The Author Your Brand Show

This episode is raw, real, and essential. I sat down with Maya Chylinski, a Boston Marathon bombing survivor, who’s made it her mission to expose what’s quietly chipping away at workplace morale and productivity. Her personal story is a wake-up call for every leader and team member who wants to create a workplace where people feel supported and heard. We talk about the unspoken struggles many employees face, how trauma (even when unseen) impacts performance, and why companies can’t afford to ignore mental health anymore. Maya offers straightforward ways leaders can foster a healthier work environment and tackle these issues head-on. If you’re tired of business-as-usual and ready to rethink how your workplace supports its people, this conversation will hit home. Takeaways If your workplace isn’t where it needs to be, this episode is a great place to start. Learn more about Maya’s mission and insights at Alley424.com and ManyaChylinski.com.

Jody Durand, a highly experienced sales trainer, author, and community leader, is our special guest this week on the Author Your Brand Show. He shares insights from his impressive 20-year career in agricultural sales. Known for his strong relationships with farm families and his passion for agriculture, Jody has built a reputation for delivering customized solutions that truly meet his clients’ needs. Jody is also the author of Country Boy Soul: Pasture to Prosperity, a book that explores the principles of trust, persistence, and community in building a successful career in sales. In our conversation, we explore his journey in the agricultural industry, his approach to leadership, and the valuable lessons from his book that resonate far beyond the sales world. Key Takeaways: If you’re inspired by Jody’s story and want to learn more, check out his book Country Boy Soul: Pasture to Prosperity on Amazon [ https://amzn.to/4g7snqA ] to uncover the values and strategies that have shaped his remarkable story.

David Orban, a futurist, entrepreneur, and advisor to Beyond Enterprises, joins me on the Author Your Brand Show to explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and what it means for our future. As the founder of Network Society Ventures, David has been a leader in the conversation about how technology is reshaping our lives. He’s also the author of Something New, where he explores the rapidly changing landscape of AI and how humans will need to adapt. In our conversation, we cover big ideas like technological singularity, transhumanism, and the potential for AI to surpass human capabilities. David shares his thoughts on how AI is revolutionizing industries like healthcare and science and why we need to start asking serious questions about empathy, consciousness, and the role of humans in an AI-driven world. Key Takeaways: To learn more, visit davidorban.com or check out Something New on Amazon.

Joe Pici brings over three decades of sales training expertise as the co-founder of Pici & Pici Inc. He's dedicated to enhancing business sales performance with practical, hands-on techniques. Joe’s approach is direct and results-focused, with an emphasis on mastering phone communication and making lead generation a daily discipline. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Joe covers the key elements of effective sales training and explains why accountability is critical for driving sales success. He also shares advice on how to keep remote teams engaged and why practicing in real-world scenarios is more effective than role-playing. Key Takeaways: Looking to boost your sales skills? Visit Pici & Pici Inc. for free downloads and webinars, or check out SellMoreVirtually.com for a free 45-minute webinar. Text "SalesEdge" to 59925 for more resources. For personal advice, call Joe at 407-947-2590 for a complimentary chat.

Carma Spence, best-selling author of Public Speaking Super Powers and an expert in book marketing, knows exactly how to make a mark in the crowded world of publishing. With years of experience and a successful cookbook under her belt, Carma has helped countless authors use their books to build credibility and authority. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Carma talks about why so many authors struggle with marketing their books and offers practical advice on how to avoid those pitfalls. She also introduces her Author Diagnostic System, a tool that helps writers figure out where they’re strong and where they need to focus more attention to get the best results. We also cover how speaking engagements can boost book visibility and the growing influence of AI in publishing. While AI can be helpful for brainstorming, Carma makes it clear that the creative process and editing are best left to the human touch. Key Takeaways: If you’re looking for practical, step-by-step advice on book marketing, be sure to read Carma’s latest book, Serve Up Your Book: How to Market Your Book To Attract Clients and Leads in All Five Phases of Book Marketing (The Authorneer's Journey Series 4) on Amazon.

Randy Peyser, founder of Author One Stop, Inc., is a trusted name in the publishing world with over 20 years of experience helping authors land book deals with top literary agents and publishers. Her clients' works have appeared in Oprah Magazine, TIME Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal, and some have even been optioned for Hollywood films. Randy is also the author of Crappy to Happy and The Power of Miracle Thinking. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Randy explains how authors can successfully pitch to traditional publishers, build relationships with agents, and avoid common mistakes that can block their path. She emphasizes the value of a solid platform, an active social media presence, and understanding the business side of publishing. Randy also explores the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing while helping authors make informed decisions about their next steps. Key Takeaways: Randy’s guidance provides a clear path for authors looking to enter the publishing world. Learn more through Author One Stop, Inc., or check out her books Crappy to Happy on Amazon.

