What does mentorship really mean, and why is it essential for personal and professional growth? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Deborah Heiser, applied developmental psychologist, CEO of The Mentor Project, and author of The Mentorship Edge. Deborah shares how mentorship goes beyond professional settings, offering emotional fulfillment and a sense of purpose, especially in midlife.

We explore:

• The emotional and developmental benefits of mentorship for both mentors and mentees.
• Why true mentorship must be driven by intrinsic motivation—not obligation or rewards.
• The key differences between mentoring, leading, and advising in the workplace.
• How Deborah’s journey with The Mentor Project is redefining mentorship worldwide.

Whether you’re looking to become a mentor, find one, or simply better understand its value, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to embrace mentorship in your life.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Deborah’s book, The Mentorship Edge: https://amzn.to/4gCtz5D (affiliate link)
• Explore The Mentor Project and its free mentoring resources: mentorproject.org.
• Connect with Deborah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-heiser-phd/
• Discover Deborah’s writing on Substack: https://deborahheiserphd.substack.com/
• Learn more about the Author Power Circle: kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle.

If this episode inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who values mentorship. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

How do the words we choose shape our lives, relationships, and leadership? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Terre Short, author of The Words We Choose, to explore how intentional language can inspire positivity, build confidence, and create deeper connections. Terre shares her journey as an author and leadership coach, revealing how even small shifts in word choices can have a transformative impact.

We dive into:

• Why your internal narrative (your “personal podcast”) matters and how to rewrite it for success.
• The difference between saying “I have to” vs. “I get to” and how it fosters gratitude.
• The power of eliminating limiting words and replacing them with assertive, intentional language.
• Terre’s writing journey, tips for aspiring authors, and what’s next for her in the leadership space.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to improve communication, build resilience, and lead with intention.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Terre’s books (affiliate links):
  • The Words We Choose: https://amzn.to/3OW5zhX
  • The Great Leadhership Awakening: https://amzn.to/3DgNyZe
• Explore Terre’s leadership resources and newsletter: thrivingleadercollaborative.com.
• Connect with Terre on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terreshort/.
• Learn more about the Author Power Circle: kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s ready to take their communication and leadership to the next level. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

Ever feel out of place walking into a networking event or putting yourself out there professionally? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Monica Parkin, author of Overcoming Awkward: The Introvert's Guide to Networking, Marketing, and Sales. Monica opens up about her journey from avoiding social interactions to becoming an accomplished speaker, entrepreneur, and author who thrives on authentic connections.

We explore:

• How Monica turned her introverted tendencies into networking strengths.
• Practical strategies for building meaningful relationships without draining your social battery.
• Why showing up authentically is the secret to overcoming awkwardness.
• Tips for introverts to network online and in person in ways that feel natural and empowering.

Monica’s insights will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace networking as an opportunity to connect, grow, and achieve your goals.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Monica’s book, Overcoming Awkward: https://amzn.to/3VnFPi7 (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Monica and her work: monicaparkin.ca.
• Watch Monica’s TEDx talk.
• Introverted Women Entrepreneurs Connecting: https://buildingherdream.com/events/
• Explore the Author Power Circle.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little inspiration to overcome their own awkwardness. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

What drives our decisions and helps us connect with others on a deeper level? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I chat with Sandy Gerber, author of Emotional Magnetism, to uncover the four emotional magnets that shape our communication and relationships. Sandy shares how understanding these magnets has transformed her personal and professional life—and how they can do the same for you.

We explore:

• What emotional magnets are and how they drive our choices and connections.
• Practical tips for identifying and aligning with your own emotional magnet—and those of others.
• How Sandy turned her discoveries into a successful business and award-winning book.
• Why understanding emotional magnets can strengthen relationships at home, work, and beyond.

This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you improve your communication, build stronger relationships, and better understand the people around you.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Sandy’s book, Emotional Magnetism: https://amzn.to/49rUazZ (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Sandy’s Stress-Free Holiday Playbook: https://sandy-gerber.mykajabi.com/holiday-communication-playbook
• Connect with Sandy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgerber/
• Watch Kelly’s video book review of Emotional Magnetism: https://youtu.be/F6-3yNH_AsY?si=ANT52KmcpLlZPors

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little inspiration to connect and communicate better. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

What does it take to build and sell a business with purpose? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Sharon B. Heaton, CEO of SB Liftoff and author of Liftoff: 12 Things to Know Before Selling Your Business. Sharon shares her journey from corporate finance to launching her own M&A advisory firm, helping business owners navigate one of the most important transitions of their lives.

We dive into:

• Sharon’s process for helping founders prepare their companies for sale.
• The power of empathy in negotiations and how it creates better outcomes for both buyers and sellers.
• A touching success story of a family business that grew beyond expectations.
• What women can bring to male-dominated industries and how Sharon leveraged her unique perspective to make an impact.

