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In today’s world, where knowledge is abundant and AI can churn out answers in seconds, readers crave something deeper—authenticity.

On this episode of Authors Who Lead, I share lessons I’ve learned working with authors who want to lead with their story, not just their expertise. I reflect on my work with bestselling author and negotiation expert Kwame Christian to explore why embracing your uniqueness isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

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00:00 Importance of personal perspective
03:43 Kwame’s early negotiation journey
06:55 Finding confidence through conflict
12:50 Authenticity over completeness in writing
14:47 Join Authors Who Lead for writing success
16:42 Book whisperer Azul Terronez

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When we talk about leadership and entrepreneurship, the conversation often veers toward hustle culture, 80-hour workweeks, and the kind of relentless, sleep-when-you’re-dead mentality that’s glorified on social media. But what’s the real cost?

In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I speak with Chris Ducker—entrepreneur, mentor, and author—about the deeply personal experiences that inspire his new book, Long Haul Leader. This isn’t just another business strategy book. It’s a candid, thoughtful guide to lasting success—without sacrificing your health, relationships, or joy.

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00:00 Struggling post-sabbatical return
04:28 Adrenal fatigue and burnout
06:25 Leadership chaos guide
12:06 Hustle: season, not lifestyle
13:45 Balancing entrepreneurship and family life
18:24 Importance of relationships and hobbies
19:43 Boost productivity: rediscover nature
23:54 Embracing diverse ideas
28:48 Choices impact recovery journey
31:01 Focus over followers: embrace clarity
33:19 Finding joy in simple living
37:23 Chris’s reflective return to England
39:40 Prioritizing relationships over hustle
45:34 Book cover decision reflections
47:43 Writing journey and future books
49:46 Long Haul Leader launch details

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When I think of someone too busy to write a book, Dr. Amy McMichael immediately comes to mind. She juggles her roles as a professor in the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, a practicing dermatologist, and a mentor to countless students. She has every reason not to add “author” to her already full plate. But in our conversation on the Authors Who Lead podcast, it becomes clear that it’s her deep commitment to mentorship that fuels her decision to write her book, Perfect Match: Secure Your Residency Spot and Achieve Greatness in Dermatology.

Timestamp:

00:00 Inspired to write a book
05:31 Editing process and writing insights
08:15 Transitioning from handwriting to dictation
11:27 Book gains academic support
15:12 Joyful writing and mentorship reflection
17:03 Mentorship: my lifelong passion
18:53 Mentorship in medical education
23:01 Supportive mentorship in dermatology
28:19 Diverse feedback on written work
30:34 Human essays in dermatology
34:08 Guidance completes the journey
35:58 Dr. Maya Angelou’s advice

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In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Dan Andrews—writer, entrepreneur, and founder of the Dynamite Circle—to dig deep into what it means to write and lead in today’s creative landscape. Our conversation is a goldmine for aspiring authors who wrestle with the pressure to be original, the fear of starting, and the all-too-familiar sting of writer’s block. Together, we explore how the writing process—far from being mystical or reserved for geniuses—is something deeply human, honest, and accessible.

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00:00 Internet transparency movement origins
06:10 Internet explorations and new paths
07:29 Tim Ferriss’ timely insight
11:12 Early networking and generosity
15:51 Conference speech writing hack
18:10 Authors’ need for control
21:47 Before the Exit insights
25:16 Founder mode’s accelerated influence
28:19 The 1000-day principle
33:22 High output drives success
35:49 Creative limits enhance artistic expression
37:52 Creative freedom vs. impactful writing
42:29 Overcoming creative doubt
46:02 Personal podcast narratives
48:48 Writing as a life-changing idea
53:39 Impulsive ticket purchase regrets
55:03 Apprenticeship success at Meetup

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When the world slowed during the pandemic, Steve Vannoy and I found an unexpected gift in that stillness. We began recording stories from his father, Smokey Vannoy—vivid tales of a bygone West Virginia filled with cinder-bottom towns, red-light districts, and river adventures. What started as a collection of oral history soon grew into something more—a shared book project, born from legacy and love.

Adventures in Cinder Bottom became more than a family story. It turned into a vibrant retelling of time, place, and identity. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, as we reflect on our second book, Greenbrier River, we weren’t just navigating the usual creative hurdles of fiction—we were also carrying the weight of loss. Smokey passed away during the writing process, and that grief wove itself into every chapter. What makes these stories resonate is that they’re rooted in real people, real places, and a real desire to honor someone we both deeply admired.

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00:00 Smokey’s stories and Cinder Bottom
03:08 Greenbrier River: growth through stories
08:54 Authentic storytelling for Appalachia
11:37 Boom to bust: a county’s journey
13:32 Avoiding judgment in polarized times
16:41 Early integration in segregated America
19:34 Living stories: a father’s legacy
25:32 Believe in your story
26:46 From starter to finisher
29:18 Join Authors Who Lead podcast

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What does it mean to be human in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence? This existential question pulses at the heart of episode 358 of the Authors Who Lead podcast, where I sit down with entrepreneur, investor, and now author Jeff Burningham. Our conversation, anchored in Burningham’s newly released book, The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI, explores personal disruption, spiritual awakening, and the bold, hopeful possibilities that AI opens up for humanity.

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00:00 Unexpected journey: from politics to publishing
03:31 Ayurvedic experience awakens creativity
07:41 AI: potential and peril
11:50 AI and human nature insight
14:50 Fostering human connection and flourishing
18:21 Embrace humanity over disruption
20:23 Embracing AI in education
23:31 Embracing transformation: letting go
28:14 AI: humanity’s cosmic mirror
30:18 Rediscovering humanity amid AI
35:29 Present moment, eternal existence
39:26 Write without thinking challenge
42:38 Jeff burningham’s book pre-sales
44:11 Sharing truth from experience

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Have you ever felt like you had a book inside you, but just couldn’t get started? 81% of North Americans believe they have a book in them—but only a tiny fraction ever see that dream to completion. In this episode, I explore the real reasons people don’t write their books, debunk common myths, and share actionable steps to help you finally move from wishing to writing.

Timestamp:

00:00 Empowering Aspiring Writers
05:09 Defining Your Why in Writing
06:51 Overcoming Writer’s Block Myths
09:56 Born to Write Podcast

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In the world of authorship and digital entrepreneurship, few names carry as much respect as Pat Flynn. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I share the story of my apprenticeship under Pat—a journey rooted in service, vulnerability, and taking fast, decisive action.

Our conversation delved deep into the principles at the core of Pat’s latest book, Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less, and unpacked how stepping forward before you feel “ready” is often the key to breakthroughs.

Timestamp:

00:00 Business breakthrough experience unprepared
03:43 From apprentice to bestseller collaborator
08:18 Adaptability in a fast-changing world
12:28 DIY book formatting journey
13:01 Collaborative learning & entrepreneurship journey
16:34 Embrace change for real growth
21:31 Rowing strategy: power 10 technique
23:40 Dedicated focus for creative success
27:36 Embrace failure for faster success
28:37 Overcoming negativity in entrepreneurship
32:01 Exploring the traditional publishing path
36:52 Writing under pressure: a 10-day challenge
40:35 Pursuing bestseller status with passion
44:06 Strategic book sale tactics
45:24 Intriguing book title strategy

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