Writing & Influence

Elaine Acker
  • 5.0 (5)
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Tired of your expertise staying hidden? "Writing & Influence," hosted by Elaine Acker, features interviews with accomplished writers and empowers business executives to confidently unleash their thought leadership through compelling content. Discover how to trust your instincts, silence your inner critic, and publish content that truly showcases your unique value. Each episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build your influence and grow your business using the power of words. Ready to turn your expertise into impact? Learn how to transform your knowledge into a powerful content strategy that leads to real results—all with the help from Elaine and her guests!

  1. 11/13/2025

    Designing Your Voice: From Corporate Guardrails to Entrepreneurial Freedom

    🎙️ Writing & Influence Episode Title: Designing Your Voice: From Corporate Guardrails to Entrepreneurial Freedom Guest: Kristiana Corona – Design Leader, Coach, and Entrepreneur Host: Elaine Acker ✨ Episode Highlights In this episode, Kristiana Corona shares her journey from corporate leadership to building a purpose-driven brand and coaching business. With experience at Amazon and a background in UX design, Kristiana dives into how writing, design thinking, and even AI can help you lead with clarity and communicate with intention. Whether you're navigating a big career pivot or finally ready to hit “post” on LinkedIn, Kristiana’s insights will give you the courage—and tools—to show up with confidence. What You’ll Learn: The shift from corporate to entrepreneurship: Why stepping away from structure can be liberating—and terrifying—and how to build your voice on the other side.How to start posting online without fear: Real talk about internal barriers, perfectionism, and what it takes to share your message with the world.Bridging writing and design: How Kristiana’s UX background influences her content creation and why every word and visual should serve the user.Using AI as a thought partner: Kristiana’s honest take on using AI for structure and brainstorming without losing your voice.Multiplying your message: How one piece of content can become 12 powerful touchpoints with your audience—and why repetition is not a bad thing.🔧 Tools & Strategies Mentioned: Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy's books: “10X Is Easier Than 2X,” “Who Not How,” “The Gap and the Gain”Design thinking in writing: Use goal-driven structure to improve clarity and user experienceAI tools: Use as a co-creator for structure, not a substitute for your messageContent repurposing: Start with a theme or long-form piece, then create blogs, posts, carousels, and reels from that single source💬 Notable Quotes: “The only way to learn is to start.” “Don't compare your step one to someone else's step twenty.” “Every design element—and every word—should serve a purpose.” “AI is a powerful partner, but your words are what matter most.”👥 Connect with Kristiana: LinkedIn: Kristiana Corona Website: https://www.worthytolead.co/ Explore her 1:1 coaching, membership opportunities, leadership workshops, and community for human-centered leaders.

    25 min

  2. 10/09/2025

    Beyond Performance: How to Show Up Authentically in Your Brand and Life with Lisa McGuire

    Beyond Performance: How to Show Up Authentically in Your Brand and Life with Lisa McGuire 🔗 Episode Summary: In this episode, Elaine sits down with Lisa McGuire, an Authenticity Architect and Reinvention Strategist, to explore what it truly means to build a brand — and a life — rooted in identity, not performance. Lisa shares her Four Rs framework for rediscovering your voice, insights on journaling as a tool for transformation, and how Human Design can help you operate in alignment with your true self. Whether you're building a business, creating content, or navigating a personal reinvention, this conversation will inspire you to trade the script for something real — and powerful. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: How to move from performance to presenceWhy journaling is a secret weapon for clarityLisa’s Four Rs Framework: Remember, Reveal, Resonate, RadiateThe difference between exposure and authenticityHow your Human Design can unlock your energy and impactWhy your voice is your most powerful branding asset 🧠 Key Takeaways: “Performance is exhausting. Authenticity feels comfortable and real.” “You don’t have to reveal everything — just enough to build connection.” “Journaling is not a chore. It’s a doorway.” 👤 Guest Bio: Lisa McGuire is an Authenticity Architect, Reinvention Strategist, speaker, and podcast host. She helps entrepreneurs and leaders reconnect with who they are and translate that clarity into their personal brand and business. Through her proprietary frameworks and Human Design integration, Lisa helps people show up with clarity, confidence, and resonance. Connect with Lisa: Website: lisamcguire.comLinkedIn: Lisa McGuireEmail: lisa@lisamcguire.com 📌 Episode Resources: Lisa’s program: Next Steps to the New YouLearn more about Human DesignFollow Lisa’s podcast: Your Passion, Purpose & Personal Brand 🎧 Listen + Subscribe: Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe to Writing & Influence on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    42 min

