Writing & Influence

What happens when you or your company is going through a crisis? How do you communicate with customers and your team? Join us as we sit down with Kristi Piehl, the founder and CEO of Media Minefield. Kristi shares her journey from Emmy award-winning TV news reporter to successful entrepreneur. Learn key insights about managing crisis situations, the importance of proactive planning, and the role of authenticity in communication. Kristi also shares personal anecdotes, including her own son's battle with cancer and how it shaped her social media presence. Don't miss Kristi's expert advice on leveraging thought leadership and building a personal brand that resonates with your audience.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:23 Crisis Communication Strategies

04:27 Common Mistakes in Crisis Management

07:30 From Journalism to PR: Kristi's Journey

11:01 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Lessons

16:52 Leadership and People-First Philosophy

21:41 Thought Leadership and Social Media

28:47 Personal Story: Impact of Social Media

33:06 Upcoming Book and Final Thoughts

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristipiehl/

https://www.media-minefield.com/

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!

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Are you struggling to navigate a business transition or feeling stuck with your current branding? Meet Sarah Sears, the visionary founder of S Design, who's been pivotal in shaping the look and feel of iconic sites in Oklahoma City and the state's branding. Learn how Sarah combines design, strategy, and mentorship to help businesses manage growth and change. From launching Oklahoma's AIGA chapter to working on complex branding projects, Sarah's insights into the power of consistent brand perception, the importance of understanding your audience, and the nuances of color selection will inspire you. Discover her journey, her exciting involvement with the upcoming LA Olympics, and her holistic approach to branding that aligns business strategy with visual identity. Whether you're a small business owner or part of a large organization, Sarah's grounded yet creative methods will provide you with actionable takeaways to elevate your brand.

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Sears

00:29 Sarah's Impact on Oklahoma City

02:27 Sarah's Role in the LA Olympics

04:18 Branding Strategies for Businesses in Transition

06:24 Case Studies and Real-World Examples

13:44 The Emotional Side of Branding

16:50 Color Theory and Practical Branding Tips

23:43 When to Consider a Rebrand

28:13 The Importance of Internal Brand Alignment

32:14 Sarah's Personal Interests and Closing Remarks

Resources:

https://www.sdesigninc.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahsears/

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 subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. 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!

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What if the biggest obstacle to your success is your own fear? On this episode I’m joined by Scott Ballard, a leadership coach, entrepreneur, and author who turned his childhood struggles with dyslexia into a career of empowering others. From coaching CEOs and NFL players to making strides in personal growth, Scott shares the transformative power of encouragement and how he helps individuals confront and conquer their fears. Discover how Scott's own journey led him to write the book 'The Biggest Disability is a Bad Attitude' and how he's inspired countless others to break through their limits. Learn practical steps to shift from fear to courage and the importance of embracing joy in the journey. If you're ready to unlock new opportunities and reach your full potential, this conversation is a game changer.

00:00 Introduction to Scott Ballard

01:14 Scott's Journey and Discovering His Superpower

02:36 Overcoming Fear and Building Courage

03:51 Personal Breakthroughs and Coaching Experiences

08:02 Scott's Business Transformation

12:21 Writing and Publishing a Book with Dyslexia

28:12 The Power of Joy and Gratitude

35:42 Final Thoughts and Parting Words

Resources:

https://www.confidencecoach.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-ballard-a3250422/

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 subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. 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!

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Keira and Elaine are back with a deep dive into their experience at Grow 2025, Catherine Brown’s incredible conference in Galveston. They share insights on prosperity, money mindset, and the powerful connections formed in the room. From overcoming introvert resistance to embracing the transformative conversations at the event, this episode is packed with takeaways.

Keira reflects on the impact of Ryan Brown’s thought-provoking discussion on prosperity and forgiveness, while Elaine highlights how Katherine Pomerantz’s session shifted her perspective on time and money. Plus, they discuss a standout moment—offering five-minute content strategy sessions as sponsors—which proved just how easy it can be to generate valuable ideas when you have the right guidance.

Stick around to hear how this experience is shaping exciting changes for the podcast and where you can join them next!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The power of redefining prosperity beyond money 💰

• Why examining your money story is key to unlocking growth

• The permission to NOT chase a 7-figure business (and why that’s freeing!)

• How quick, intentional conversations can generate endless content ideas

• The importance of referrals and connections in business growth

Key Takeaways & Favorite Moments:

🔹 “I felt like I was meant to be in that room.” – Keira on overcoming resistance to attending

🔹 Ryan Brown’s powerful question: What does prosperity mean to you?

🔹 The eye-opening exercise from Katherine Pomerantz: Why are you grateful for money?

🔹 Erica Bryant’s refreshing perspective: You don’t have to want a million-dollar business!

🔹 Scott Ballard’s life-changing coaching session for Keira

🔹 Blessing Richardson on monetizing existing resources in the age of AI

🔹 How the five-minute interview strategy helped people realize that content isn’t as hard as they think

Resources:

GROW 2026

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 subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. 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!

