On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Charlie Wetzel, a prolific author who's written over 120 books—including several New York Times bestsellers. Charlie shared his incredible journey from struggling writer to collaborating with John Maxwell for more than three decades, unpacking the power of writing, leadership, and authentic communication. We discussed why every leader should develop their writing skills, the impact of AI in publishing, and Charlie’s mission to coach aspiring authors.

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Download your free episode guide here!

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00:00 "Prolific Journey in Writing"

06:38 "Overcoming Writing's First Challenge"

08:27 First Article Published Journey

11:22 "Writing: Environment and Structure"

14:40 "Writing and Speaking Effectively"

20:03 AI: A Mix of Mediocrity

21:42 AI in Creativity and Content

26:53 "Human Touch Matters More"

28:30 "Build Teams Over Dinner"

31:12 "Author Coaching and Mastermind Program"

34:51 "Coaching Writers for a Decade"

40:42 "Five Levels of Leadership"

43:28 "Unlocking Doors Through Reading"

45:19 "Embracing Simplicity in Technology"

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Here are 3 key takeaways:

• Writing clarifies thinking and expands influence: As Charlie Wetzel says, “You really don’t know what you think about a subject until you’ve written it down.” Leaders who learn to write effectively not only become clearer communicators—they also gain the power to impact audiences far beyond their immediate sphere.

• AI can’t replace human storytelling: While technology provides new tools, Charlie cautions that AI-generated content lacks authenticity, soul, and the unique perspective that only you can offer. If you want your message to resonate—especially in books or courses—your personal experiences and voice matter.

• Human connection matters more than ever: In today’s tech-heavy environment, simple gestures—like handwritten notes, phone calls, or face-to-face conversations—are becoming even more meaningful. As Charlie observes, real leadership is rooted in personal touch and genuine relationships.

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Links

Charlie's LinkedIn

Charlie's Website

https://learn.charliewetzel.com/courses/answerthecall

Book Recommendations

The Five Levels of Leadership

The Master Plan of Evangelism