Beyond the Bestseller

The Secret to Hiring Friends Without Ruining the Business with Marcylle Combs

In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Marcylle Combs, author of 'Never Hire Your Friends.' They discuss the importance of building friendships in the workplace, the balance between personal and professional relationships, and the challenges of accountability as a leader. Marcelle shares her journey of writing her book, the realities of publishing, and how her experiences shape her approach to leadership and team dynamics.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Marcylle decided to write a book after 30 years in healthcare and several successful business exits.
• The reality of "the wrong seat on the bus": How to handle performance issues without ruining a friendship.
• Setting boundaries: How to navigate texts, calls, and work-life integration as a leader and a friend.
• The "grueling" truth about the publishing process, from collaborative writers to hybrid publishers.
• Why you don't need 10,000 followers to share a message that matters.

Resources Mentioned:

• Purchase Marcylle’s book: Never Hire Your Friends on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sKToGI
• Visit Marcylle’s Website: https://marcyllecombs.com
• Listen to Marcylle’s Podcast: 50% with Marcylle Combs: https://marcyllecombs.com/podcast

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Marcylle Combs’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

Stop Being Passive: How to Reclaim Your Agency and Lead with Lori Bartle

In this episode of the Beyond the Bestseller podcast, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Lori Bartle, author of 'The Agency Within Us.' Lori shares her unique career journey in marketing and advertising, her insights on human agency, and the importance of proactivity in leadership. She discusses her transition from a secure job to entrepreneurship, the challenges of self-publishing, and her strategies for marketing her book and consultancy. The conversation highlights the intersection of coaching and mentoring, and the realities of navigating a new business landscape.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The definition of "work agency" and how it differs from emotional intelligence.
• Why Lori chose a unique "self-publishing" path to keep control of her data and marketing.
• The power of combining formal coaching with high-level mentoring.
• Navigating the "terrifying" but rewarding transition from employee to business owner.
• How to fight through the "muck" of a reactive environment to become proactive.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Purchase Lori’s book, The Agency Within Us: https://www.cultivagency.com
• Lori Bartle’s Website: https://www.cultiveagency.com
• International Coaching Federation (ICF): https://coachingfederation.org
• IngramSpark (Self-publishing platform): https://www.ingramspark.com

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Lori Bartle's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Stop Guessing! How to Use Analytics for More Profit with Philippa Gamse

In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Philippa Gamse, author of 'Website Wealth'. They discuss the importance of analytics for business owners and marketers, how to make analytics accessible, and the role of a website in business strategy. Philippa shares her journey in analytics, the target audience for her book, and insights on the publishing process, including the importance of reviews and the benefits of self-publishing. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring authors on the writing process.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why business owners often "glaze over" when talking about analytics and how to fix it
• The difference between vanity metrics and real conversion data
• How to use analytics to identify new products, services, and target markets
• Tips for authors: Philippa’s "voice-to-text" method for writing a book without staring at a blank screen
• The importance of proactive reviews and high-level endorsements for book credibility
• Why your website strategy must align with your actual business goals

Connect with Philippa Gamse:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippagamse
• Website: Philippa Gamse - digital marketing and analytics strategy - Websites That Win
• Buy the Book: Website Wealth: A Business Leader’s Guide to Driving Real Value from Your Analytics on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aKgJSN 

Resources Mentioned:

• David H. Lawrence XVII (Audiobook Coach): David H. Lawrence XVII : Actor, Voice Talent, Voice Over Teacher, Creator of Rehearsal® Pro – Your complete casting kit
• Otter.ai (Transcription Tool): https://otter.ai

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Philippa Gamse's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

How Fabric Scraps Led to a Reality TV Deal with Kira Hartley-Klinger

In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Kira Hartley-Klinger, author of 'Fabric Wars' and 'Fabric Wars and More.' Kira shares her journey from running a vintage fabric shop on Etsy to becoming a published author. She discusses the humorous and emotional stories behind her fabric collections, the challenges of self-publishing, and the importance of marketing strategies for authors. Kira emphasizes the need for authors to take charge of their own promotion and shares insights on how her books have contributed to her business.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to identify "book-worthy" stories within your existing business listings and customer interactions.
• The reality of self-publishing on Amazon: why Kira chose the DIY route and how she handled the learning curve.
• Marketing outside of the algorithm: why Kira sells 100x more books in person at quilt guilds and libraries than on Amazon.
• The "Free Marketing" hack: how a pre-printed note in an Etsy package caught the eye of a TV producer.
• Balancing the "squirrel brain" of being a self-employed creative and making time to write.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Fabric Wars by Kira Hartley-Klinger: https://amzn.to/40hGkw0
• Fabric Wars and More by Kira Hartley-Klinger: https://amzn.to/4qUDJ6o
• Kira’s Etsy Shop (Fabric Wars): https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricWars
• Kira’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabric_wars
• Kira’s Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/kirahartleyklinger
• Kira’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kira-hartley-klinger-b63116314/

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Kira Hartley-Klinger's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

The Secret to Reinventing Your Life After 30 Years of Coaching with Lori Kleiner Eckert

