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What if the key to saving the planet wasn’t more regulations or money, but a new kind of leadership?
Rajeev Peshawaria, CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre and author of
"Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" and "Too Many Bosses, Too Few Leaders: The Three Essential Principles You Need to Become an Extraordinary Leader", joins Bill Sherman on Leveraging Thought Leadership to discuss how his career pivoted from financial services to championing climate responsibility and social sustainability. He shares how a career in HR and leadership
development revealed the limits of conventional approaches and sparked his passion for Steward Leadership—a model built on purpose, values, and a long-term perspective.
Rajeev’s research into over 100 global companies found a surprising pattern. Organizations thriving while solving environmental and social challenges weren’t driven by financial incentives or regulations. Instead, they were guided by a values-based approach rooted in independence, long-term thinking, ownership of today’s challenges, and creative resilience. These principles formed the backbone of the Steward Leadership model, a framework that marries purpose with profitability and proves businesses can do well by doing good.
Spreading this message has been both strategic and successful.
Rajeev’s team collaborates with governments, business schools, and agencies worldwide to promote Steward Leadership. By showcasing companies with decades-long track records of balancing profit with purpose, they’ve captured attention and inspired action. Leaders are drawn to the idea that societal impact and business success are not in conflict but can amplify each other.
Rajeev’s vision for the future is bold yet focused. By influencing
just 20% of the leaders they reach, the Stewardship Asia Centre aims to create a ripple effect powerful enough to drive global change. With a clear-eyed embrace of the 80/20 rule, Rajeev is betting that a minority of committed leaders, armed with the right values, can shift the trajectory of businesses—and the world.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Leadership, Not Incentives, Drives Sustainability: Successful
companies solving environmental and social challenges aren’t motivated by regulations or financial incentives. Instead, they operate from a values-driven leadership model rooted in purpose, long-term thinking, and a commitment to societal impact.
• The Four Pillars of Steward Leadership: The Steward Leadership model is built on four principles: independence (the belief that helping society benefits business), long-term thinking (beyond quarterly gains), ownership of challenges (profit while solving problems), and creative resilience (innovating to address global issues).
• The 20% Ripple Effect: Rajeev’s strategy focuses on influencing just 20% of leaders touched by his work. Leveraging the 80/20 rule, he believes this minority of purpose-driven leaders can create a powerful ripple effect, transforming businesses and society for the better.
Rajeev not only understands what type of leaders we need, but he knows how to find them. As a thought leader can you clearly describe your ideal client? If you're not sure make sure to read this article by Thought Leadership Leverage CEO Peter Winick for tips on getting a clear picture. -
What happens when you mix radical candor with thought leadership?
In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter Winick sits down with Kim Scott, author of "Radical Candor" and "Radical Respect" to explore how leaders can communicate effectively, especially when giving tough feedback. They discuss the importance of honesty, compassion, and clarity in leadership communication, showing how these principles can strengthen relationships and drive results.
Kim shares her insights on creating a culture of trust and transparency within organizations. She emphasizes that when leaders genuinely care about their team members, their feedback becomes a tool for growth, not criticism. Through real-world examples, Peter and Kim illustrate how radical candor isn’t just about being direct—it’s about balancing empathy with honesty to unlock true potential.
The conversation dives deep into the challenges leaders face when giving feedback, especially in high-pressure situations. Kim highlights the power of giving both praise and constructive criticism in a way that motivates and encourages continuous improvement. Peter and Kim also explore the nuances of how feedback can be tailored to different personalities, making it more effective and impactful.
If you're looking to elevate your leadership communication and build stronger teams, this episode offers actionable insights. Kim’s advice is clear: to lead effectively, you must care deeply, speak honestly, and encourage your people to grow without fear of failure. A must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their leadership style.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Balancing Care with Candor: Leaders achieve greater impact when they provide honest feedback with empathy. This mix of care and candor builds trust and encourages open communication within teams.
• Authentic Relationships Drive Success: Authenticity isn’t optional. Leaders who connect genuinely with their teams—seeing them as people, not just employees—create an environment where trust and motivation thrive.
• Results and Relationships Are Partners: Effective leaders focus on both outcomes and relationships. By fostering a culture of accountability and respect, leaders help their teams excel and feel valued.
Entering the world of thought leadership without a strategy and finding success like Kim did isn't common. Check out this article by Leveraging Thought Leadership CEO Peter Winick for tips on getting your strategy, tactics, and goals aligned early! -
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What drives someone to write a book that is both hard to create and has a deep impact?
For Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, former Under Secretary for Benefits and author of Veterans Benefits for You: Get What You Deserve, it was a blend of personal experience and a dedication to help veterans understand and claim their benefits. Lawrence’s career in public administration gave him first hand insight into veterans’ needs. From managing government responsibilities to engaging directly with veterans, he saw the gap between the benefits available and the information veterans had access to. This realization fueled his decision to write a book that’s accessible, concise, and targeted to help 90% of veterans navigate their benefits with ease.
Creating a straightforward guide for veterans wasn’t simple. Lawrence focused on breaking down complex government processes into easy-to-understand language, with actionable steps veterans could take immediately. By simplifying the typical benefit journey for most veterans, he created a tool that addressed the most common needs without overloading readers with unnecessary details. This clarity made his book not just popular but also essential for the very people he aimed to serve.
