Writing & Influence

🎙️ Writing & Influence

Episode Title: Designing Your Voice: From Corporate Guardrails to Entrepreneurial Freedom

Guest: Kristiana Corona – Design Leader, Coach, and Entrepreneur

Host: Elaine Acker

✨ Episode Highlights

In this episode, Kristiana Corona shares her journey from corporate leadership to building a purpose-driven brand and coaching business. With experience at Amazon and a background in UX design, Kristiana dives into how writing, design thinking, and even AI can help you lead with clarity and communicate with intention.

Whether you're navigating a big career pivot or finally ready to hit “post” on LinkedIn, Kristiana’s insights will give you the courage—and tools—to show up with confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

• The shift from corporate to entrepreneurship: Why stepping away from structure can be liberating—and terrifying—and how to build your voice on the other side.
• How to start posting online without fear: Real talk about internal barriers, perfectionism, and what it takes to share your message with the world.
• Bridging writing and design: How Kristiana’s UX background influences her content creation and why every word and visual should serve the user.
• Using AI as a thought partner: Kristiana’s honest take on using AI for structure and brainstorming without losing your voice.
• Multiplying your message: How one piece of content can become 12 powerful touchpoints with your audience—and why repetition is not a bad thing.

🔧 Tools & Strategies Mentioned:

• Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy's books: “10X Is Easier Than 2X,” “Who Not How,” “The Gap and the Gain”
• Design thinking in writing: Use goal-driven structure to improve clarity and user experience
• AI tools: Use as a co-creator for structure, not a substitute for your message
• Content repurposing: Start with a theme or long-form piece, then create blogs, posts, carousels, and reels from that single source

💬 Notable Quotes:

👥 Connect with Kristiana:

• LinkedIn: Kristiana Corona

• Website: https://www.worthytolead.co/

Explore her 1:1 coaching, membership opportunities, leadership workshops, and community for human-centered leaders.

Beyond Performance: How to Show Up Authentically in Your Brand and Life with Lisa McGuire

🔗 Episode Summary:

In this episode, Elaine sits down with Lisa McGuire, an Authenticity Architect and Reinvention Strategist, to explore what it truly means to build a brand — and a life — rooted in identity, not performance. Lisa shares her Four Rs framework for rediscovering your voice, insights on journaling as a tool for transformation, and how Human Design can help you operate in alignment with your true self.

Whether you're building a business, creating content, or navigating a personal reinvention, this conversation will inspire you to trade the script for something real — and powerful.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• How to move from performance to presence
• Why journaling is a secret weapon for clarity
• Lisa’s Four Rs Framework: Remember, Reveal, Resonate, Radiate
• The difference between exposure and authenticity
• How your Human Design can unlock your energy and impact
• Why your voice is your most powerful branding asset

🧠 Key Takeaways:

“Performance is exhausting. Authenticity feels comfortable and real.”
 “You don’t have to reveal everything — just enough to build connection.”
 “Journaling is not a chore. It’s a doorway.”

👤 Guest Bio:

Lisa McGuire is an Authenticity Architect, Reinvention Strategist, speaker, and podcast host. She helps entrepreneurs and leaders reconnect with who they are and translate that clarity into their personal brand and business. Through her proprietary frameworks and Human Design integration, Lisa helps people show up with clarity, confidence, and resonance.

Connect with Lisa:

• Website: lisamcguire.com
• LinkedIn: Lisa McGuire
• Email: [email protected]

📌 Episode Resources:

• Lisa’s program: Next Steps to the New You
• Learn more about Human Design
• Follow Lisa’s podcast: Your Passion, Purpose & Personal Brand

🎧 Listen + Subscribe:

Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe to Writing & Influence on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

An epic journey with Christine Sadry

Summary

Christine Sadry discusses her memoir “Thirteen Years Lost” which chronicles her journey from leaving Poland at age nine to becoming a UN diplomat. She shares her experiences of early trauma, including losing her mother at five and a difficult adoption in America, followed by a thirteen-year separation from her family. The conversation explores her remarkable career at the UN, including working in war zones, learning to drive tanks, and meeting her husband in Mozambique. Throughout the interview, Sadry emphasizes the importance of taking risks, embracing opportunities, and the healing power of sharing one’s story. 