  3. 09/25/2025

    An epic journey with Christine Sadry

    An epic journey with Christine Sadry Summary Christine Sadry discusses her memoir “Thirteen Years Lost” which chronicles her journey from leaving Poland at age nine to becoming a UN diplomat. She shares her experiences of early trauma, including losing her mother at five and a difficult adoption in America, followed by a thirteen-year separation from her family. The conversation explores her remarkable career at the UN, including working in war zones, learning to drive tanks, and meeting her husband in Mozambique. Throughout the interview, Sadry emphasizes the importance of taking risks, embracing opportunities, and the healing power of sharing one’s story.  Guests Christine Sadry - Former UN diplomat and award-winning author of “Thirteen Years Lost,” a memoir chronicling her journey from Polish orphan to international diplomat. Her story encompasses loss, resilience, and ultimate triumph as she navigated cultural transitions, career challenges, and personal transformation. Topics discussed Immigration and cultural adaptation Overcoming childhood trauma Career development at the United Nations International diplomacy and peacekeeping Writing and publishing a memoir Taking risks and embracing opportunities Personal growth and transformation Family separation and reunion Travel and cultural experiences Finding love in unexpected places Key Takeaways  Taking calculated risks can lead to extraordinary life opportunities It’s never too late to heal from past trauma and share your story Travel and cultural exposure expand personal growth and understanding Writing can be both therapeutic and inspiring for others Success often requires stepping out of your comfort zone Personal stories can inspire others to make positive life changes Notable Quotes  “Take the risk because the rewards are great. The beginnings are painful, are scary, are beyond belief. But if you don’t take the risk, you don’t get the reward.” — Christine Sadry “Once you do it, you realize that you’re capable of so much more than you give yourself credit.” — Christine Sadry “For women, we never think we’re good enough. Even no matter how strong and competent or brave or whatever.” — Christine Sadry “If this orphan who came from another country didn’t speak the language managed life… it’s possible. You can do it.” — Christine Sadry Entities Mentioned  United Nations Literary Titan Award Independent Book Publishers Award Circumnavigators Club Poland Keywords memoir, diplomacy, immigration, healing, transformation, resilience, international relations, peacekeeping, cultural adaptation, personal growth  Get the book Experience an extraordinary journey of resilience and transformation through Christine Sadry’s award-winning memoir “Thirteen Years Lost.” From Polish orphan to UN diplomat, her story proves that with courage and determination, you can overcome any obstacle and create an extraordinary life. Let her inspiring journey motivate you to take those crucial risks that could transform your own life.

    36 min

  4. 09/11/2025

    Ta-Da! Leadership: How Joy, Improv, and Celebration Fuel Better Teams with Joel Zeff

    Ta-Da! Leadership: How Joy, Improv, and Celebration Fuel Better Teams with Joel ZeffWhat happens when you bring laughter, improv, and a whole lot of heart into leadership? You get Joel Zeff. In this episode, Joel joins Elaine Acker to talk about the power of “Ta-Da!” moments, how celebration drives confidence, and why fun is not just nice to have—it’s essential to great leadership. From the improv stage to the keynote spotlight, Joel shares how small wins, positive support, and ownership can transform the way we lead and collaborate. Plus, he pulls back the curtain on his writing process, the real story behind his bestselling book, Make the Right Choice, and why starting is the hardest—and most important—step for any author. 🗣️ What You’ll Learn: Why celebrating “Ta-Da!” moments fuels creativity, passion, and innovationHow improv teaches powerful lessons about leadership and teamworkJoel’s approach to writing a business book that’s actually fun to readThe surprising way his book got published (spoiler: the publisher called him!)How to stop over-editing and know when your writing is readyWhy every author needs a deadline, a habit, and a whole lot of grace📌 Resources & Mentions: Joel’s book: Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at WorkConnect with Joel on LinkedInMore about Joel’s keynotes and workshops at joelzeff.comWant to write your own book? Visit sparx360.com for resources and support🔥 Quote of the Episode: “Everybody has a story. Everybody has something to share that can guide or inspire others.” — Joel Zeff 🙌 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: Loved this episode? Share it with a friend, leave a review, or connect with Elaine on LinkedIn. And don’t forget to celebrate your own Ta-Da moments today—you’ve earned it.