Lawrence’s time in office revealed another key insight: veterans want fast, actionable answers. During his tenure, he regularly met with veterans, both in person and through massive virtual town halls reaching up to 5.7 million individuals nationwide. By actively listening to veterans’ questions and frustrations, he fine-tuned his approach, ensuring his message resonated at both individual and large-scale levels. This commitment to direct communication shaped his book’s impact and expanded his reach far beyond traditional avenues.
The success of his book has inspired Lawrence to think bigger. He’s now exploring veteran employment, seeing a critical need for more research and resources in this area. With the increasing numbers of veterans out of the labor force, Lawrence wants to understand and address this trend. He’s considering a follow-up that could dive deeper into solutions for veteran employment challenges—a topic he believes might resonate even more widely.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Simplifying Complexity: Lawrence’s book translates complex government processes into accessible, action-oriented information that 90% of veterans can use. His goal was to cut through bureaucratic jargon, making benefits understandable and actionable for veterans.
• Listening to Needs: Through direct interactions, both in person and virtually, Lawrence learned that veterans prioritize quick, clear answers. His approach to outreach—whether at VFW halls or in large-scale virtual town halls—helped him fine-tune his messaging and address veterans' most pressing questions.
• Expanding Impact: Beyond benefits, Lawrence is shifting his focus toward veteran employment, recognizing a gap in support. By researching why many veterans are leaving the labor force, he aims to create resources and solutions for this underserved area. -
What’s the role of spirit in a world driven by bottom lines and business metrics?
Today, Peter Winick sits down with Rusty Rueff, an accomplished investor, startup advisor, Co-Founder and Director at Alioth Talent and previously served under President Obama on his advisory committee for the Arts at the Kennedy Center, to discuss the crucial intersection of purpose and the workplace. Rueff, who has dedicated his career to empowering organizations and people, shares his belief that modern workplaces must recognize the holistic needs of their people—including the often-overlooked need for spiritual fulfillment.
Historically, work and personal lives were siloed. But today, companies are embracing the importance of physical and mental well-being, with gyms, wellness programs, and mental health support. Rueff believes the next frontier is integrating “spirit” into the workplace—not in a religious sense, but as a core part of personal meaning and motivation. Companies should aim to foster environments where employees feel committed, not just compliant.
But how can companies approach this without stepping into sensitive territory? Rueff advocates for open forums and inclusive resource groups that give employees a safe space to bring their full selves to work. By creating these avenues, organizations enable connection and belonging, helping employees build resilience, passion, and purpose.
Rueff’s latest book, The Faith Code: A Future-Proof Framework for a Life of Meaning and Impact, asks readers to explore their foundational beliefs. He challenges listeners to reflect on the “platform of their lives” and what they cherish most deeply. As he explains, while our bodies and minds may wane over time, our spirits have the power to grow stronger—right until the end.
Three Key Takeaways:
• The Spirit in the Workplace: Beyond physical and mental health, organizations should support employees’ spiritual well-being, fostering commitment and purpose rather than mere compliance.
• Inclusive Spaces for Authenticity: To empower employees to bring their whole selves to work, companies should create open forums and resource groups that celebrate diverse backgrounds and interests, cultivating belonging and connection.
• Reflecting on Life’s Platform: Rueff’s concept of the “platform of life” challenges individuals to identify what truly matters and holds lasting value. While physical and mental capacities may fade, nurturing the spirit can build resilience and strength that endures.
Rusty is changing lives by getting people to ask the right questions about their life. When it comes to Thought Leadership are you asking the right questions? Take a moment to check out this article by Peter Winick on Starting with the Problem, Not the Solution. It can make a huge difference in your work!
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What makes some people bounce back from adversity while others remain stuck?
In this compelling episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Peter Winick welcomes resilience expert Deborah Gilboa. An author and consultant, Deborah helps organizations navigate change with confidence and competence. Her book, From Stressed to Resilient: The Guide to Handle More and Feel It Less, serves as a roadmap for individuals and teams seeking to enhance their resilience.
Deborah's journey to thought leadership is as unconventional as her path to medicine. Initially pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a career in theater, she pivoted to medical school, where she spent years treating patients. Observing the stark differences in how individuals responded to illness prompted her to delve into the concept of "Patient Resilience." She aimed to redefine resilience beyond severe cases, exploring its application in everyday lives and discovering whether it can be cultivated.
Transitioning from a practicing doctor to a thought leader began when Deborah was asked to speak about parenting at community events. What started as a way to connect with underserved populations evolved into a mission to educate parents, educators, and coaches about fostering resilience. As the inquiries grew, so did her focus on adult resilience, leading her to investigate effective methods for teaching these essential skills to adults facing their struggles.
Deborah’s business model centers on writing and speaking engagements. Recognizing the need for a platform, she built her online presence and leveraged her speaking skills to gain credibility. Companies often approach her to address change resistance within their teams. Through tailored workshops and a "Change Resistant Exam," she equips leadership with the tools to facilitate smoother transitions, ultimately fostering a culture of adaptability. Deborah's insights are vital for any organization looking to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Resilience is Learnable: Deborah emphasizes that resilience is not merely an innate trait; it can be cultivated and developed over time. Understanding what contributes to resilience can empower individuals and organizations to enhance their ability to navigate challenges.
