Bruno, California. Cameron primarily works in the business aviation industry and has such a dire passion for leadership and making an impact on the younger generations. Over the last decade, Cameron has had the privilege of moving up the ladder very quickly within the aviation industry throughout his 20s living in New Jersey, Southern California, Chicago, and the beautiful Caribbean twin island of Antigua and Barbuda. Cameron has a Doctorate of Executive Leadership from the University of Charleston and now resides in Northern Colorado. He is the host and co-host of several podcasts and a John Maxwell certified coach, speaker, and trainer.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Cameron is, How are you stepping back from your own life to assess it, learn about it, and share it (and its lessons) with others?

FIND CAMERON

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-106-cameron-nathan-singh-his-book-navigation-john-m--rlk4f/?trackingId=XirQqFrZTyGoYO8SkeeiLw%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Cameron Singh

00:43 - Introduction & Bio

02:15 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

04:24 - The business of people / Management vs. Leadership

08:12 - Impact of COVID-19 on workplace culture

10:55 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

15:58 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

22:10 - What does leadership mean to you?

24:35 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

29:36 - Cameron's realization of the power of faith in his life.

35:00 - The focus on the younger generation.

42:45 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?

46:59 - What lessons have you taken away from the book?

51:39 - What’s next for your writing?

55:19 - What book has inspired you?

56:37 - 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:

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

Episode 105: Massimo Backus & His Book, Human First, Leader Second: How Self-Compassion Outperforms Self-Criticism

ABOUT MASSIMO

Massimo has dedicated his career to empowering leaders with a powerful reminder: You are enough. His journey began amidst personal battles with perfectionism and a harsh inner critic fueled by the challenges of dyslexia. These struggles ultimately guided him towards finding and teaching self-compassion. As an executive coach, speaker, and facilitator, Massimo has revolutionized the leadership styles of thousands across prestigious companies like Amazon, Nintendo, Fox Entertainment, and Sony. His coaching approach is straightforward and impactful, tailored for open-minded and committed senior leaders who are serious about change.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Massimo is, In the face of your past adversities, and even traumas, how are you utilizing self-compassion and self-love to move forward?

FIND MASSIMO

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-105-massimo-backus-his-book-human-first-how-john-m--b1cne/?trackingId=VM7SdMe6SXOzeo0tY9NDfw%3D%3D

CHAPTERS

00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast – Massimo Backus

00:51 - Introduction & Bio

02:04 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

04:55 - How the human aspect of Massimo's work evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic.

21:31 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

32:16 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

36:21 - What does leadership mean to you?

39:08 - What Self-Compassion means in Massimo's work.

47:36 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

52:56 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?

57:01 - A breakdown of the chapters in the book.

01:06:33 - What lessons have you taken away from the book?

01:09:32 - What book has inspired you?

01:12:14 - 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:

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

Episode 104: Oksana Yusupova & Limitless: Upgrade

ABOUT OKSANA

With over two decades of experience since beginning my career in 2001, I am dedicated to understanding and helping others navigate their emotions. As a psychotherapist, I specialize in Emotion-Focused Therapy, working with children, families, and adults. My areas of expertise include treating emotional trauma, behavioral and social issues, anxiety, depression, and life challenges.  I hold a Master's degree in Psychology and offer a range of psychotherapy services (individual, family, couple). In addition to one-on-one sessions, I lead workshops, events, and courses on emotions and emotional intelligence for schools, universities, and organizations. I am also a content creator and speaker. You can find my YouTube channel, "Focus On Emotions," and hear me as a guest speaker on Spotify. As an author, I have written a book for children and teenagers about emotions, titled "Focus on Emotions. The Kids’ Guide to Themselves." I am passionate about emotions, the brain, and psychology, and I explore the powerful connections between these areas.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Oksana is, How are you utilizing the tools available to you to navigate your emotions, do your best work, and show who you really are?

