In this episode, Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Charlotte Otter to explore the urgent call for a new kind of leadership—one rooted in authenticity, diversity, and human connection. Drawing from her book We Need New Leaders, Charlotte breaks down the essential skills modern leaders must embrace, including reputation management, intentional communication, and the strategic use of social media to build personal brands. Together, they discuss why storytelling is a leadership superpower and how real connection—not AI-generated polish—is what truly resonates in today’s digital age.

What We're Talking About...

• Diverse voices lead to more innovative companies.
• Reputation is a form of power for leaders.
• Authenticity should be about values, not just a buzzword.
• Proactive reputation management is essential for leaders.
• Personal branding is crucial in today's job market.
• Leaders should share their stories to educate and help others.
• Social media is a powerful tool for internal communication.
• Podcasts provide a platform for authentic leadership.
• Storytelling is a fundamental aspect of human connection.
• The future of leadership involves embracing vulnerability and humanity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Diversity 02:42 The Importance of Reputation in Leadership 05:40 Proactive Reputation Management 08:17 Building Personal Brands and Authenticity 11:18 The Role of Social Media in Leadership 14:08 Charlotte's Journey in Communications 17:03 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership 19:50 The Future of Leadership and Podcasting

Links Mentioned

Charlotte Otter on LinkedIn

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

We Need New Leaders by Charlotte Otter https://www.charlotteotter.com/leaders

Charlotte Otter on Substack https://otterc.substack.com/

In this episode of Booked & Unfiltered, Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith tackle a hot-button topic in the literary world: Are audiobooks real reading? (Spoiler alert: Yes, they are.)

They break down the outdated stigma around audiobooks and make the case for why listening counts—especially in a fast-paced world where accessibility matters. From the power of a great narrator to the freedom of reading on the go, Michelle and Steph explore how audiobooks expand the reading experience for everyone.

This honest, funny, and thoughtful conversation is a must-listen for book lovers, skeptics, and audiobook converts alike.

What We're Talking About...

• Audiobooks are a legitimate form of reading.
• Listening to a book engages the brain just like reading.
• Accessibility in reading is crucial for all individuals.
• Audiobooks can enhance the reading experience for busy lifestyles.
• Narrators play a significant role in bringing stories to life.
• The stigma against audiobooks is harmful and outdated.
• Different people absorb stories in different ways.
• Audiobooks can be a tool for learning and engagement.
• There are many platforms available for accessing audiobooks.
• Audiobooks can support local libraries and independent bookstores.

Chapters

00:00 The Audiobook Debate Begins 02:54 Understanding Reading: Audiobooks vs. Traditional Reading 05:58 The Impact of Audiobooks on Learning and Engagement 09:04 Accessibility and the Evolution of Audiobooks 11:46 The Role of Narrators in Audiobooks 15:05 Audiobooks as a Tool for All Readers 17:52 Exploring Audiobook Platforms and Accessibility 20:52 Final Thoughts on Audiobooks and Reading

In this sharp and thought-provoking conversation, Jo Piazza dives into her new novel, Everyone Is Lying To You, a bold takedown of the tradwife trend and toxic influencer culture. She unpacks the power of storytelling as a tool for cultural critique, challenging the curated, unrealistic portrayals of women’s lives online. The episode explores themes of agency, gender roles, and the societal pressures women navigate daily—while showcasing how fiction can reveal deeper truths about our world.

What We're Talking About...

• Jo Piazza identifies as a storyteller, not a content creator.
• The tradwife phenomenon often masks the loss of women's agency.
• Influencer culture presents an unrealistic lifestyle that many aspire to.
• Women are experiencing burnout from the pressures of girl boss culture.
• The left struggles with branding and losing the culture wars.
• It's possible to have it all, but it requires systemic support.
• Fiction can serve as a powerful tool for cultural critique.
• Research into tradwives reveals a deeper cultural trend.
• Influencers often rent spaces to create idealized content.
• The reality of motherhood and work is often misrepresented in media.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Book Release 02:48 Exploring the Tradwife Phenomenon 05:39 The Impact of Influencer Culture 08:46 Critique of Traditional Gender Roles 11:35 The Role of Fiction in Cultural Critique 14:33 Research and Insights into Tradwives 17:08 The Reality Behind Influencer Lifestyles 20:12 Conclusion and Call to Action

Links Mentioned

Everyone Is Lying To You by Jo Piazza

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/784223/everyone-is-lying-to-you-by-jo-piazza/

Jo Piazza’s Website https://www.jopiazza.com/