• Effective Communication is Crucial in Change Management: Organizations often struggle with change due to a lack of understanding of the natural resistance employees exhibit. Deborah teaches leaders how to communicate effectively about changes, ensuring that expectations are clear and that employees feel supported throughout the transition.
• Speaking Engagements as a Gateway: Deborah's journey into thought leadership illustrates the power of speaking engagements. They serve as an entry point for organizations to experience her insights firsthand, ultimately leading to longer-term consulting relationships focused on building a resilient workforce.
Doborah shares her journey of learning the need for a strong platform to leverage her skills and show credibility. If you are struggling to build your platform we can help! Contact the Thought Leadership Leverage team about a strategy session to take your first steps. -
How do you cut through the noise to get to what truly matters?
In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Bill Sherman dives into this question with Ann Latham, the mind behind The Power of Clarity and The Disconnect Principle. Ann's journey to clarity began when she asked former bosses and colleagues a surprising question: What do I do best? The answer was clear—she had an uncanny ability to sift through information, distill its essence, and align teams with actionable plans. So began her consulting journey and the creation of Uncommon Clarity.
Ann quickly realized that “clarity” could be a hard sell—it’s an abstract concept people often overlook. To bridge this gap, she started showing how clarity impacts concrete outcomes: higher productivity, greater confidence, fewer mistakes, and optimized potential. Through strategic planning, process improvement, and team alignment, she began weaving clarity into the DNA of organizations.
As her consulting grew, so did her focus on teaching others to achieve clarity themselves. She moved beyond providing solutions, empowering her clients to own the process. Now, as a writer and speaker, Ann is on a mission to make clarity a universal skill, publishing books and giving TED Talks to illuminate this essential but elusive concept. Her insights aren’t just techniques; they’re catalysts for meaningful change in any organization.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Clarity Drives Results: Ann emphasizes that clarity isn't just a buzzword—it's a strategic asset that boosts productivity, confidence, and team effectiveness.
• Clarity as a Teachable Skill: Beyond solving problems for clients, Ann has developed ways to teach organizations how to cultivate clarity themselves, making it a sustainable part of their culture.
• Practical Clarity Spectrum: To tackle the vagueness around clarity, Ann developed a spectrum that defines specific elements needed to reach clear, actionable outcomes, making it easier for teams to get aligned and achieve their goals.
Peter Winick, the CEO and Founder of Thought Leadership Leverage, like Ann, often helps his clients find clarity in their work. Check out this article by Peter on Clarity for Priorities. -
How do you turn a passion for nonprofits into a thriving business?
Dr. Sharon Elefant, Founder & CEO of The Nonprofit Plug, joins us to share her remarkable journey. Initially aiming to become a hospital administrator, Sharon found herself running outreach programs for the VA health system across Southern California and Nevada. This exposed her to the world of nonprofits and strategic partnerships, which quickly became her passion. As she deepened her involvement with nonprofits, Sharon realized she had a unique skill: she could connect these organizations with the exact resources they needed. Her growing reputation as “The Plug” for nonprofit solutions laid the groundwork for a full-time consulting business.
Turning her passion into profit was the next challenge. Sharon describes how she evolved from a free resource into a paid expert. At first, she was providing advice and making introductions for free. But as she took on more complex tasks like grant writing and strategic development, her value became undeniable. Nonprofits trusted her expertise and were willing to pay for her to take on the heavy lifting. What began as offering helpful tips turned into thought leadership, with Sharon producing content, guides, and resources that established her as the go-to person in her field. Her knowledge wasn’t just in demand—it became a business.
Today, The Nonprofit Plug offers a range of services to meet the diverse needs of nonprofit organizations. Sharon talks about how she structured her offerings into packages that include everything from grant writers to consultants and coaches, covering every aspect of nonprofit management. She introduced a new program that provides all-inclusive support for an entire year, helping nonprofits hit the ground running in the first 90 days. This package model offers a clear cost-saving advantage compared to hiring individual experts. It's all about providing comprehensive, long-term value at an accessible price.
Sharon also offers valuable advice for thought leaders and entrepreneurs trying to break into the space. Her recommendation? Start small but consistent. Posting daily tips on social media—short, digestible clips that share valuable insights—can go a long way. She suggests recording a few tips in one sitting and rolling them out over time, so it’s manageable and cost-effective. But building a brand takes patience. She advises giving it at least three to five years before deciding if your business has the momentum to sustain itself. And don't rush to leave your day job—wait until your venture is fully capable of supporting both you and your business.
Dr. Sharon Elefant’s story is a testament to the power of relationships, expertise, and thought leadership in building a successful business.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Turn Expertise into Revenue: Dr. Sharon Elefant transformed her deep knowledge of nonprofits and networking skills into a thriving business by offering grant writing, consulting, and administrative services that nonprofits were willing to pay for, rather than struggling to do it themselves.
• Package Value for Impact: The Nonprofit Plug offers bundled services—grant writers, consultants, and expert coaching—allowing nonprofits to get immediate results and long-term support at a cost-effective price, demonstrating the importance of scalable, value-driven offerings.
• Consistency Builds Thought Leadership: Sharon’s advice to emerging thought leaders is to start small and be consistent, using platforms like social media to post daily tips. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with a long-term vision and patience, expertise can grow into a profitable venture.
Sharon has spent years working to become the Plug for the nonprofit industry. Here are 5 Things You Should Do To Become a Thought Leader In Your Industry according to Thought Leadership Leverage Founder and CEO Peter Winick.
