The Book Leads: Impactful Books For Life & Leadership

Episode 181: Jill Salzman & her book, The Big But Book: A Graphic Novel About the Detours That Shape UsABOUT JILLJill Salzman is a business and personal coach who helps clients make more money. Through defying expectations and breaking the rules, she succeeds in inspiring entrepreneurs to figure out what works for them by using meaningful action to create positive results. Jill is the author of The Best Business Book In The World* (*According To My Mom), Found It: A Field Guide for Mom Entrepreneurs, and her third book, The Big But Book: A Graphic Novel About the Detours That Shape Us was released on January 21, 2026. She’s shared the speaker stage with Richard Branson, Sheryl Sandberg, Daymond John, Marilu Henner, and Desmond Tutu among others, and professed her love of Eddie Vedder in her TEDx talk on 11/11/11. CNNMoney calls her a “mogul” and MSN Live says she’s a “Cool Entrepreneur We Love.” Forbes rated her a Top 100 Champion Small Business Influencer and voted her third business, The Founding Moms, one of the Top 10 Websites For Entrepreneurs. When she's not speaking to audiences in patterned leggings or podcasting from her basement, she fruitlessly tries to convince her daughters that cassette tapes actually existed.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS• Jill's unconventional career path from music to law to entrepreneurship• How childhood playfulness influences her business style and writing• The role of joy and authenticity in effective leadership• Recognizing burnout and implementing self-care strategies• The evolution of Jill’s publishing journey and her creative process• Using humor and play to introduce joy in work and lifeThe MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Jill is, To both avoid burnout and build upon your own unique energy, how do you incorporate joy and playfulness into the work you do and the life you live? FIND JILL• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jillll• Website: https://jillsalzman.com• Substack: https://jillsalzman.substack.com• Jill's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDAFMOHTl44LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article:CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads - Jill Salzman00:53 - Introduction & Bio04:08 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?09:34 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?19:46 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?26:35 - What do you consider your superpower?30:48 - What does leadership mean to you?37:34 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?43:20 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?46:44 - What’s next for your writing?50:40 - What book has inspired you?53:58 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:Watch on YouTubeListen on YouTube MusicListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 171: Dr. Danny Brassell & The Success Principles by Jack CanfieldABOUT DANNYAffectionately known as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” Dr. Danny Brassell (www.DannyBrassell.com) has held a variety of titles and worked with leaders from a variety of fields and disciplines, but he has always considered himself first and foremost a teacher. He is a best-selling author of 18 books, including his latest, Misfits and Crackpots. For the past 25 years he has also been a lecturer and professor at a number of universities, including his current position as a faculty advisor for the CalStateTEACH program and distinguished visiting professor at the American University of Cairo.A gregarious, sought-after author, speaker, accountability coach and business consultant, Danny is a recognized authority on leadership development, reading, motivation and communication skills and the co-creator of The Reading Habit™, the world’s top reading engagement program, as well as founder of The Lazy Readers’ Book Club™, which provides short book recommendations for busy people.Danny’s mission is to empower leaders to transform their personal experiences into powerful business stories that inspire action, drive growth and create lasting impact. Thousands, from school districts to businesses to association conferences, have enjoyed his energetic, interactive and informative presentations. He has spoken to over 3,500 different audiences worldwide.The co-founder of The WellCrafted Story Workshop™, he helps individuals, entrepreneurs and organizations around the world leverage speaking on stages as a major client lead source that converts.CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTSThe true meaning of success beyond financial achievementsHow daily habits and intentionality drive lasting successThe importance of reading and continuous learning for leadersBuilding a compelling personal story and messageOvercoming adversity and embracing failure as a growth toolThe role of faith, kindness, and community in leadershipStrategies for communicating effectively across diverse audiencesThe power of persistence, perseverance, and responsibilityPractical ways to inspire others and make a positive impactThe MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Danny is, How are you seeking out, crafting, and sharing the stories you see in both yourself and your community to empower everyone?FIND DANNYLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannybrassell/Website: www.wellcraftedstoryworkshop.comYouTube: YouTube.com/DannyBrassellTwitter: twitter.com/DannyBrassellFacebook: FaceBook.com/DannyBrassellInstagram: instagram.com/realdannybrassellLinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads - Dr. Danny Brassell00:41- Introduction & Bio02:43 - Danny on success07:42 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?15:29 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?21:17 - Danny