    40 min

  5. 08/28/2025

    Go For No: Rewriting the Rules of Rejection with Andrea Waltz

    Go For No: Rewriting the Rules of Rejection with Andrea Waltz Andrea Waltz discusses the 25th anniversary sequel to her bestselling book Go For No and explores how embracing rejection leads to success. She shares insights about the new book’s storyline featuring a 20-year-old protagonist, discusses the evolution of the Go For No philosophy, and offers practical advice about overcoming fear of rejection. The conversation covers publishing insights, storytelling techniques, and how the principles apply beyond sales to areas like education, leadership, and personal growth. Guests• Andrea Waltz - Co-author of the bestselling book ‘Go For No’ and its sequel. Along with her husband Richard Fenton, she’s known for transforming how people think about rejection and failure in business and life. Topics discussed• The philosophy behind ‘Go For No’• Writing and publishing Go For No: The Sequel• Overcoming fear of rejection• Storytelling in business books• Self-publishing insights• Building resilience in young professionals• Reframing failure and success• The power of asking and persistenceKey Takeaways• Success often requires embracing and actively seeking rejection• Only the customer should end the sale, not the salesperson• Stop giving yourself a ‘no’ before others have the chance• Perfectionism often prevents people from taking action• Focus on the process rather than just the outcome• Creating ‘no awareness’ helps achieve bigger goals Notable Quotes• “Stop talking yourself out of opportunities. Stop saying no to yourself.” — Andrea Waltz• “It’s one thing to get that no… But you don’t want your head hitting the pillow thinking, I wonder what would have happened if I had just gone up and asked.” — Andrea Waltz• “The secret is when you see other people getting ahead… somewhere along the way, they made a choice to just play differently.” — Andrea Waltz Links• Go for No! The Sequel (book) • Andrea Waltz • Richard Fenton • No Quotient Quiz • Sell Well Conference in Houston • Panola College Keywords rejection, sales, resilience, mindset, persistence, storytelling, publishing, failure, success, courage Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues. And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

    27 min

  6. 08/14/2025

    Your Hidden Advantage: Breaking the Broken Cookie Effect with Patty Block

    Your Hidden Advantage: Breaking the Broken Cookie Effect with Patty Block Business advisor Patty Block discusses how women business owners often undervalue their services and sacrifice their own interests, a pattern she calls the “broken cookie effect.” She explains strategies for value-based pricing, building business value, and preparing for potential exits. Patty emphasizes the importance of standardizing pricing models and operations while maintaining business stability. She shares insights from her book Your Hidden Advantage and her experience helping women position their businesses for successful exits. GuestsPatty Block - Business advisor, author of ‘Your Hidden Advantage,’ and creator of the Broken Cookie Effect. She helps women business owners optimize pricing, positioning, and exit planning, drawing from nearly 20 years of experience working with professional service companies. Topics discussed • The Broken Cookie Effect and women’s tendency to self-sacrifice in business • Value-driven pricing strategies • Building business value for potential exits • Common myths about growing a business • Balancing secrecy and stability during exit planning • The importance of standardization in business operations • Women’s unique challenges in business exits • The three acts of women’s professional lives Key Takeaways • Value-based pricing should replace hourly rates to better reflect the true worth of services • Standardizing pricing models makes discussions less personal and more strategic • Business valuations early in the exit process can be costly and ineffective • Building a sellable business requires intentional planning and structure • Women often need to overcome generational conditioning about business ownership • Exit planning typically requires about five years of preparation • Maintaining business stability while planning an exit is crucial Notable Quotes • “Putting yourself last doesn’t serve anyone.” — Patty Block • “It’s not about how much time you’re spending on something. It’s about the value that you’re bringing to the client.” — Patty Block • “We are shocked because if it’s a fair offer, the amount of money is a validation.” — Patty Block • “Women don’t retire. We always go on to our next thing.” — Patty Block Quick Links  • Your Hidden Advantage  • Patty Block’s Website  • Revenue Roundtable  • Value Driven Pricing  Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues. And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

