Episode 179: Julian Lighton & his book, Navigating Your Next: Discover the Career You Want and the Path to Get There

Episode 185: Ana Hebra Flaster and her book, Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town

Episode 185: Ana Hebra Flaster [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anahebraflaster?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAALBbF4B6ef9aXyCZq9dRYWOJX2j06OmeLI] and her book, Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town [https://www.google.com/search?q=Property+of+the+Revolution%3A+From+a+Cuban+Barrio+to+a+New+Hampshire+Mill+Town&rlz=1C1CHZN_enUS932US935&oq=Property+of+the+Revolution%3A+From+a+Cuban+Barrio+to+a+New+Hampshire+Mill+Town&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg80gEHNjAyajBqOagCALACAfEFoFSddF-mS6rxBaBUnXRfpkuq&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8] ABOUT ANA Ana Hebra Flaster is a journalist, speaker, and author who arrived in the U.S. as a child refugee when her working-class family fled Cuba, in 1967. She has written about Cuba and the Cuban American experience in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Boston Globe. Her commentaries and storytelling have aired on NPR’s All Things Considered and PBS’s Stories from the Stage. Ana supports human rights and peaceful democratic change in Cuba with her weekly Substack, CubaCurious, sourced from uncensored Spanish-language news outlets in and outside of Cuba. Her award-winning memoir, Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town, explores the long reach of “refugeedom” on her tightknit, multigenerational family and celebrates immigrant grit and courage. Published in 2025, the book was selected as an all-city read and a first-year university read andt has won multiple awards, including 1st place in the Discovery Book Awards, the International Book Awards, and the Indie Author Project, a Library Journal competition judged by librarians in the U.S. and Canada. With immigrants in the news and Americans on edge, Ana hopes her family’s story inspires readers and reminds them of the best of America—and Americans. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS • Why Ana’s family left Cuba and how that experience shaped her life • The moment her mother realized the revolution was not what she thought it was • What it was like arriving in New Hampshire as a Cuban refugee family • How Ana moved from software and family life into writing and journalism • Why structure mattered in turning her family history into a memoir • The role of leadership, self-awareness, and the ability to rethink what you believe • How nature, gardening, and focused work help Anna stay grounded • Why telling hard stories can be both healing and exhausting • What Ana hopes readers take away from Property of the Revolution The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Ana is, For better or worse, how does the story of your family play into who you are and the work you do today? FIND ANA • Website: https://anacubana.com • Substack: https://anahflaster.substack.com • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anahebraflaster/ • Twitter: https://x.com/AnaHebraFlaster • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ana.flaster/ LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Ana Hebra Flaster00:47- Introduction & Bio21:00 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?32:16 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?01:06:02- How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?01:15:48 - What do you consider your superpower?01:17:12 - What does leadership mean to you?01:19:10 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:25:20 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?01:29:20 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:39:50 - What lessons do you hope someone takes away from the book?01:43:57 - What’s next for your writing?01:46:12 - What book has inspired you?01:50:22 - 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7150200326447382528/]. 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 YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ] * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Dg1574PJ26ri1D1jLgsJ0?si=zLIwYrTLSr2CGL_B4_LN3g&dl_branch=1&nd=1] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-book-leads-impactful-books-for-life-leadership/id1578423049] * Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/] For more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/last-week-s-leadership-lessons-7058038561366794240/], if you haven't already!

Episode 184:⁠ Miriam Katz⁠ &⁠ Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert⁠