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How do you balance being a practitioner and an academic?
In this episode, Bill Sherman talks with Dr. Robert Gordon, interim department chair for analytics, economics, and finance at American Public University about his unique journey from the world of cruise ships and supply chain to academia, research, and thought leadership. Robert shares his experience moving from practitioner to academic, and now returning to bridge the gap between the two. His expertise in supply chain management, particularly in the maritime and cruise industries, provided the foundation for a shift into research and publishing that impacted both academia and industry.
Robert’s research on virtual teams and complexity theory was initially seen as niche, but when the pandemic hit, his work became highly relevant. The shift to remote work made his insights on virtual teams essential reading. He highlights the importance of staying connected to practitioners through conversations and continuous publishing to keep his research relevant.
Robert’s story is a reminder that thought leadership is not a static process. It’s about continually evolving, reflecting, and bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry: Robert Gordon emphasizes the importance of staying connected to practitioners while conducting academic research, ensuring his work remains relevant and actionable in real-world settings.
• The Power of Reflection in Thought Leadership: Robert highlights how reflecting on past work is crucial for growth, allowing him to evolve his ideas, improve his writing, and adapt to the changing needs of his audience.
• Virtual Teams and Complexity Theory Gaining Relevance: What was once considered niche research became vital during the pandemic, as organizations around the world shifted to remote work, validating the importance of anticipating future trends in research.
Robert knows the importance of academic research to practitioners. In this video Thought Leadership Leverage CEO Peter Winick explains how you can use academic research to build your thought leadership platform! -
What does it take to grab your audience’s attention in the first few seconds?
Bill Sherman explores the art of pitching with Joanne Tombrakos, storyteller, marketing strategist, NYU professor, podcaster and writer. and expert in crafting powerful messages. Joanne breaks down the misconception that pitching is just about selling. Whether you're selling a product or an idea, the goal is the same: persuasion. It’s about getting your audience to stop, listen, and invest time in your idea. Joanne shares the importance of setting the hook early and keeping people engaged by delivering value quickly and clearly.
Joanne emphasizes that pitching is not just for salespeople—it's a skill everyone needs. In business, you're constantly pitching yourself, your ideas, or your projects. She compares pitching to a form of storytelling, where your narrative must not only catch attention but also build trust. Joanne also touches on the fine line between pitching and selling, explaining that while every pitch has an underlying goal of persuading, the real focus is on creating a connection. Through storytelling and strategic messaging, you can build a relationship that makes people want to listen longer.
The conversation also delves into modern challenges, like competing with digital distractions. Joanne stresses that grabbing attention isn’t enough—you need to hold it. Like a Netflix series that hooks viewers in the first few minutes, your pitch needs to pull the audience in right away and deliver substance, not just flash. For leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketers, her advice is clear: simplify your message, make it relatable, and always lead with value.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Pitching is about persuasion, not just selling: Whether you’re pitching a product, idea, or project, the goal is to persuade your audience and capture their attention. It’s not just about making a sale—it’s about getting them to care.
• Hook your audience quickly: Joanne stresses the importance of grabbing attention within the first few seconds. Like a great story, your pitch needs to engage right away, offering value and building trust so your audience wants to stick around.
• Simplicity wins: Don’t overcomplicate your message. The most effective pitches are clear and concise. Distilling your idea into one sentence can help you stay focused and make a more powerful impact.
Joanne helps us understand how the Pitch needs to move beyond persuasion and into a relationship. If you want to understand how those relationships can help ideas reach scale be sure to check out this video by Thought Leadership Leverage COO Bill Sherman. -
What’s the ROI of a business book?
Peter Winick and Bill Sherman dive into this game-changing question in the latest episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership. Partnering with industry giants like Gotham Ghostwriters, Amplify Publishing Group, and Smith Publicity, they’ve launched the most comprehensive study on the ROI of business books to date. Over 350 authors participated, and the results are eye-opening.
The data shows 64% of business books turn a profit, with a median of $11,350 for books that have been out for at least six months. But here’s where it gets interesting—authors with a clear strategy saw a median profit of $96,000. The key takeaway? Profit is more about strategy than sales alone. Books with a robust launch plan, PR efforts, or even ghostwriting support outperform those without. For every dollar spent, the average book generates $1.24 in revenue—not just from book sales but from lucrative add-ons like speaking engagements, consulting, and workshops.
Another intriguing finding? Authors with weak strategies ended up spending more than those with a focused approach. And when it comes to satisfaction with publishers, hybrid models shine. 70% of authors using traditional or hybrid publishing were satisfied, but hybrid authors were twice as likely to be enthusiastic about their experience.
Catch the full episode and dive into the data at www.authorroi.com.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Strategic planning drives profits: Authors with a clear strategy around their book—like PR, launch plans, and ghostwriting—saw a median profit of $96,000, significantly higher than those without a plan.
• Revenue extends beyond book sales: For every $1 spent on a business book, authors generated $1.24 in revenue, with most of the profit coming from related services like speaking, consulting, and workshops, not just book sales.
• Hybrid publishing leads to higher satisfaction: Hybrid authors were twice as likely to express strong satisfaction with their publishing experience compared to traditional or self-published authors. -
What happens when your toughest challenges become your biggest opportunities?