on his speaking work31:36 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?35:50 - What is your superpower?39:38 - What does leadership mean to you?43:09 - Danny on faith50:25 - Danny on his own books58:42 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:05:06 - Danny on failure01:13:36 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?01:21:00 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:28:46 - Dann speaks about Wellcrafted Story01:31:22- What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Mod #13: Leadership From BehindSyllabus Contributor: Private Wealth Advisor Brian J. Waddell, CFP®, RICP®, CEPA®, AIF® One of the most relevant leadership lessons Brian has learned is that real leadership doesn’t happen in front of people. It happens behind them. Early in his career, Brian realized that if he focused on putting others on bigger stages, helping them grow, and supporting their vision, everyone rises together. Whether it’s his team, business partners, clients, or even his kids, leadership is about investing in others so they can become leaders themselves.About BrianBrian Waddell is a financial advisor dedicated to helping individuals and families build, protect, and transfer their wealth. He works closely with clients to develop personalized strategies focused on long-term financial security and goals. Brian is committed to delivering thoughtful guidance and building lasting relationships through every stage of life.Find BrianLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjwaddell/Website: brianwaddell@financialguide.comTestimonials: https://www.nefgrp.com/brian-waddell-testimonialsDads In Biz: www.dadsinbiz.comABOUT ⁠THE LEADERSHIP SYLLABUSThe Leadership Syllabus Podcast is a video/audio series providing insights from leaders on the main leadership lesson they’ve learned from their work, life, and experiences -- and who they are as a person.Each 30-minute mod will capture a bit about who the guest is, their work, and the one lesson they would contribute to The Leadership Syllabus.This collection of mods will offer the audience a one-series stop of real-world and life lessons to enhance their own self-understanding, awareness, and effectiveness in leadership and life.THE EPISODE BREAKDOWNBelow is a general breakdown of the timeline of each episode. While recording, these markers are fluid, merely serving as guides to ensure we’re moving along steadily to cover everything in the 30 minutes allotted to each episode.Podcast IntroductionGuest IntroductionHow would you describe yourself – who you are as a person?What do you want to share about your work? Guest shares about the work they do and/or the services they offer.What has your work taught you? How has it changed you overall?What is the biggest lesson you have learned, whether from your work or your life, that applies to leadership?Audience Call To Action: Specific action steps to take or questions to consider regarding the lessons of this mod title added to The Leadership Syllabus.Anything else you want to share about what you’re up to?

Mod #12: Identity ReclamationSyllabus Contributor: Board Certified Transformational Coach Margaret Ryan EvangelistaMod TeaserWhen high achievers lose themselves in the "grind" of external success, they lose their most effective leadership tool: their authentic self. Margaret discusses how to move from "Managing" to "Thriving" by aligning your daily actions with your core values and rediscovering the purpose that drives you both personally and professionally.About MargaretMargaret Ryan Evangelista is a national board certified Transformational Coach dedicated to helping high-achievers reclaim their identity and lead their lives with renewed purpose. With 18 years of experience as a NYC charter school co-founder and co-leader, overseeing a $10M budget and ~100 staff, she understands the "Urgency Trap" firsthand. Today, she guides clients through her Thrive Framework to move from "Redlining" to a life of alignment, passion, and heart-centered presence.Find MargaretEmail: margaret@margaretryancoaching.comWebsite: https://vibly.io/services/first-steps-towards-thriving-complimentary-strategy-session-margaret-ryanLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/margaret-ryan-evangelista/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newayfoundSchedule A Complimentary Discover Call: https://vibly.io/services/first-steps-towards-thriving-complimentary-strategy-session-margaret-ryanABOUT THE LEADERSHIP SYLLABUSThe Leadership Syllabus Podcast is a video/audio series providing insights from leaders on the main leadership lesson they’ve learned from their work, life, and experiences -- and who they are as a person.Each 30-minute mod will capture a bit about who the guest is, their work, and the one lesson they would contribute to The Leadership Syllabus.This collection of mods will offer the audience a one-series stop of real-world and life lessons to enhance their own self-understanding, awareness, and effectiveness in leadership and life.THE EPISODE BREAKDOWNBelow is a general breakdown of the timeline of each episode. While recording, these markers are fluid, merely serving as guides to ensure we’re moving along steadily to cover everything in the 30 minutes allotted to each episode.Podcast IntroductionGuest IntroductionHow would you describe yourself – who you are as a person?What do you want to share about your work? Guest shares about the work they do and/or the services they offer.What has your work taught you? How has it changed you overall?What is the biggest lesson you have learned, whether from your work or your life, that applies to leadership?Audience Call To Action: Specific action steps to take or questions to consider regarding the lessons of this mod title added to The Leadership Syllabus.Anything else you want to share about what you’re up to?