How you lead can have a greater impact on your team’s productivity than any strategy you implement. Amy L. Riley is a respected speaker, author, and leadership development consultant with over 20 years of experience helping leaders at all levels build more effective teams. Having worked with leading organizations like Deloitte, Cisco Systems, and Aon Hewitt, Amy shares her expertise on improving team performance by tackling behaviors that often go unnoticed. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Amy explains how leaders may unknowingly limit their team’s success and offers practical, actionable steps to overcome these challenges. Her insights focus on understanding individual learning styles, setting clear expectations, and modeling the behaviors that lead to stronger, more productive teams. Key Takeaways: Tackle Unseen Barriers: Leaders often overlook behaviors that hinder team success. Understand Learning Styles: Tailoring leadership to how people learn enhances team effectiveness. Set Clear Expectations: Defining clear goals is crucial for team productivity. Lead by Example: Demonstrating the behaviors you want to see in your team is key to strong leadership. For more on leadership success, check out Amy Riley’s book The Courage of a Leader on Amazon.

What if the secret to crushing it in sales is not the tactics but the energy you bring to every interaction? Best-selling author, speaker, and sales expert Joe Nunziata, author of Spiritual Selling, has transformed countless careers by teaching the power of aligning your energy. His rise from bartending to becoming a top sales leader proves that when your energy is in sync, everything else falls into place. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Joe explains how emotions fuel your energy and why being honest with your feelings is key to aligning that energy for success—not just in sales, but in life. If you're ready to take your career to the next level, Joe’s practical insights and personal experience will give you the tools to make it happen. Key Takeaways: Ready to transform how you approach sales? Tune in for Joe Nunziata’s powerful insights, and if you’re looking to learn more, check out his book Spiritual Selling on Amazon.

Mike Tighe, co-founder of Takeoff Capital, traded in managing air traffic for mastering real estate. Starting with rental properties and moving up to commercial real estate, Mike shows that with the right strategy, you can make a successful transition to a new field and thrive. But here’s where it gets interesting: Mike doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. He breaks down affordable housing challenges in San Diego and how bad policies are making it harder for developers. Instead of just talking about problems, Mike offers real solutions—think smaller units, accessory dwellings, and savvy tax strategies to keep projects profitable. In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Mike also pulls back the curtain on his approach to real estate development—from finding the right properties to raising capital and getting investors on board. Whether you’re interested in transforming rundown spaces or figuring out how to pitch deals, Mike’s got the insights you need to make it happen. Key Takeaways: If you’re ready to flip real estate challenges into opportunities, don’t miss this episode with Mike Tighe. It’s packed with real-world advice to take your game to the next level.

Dr. Axel Meierhoefer spills the beans on how turnkey providers do the heavy lifting—buying, renovating, and managing properties—so you can skip the headaches and focus on stacking up that real estate portfolio. But here’s where it gets real: On this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Dr. Meierhoefer lays out the critical moves to protect your assets and shows why real estate beats the pants off other investments when it comes to control and flexibility. Ready to up your game? Head over to IdealWealthGrower.com for the full scoop. Plus, you'll hear some real talk about the long-term benefits of owning real estate and why it’s not just about the money—it’s about building a legacy that lasts. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights that could be the key to your next big move in the world of real estate. Key Takeaways: If you’re serious about real estate success, head over to IdealWealthGrower.com and learn from Dr. Meierhoefer

Doug Thorpe, CEO of Headway Exec, doesn’t waste time with fluff. He cuts through the noise and gets right to the heart of managing a multigenerational workforce—a task that can feel like juggling knives in today’s business world. But Doug turns that challenge into your secret weapon. He’s focused on action, using each generation’s strengths to get results. His four pillars—People, Process, Product, and Performance—aren’t just corporate jargon. They’re the rock-solid foundation any business needs to survive and thrive in a cutthroat market. On this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Doug shares real-world strategies for overcoming common business challenges. He highlights the importance of financial discipline and closely monitoring key leading indicators. He also suggests picking up Lincoln on Leadership if you’re serious about honing your leadership skills. Don’t miss Doug’s straightforward advice on building a business that’s made to last. Key Takeaways: If you want to dig deeper into effective leadership and business growth, take a look at Doug’s book, The Uncommon Commodity, on Amazon.

Dr. Jeffrey Magee breaks down how to handle change, helping you and your business survive and thrive in today’s fast-paced world. He highlights the importance of your personal and professional history as a foundation for tackling change and finding creative solutions. Dr. Magee is clear on AI: it’s a tool to complement our thinking, not a replacement. But that’s not all. Dr. Magee underscores the crucial need to stay sharp in today’s fast-paced world—keeping up with learning and reading to stay ahead of the curve. He also shared valuable insights for authors about strategic marketing and why teaming up with industry leaders and focus groups to connect with your audience. And don’t forget the power of collaboration and networking—they’re the real drivers behind success, whether in business or life. On this week’s Author Your Brand Show, Dr. Magee shares practical advice on navigating change, using AI effectively, and building lasting success. Key Takeaways: If you want to know more, grab a copy of Dr. Magee's book DEI of TALENTification: The 11-Elements to Execution and ACHIEVEMENT of the DEI Talent Management Model for a Healthy, Sustained & Engaged Organization here: https://amzn.to/3YO1fHP

Kevin Amolsch, President of Pine Financial Group, shares his expertise in sourcing capital for real estate deals with Doug Crowe in this week’s episode of the Author Your Brand Show. They discussed the benefits of investing in Main Street over Wall Street, the value of diversifying into real estate, and the power of creative financing. Kevin recounts his experience from buying his first rental property at 21 to building a $190 million fund. They also talked about their best and worst real estate deals, offering lessons for investors. The conversation covers the current state of the real estate market, the impact of interest rates, the market's resilience during the pandemic, and risks in the banking and commercial sectors. Kevin highlights the benefits of private lending and shares insights from his free reports. Key Takeaways: He explores the process of funding real estate projects in his book, Fund Your Flip: How to Fund Your Fix-and-Flip without Using Your Own Money on Amazon.