Guests

• Christine Sadry - Former UN diplomat and award-winning author of “Thirteen Years Lost,” a memoir chronicling her journey from Polish orphan to international diplomat. Her story encompasses loss, resilience, and ultimate triumph as she navigated cultural transitions, career challenges, and personal transformation. 

Topics discussed

• Immigration and cultural adaptation 
• Overcoming childhood trauma 
• Career development at the United Nations 
• International diplomacy and peacekeeping 
• Writing and publishing a memoir 
• Taking risks and embracing opportunities 
• Personal growth and transformation 
• Family separation and reunion 
• Travel and cultural experiences 
• Finding love in unexpected places 

Key Takeaways 

• Taking calculated risks can lead to extraordinary life opportunities 
• It’s never too late to heal from past trauma and share your story 
• Travel and cultural exposure expand personal growth and understanding 
• Writing can be both therapeutic and inspiring for others 
• Success often requires stepping out of your comfort zone 
• Personal stories can inspire others to make positive life changes 

Notable Quotes 

• “Take the risk because the rewards are great. The beginnings are painful, are scary, are beyond belief. But if you don’t take the risk, you don’t get the reward.” — Christine Sadry 
• “Once you do it, you realize that you’re capable of so much more than you give yourself credit.” — Christine Sadry 
• “For women, we never think we’re good enough. Even no matter how strong and competent or brave or whatever.” — Christine Sadry 
• “If this orphan who came from another country didn’t speak the language managed life… it’s possible. You can do it.” — Christine Sadry 

Entities Mentioned 

• United Nations 
• Literary Titan Award 
• Independent Book Publishers Award 
• Circumnavigators Club 
• Poland 

Keywords

memoir, diplomacy, immigration, healing, transformation, resilience, international relations, peacekeeping, cultural adaptation, personal growth 

Get the book

Experience an extraordinary journey of resilience and transformation through Christine Sadry’s award-winning memoir “Thirteen Years Lost.” From Polish orphan to UN diplomat, her story proves that with courage and determination, you can overcome any obstacle and create an extraordinary life. Let her inspiring journey motivate you to take those crucial risks that could transform your own life. 

Ta-Da! Leadership: How Joy, Improv, and Celebration Fuel Better Teams with Joel Zeff

What happens when you bring laughter, improv, and a whole lot of heart into leadership? You get Joel Zeff. In this episode, Joel joins Elaine Acker to talk about the power of “Ta-Da!” moments, how celebration drives confidence, and why fun is not just nice to have—it’s essential to great leadership.

From the improv stage to the keynote spotlight, Joel shares how small wins, positive support, and ownership can transform the way we lead and collaborate. Plus, he pulls back the curtain on his writing process, the real story behind his bestselling book, Make the Right Choice, and why starting is the hardest—and most important—step for any author.

🗣️ What You’ll Learn:

• Why celebrating “Ta-Da!” moments fuels creativity, passion, and innovation
• How improv teaches powerful lessons about leadership and teamwork
• Joel’s approach to writing a business book that’s actually fun to read
• The surprising way his book got published (spoiler: the publisher called him!)
• How to stop over-editing and know when your writing is ready
• Why every author needs a deadline, a habit, and a whole lot of grace

📌 Resources & Mentions:

• Joel’s book: Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work
• Connect with Joel on LinkedIn
• More about Joel’s keynotes and workshops at joelzeff.com
• Want to write your own book? Visit sparx360.com for resources and support

🔥 Quote of the Episode:

“Everybody has a story. Everybody has something to share that can guide or inspire others.” — Joel Zeff

🙌 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:

Loved this episode? Share it with a friend, leave a review, or connect with Elaine on LinkedIn. And don’t forget to celebrate your own Ta-Da moments today—you’ve earned it.

Go For No: Rewriting the Rules of Rejection with Andrea Waltz

Andrea Waltz discusses the 25th anniversary sequel to her bestselling book Go For No and explores how embracing rejection leads to success. She shares insights about the new book’s storyline featuring a 20-year-old protagonist, discusses the evolution of the Go For No philosophy, and offers practical advice about overcoming fear of rejection. The conversation covers publishing insights, storytelling techniques, and how the principles apply beyond sales to areas like education, leadership, and personal growth.