On this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Bill Sherman dives deep with Neri Karra Sillaman—an Entrepreneurship Expert, TEDx Speaker, and Professor at ESCP Business School—about how her early life as a refugee set her on a path to becoming a thought leader and entrepreneur.
Neri shares the story of her childhood, growing up as part of a Turkish minority in Bulgaria during the 1980s, facing forced assimilation, and eventually being expelled from the country. With only two suitcases, her family fled to Turkey. From those humble beginnings in refugee camps, Neri realized education was her key to changing her life. This powerful experience laid the foundation for her future work in entrepreneurship and academia.
But how does a life of survival translate into thought leadership? Neri discusses how her research took her on a journey to understand why immigrants create businesses—and more importantly, why some of those businesses endure. Her "ah-ha" moment came when she found that many studies focused on the why of immigrant entrepreneurship but few explored how these businesses achieve longevity. This insight sparked her upcoming book, which distills the strategies of immigrant founders that any entrepreneur can apply.
Her message is clear: business longevity isn’t just for immigrant entrepreneurs. It’s for anyone who wants to build something that lasts. Neri is working to bridge the gap between startup challenges and the principles that help businesses thrive over the long term.
When asked how she moved beyond academia to practice thought leadership, Neri explains how she transitioned from writing academic papers to producing content for HBR, Fast Company, and other platforms that directly impact business leaders. She challenges thought leaders to think about how they can make their work accessible and actionable.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Adversity can shape success – Neri’s experience as a refugee shaped her drive and resilience, which became the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey and thought leadership.
• Immigrant entrepreneurship holds key lessons for all – The principles that help immigrant businesses endure are applicable to any entrepreneur looking to achieve long-term success.
• Practical thought leadership matters – Moving beyond academic research, Neri emphasizes the importance of creating accessible, actionable content that resonates with business owners and drives real impact.
Neri has spent her life seeking success in academia and entrepreneurship. If you want to find that same success in Thought Leadership take a moment to watch this short video from Thought Leadership Leverage COO Bill Sherman on successfully launching a thought leadership team. -
What if the way we approach change is broken? Would you try something new? Or stick to what you know?
In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Peter Winick sits down with Heather Hiscox, founder and CEO of Pause for Change and author of No More Status Quo: A Proven Framework to Change the Way We Change the World. Heather shares her journey of transforming frustration into a groundbreaking approach that’s helping changemakers address tough challenges in the nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors.
Heather’s insights began with a simple yet powerful question: "Why aren’t we working differently?" Years of seeing wasted efforts and weak results in the social sector pushed her to experiment. The result? The Pause framework—a tool for disrupting the status quo and creating meaningful impact. Her approach focuses on relationships, active listening, and rapid iteration, all built on a foundation of empathy and learning.
Heather discusses how entrepreneurs often miss key listening skills, and how fear of "not being ready" keeps leaders from publishing ideas and moving forward. Instead, she encourages taking risks, learning in real-time, and embracing new methods to achieve different outcomes.
Her clients—nonprofits, local governments, and philanthropic organizations—typically approach her for one of two reasons: something’s broken, or they’re unsure what’s possible next. Heather uses her framework to guide them through the uncertainties, asking the right questions and driving real change.
When it comes to marketing, Heather’s strategy is driven by relationships and word of mouth. She’s not just waiting for clients to find her—she’s actively engaging them through LinkedIn, her online show The Possibility Project, and by knowing when to walk away from those who aren’t ready to embrace her message.
Heather’s work is a call to action for leaders ready to stop settling for the status quo and start making the impact they’ve always envisioned.
Three Key Takeaways:• Embrace new methods to create change: Heather emphasizes that traditional approaches in the social sector often fall short. To make real impact, leaders must ask different questions and take risks with new methods, like her Pause framework.
• Relationships and listening are essential: Success hinges on building strong relationships and honing active listening skills. Whether in business or social change, empathetic listening and rapid iteration are key to solving complex problems.
• Don’t fear imperfection: Many leaders hesitate to publish content or make moves because it "isn't ready." Heather advocates for moving forward despite uncertainty, learning in real-time, and refining as you go.
Heather has years of helping clients change how they think and work. If you are a thought leader, speaker, or author is your work creating sustainable change? Explore the topic more in this article by Peter Winick.
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How do you turn technical expertise into a story that captures
everyone’s attention?
Today, host Bill Sherman sits down with Chantal Roberts, an insurance expert and professor at The Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York., to discuss her unique journey as an author of two distinct books. One caters to insurance professionals, and the other takes a creative approach to educate the general public.
Chantal’s first book, The Art of Adjusting, targets mid-career
insurance adjusters, offering them insights into the unwritten rules of claims handling. With remote work reducing informal
knowledge-sharing, she aimed to bridge that gap. This book also
strengthened her credentials as an expert witness in insurance
litigation.
Her second book, Once Upon a Claim: Fairytales to Protect Your Assets, was a complete pivot. Inspired by her experience teaching, Chantal decided to use fairy tales like Rapunzel and Goldilocks to explain complex insurance concepts to consumers. The goal? To help people understand the claims process better and avoid feeling blindsided.
Chantal shares how her passion led her to write in ways that even
surprised her. She also discusses her grassroots marketing efforts,
sending postcards to agents as a way to spread the word about her second book—ensuring it doesn’t get lost in the spam folder.
