The Author Your Brand Show

Culture Killers: The Hidden Trauma Sabotaging Your Team's Success

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

• Trauma’s effects aren’t always visible but can disrupt workplace culture.
• Mental health stigma remains a barrier in many organizations.
• Listening and clear communication are crucial for building trust.
• Presenteeism can be as harmful as absenteeism.
• Real culture change takes leadership commitment and time.

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-Cultivating Relationships and Delivering Results in Agriculture

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:

• Trust and relationships form the foundation of successful sales.
• Custom solutions tailored to clients’ needs result in lasting outcomes.
• Passion and persistence are essential for a thriving, long-term career.
• Community engagement enriches both professional and personal growth.
• Jody’s book, Country Boy Soul: Pasture to Prosperity, highlights ethical principles and strategies for success.

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: Advancing Together-AI, Human Progress, and the Rules of Coexistence

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:

• AI is evolving at an incredible pace, especially in fields like medical diagnosis and scientific research.
• Transhumanism raises big questions about the future of humanity as we move closer to integrating with AI.
• The debate over whether AI can feel empathy is becoming more important as the technology advances.
• While AI is changing the way we work, the human touch in creativity and decision-making is still critical.
• David’s book Something New takes a closer look at these topics and how we can navigate the challenges ahead.

To learn more, visit davidorban.com or check out Something New on Amazon.

Joe Pici: Dialing for Success- The Art of Sales Calls

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:

• Sales is a learnable skill that anyone can develop with the right approach.
• Phone communication is still one of the most effective tools for closing deals.
• Consistent lead generation is essential for keeping sales efforts on track.
• Accountability and structure are crucial for keeping sales teams focused, especially when working remotely.
• Real-world practice is more valuable than role-playing in improving sales techniques.
• Building strong, authentic relationships is the foundation of successful selling.

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.

Keeping Your Voice in the Age of AI: Carma Spence on Writing and Publishing

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:

• Publishing a book builds authority and credibility, but you have to market it right.
• Many authors fall short when it comes to promotion—don’t make that mistake.
• Know your audience and tailor your marketing to them if you want to stand out.
• Speaking engagements are an effective way to promote your book and grow your audience.
• AI is useful for ideas, but the final product should always be shaped by a human writer.

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: Mastering the Pitch-Avoiding Costly Mistakes in the Publishing World

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:

• Relationships Matter: Building connections with agents and publishers is key to landing book deals.
• Strong Platform: A solid online presence can help attract publisher interest.
• Avoid Mistakes: Stay focused on the business side and follow the right pitching process.
• Publisher’s Role: Traditional publishers handle marketing, distribution, and bookstore placement.
• Self vs. Traditional Publishing: Self-publishing offers more control, while traditional publishing brings wider reach and credibility.

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.

Amy Riley: Leading Smart-11 Hidden Leadership Traps That Drain Team Productivity

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.

Joe Nunziata: Align Your Energy to Elevate Your Success

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:

• Energy Drives Success: Your emotional state impacts your energy, which directly affects your sales performance.
• Emotions Matter: How you feel shapes your energy and the results you get.
• Honesty is Key: Being truthful with yourself about your emotions helps align your energy for better outcomes.
• Aligned Energy = Success: When your energy is in sync, success in both sales and life naturally follows.

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.

San Diego’s Real Estate Shake-up: Mike Tighe’s Bold Strategies for Affordable Housing

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:

• Real Returns: Real estate can beat traditional retirement plans hands down.
• Overcoming Obstacles: Bad policies might slow developers down, but smart strategies can turn the tide.
• Smart Development: Smaller units and tax breaks can make housing projects work.
• Deal-Making: Finding the right properties and pitching them right is key.
• Learning from Experience: Real estate has its highs and lows—learning from both is crucial.
• Networking Wins: Getting your name out there through podcasts and networking can be a game-changer.

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’s No-Nonsense Guide to Building Wealth

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:

• Turnkey Providers: Simplify your entry into real estate—let the pros handle the work.
• Portfolio Building: Start investing in properties and watch your wealth grow.
• Asset Protection: Secure your investments with smart legal strategies.
• Why Real Estate: Real estate offers stability and control. It’s a proven path to wealth.

If you’re serious about real estate success, head over to IdealWealthGrower.com and learn from Dr. Meierhoefer