Guests
• Andrea Waltz - Co-author of the bestselling book ‘Go For No’ and its sequel. Along with her husband Richard Fenton, she’s known for transforming how people think about rejection and failure in business and life.

Topics discussed
• The philosophy behind ‘Go For No’
• Writing and publishing Go For No: The Sequel
• Overcoming fear of rejection
• Storytelling in business books
• Self-publishing insights
• Building resilience in young professionals
• Reframing failure and success
• The power of asking and persistence

Key Takeaways
• Success often requires embracing and actively seeking rejection
• Only the customer should end the sale, not the salesperson
• Stop giving yourself a ‘no’ before others have the chance
• Perfectionism often prevents people from taking action
• Focus on the process rather than just the outcome
• Creating ‘no awareness’ helps achieve bigger goals

Notable Quotes
• “Stop talking yourself out of opportunities. Stop saying no to yourself.” — Andrea Waltz
• “It’s one thing to get that no… But you don’t want your head hitting the pillow thinking, I wonder what would have happened if I had just gone up and asked.” — Andrea Waltz
• “The secret is when you see other people getting ahead… somewhere along the way, they made a choice to just play differently.” — Andrea Waltz

Links
• Go for No! The Sequel (book)

• Andrea Waltz

• Richard Fenton

• No Quotient Quiz

• Sell Well Conference in Houston

• Panola College

Keywords

rejection, sales, resilience, mindset, persistence, storytelling, publishing, failure, success, courage

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

Your Hidden Advantage: Breaking the Broken Cookie Effect with Patty Block

Business advisor Patty Block discusses how women business owners often undervalue their services and sacrifice their own interests, a pattern she calls the “broken cookie effect.” She explains strategies for value-based pricing, building business value, and preparing for potential exits. Patty emphasizes the importance of standardizing pricing models and operations while maintaining business stability. She shares insights from her book Your Hidden Advantage and her experience helping women position their businesses for successful exits.

Guests
Patty Block - Business advisor, author of ‘Your Hidden Advantage,’ and creator of the Broken Cookie Effect. She helps women business owners optimize pricing, positioning, and exit planning, drawing from nearly 20 years of experience working with professional service companies.

Topics discussed

• The Broken Cookie Effect and women’s tendency to self-sacrifice in business

• Value-driven pricing strategies

• Building business value for potential exits

• Common myths about growing a business

• Balancing secrecy and stability during exit planning

• The importance of standardization in business operations

• Women’s unique challenges in business exits

• The three acts of women’s professional lives

Key Takeaways

• Value-based pricing should replace hourly rates to better reflect the true worth of services

• Standardizing pricing models makes discussions less personal and more strategic

• Business valuations early in the exit process can be costly and ineffective

• Building a sellable business requires intentional planning and structure

• Women often need to overcome generational conditioning about business ownership

• Exit planning typically requires about five years of preparation

• Maintaining business stability while planning an exit is crucial

Notable Quotes

• “Putting yourself last doesn’t serve anyone.” — Patty Block

• “It’s not about how much time you’re spending on something. It’s about the value that you’re bringing to the client.” — Patty Block

• “We are shocked because if it’s a fair offer, the amount of money is a validation.” — Patty Block

• “Women don’t retire. We always go on to our next thing.” — Patty Block

Quick Links 

• Your Hidden Advantage 

• Patty Block’s Website 

• Revenue Roundtable 

• Value Driven Pricing 

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

Making Work Fun Again with Jake Brown: ADHD, Bad Bosses, and the Power of Doodling

Author, coach, and self-proclaimed workplace fun-bringer Jake Brown joins Elaine for a refreshingly honest and wildly insightful conversation. From surviving toxic bosses to teaching thousands how to doodle their way into hyperfocus, Jake shares practical tools and laugh-out-loud stories for thriving at work—especially if you think a little differently. Whether you lead a team or lead yourself, this episode will leave you energized, empowered, and maybe a little more doodle-happy.