Summary

In this enlightening episode, Elaine and Keira Crooms discuss the complexities of tech stacks and the impact they have on expressing influence online. They focus on the benefits of consolidating tech tools, specifically highlighting the all-in-one capabilities of Kajabi. Keira shares valuable insights on how business owners can maximize their content and streamline their operations using Kajabi, from hosting websites to creating courses and building communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their tech setup and enhance their digital presence.

Guests

• Keira Crooms: A seasoned expert in technology solutions, Keira specializes in helping business owners streamline their processes through effective tech stack management with platforms like Kajabi.

Topics discussed

• Importance of evaluating your tech stack

• Overview of Kajabi’s features

• Content creation and distribution strategies

• Role of social media and other platforms in content marketing

• Value of email marketing and building a mailing list

• Benefits of customizing user experience with landing pages

Key takeaways

• Tech Consolidation: Review and consolidate your tech tools to optimize cost and efficiency.

• Kajabi’s Potential: Kajabi offers a comprehensive suite of tools including website hosting, course creation, and email marketing.

• Content Strategy: Align your content with sales goals to drive conversions.

• Essential Automations: Utilize automations to enhance customer experience and streamline operations.

• Website Customization: Use unlimited landing pages to tailor user experience and increase engagement.

Notable quotes

•  “Tech stacks might not sound sexy, but they are essential for influence.” - Elaine

• “If they don’t know it, they can’t buy it.” - Keira Crooms

• “The world needs more of you.” - Elaine

Entities mentioned

• Kajabi

• National Business Development Association

• Squarespace

• Mighty Network

•  Circle

Keywords

Tech stack, Kajabi, content strategy, course creation, email marketing, landing pages, automation, digital presence, business owners

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 subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. 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!

Episode Summary:

In today’s crowded market, how do you differentiate yourself and sell more? The answer: Thought leadership and strategic content. In this episode, we dive deep into how you can establish trust, build authority, and create content that not only elevates your brand but also drives sales.

We’re pulling insights from experts like Catherine Brown and Elaine Acker to explore the power of positioning yourself as a thought leader. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or online service provider, these strategies will help you amplify your voice, engage your audience, and convert leads into loyal clients.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to define your expertise and carve out a unique perspective

✅ Why reframing familiar concepts with fresh insights can set you apart

✅ The key pillars of a winning content strategy (Educational, Inspirational, Conversational)

✅ How storytelling strengthens engagement and builds trust with your audience

✅ Ways to repurpose and recycle content for maximum impact

✅ How to measure the effectiveness of your content and refine your approach

Actionable Takeaways:

🔹 Identify your thought leadership niche and start sharing your insights.

🔹 Develop a content strategy that aligns with your sales goals.

🔹 Use personal storytelling to foster deeper connections with your audience.

🔹 Experiment with multiple content formats—blogs, podcasts, videos, and social media.

🔹 Track performance metrics and adjust your strategy to optimize results.

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 subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. 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!

In this episode, Jeffrey Schlissel, author of Craveable Obsessed, Journals of a Food Addicted Chef, shares his unique insights into the intersection of mental health and the culinary industry. Jeffrey discusses his personal experiences with mental health challenges, thought leadership, and the importance of setting boundaries. He also highlights the need to support local farmers and collaborates on farm-to-table initiatives. This episode is a compelling conversation about confronting mental health stigma, redefining leadership, and creating memorable culinary experiences.

Guests

•         Jeffrey Schlissel: Author, chef, public speaker, and owner of the Bacon Cartel. Known for his advocacy on mental health in the culinary industry and support for local farmers.

Connect with Jeffrey

       LinkedIn

        Instagram

        Website

Topics discussed

•         Mental health in the culinary industry

•         Thought leadership and personal experiences

•         Importance of setting boundaries

•         Supporting local farmers and farm-to-table initiatives

•         Redefining leadership vs. being a boss

Key takeaways

•         Normalizing the discussion of mental health can lead to better support systems.

•         Setting boundaries is crucial for personal and professional well-being.

•         Supporting local agriculture strengthens community and sustainability.

•         True leadership involves collaboration and valuing team input.

Notable quotes

•         “If you feel pressured, you are in the wrong relationship.” - Jeffrey Schlissel

•         “The less we talk about it, the more we are demonizing it.” - Jeffrey Schlissel

•         “A boss just points. A leader steps in and says, here’s the problem. What do you think?” - Jeffrey Schlissel

Mentions

•         The Cookbook Creative

•         American Culinary Federation

•         The Bacon Cartel

•         Ever After Farms

•         Craveable Obsessed: Journals of a Food Addicted Chef

Keywords

mental health, culinary industry, thought leadership, farm-to-table, local farmers, Jeffrey Schlissel, leadership, boundaries, sustainability

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 subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. 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!

Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Patton, author of “A Warrior’s Mindset: The Six Keys to Greatness.” Sean shares insights from his extensive military background and discusses how leadership and self-discipline are pivotal in personal and professional success. The conversation explores the themes of gratitude, self-leadership, and the significant role veterans can play as unifying forces in society. Aimed at business leaders and anyone looking to amplify their impact, this episode is filled with practical advice and motivational stories that emphasize the importance of dreaming big and taking responsibility.