Stefan Rudolph shares his inspiring story of overcoming addiction and managing epilepsy, emphasizing the importance of holistic health practices and lifestyle changes in his recovery. On the Author Your Brand Show, Stefan discussed the significance of awareness, acceptance, and understanding in making positive life changes. He highlighted the power of gratitude and a growth mindset to demonstrate how these approaches can profoundly impact one's life. Through his coaching, he has supported others with epilepsy and helped them find relief and improve their well-being. Key Takeaways: He talks more about his story of awakening a positive spirit and living with passion in his book, “Thank You to the 1,000th Power”, available on Amazon. Get your copy now: https://amzn.to/3LPcCXW

Mischa Dohler, VP of Emerging Technologies at Ericsson Inc., has been at the forefront of discussions on how AI is reshaping our world, from job markets to human creativity. Now, he joins host Doug Crowe to explore AI's profound effects on the middle class and creativity and discuss what the future holds. They explore how generative AI transforms job markets and the importance of a multifaceted approach to addressing these changes. They also cover topics like the progress of large language models, the complexities of intelligence, and the role of emotional intelligence in AI development. Takeaways: Get a copy of Mischa Dohler’s book, “Blockchains in 6G: A Standardized Approach to Permissioned Distributed Ledgers (River Publishers Series in Communications and Networking),” on Amazon.

Les Whitney, a cancer survivor who defied a 1% survival prognosis, lives each day with great enthusiasm and purpose. He follows a life philosophy based on a three-year mindset, aiming to make every moment count. His experience with cancer led to unexpected positive outcomes, such as stronger relationships and cherished moments, which have fueled his desire to make a positive impact on others. Les emphasizes the importance of accepting the realities of cancer while staying optimistic and focusing on achievable goals. He also talks about the 'Les Whitney Award for Perseverance,' which acknowledges his significant contributions to the Vistage community and encourages others to cherish their relationships and live each day to the fullest. Takeaways: Discover Les Whitney's inspiring story in "Cancer's Gifts: A Loving Journey Toward the Final Chapter," available on Amazon (https://a.co/d/dmeWiz0)

Deacon Xavier, a published author writing under a pen name, joins host Doug Crowe in today’s episode of the Author Brand Show to share his journey of creating 'The Rogue Gnome,' a children's book crafted in collaboration with his children. Deacon discusses the inspiration behind the book, the writing and publishing process, and the important role his children played in the creative process. He also talks about future projects, the impact of the book on his family, and strategies for building an audience and community for ongoing endeavors. Takeaways: Get a copy of his book, “The Rogue Gnome”, at https://a.co/d/05Rpncc4

Join Doug Crowe and Mischa Dohler as they discuss AI’s profound effects on the middle class and creativity. They examine how generative AI is reshaping job markets and stress the need for a multifaceted approach to address these changes. The conversation also touches on the progress of large language models, the complex nature of intelligence, and the role of emotional intelligence in AI development. Looking ahead, they explore the implications of AI on human civilization and various industries. Key Takeaways: Mischa Dohler invites everyone to check his book, "Blockchains in 6G: A Standardized Approach To Permissioned Distributed Ledgers (River Publishers Series in Communications and Networking)," available for purchase on Amazon. - https://a.co/d/0j7f1Fk0

In today’s episode of the Author Brand Show, host Doug Crowe sits down with Dr. Saju Skaria, a seasoned leader and business executive with deep expertise in information technology and global operations. Dr. Skaria discusses the relationship between technology and humanity, offering his unique insights on how Fortune 1000 companies can integrate tech innovations while keeping a human-centric focus. Key Takeaways: Discover more about his book, "Selected Reflections: A Transformational Journey" available on Amazon. - https://a.co/d/iwI59SK

In this insightful episode of the Author Brand Show, host Doug Crowe is joined by Karla Singson, a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur, who dives into the advantages and pitfalls of outsourcing. She stresses hiring managerial teams and specialists from the Philippines, Latin America, Estonia, Bulgaria, and South Africa. Karla recounts her own rise from her early days in the Philippines to starting her businesses. She discusses her involvement with Proximity Outsourcing and the distinct services they provide, such as role consulting and setting up fully independent remote teams. Karla offers insights on effective onboarding, crafting success metrics, and the inherent strengths Filipinos possess in client success management and creative capacities. She also provides free resources and a discount voucher for listeners eager to explore outsourcing. Key Takeaways If you are eager to explore outsourcing further, Karla provides free resources and a discount voucher. Claim your free consultation today at proximityoutsourcing.com.