Episode 184: Miriam Katz [https://www.linkedin.com/preload/?_bprMode=vanilla#] & Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert [https://www.google.com/search?q=Big+Magic%3A+Creative+Living+Beyond+Fear+by+Elizabeth+Gilbert&rlz=1C1CHZN_enUS932US935&oq=Big+Magic%3A+Creative+Living+Beyond+Fear+by+Elizabeth+Gilbert&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBBzE5OGowajSoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8]  ABOUT MIRIAM Miriam Katz is Los Angeles-based public speaking coach, podcaster, and performer. She studied comparative literature at Columbia University, worked at Artforum magazine for many many years, followed by stints curating comedy shows and panels for Moma in New York and Silencio in Paris. She trained in improv at The Groundlings and UCB, and also studied acting, clown, and voice over in many other theaters and schools. You may have heard her in video games or seen her in films, tv shows, and Chili’s commercials (plural). She is the host of the “Ex Appeal” podcast for which she interviews every person she’s ever been romantic with on any level. The show was recently a “hot topic” on The View. That’s right, Whoopi Goldberg knows her name. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS • Miriam’s unconventional podcast, X Appeal, and her honest conversations with ex-partners reveal our shared human experiences• The importance of curiosity over fear in creative pursuits and personal development• How her diverse background in arts and academia informs her approach to coaching and life• The influence of spirituality and intuition on her creative processInsights from Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic and its encouragement to see art and inspiration as playful, divine collaborations• Practical tips on embracing silence, pauses, and authenticity in communication and art• The significance of setting boundaries and focusing energy on what truly fuels your passion• The role of continuous learning and experimentation in evolving as a creative individual The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Miriam is, How curious, playful, and open are you when it comes to your creative endeavors and general goals in life FIND MIRIAM • Website: https://www.miriamkatz.com/• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-katz-b53ba828b• Twitter: https://x.com/miriamdkatz• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miriam.katz.7 LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Miriam Katz01:05 - Introduction & Bio06:33 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?13:50 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?52:15 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child?55:43 - What do you consider your superpower?56:11 - What does leadership mean to you?01:04:32 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?01:08:20 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?01:18:21 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:23:20 - 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7150200326447382528/]. 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 YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ] * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Dg1574PJ26ri1D1jLgsJ0?si=zLIwYrTLSr2CGL_B4_LN3g&dl_branch=1&nd=1] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-book-leads-impactful-books-for-life-leadership/id1578423049] * Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/] For more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/last-week-s-leadership-lessons-7058038561366794240/], if you haven't already!

Episode 183: David Dean & his book, An Inbox Between Us: AI is not here to replace human judgment. It is here to make the absence of judgment visible.

Episode 183: David Dean & his book, An Inbox Between Us: AI is not here to replace human judgment. It is here to make the absence of judgment visible. [https://www.amazon.com/Inbox-Between-Us-judgment-judgment/dp/B0GK6G3K5Q] ABOUT DAVID David Dean is an author, speaker, and business AI realist who explores how artificial intelligence reshapes work, judgment, and accountability in organizations. Rather than focusing on AI capabilities, he examines the human elements that remain essential: how people navigate uncertainty, where accountability lies when AI assists decisions, and what holds organizations together when technology accelerates faster than clarity. His philosophy is grounded in a simple truth: AI doesn't understand confidence, risk, or consequence—people do, and that's why they still matter. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS • David shares his personal journey from tech curiosity sparked by his father to becoming an AI architect and behavioral thinker• The concept of the "behavioral record" within organizations and how AI uncovers these hidden dynamics• The role of self-awareness and organizational proximity in successful AI adoption• How AI acts as a mirror, revealing organizational culture and behaviors• The importance of authenticity and leadership grounded in integrity amidst AI-driven change• The influence of storytelling, organizational myths, and the unwritten contracts on workplace dynamics The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with David is, Before worrying about AI's role in your work, how might you have forgotten and taken for granted all that goes into your work and organization? FIND DAVID • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidchristopherdean/• Website: https://www.davidchristopherdean.com LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - David Dean00:48- Introduction & Bio01:34 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work?04:18 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now?:45:27 - What do you consider your superpower?48:26 - What does leadership mean to you?50:30 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing?58:25 - Can you provide a general overview of the book?01:05:32 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book?01:09:00 - What’s next for your writing?01:10:33 - What book has inspired you?01:14:01 - 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7150200326447382528/]. 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 YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ] * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Dg1574PJ26ri1D1jLgsJ0?si=zLIwYrTLSr2CGL_B4_LN3g&dl_branch=1&nd=1] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-book-leads-impactful-books-for-life-leadership/id1578423049] * Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/] For more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/last-week-s-leadership-lessons-7058038561366794240/], if you haven't already!