Guests

Sean Patton: Former Army officer, Green Beret, entrepreneur, and author of “A Warrior’s Mindset: The Six Keys to Greatness.” Sean coaches business leaders and speaks on leadership and personal development.

Connect with Sean Patton

Discover the keys to unlocking your full potential with Sean Patton’s leadership strategies. Whether you’re a business leader or on a personal development path, Sean offers invaluable insights into leadership and personal responsibility. Follow Sean for inspiring discussions that will motivate you to maximize your impact on the world.

LinkedIn

No Limits Leadership Podcast

Book Sean Patton as a Speaker

Topics discussed

• The essence of a warrior’s mindset

•  Importance of self-leadership

• The role of veterans in societal unity

• Overcoming personal limits through gratitude and perspective

• Developing a leadership framework in business

Key takeaways

• Self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership.

• Veterans have a unique opportunity to foster unity.

• Gratitude and perspective fuel personal growth.

• Critical thinking and challenging one’s beliefs are essential.

• Defining success and working towards it with intentionality.

Notable quotes

•  “Be an American worth fighting, killing, and dying for.” – Sean Patton

• “Maximize your own experience of life, maximize your impact on others.” – Sean Patton

• “You’re never going to be able to lead others better than you can lead yourself.” – Sean Patton

• “If you aren’t challenged by your thoughts, you’re not thinking hard enough.” – Sean Patton

Entities mentioned

• West Point

• Army Special Forces (Green Berets)

• 101st Airborne Division

• Fortune 500 company

• Jiu Jitsu business

Keywords

Leadership, self-leadership, gratitude, veterans, unity, personal responsibility, business coaching, entrepreneurship, mindset, personal growth

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 subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. 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!

Summary

In this episode, we step away from our usual discussions on nonfiction publishing to explore the dynamic world of fiction publishing with author J. D. Barker. Barker shares his experiences navigating the publishing industry, from his early days as a ghostwriter to collaborating with big names like James Patterson and the family of Bram Stoker. Discover how Barker strategically markets his books, his views on traditional versus hybrid publishing, and his advice for aspiring authors.

Guests

• J. D. Barker: Bestselling author known for thrillers and horror novels, including collaborations with authors like James Patterson. Barker has a unique perspective on both writing and the business side of publishing.

Topics discussed

• Evolution of the publishing industry

• Marketing strategies for authors

• Collaborating with other authors

• Traditional vs. hybrid publishing models

• Importance of understanding and engaging your audience

Key takeaways

• It’s crucial to distinguish yourself in the crowded market.

• Collaboration and networking can significantly enhance a writer’s career.

• The publishing industry is rapidly changing, and adaptability is key.

• Authors should consider various publishing routes, including hybrid models.

• Writing consistently, even in small amounts, can lead to significant achievements.

Notable quotes

• “Every time I think I’ve captured lightning in the bottle for the last time, my phone rings with something else.” - J. D. Barker

• “You always have to come up with a way to distinguish yourself from everybody else.” - J. D. Barker

• “Anybody can get it done if you set your mind to it.” - J. D. Barker

Entities mentioned

• Stephen King

• James Patterson

• Bram Stoker’s family

• Rolling Stone

• Simon & Schuster

• Amazon KDP

• Random House

•  HarperCollins

Keywords

publishing, marketing, fiction, hybrid publishing, collaboration, J. D. Barker, Stephen King, James Patterson, authorship, writing

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 subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. 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!

Elevate Your Influence at Conferences

Show Notes

Summary

In this interview, host Elaine Acker and guest Pandora Hodges, founder and CEO of Sharpline Sales, discuss strategies for elevating your influence and making the most of conference experiences. They cover topics like crafting a compelling value proposition, building referral networks, and preparing ahead of time to connect with the right people at conferences.

Guests

•   Pandora Hodges, CEO of Sharpline Sales

Topics discussed

•   Elevating your influence at conferences

•   Crafting a value proposition

•   Building referral networks

•   Preparing for conferences

Key Takeaways

•   Have a clear, concise value proposition prepared ahead of time to share with new connections

•   Leverage conference networking opportunities to identify and cultivate the right referral partners

•   Allocate time after a conference to follow up with new contacts and continue building those relationships

Notable Quotes

•   “When you have referral partners, it really is like making more than one of yourself, because if you groom that relationship and you invest in that person, they’re going to represent you in the way that you’ve taught them.” — Pandora Hodges

•   “The reason I like this worksheet is I can go into a group that is new to me. And if I follow this template, I am gonna be able to share who I am and people are gonna come to know me and be able to refer me quickly.” — Pandora Hodges

Entities Mentioned

•   Catherine Brown

•   Grow 2025

•   Sell Well

•   Tech Collaborative in Houston, Texas

Resources:

• Who We Are, Who We Serve PDF
• Who We Are, Who We Serve Template

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 subscribe to the Cover-to-Cover Influence email series. 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!