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There are brilliant women everywhere with something important to say — and almost nobody outside their circle knows who they are. How to become a thought leader isn't a mystery once you know how the doors actually open.

In this episode, Aimee Rickabus talks with Jacquelyn Fletcher Johnson — author of 14 books, keynote speaker, executive coach, and founder of the Gateway Gathering & Pitch Fest — about getting your ideas out of your head and onto agents' desks, conference stages, and into the rooms where decisions get made.

Jacquelyn shares:
- How to find a literary agent, and how to land a book deal without one first
- What a query letter has to do in 30 seconds ("no AI" and "show me you know me")
- When you actually need a speaking agent, and what they want to see first
- The three lenses for deciding what's yours to share and what's someone else's story
- The lava bracelet trick she used to walk onto a stage of 2,000 people

Whether you're sitting on a book, a keynote, or an idea that won't leave you alone, this conversation will make "not ready yet" a lot harder to believe.

🎟️ The Gateway Gathering & Pitch Fest is October 6–8, 2026 (virtual). Get your ticket through Aimee's link and use promo code AIMEE: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Amr-bxdqj7Y_NssOg5hpaW3QiQh5V2kcsIVJEL5Zo-kl_IUJoiMZ~ApMB4a9_EFyg9oDBb1YQhSoh_hhXwRAchVZqQvgGfO1V4wsfaqDWyxWaUQ?promo=AIMEE

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🔗 CONNECT WITH JACQUELYN FLETCHER JOHNSON:
Website: https://jacquelynfletcherjohnson.com
The Gateway Project: https://www.gateway-project.com
Instagram: @jacquelynfletcherjohnson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelynfletcherjohnson/

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The Manage Her® Podcast — hosted by Aimee Rickabus. Honest conversations on leadership, financial empowerment, motherhood, wellness, and career reinvention for ambitious women.

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