0:00 Welcome + Meet Jake Brown

2:03 Why Fun is a Survival Skill

5:20 The Conference Moment That Changed Everything

8:40 Doodling for Dopamine: Why It Works

13:45 Skeptics Welcome: When Weird Works

18:10 How “Coworking Calls” Changed One Company’s Culture

21:40 The Book That Almost Wasn’t

27:10 Storytelling with Heart and Humor

31:35 The W.I.P.E. Framework for Work (and Life)

37:15 When You’re the Bad Boss (To Yourself)

42:00 Real Talk About Trust, Delegation, and Managing Up

47:00 Current Reads + Inspired Recommendations

50:40 How to Work with Jake (or Just Get a Good Laugh)

Resources:

• 💩 Get the book: LeaderSH!T by Jake Brown
• 🎧 Download the free first chapter (PDF or audio) at leadership.co
• 🧠 ADHD tools + coaching: jakebrown.co
• 📘 Books mentioned:
   
  • Escape from Tarikiak by Ben Brown 
• They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead by Dave Munson

 Whether you’re stuck in a toxic job or just trying to make your workday feel a little less overwhelming, Jake reminds us that fun is fuel, stories are strategy, and even the messiest jobs can lead to something meaningful.

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

Turning Years of Experience Into a Valuable Resource with Bruce Rosenthal

Looking to harness the full potential of corporate sponsorships? Join Elaine as she sits down with Bruce Rosenthal, author of 'Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships.' Discover how Bruce leveraged decades of experience to transform how associations engage with corporate sponsors. They explore the evolving landscape of sponsorships, from year-long engagements to the impact of COVID-19, and the shift from transactional relationships to strategic partnerships. Learn how actionable strategies and deep industry insights from Bruce's new book can help associations drive revenue and deliver member value. Whether you're an association leader or a corporate partner, this conversation reveals how to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in today's competitive environment.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:44 Challenges Facing Associations

03:22 Shift in Corporate Sponsorships

04:07 Impact of COVID on Sponsorships

05:52 Educate to Sell: A New Approach

11:03 Writing the Book: Inspiration and Process

18:51 Case Studies and Real-World Applications

32:12 Final Thoughts and Opportunities

Resources:

Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships by Bruce Rosenthal

Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

How does a writer turn everyday experiences into bestselling novels? Join us as we chat with Susan Wiggs, the acclaimed author of over 50 novels, including favorites like 'The Apple Orchard' and 'The Lost and Found Bookshop.' Susan shares her insights on the writer's journey, the power of storytelling, and the elements of fiction that nonfiction writers can use to enhance their work. We dive into her inspirations, discuss the creativity sparked by her daily life, and get a sneak peek into her upcoming novel 'Wayward Girls,' which explores the true horrors of Magdalene Laundries. Plus, Susan offers a heartwarming look at the importance of human connections, both in her narratives and in her life. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this conversation is full of valuable advice and inspiration.

00:00 Introduction to Susan Wiggs

01:30 Elements of Fiction for Nonfiction Writers

05:24 The Writing Process and Daily Routine

11:09 Early Writing and Career Evolution

15:01 New Book: Wayward Girls

24:19 Personal Inspirations and Future Projects

27:24 Favorite Bookstores and Hobbies

32:52 Advice for Aspiring Writers

35:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Preorder Susan’s latest book!

Join Susan’s mailing list and stay up-to-date on new releases!

Follow Susan on Instagram

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

How do you find and capture the unseen beauty of the wild? Wyman Meinzer, the official state photographer of Texas, shares his remarkable journey from a degree in wildlife management to publishing iconic images in prestigious magazines like National Geographic and Smithsonian. Discover the biggest obstacles he faced, how the rise of digital photography transformed his career, and why his powerful imagery continues to resonate. Join us as we delve into his inspiring stories, the essence of Texas’ rolling plains, and the poetic storytelling behind his captivating photographs.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:43 Wyman Meinzer's Early Career and Challenges

03:08 Life in the Rolling Plains

04:31 Transition to Real Estate Photography

08:10 Collaborations and Writing Journey

11:58 Advice for Aspiring Photographers and Writers

17:52 Memorable Moments and Reflections

23:23 Love for History and Final Thoughts

Resources:

https://www.instagram.com/wymanmeinzer/

https://www.facebook.com/wymanmeinzer/

The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy!

Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues.

And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!