If you’re wondering how to write for different audiences without
losing your authentic voice, Chantal’s journey is full of insights.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Tailor your message to the audience: Chantal’s books serve two very different audiences—insurance professionals and general consumers—requiring her to adjust both her tone and content to suit their needs.
• Passion drives engagement: If you don’t love what you’re writing, neither will your readers. Chantal’s pivot from a technical rewrite to storytelling with fairy tales made her second book more engaging and enjoyable for everyone.
• Creative marketing matters: Chantal’s approach to promoting Once Upon a Claim through physical postcards demonstrates the power of thinking outside the box to avoid digital clutter and create a personal touch.
Chantal uses a different approach to finding her audience, but are you still using mass market techniques with your niche audience? If so, this article by Thought Leadership Leverage found and CEO Peter Winick might be helpful. -
What happens when your publisher holds your book hostage? In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Bill Sherman speaks with Michael Jenet, author of "Ask: The Questions to Empower Your Life" and founder of Journey Institute Press, about his grueling battle to reclaim the rights to his books after a new publisher took control. Michael’s story isn’t just one of frustration—it’s about standing on principle and creating a new path for authors.
After years of legal battles, Michael and his wife and fellow author Dafna managed to regain their rights, but the ordeal sparked a deeper question: How could they prevent this from happening to others? That’s when they decided to start their own publishing company, Journey Institute Press, with a mission to put authors first and offer a more ethical, nonprofit-driven publishing model. They learned valuable lessons about the evolving book market, and now, they’re helping first-time authors navigate the complex world of publishing with integrity and sustainability.
Michael also shares key insights about long-term book marketing. Forget the one-time launch event at your local bookstore—today, it’s about leveraging multiple formats, influencers, and long-term strategies to keep your book relevant. Whether you're launching a hardcover, paperback, ebook, or audiobook, the goal is the same: get your book into as many hands as possible and keep the conversation going for years.
For aspiring authors, Michael offers this critical advice: start building your audience before the book is even written. Marketing falls on the author, so engage your readers early, find where they are, and get them excited long before launch day.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Own Your Rights: Michael Jenet’s battle to reclaim his book rights highlights the importance of authors fully understanding and protecting their intellectual property in the publishing world. Don’t assume your publisher will always have your best interests at heart.
• Long-Term Book Strategy: Successful book launches go beyond a one-day event. Michael emphasizes the importance of thinking long-term, using multiple formats and engaging influencers to ensure your book stays relevant for years, not just during the initial release.
• Build Your Audience Early: Authors can’t rely solely on publishers for marketing. Start building a community around your book early on, even while you're still writing. This will drive excitement and help ensure a successful launch.
These insights highlight the need for authors to take charge of both their rights and their marketing strategies to succeed in today's publishing landscape. If you have a book on the horizon and are seeking a solid thought leadership approach to marketing, reach out to Leveraging Thought Leadership to discuss how we can help. -
Join host Peter Winick as he dives into a compelling conversation with Kristin Lytle, CEO of The Leader’s Edge, an executive coaching firm transforming senior leadership. Kristin's journey to becoming a thought leader is rooted in her own experiences of self-doubt, which ignited her passion for helping others articulate their ideas and reach their full potential.
Kristin shares how her firm elevates potential within
organizations development programs that unlock leaders’ full potential. But Kristin doesn’t stop there. She’s on a mission to make executive coaching accessible to the entire organization—not just the top tier. By focusing on building a culture of high integrity and crowding out low-integrity leaders, her team ensures that toxic behaviors are as unacceptable as an obvious safety hazard in the workplace.
Kristin also discusses the importance of leveraging the insights of her team. Through regular coaches’ roundtables, expert input, and staying attuned to client needs, The Leader’s Edge is constantly evolving. The goal? To identify universal leadership challenges and create scalable solutions that blend online learning with executive coaching and community support.
As Kristin transitions her firm from a practice to a full-fledged business, she’s learned that allocating top talent is as crucial as managing finances. But perhaps the most profound insight she shares is the role fear plays in leadership behavior—fear of judgment, fear of looking foolish, and fear of not knowing enough. These fears, she argues, often drive leaders more than they realize.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Unlocking Potential at All Levels: Kristin Lytle emphasizes the importance of making leadership coaching accessible to the entire organization, not just the top executives. By crowding out low-integrity leaders and fostering a culture of high integrity, organizations can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
• Scalability Through Universal Solutions: The Leader’s Edge focuses on identifying consistent leadership challenges, like influence, that cut across industries and regions. By developing scalable solutions, such as blended learning programs, they make impactful leadership development available to a broader audience.
• Fear as a Driving Force in Leadership: One of Kristin's key insights is that fear—whether it's fear of judgment, looking foolish, or not knowing enough—often drives leadership behaviors more than we might realize. Recognizing and addressing these fears is crucial for effective leadership.
Kristin's team at The Leader's Edge is working hard to make work a better and more satisfying place to be. But what is the secret to changing a company's culture? Find out in this article by Thought Leadership Leverage COO Bill Sherman. -
Join Bill Sherman as he sits down with Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, a dynamic food scientist, industry consultant, and the author of "150 Food Science Questions Answered: Cook Smarter, Cook Better." In this episode, Bryan reveals how a seemingly ordinary graduate school project sparked his journey into thought leadership, leading him to unexpected opportunities and recognition in the food science world.