In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Lori Kleiner Eckert, author of 'Chai on Life.' They discuss the book's unique title, the importance of gratitude, and the art of storytelling. Lori shares her personal experiences and insights from her 30 years in the motivation field, emphasizing the themes of reinvention and the writing process. The conversation also delves into the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, providing valuable advice for aspiring authors. Listeners will gain inspiration from Lori's journey and her message of finding joy in life's challenges.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The mystical meaning behind the title of her new book, Chai on Life
• Lorie’s simple two-step project for reinventing yourself during low points
• The transition from being a quilt lecturer to a syndicated columnist and five-time author
• Pros and cons of traditional publishing vs. self-publishing based on Lorie’s personal journey
• How to turn blog posts into a cohesive book of essays
• Why Lorie believes "the real public knows no difference" between publishing paths

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Get Lorie’s new book, Chai on Life: https://amzn.to/4akJgfV
• Visit Lorie’s Website: https://loriekleinereckert.com/
• Check out Lorie’s Quilt Designs on Etsy: https://loriekleinereckert.etsy.com
• Read Lorie’s Book Reviews: https://loriekleinereckert.com/book-reviews
• Jane Friedman (Publishing Guru): https://janefriedman.com

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Lorie Kleiner Eckert’s story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

Stop Hating Yourself: How to Heal Complex Shame with Dr. Zoe Shaw

In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Dr. Zoe, author of 'Stronger in the Difficult Places.' They delve into the concept of complex shame, its impact on individuals, and the difference between simple and complex shame. Dr. Zoe shares her personal experiences and insights as a psychotherapist, discussing how shame can affect relationships and self-worth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing shame, understanding its roots, and finding pathways to healing and self-acceptance.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The vital difference between guilt (healthy) and shame (unhealthy).
• Identifying "complex shame" and why external validation often fails to heal it.
• How shame manifests as self-sabotage in careers and relationships.
• The "hiding" test: How to identify where shame lives in your life right now.
• Dr. Zoe’s powerful definition of forgiveness: Giving up all hope of a better past.

Connect with Dr. Zoe Shaw:

• Purchase the book: https://amzn.to/4aciuGP
• Website: drzoeshaw.com
• Instagram: @drzoeshaw
• Podcast: Stronger in the Difficult Places
• Free Resource: Download the First Chapter of Dr. Zoe’s Book

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Dr. Zoe Shaw's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

How to Escape Meeting Fatigue & Lead Strategically with Janet Polach

In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Janet Polach, author of 'The Strategic Leader's Mindset.' They discuss the importance of strategic thinking in leadership, the challenges executives face with time management, and how to address performance issues within teams. Janet shares insights from her experience in the Marine Corps and her coaching practice, emphasizing the need for leaders to block time for strategic thinking and to listen more than they speak. The conversation also touches on the cultural challenges organizations face and the importance of leadership development, especially for new managers.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Janet’s experience in the Marine Corps taught her that leadership is a skill you can actually develop.
• The "90-Minute Rule" for calendar blocking and why 30 minutes isn't enough for your brain to shift gears.
• Why executive teams often get stuck doing "director-level" work and how to reorganize for better problem-solving.
• Using a "Capabilities Model" to identify exactly where your business needs to move from a "two" to a "ten."
• The seven mindsets of strategic leaders, including the power of listening more than you talk.
• How to identify and fix systemic cultural problems by asking the right questions.

Connect with Janet Polach:

• Purchase the Book: The Strategic Leader's Mindset: Unlocking the Keys to Success on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qCdx0U
• Janet’s First Book: The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make on Amazon: https://amzn.to/465EK3C
• Website: https://www.janetpolach.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetpolach/

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Janet Polach's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

How Writing Heals Trauma: From Survival to 5 Published Books with A.E. Lee

In this episode of Beyond the Best Seller, host Kelly Schuknecht interviews Amanda Lee, author of the memoir 'One of the Lucky Ones.' Amanda shares her harrowing journey through an abusive marriage, the cathartic process of writing her memoir, and the importance of recognizing emotional abuse and gaslighting. She discusses the challenges of leaving an abusive relationship, the impact of her story on others, and her experiences with publishing her work. Amanda's story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the healing power of sharing one's truth.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The harrowing "wake-up call" that led Amanda to leave her marriage and protect her children
• How gaslighting and emotional abuse chip away at self-esteem over time
• The therapeutic power of writing and how Amanda moved past her "hatred" of the craft
• The reality of the traditional publishing path versus self-publishing
• Why your personal story is worth sharing, even when it feels vulnerable

Resources Mentioned:

• Purchase the book One of the Lucky Ones by A.E. Lee: https://amzn.to/4pIf6ce

• Connect with A.E. Lee on her website: A.E. LEE – Author A.E. Lee

• Follow A.E. Lee on Instagram: A.E. Lee (@authoraelee) • Instagram photos and videos

• Listen to the episode on Financial Abuse with Amanda Cassar: Financial Secrets Revealed: Empowering Women with Amanda Cassar | Beyond the Bestseller

If this episode resonated with you or someone you know, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with those who might need to hear Amanda Lee's story. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-7233, texting "START" to 88788, or visiting thehotline.org.