Whether you’re building a business, dreaming of an entrepreneurial venture, or simply curious about the world of mergers and acquisitions, this episode will leave you inspired to think big and embrace new opportunities.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Sharon’s book, Liftoff: 12 Things to Know Before Selling Your Business: https://amzn.to/3ASjF0u (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Sharon’s work at SB Liftoff: https://www.sbliftoff.com/.
• Connect with Sharon directly via email: S.Heaton@sbliftoff.com.
• Explore the Author Power Circle: https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a little inspiration to take their next big step. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

What does it take to turn life’s challenges into opportunities for a fresh start? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Amber Kliphouse, author of Clean Start: A Journey from Suicide Survivor to Real Estate Investor. Amber shares her incredible journey of resilience and reinvention—from being a 16-year-old runaway and teen mom to building a successful cleaning business and becoming a real estate investor.

We explore:

• How Amber overcame adversity and found strength through entrepreneurship.
• The importance of creating a “clean start” in life, no matter the circumstances.
• Practical advice for women feeling stuck and looking to make a bold move in their careers or personal lives.
• How journaling, self-care, and community helped Amber navigate her journey.

Amber’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how tough life gets, there’s always a path forward. This episode will inspire you to embrace your own clean start and take bold steps toward the life you deserve.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Amber’s book, Clean Start: https://amzn.to/3CLpZr4 (affiliate link)
• Check out Amber’s Clean Start journal and planner: https://amzn.to/3OwfOcB (affiliate link)
• Her Clean Start Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19YyW69Q44/?mibextid=K35XfP
• Learn more about the Author Power Circle: kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle.

If this episode inspired you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s ready to create their own clean start. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.

What do Sarah Josepha Hale, Spanx founder Sara Blakely, and the power of persistence have in common? They’re all part of the stories shared by Marlene Wagman-Geller, bestselling author of Women Who Launch and 12 other inspiring books. In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, Marlene shares her journey from aspiring fiction writer to celebrated non-fiction author, highlighting the resilience and grit it takes to make big dreams a reality.

We explore:

• How Marlene overcame rejections to publish 13 books, including Women Who Launch and A Room of Their Own.
• Stories of iconic women who’ve shaped history and launched remarkable enterprises against all odds.
• Why persistence and a “never give up” attitude are the keys to success, no matter your starting point.
• Advice for women juggling careers, writing dreams, and everyday responsibilities.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to write a book or follow a passion project while balancing a busy life, this conversation will leave you inspired to take the leap!

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Explore Marlene’s books (affiliate links):
  • Women Who Launch: https://amzn.to/3OtFq9P
  • A Room of Their Own: https://amzn.to/4g74vDc
  • Royal Women: https://amzn.to/4iaXO4U
  • Behind Every Great Man: https://amzn.to/3OuMnrs
  • And the Rest is History: https://amzn.to/4994n3W
  • Once Again to Zelda: https://amzn.to/3VamRv8
  • Eureka!: https://amzn.to/3CK7xzd
  • Women’s Home Museums of the Northeast: https://amzn.to/4eL3ZKg
  • Women of Means: https://amzn.to/4fJFXAI
  • Fabulous Female Firsts: https://amzn.to/3COYEEv
  • Unabashed Women: https://amzn.to/417MjVZ
  • Great Second Acts: https://amzn.to/4ibA2FZ
  • Still I Rise: https://amzn.to/41cn9FT
• Visit Marlene’s website for advice on writing, publishing, and query letters: https://www.marlenewagmangeller.com/.
• Learn more about the Author Power Circle for women writers: https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle/.

Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs a little inspiration to follow their dreams. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.

What if saying “no” could change your life? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Elisabeth Andrews, author of 50 Ways to Say No, to talk about the art of setting boundaries and reclaiming your time, energy, and priorities. Elisabeth shares practical tips, powerful phrases, and even a creative card deck she developed to help you say “no” with confidence and kindness.

We explore:

• Why so many women struggle with saying no and how to shift from self-sacrifice to self-preservation.
• How to recognize when you’re saying yes too often—and what to do about it.
• A game-changing mindset shift: saying no isn’t rejection, it’s redirection.
• The role journaling plays in uncovering your inner “yes” and “no” compass.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands. Tune in to learn how to set boundaries and say no in a way that serves you and your bigger dreams.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab Elisabeth’s book, 50 Ways to Say No: https://amzn.to/3ZmthtD (affiliate link)
• Sign up for Elisabeth’s free “Start Your Journal” event: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsdO-qrDIqGNBM_lF53ptGr_DJ6EYOOXmq
• Register for Elisabeth's January Journaling On-Ramp: https://elisabethandrews.com/journaling
• Explore Elisabeth’s boundaries card deck and upcoming workshops: https://elisabethandrews.com/.
• Join the Author Power Circle to connect with other women writers: https://kellyschuknecht.com/author-power-circle/.

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a little extra inspiration. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit https://kellyschuknecht.com.