Bryan shares how he transformed a volunteer blogging at "The Institute of Food Technologists" stint into a platform that attracted the attention of Callisto Publishing, culminating in a book deal. Hear how he balanced the intense demands of writing his dissertation and authoring a book simultaneously, with the unwavering support of his wife. He dives into the book's unique format—half dictated by the publisher and half crafted by him—and reflects on how it honed his ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging to a broader audience.
Learn how publishing a book early in his career became a game-changer, establishing his credibility and opening doors to numerous clients. Bryan talks about his unexpected success on platforms like Reddit, where he built a thriving community around food science, generating more leads and projects than he ever anticipated.
What's next for Bryan? He’s exploring new creative frontiers, including a potential documentary on flavors with an Emmy-winning filmmaker. It's a journey filled with innovation, exploration, and a bit of adventure.
Tune in to discover how thought leadership can evolve from unexpected beginnings and lead to extraordinary opportunities.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Thought Leadership Can Start from Unexpected Places: Dr. Le’s journey into thought leadership began with a volunteer blogging opportunity that eventually led to a book deal. This shows that sometimes, the path to establishing yourself as a thought leader can start with a seemingly small or unplanned endeavor.
• Publishing a Book Can Be a Powerful Credibility Booster: Dr. Le’s experience demonstrates the impact of publishing a book early in his career. It not only validated his expertise but also opened up multiple professional opportunities, establishing him as a trusted voice in the food science community.
• Building Communities Can Lead to Unanticipated Opportunities: By actively engaging in platforms like Reddit, Dr. Le built a strong community around his field of expertise. This unexpected platform became a significant source of client leads and collaborations, highlighting the value of community-building in thought leadership.
As a food scientist Bryan knows the difference between fine flavor and junk food. When it comes to your business are you using gourmet metrics or just measuring the junk? Find out in this video with Peter Winick. -
Today on Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Peter Winick sits down with Andrea Sampson, CEO and Executive Thought Leader Coach at Talk Boutique and creator of the Thought Leaders Academy. Andrea has a rich background with over 25 years in marketing and advertising. She shares how her journey from crafting TEDx talks to building a holistic platform for thought leadership shaped her unique approach to coaching and strategy.
Andrea discusses the importance of understanding your core message as a thought leader. It's not just about having a big idea but knowing what you stand for and why. This clarity helps you decide what opportunities to pursue and which ones to decline. For thought leaders, aligning your actions with your core message is essential. Andrea emphasizes that strategy isn’t a limitation but a necessary framework that guides creativity, much like a creative brief in advertising.
Peter and Andrea also explore the distinct differences between being a great keynote speaker and running a successful thought leadership business. Motivational speakers may inspire, but true thought leaders drive deeper understanding and actionable insights. Andrea highlights the need to simplify complex ideas so that audiences not only grasp them but are compelled to act.
The conversation shifts to current trends in thought leadership, particularly the effectiveness of giving away value—knowledge, experience, or content—as a strategy for engagement and growth. Andrea underscores the importance of thinking like a consumer and identifying your target audience’s needs.
Andrea also challenges the notion that thought leadership is a solo endeavor. Collaboration, not competition, is key. She urges thought leaders to work together, learn from one another, and focus on connection and engagement. It’s not the smartest thought leaders who are remembered, but those who can connect with their audience and make an impact.
Join Peter Winick and Andrea Sampson as they delve into these powerful insights that can elevate your thought leadership to the next level.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Align Your Actions with Your Core Message: As a thought leader, it’s crucial to define what you stand for and ensure all your decisions and strategies align with that core message. This clarity will help you decide which opportunities to pursue and which to decline, keeping your brand and message consistent and impactful.
• Strategy Enhances Creativity, Not Restricts It: Contrary to popular belief, having a well-defined strategy does not limit creativity. Instead, it provides a framework that guides your creative efforts, ensuring your ideas and messages are focused, relevant, and effective in solving your audience's problems.
• Collaboration Over Competition: Thought leadership is not a solo endeavor. By collaborating with other thought leaders, you can expand your reach, enhance your message, and engage more deeply with your audience. Working together allows for shared learning and growth, creating a more impactful and memorable presence in the market.
If you know your core message, do you have discipline around it? Bill Sherman, COO of Thought Leadership Leverage, discussed the need for Message Discipline and the risks you take by not having it. -
Today host Peter Winick welcomes Jason Silver, author of the new book "Your Grass is Greener: Use What You Have. Get What You Want. At Work and In Life." Jason, an engineer turned entrepreneur, shares his journey from tech to business and how a personal tragedy led him to reevaluate his approach to work and life. While building a company in the AI space and pushing himself to the limit, a phone call changed everything—his sister was diagnosed with late-stage cancer and passed away nine months later. This profound loss forced Jason to rethink his priorities and laid the foundation for his book.
Jason’s mission with Your Grass is Greener is clear: to help high-achievers realize they don't need to sacrifice joy for success and to empower those stuck in unfulfilling jobs to see they have the
power to change their circumstances without changing careers. He believes that passion and performance can coexist, creating a positive cycle where enjoyment leads to better performance and vice versa.
Although Jason didn’t write the book as a business venture, it
naturally led to opportunities where he now works with executive
teams, leaders, and founders to build high-performing, happy teams. His insights on decision-making—highlighted in two key chapters of his book—have resonated widely, uncovering a common challenge in many organizations: decision paralysis. He’s showing leaders how to make faster, more effective decisions by applying practical science, transforming how businesses operate.