FIND OKSANA

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-104-oksana-yusupova-limitless-upgrade-your-john-m--c6wje/?trackingId=iVms25m0QDKGH0MV9z703Q%3D%3D

VIDEO TIME STAMP

00:00 - The Book Leads - Oksana Yusupova

00:49 - Introduction & Bio

02:16 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

03:38 - How Oksana views emotions differently than most others.

10:01 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

18:41 - How Oksana's views on emotions evolved into what they are now.

30:54 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

34:11 - What does leadership mean to you?

36:20 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

39:45 - Can you provide a general overview of the chapters in the book?

42:43 - How Oksana utilized the tools in the book in her own career and life.

51:31 - Oksana speaks on her own book, Focus on Emotions: The Kids' Guide to Themselves.

01:02:19 - 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:

For more great content, subscribe to my newsletter Last

Episode 103: Kevin Palmieri & Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

ABOUT KEVIN

Kevin is the founder and co-host of the Next Level University podcast. Early in his life, Kevin found “success”, but after a brush with near suicide he realized he wasn´t living a life he truly wanted. He became passionate about self improvement and decided to make it his purpose in life to impact as many people as possible by becoming a role model, podcaster, and speaker. He has succeeded at making his podcast one of the top 100 with almost 1700 episodes and  one million listens in over 170 countries. He has taken his life to the next level and achieved both personal and professional success.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Kevin is, How do you become hyperconscious in order to become intentional about getting a little bit better as you go?

FIND KEVIN

LinkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-103-kevin-palmieri-mindset-new-psychology-john-m--kej8e/?trackingId=M9aQn%2FxAQUWh6llrBCekNw%3D%3D

VIDEO TIME STAMP

00:00 - The Book Leads - Kevin Palmieri

01:45 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

02:37 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

09:09 - Kevin's process and goal for his podcast, Next Level University

16:26 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

28:26 - What does leadership mean to you?

29:49 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?

32:59 - A general overview of the book and the Table Of Contents

43:08 - How moving into a Growth Mindset can cause trauma

46:04 - Kevin's process for alleviating stress and anxiety

55:27 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)

56:15 - Where Kevin's drive for serving others comes from.

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:

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

Episode 102: Jenn T. Grace & Her Book, Publish Your Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide to Write, Publish, and Grow Your Big Idea

ABOUT JENN

An award-winning author, nationally recognized speaker, and savvy publishing strategist, Jenn is the founder of Publish Your Purpose, the acclaimed hybrid publishing company that gives first-time authors the secrets to getting their books written, finding an eager audience & marking their place in the publishing world. Publish Your Purpose is a certified B Corp social enterprise that meets the gold standard of socially and environmentally-friendly business practices.

Jenn leads ambitious authors through every aspect of writing, editing, and publishing so their book strategically aligns with their business objectives. Whether it’s a business guide that shows the breadth of their expertise or an emotional memoir that takes readers deep into life’s

Jenn has published the books of almost 200 business owners, entrepreneurs, speakers, and memoirists so more diverse stories can exist in the world and her authors can make a positive impact and achieve the recognition and success they deserve. she is the author of seven books, including, Publish Your Purpose: A Step-by-Step Guide to Write, Publish, and Grow Your Big Idea. Jenn has been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNBC.

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Jenn is, With regard to what you want to share with others, how are you sharing and infusing your story into the process to enhance the lessons?

FIND JENN

LnkedIn – Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-102-jenn-grace-publish-your-purpose-guide-big-john-m--yyy9e/?trackingId=oL7AP2M2Tz%2BuSJDX1ye9OA%3D%3D

VIDEO TIME STAMP

00:00 - The Book Leads - Jenn T. Grace

00:42 - Introduction & Bio

03:07 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?

05:33 - What kind of authors Jenn works with.

12:25 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?

20:01 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?

23:11 - What does leadership mean to you?

25:08 - A walkthrough of some of Jenn's books, including her latest book.

29:23 - Can you provide a general overview of the book

35:52 - What fueled Jenn's drive for storytelling?

43:52 - How Jenn enhanced her values and integrity, being selective in which authors she works with.

46:38 - A book that has inspired Jenn recently.

55:26 - What’s next for your writing?

01:02:59 - 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. Check out why!

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

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