    33 min

  7. 07/31/2025

    Making Work Fun Again with Jake Brown: ADHD, Bad Bosses, and the Power of Doodling

    Making Work Fun Again with Jake Brown: ADHD, Bad Bosses, and the Power of Doodling Author, coach, and self-proclaimed workplace fun-bringer Jake Brown joins Elaine for a refreshingly honest and wildly insightful conversation. From surviving toxic bosses to teaching thousands how to doodle their way into hyperfocus, Jake shares practical tools and laugh-out-loud stories for thriving at work—especially if you think a little differently. Whether you lead a team or lead yourself, this episode will leave you energized, empowered, and maybe a little more doodle-happy. 0:00 Welcome + Meet Jake Brown 2:03 Why Fun is a Survival Skill 5:20 The Conference Moment That Changed Everything 8:40 Doodling for Dopamine: Why It Works 13:45 Skeptics Welcome: When Weird Works 18:10 How “Coworking Calls” Changed One Company’s Culture 21:40 The Book That Almost Wasn’t 27:10 Storytelling with Heart and Humor 31:35 The W.I.P.E. Framework for Work (and Life) 37:15 When You’re the Bad Boss (To Yourself) 42:00 Real Talk About Trust, Delegation, and Managing Up 47:00 Current Reads + Inspired Recommendations 50:40 How to Work with Jake (or Just Get a Good Laugh) Resources: 💩 Get the book: LeaderSH!T by Jake Brown🎧 Download the free first chapter (PDF or audio) at leadership.co🧠 ADHD tools + coaching: jakebrown.co📘 Books mentioned: Escape from Tarikiak by Ben Brown They’ll Fight Over It When You’re Dead by Dave Munson Whether you’re stuck in a toxic job or just trying to make your workday feel a little less overwhelming, Jake reminds us that fun is fuel, stories are strategy, and even the messiest jobs can lead to something meaningful. Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues. And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

    41 min

  8. 07/17/2025

    Turning Years of Experience Into a Valuable Resource with Bruce Rosenthal

    Turning Years of Experience Into a Valuable Resource with Bruce Rosenthal Looking to harness the full potential of corporate sponsorships? Join Elaine as she sits down with Bruce Rosenthal, author of 'Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships.' Discover how Bruce leveraged decades of experience to transform how associations engage with corporate sponsors. They explore the evolving landscape of sponsorships, from year-long engagements to the impact of COVID-19, and the shift from transactional relationships to strategic partnerships. Learn how actionable strategies and deep industry insights from Bruce's new book can help associations drive revenue and deliver member value. Whether you're an association leader or a corporate partner, this conversation reveals how to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in today's competitive environment. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:44 Challenges Facing Associations 03:22 Shift in Corporate Sponsorships 04:07 Impact of COVID on Sponsorships 05:52 Educate to Sell: A New Approach 11:03 Writing the Book: Inspiration and Process 18:51 Case Studies and Real-World Applications 32:12 Final Thoughts and Opportunities Resources: Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships by Bruce Rosenthal Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn The challenge for many businesses in today’s market is not just being seen but being remembered. Sparx360 Publishing turns business leaders into thought leaders with a proven process for writing and publishing that helps elevate their brand. We'll help you turn your ideas into words, and words into engaging content, including books, cookbooks, blogs, sales pages, and more. Finding the right words that effortlessly connect with customers can be easy! Invite your friends and colleagues to Writing & Influence Newsletter. It's a bi-monthly series that includes valuable tips for elevating your brand with content, and free resources that will help you make more sales and increase revenues. And Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn!

    39 min
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About

Tired of your expertise staying hidden? "Writing & Influence," hosted by Elaine Acker, features interviews with accomplished writers and empowers business executives to confidently unleash their thought leadership through compelling content. Discover how to trust your instincts, silence your inner critic, and publish content that truly showcases your unique value. Each episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build your influence and grow your business using the power of words. Ready to turn your expertise into impact? Learn how to transform your knowledge into a powerful content strategy that leads to real results—all with the help from Elaine and her guests!

Information

  • Creator
    Elaine Acker
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Sparx360 Publishing All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Writing & Influence