Writing the book taught Jason more than just communication skills; it taught him the art of engaging storytelling. He learned from his editor, who also worked on Atomic Habits, that effective communication isn’t always about brevity but about connecting deeply with your audience. Jason now sees storytelling as a vital tool for leadership and decision-making.
Jason’s vision for the book is ambitious. He sees Your Grass is
Greener as a catalyst for change in the workplace. He believes many are approaching work with a broken mindset, and the solutions we’re currently trying aren’t solving the deeper issues. Instead of job-hopping or pulling back at work, Jason advocates for a different approach: rethinking how we work to unlock massive improvements in both satisfaction and performance.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Balance Ambition with Well-being: Jason Silver’s book, Your Grass is Greener, highlights the importance of finding a balance between achieving professional success and maintaining personal joy. High-achievers don’t need to sacrifice happiness for their goals; it’s possible to enjoy the journey and achieve success simultaneously.
• Empowerment and Agency in Your Career: Many people feel stuck in unfulfilling jobs, but Jason argues that you have more control than you think. By leveraging your existing skills and shifting your mindset, you can transform your current job experience without changing careers. This approach can lead to greater job satisfaction and improved performance.
• Effective Decision-Making through Storytelling: Writing the book taught Jason the power of storytelling in leadership and
decision-making. Clear and engaging communication, rather than mere brevity, can drive deeper understanding and better decisions within organizations. This insight has proven essential in helping businesses overcome decision paralysis and improve overall effectiveness.
Jason shared the very personal origin story of how his book was born. Are you sharing your thought leadership origin story? Check out this short video by Peter Winick on the power of having an origin story. -
In today's episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, our host Peter Winick is joined by Bill Sherman, co-host and COO of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Dr. AJ Marsden, an organizational psychologist and statistician, Josh Bernoff, author of Build a Better Business Book, Marissa Eigenbrood, President of Smith Publicity, Inc., Alison Schwartz, COO of Gotham Ghostwriters, and Naren Aryal of Amplify Publishing Group.
They discuss the findings of their recent research into the Return on Investment of publishing a business book.
In today's presentation we will have a first look at the data that was gathered from hundreds of authors about their experiences getting published, the expenses incurred, and the results the book had on their business. These authors were reached through not only the friends and colleagues at Thought Leadership Leverage but those from many supporting sponsors such as Greenleaf Book Group, Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches, Page Two Books, and Zilker Media to name a few.
Before the research could even begin we had to ask the questions "What is ROI? How can you measure it? How much does an author spend? What is the effect of different publishing models? And what type of returns do authors see?
In answering these questions we explore what the data tells us about the three different publishing models (Traditional, Hybrid, and Self Publishing), the role RP and Ghostwriters can play in the success of each.
We also investigate the hard and soft costs involved in writing a book and what the returns could look like. While many expect the sales of the book to account for much of their profit, we learn how using the book as a key part of a platform and gateway to other parts of the business is where real impact can be found.
More questions will be asked and answered in the white paper that will be released in September as we continue to pour over the data.
To get a copy of the paper when it's released e-mail [email protected] -
In this episode of Thought Leadership Leverage, host Bill Sherman sits down with Constance Scharff, PhD, a trailblazer in the field of mental health research. Constance is the founder of the Institute for Complementary and Indigenous Mental Health Research and author of an upcoming book on "Everyday Bravery."
Everyday bravery isn't about heroic acts like running into burning buildings. Constance redefines it as the courage found in everyday life—like battling addiction, where survival alone is an act of immense bravery. Having been sober for 26 years herself, Constance knows this firsthand. Her research reveals the quiet yet powerful ways people confront challenges and carry themselves with dignity, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Constance aims to make her research accessible to everyone, choosing to write books instead of academic papers. She believes mental health research should be available to the public, especially in the U.S., where affordable care is scarce. By blending memoir with academic research, she offers a personal and relatable perspective on the complex issues she studies.
Her journey into the field started 15 years ago at the intersection of addiction and trauma. A tragic loss drove her to explore the courage it takes to keep fighting against addiction. Her research took her across the globe—from New York's Stonewall Inn to the jungles of Ecuador—uncovering stories of resilience and bravery in unexpected places.
Constance hopes her work will inspire others to see that recovery and resilience are possible, even against all odds. She challenges the over-pathologization of mental health in Western culture and advocates for a broader, more inclusive approach to mental well-being.
Three Key Takeaways:
• Redefining Everyday Bravery: Everyday bravery isn't about grand heroic acts but the quiet courage found in overcoming daily challenges, like battling addiction or navigating trauma with dignity.
• Making Mental Health Research Accessible: Constance Scharff prioritizes writing books over academic papers to make complex mental health research accessible to the public, especially in a landscape where affordable care is limited.
• Global Perspective on Mental Health: Her research highlights the resilience found in diverse cultures worldwide, challenging the Western focus on pharmaceuticals and advocating for a more inclusive approach to mental health treatment.
Constance has an impactful blend of research and storytelling that she uses to spread her thought leadership. If you'd like to understand how Academic Research can be used to build your thought leadership platform be sure to watch this short video with Peter Winick. - Daha fazla göster