Episode 182: Ryan McCrea, MAIOP & his book, Quick Bites of Insight: Micro-Sized Learning on Work and Leadership

Episode 182: Ryan McCrea, MAIOP [https://www.linkedin.com/preload/?_bprMode=vanilla#] & his book, Quick Bites of Insight: Micro-Sized Learning on Work and Leadership [https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Bites-Insight-Micro-Sized-Leadership/dp/B0GR6GMDZG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JL9BKHII2EEX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gN3gDkp_KJABSuRdsm-ITc_LrMcekZ5xpC-onVyEP8M.ErIjFQqmesuIxm0AzeLhqbV3vGS-62Lx2UuucR0yspI&dib_tag=se&keywords=ryan+mccrea+book+of+insights&qid=1779552406&sprefix=ryan+mccrea+book+of+insights%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1]  About Ryan Ryan is a senior talent and leadership development executive known for building practical, high-impact strategies that help organizations grow stronger leaders, better teams, and healthier cultures. With more than two decades of experience across talent management, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, mentoring, and culture transformation, Ryan brings a science-practitioner approach to helping people and businesses perform at their best. He is also the author of Quick Bites of Insight, a book that offers practical, real-world leadership lessons for managers and professionals looking to grow in the flow of work.  Conversation Highlights * Ryan’s background in organizational development and talent management * How his Sicilian roots influence his leadership philosophy * The transition from chiropractic aspirations to psychology and IO psychology * The importance of family, resilience, and overcoming health challenges * The balance between science, practical application, and everyday leadership challenges * How the pandemic shifted leadership towards emotional intelligence and human-centric approaches * The role of vulnerability, responsibility, and continuous growth in leadership * Personal passions: music, movies, art, and pop culture The MAIN QUESTION for you that comes out of my conversation with Ryan is, How do you view the responsibility of leadership — to yourself and to others -- to improve each person and not just the bottom line?  Find Ryan * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmccrea/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmccrea/] * Website: https://www.quickbitesofinsight.com/ [https://www.quickbitesofinsight.com/] CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Book Leads Podcast - Ryan McCrea 00:56 - Introduction & Bio 02:54 - Who are you today? Can you provide more information about your work? 06:41 - How did your path into your career look like, and what did it look like up until now? 23:15 - How does the work you're doing today reconcile to who you were as a child? 31:13 - What is your superpower? 36:09 - What does leadership mean to you? 39:33 - Can you introduce us to the book we’re discussing? 47:36 - Can you provide a general overview of the book? 51:06 - What's changed in you in the process of writing this book? 53:22 - What’s next for your writing? 57:59 - What book has inspired you? 01:04:42 - 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7150200326447382528/]. 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 YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ] * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Dg1574PJ26ri1D1jLgsJ0?si=zLIwYrTLSr2CGL_B4_LN3g&dl_branch=1&nd=1] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-book-leads-impactful-books-for-life-leadership/id1578423049] * Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/] For more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/last-week-s-leadership-lessons-7058038561366794240/], if you haven't already!

Episode 181: ⁠Jill Salzman⁠ & her book, The Big But Book: A Graphic Novel About the Detours That Shape Us

Episode 181: Jill Salzman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillll/] & her book, The Big But Book: A Graphic Novel About the Detours That Shape Us ABOUT JILL Jill 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 life The 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=aDAFMOHTl44 LinkedIn - Full Podcast Article: CHAPTERS 00:00 - 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7150200326447382528/]. 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 YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ] * Listen on YouTube Music [https://music.youtube.com/search?q=the+book+leads] * Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Dg1574PJ26ri1D1jLgsJ0?si=zLIwYrTLSr2CGL_B4_LN3g&dl_branch=1&nd=1] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-book-leads-impactful-books-for-life-leadership/id1578423049] * Read About The Book Leads – Blog Post [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/] For more great content, check out the catalog for my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/last-week-s-leadership-lessons-7058038561366794240/], if you haven't already!