Episode 167: Kristina Lucia Pezza and her book, Bella's Trip to ItalyABOUT KRISTINAKristina Lucia Pezza is an award winning and bestselling author, creator, and artist who ignites the imaginations of children and their parents through her limited edition animals and touching storybooks. She works with families as well as businesses in creating community through her brand's message of improving communication through the recognition and identifications of feelings. Through creating low stimulation materials and gatherings through her art and stories she provides a safe environment allowing individuals to be vulnerable and walk away with simple steps to make a bad day a good day. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTSCreativity is essential in leadership and personal growth.Building community through art can enhance communication.Vulnerability allows for deeper connections with others.Childhood experiences shape our adult creativity and relationships.Emotional healing is a continuous journey that influences our work.Writing children's books can be a powerful tool for healing.Every interaction is an opportunity for creativity and connection.Understanding individual differences is key in communication.Entrepreneurship requires a balance of discipline and creativity. Bella Elephant is a reflection of Kristina's childhood and family dynamics.The importance of processing negative emotions.Creating low-stimulation environments helps children feel safe to explore.Intuition plays a crucial role in understanding and connecting with others.Leadership involves building trust and allowing vulnerability.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Kristina is, What timeless lessons have you shared with those who are younger than you, providing them with the awareness and tools to tackle the challenges of life and work?FIND KRISTINALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinalandrews/Website: www.kristinalucia.comFacebook: Kristina Lucia Instagram: @kristinaluciapezzaEmail: author@kristinalucia.comLinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Kristina Lucia Pezza00:59 - Introduction & Bio02:10- Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?18:13 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?44:59 - Kristina's jump to entrepreneurship.01:02:42 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?01:13:03 - What is your superpower?01:26:08 - What does leadership mean to you?01:30:12 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing01:36:02 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:45:30 - What's next for your writing?01:48:28 - What do you want people to take away from your books?01:54:00 - What book has inspired you?01:56:14 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:Watch on YouTubeListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Episode 165: Iran Nazario (He/Him/His) and his book, The Original Peacebuilder: From A Lie of Violence to A Heart-Lead PurposeABOUT IRANIran Nazario is the Principal Owner of Nazario Motivation, LLC, a consulting practice dedicated to uplifting individuals and communities through lived experience. Through consulting, training, strategy, and program development, he helps groups, institutions, and organizations navigate challenges, foster transformation, and achieve positive outcomes. With over three decades in program and strategy development, program management, youth outreach, community engagement, and mediation, Iran has made lasting contributions to social change. As the founder and former CEO of The Peace Center of Connecticut, he led initiatives in leadership development, violence intervention, and community engagement, pioneering the inclusion of formerly incarcerated individuals as community resources. Iran has trained and presented for schools, youth service agencies, and organizations nationwide, focusing on crisis response, violence intervention, and strategies for organizational and community transformation. Committed to social justice and equity, he serves on the Wethersfield Greater Good Collective and the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council (POST). A published author and motivational speaker, his memoirs, “The Original Peacebuilder” and “Rage to Peace,” inspire personal transformation and highlight his journey to becoming a Peacebuilder, while his co-authored poetry collection, “Bullets into Bells,” addresses the impact of gun violence in Connecticut. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTSThe importance of continuous personal evolution.Compassion is a driving force behind Iran's work and advocacy.How fear paralyzes us from seeing beyond their immediate circumstances.The power of reflection on past experience for personal growth and understanding -- and helping others.The power of mentorship and community support.Subtle changes in mindset can lead to significant personal transformations.Emotional awareness is key to managing stress and trauma effectively.The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Iran is, How are we using what was taken from us, or that we went without, to learn, thrive, and give back to others?FIND IRANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iran-nazario-he-him-his-aa873a35/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nazariomotivation?_t=ZT-8vLgElPWyjb&_r=1Website: https://www.nazariomotivation.com/LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/episode-165-iran-nazario-hehimhis-his-book-original-john-m--nbmhe/?trackingId=KV%2Fhv7n1RbWMNvdNlT4YgA%3D%3DCHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads - Iran Nazario00:45 - Introduction & Bio03:24 - Iran's reflection on his work.07:00 - Iran and the constant journey.09:10 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?10:57 - What's has your path to today looked like?14:44 - The Power of Compassion in Iran's life.24:45 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?34:34 - What does leadership mean to you?35:32 - Iran's journey into book-writing.38:11 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?49:21 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?51:21 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?57:45 - What’s next for your writing?01:02:20 - What book has inspired you?01:06:13 - Iran talks about the power and effect of fear.01:09:27 - What are you up to these days? (A way for guests to share and market their projects and work.)This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. Join me and see what you take away from these conversations.Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:Watch on YouTubeListen on YouTube MusicListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsRead About The Book Leads – Blog PostFor more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!

Mod #11: A Different ApproachSyllabus Contributor: Dan Starbuck PelletierMod TeaserIn life and work, the same path won't work for everyone. We're all programmed differently. Too often, people take the same prescribed and predictable path as everyone else. Is that working for you? Have you asked yourself that? What if you're cut for a different approach to life? About DanDan is an entrepreneur, educator, and a licensed real estate agent driven by a passion for building communities. He began his career by founding DIG USA and DIG Chess in Connecticut, programs dedicated to helping students develop confidence, strategic thinking, and life-long friendships. Dan's interest in long-term financial growth and property management led him to real estate investing, where he steadily built a portfolio of nine multifamily rental properties with over thirty units. Find Dan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-starbuck-pelletier-360898110/• Website - DIG USA: www.TeamDIGUSA.com• Website - DIG CHESS: www.DIGChessTeam.com• Website - Real Estate: https://salzillorealty.com/agent/daniel-pelletierABOUT THE LEADERSHIP SYLLABUSThe Leadership Syllabus Podcast is a video/audio series providing insights from leaders on the main leadership lesson they’ve learned from their work, life, and experiences -- and who they are as a person.Each 30-minute mod will capture a bit about who the guest is, their work, and the one lesson they would contribute to The Leadership Syllabus.This collection of mods will offer the audience a one-series stop of real-world and life lessons to enhance their own self-understanding, awareness, and effectiveness in leadership and life.THE EPISODE BREAKDOWNBelow is a general breakdown of the timeline of each episode. While recording, these markers are fluid, merely serving as guides to ensure we’re moving along steadily to cover everything in the 30 minutes allotted to each episode.• Podcast Introduction• Guest Introduction• How would you describe yourself – who you are as a person?• What do you want to share about your work? - Guest shares about the work they do and/or the services they offer.• What has your work taught you? How has it changed you overall?• What is the biggest lesson you have learned, whether from your work or your life, that applies to leadership?• Audience Call To Action: Specific action steps to take or questions to consider regarding the lessons of this mod title added to The Leadership Syllabus.• Anything else you want to share about what you’re up to?

Mod #9: Authentic CommunicationSyllabus Contributor: Jess Mand - Founder of INDEMAND CommunicationsJess Mand is a strategic communicator, writer, and founder of INDEMAND Communications, where she helps purpose-driven leaders and organizations clarify their voice and vision. She is the author of The Enchanted Manifesting Journal, a guided tool for aligning intention with inspired action. With a passion for meaningful dialogue and transformative storytelling, Jess empowers people to lead with authenticity—on the page, on stage, and in life.Mod TeaserTrue leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with presence, clarity, and alignment. When leaders communicate from a place of authenticity and intention, they inspire trust, connection, and meaningful action.Find Jess• LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eQHHhac6• Instagram: https://lnkd.in/eBhEggUT• Instagram - Manifesting By Mand: https://lnkd.in/e_MUfeWT• Instagram - INDEMAND Communications: https://lnkd.in/eXctFa6x• Facebook: https://lnkd.in/eSsM7Dme• Book: https://lnkd.in/erYvD7uvABOUT THE LEADERSHIP SYLLABUSThe Leadership Syllabus Podcast is a video/audio series providing insights from leaders on the main leadership lesson they’ve learned from their work, life, and experiences -- and who they are as a person.Each 30-minute mod will capture a bit about who the guest is, their work, and the one lesson they would contribute to The Leadership Syllabus.This collection of mods will offer the audience a one-series stop of real-world and life lessons to enhance their own self-understanding, awareness, and effectiveness in leadership and life.THE EPISODE BREAKDOWNBelow is a general breakdown of the timeline of each episode. While recording, these markers are fluid, merely serving as guides to ensure we’re moving along steadily to cover everything in the 30 minutes allotted to each episode.• Podcast Introduction• Guest Introduction• How would you describe yourself – who you are as a person?• What do you want to share about your work? - Guest shares about the work they do and/or the services they offer.• What has your work taught you? How has it changed you overall?• What is the biggest lesson you have learned, whether from your work or your life, that applies to leadership?• Audience Call To Action: Specific action steps to take or questions to consider regarding the lessons of this mod title added to The Leadership Syllabus.• Anything else you want to share about what you’re up to?