Advertise on podcast: I’m Booked with April O'Leary

True leadership isn’t about managing complexities from an ivory tower—it is about stripping away noise, elevating the people around you, and building a foundation that thrives long after you leave. In Episode 98 of the I’m Booked Podcast, host April Eichhorn caught up with author and seasoned executive Elliott Haverlack to discuss the release of his latest book, Combustion: Simplification That Ignites Success for Leaders in Business. Coming out in October 2026, Combustion serves as a tactical, practical companion to his previous leadership title, Firestarter. Across five decades in business, Haverlack has served as a turnaround leader, life mentor, and advocate for human-first leadership. During the conversation, he shared actionable advice for modern managers, personal updates on his lifelong educational journey, and reflections on his ongoing partnership with Golden Acorn Press. A Multi-Year Journey with Golden Acorn Press Since 2021, Elliott Haverlack has collaborated closely with Golden Acorn Press to bring his core philosophies to life. The publishing house has helped him publish three distinct books, turning decades of hard-won experience into lasting legacies: * From Fear to Fulfillment: Haverlack’s first release with Golden Acorn Press explores the psychological barriers holding leaders back. The book addresses how overcoming fear and avoiding greed are crucial to unlocking personal growth and living a fulfilling, meaningful life. * Firestarter: Born out of an insight during physical therapy—“Managers put out fires, leaders ignite them”—this book outlines the foundational philosophy of servant leadership. It focuses on prioritizing team victories over personal gains and includes 20 years of hand-signed letters written to employees to inspire organizational trust. * Combustion: Haverlack’s third release with Golden Acorn Press was prompted by feedback from over 200 college students asking for practical execution strategies. Combustion answers that call, serving as a tactical blueprint for applying the principles of Firestarter. Golden Acorn Press has also worked alongside Haverlack to design companion covers for his leadership series—pairing the black, fire-and-lightbulb aesthetic of Firestarter with the white, water-and-matchstick design of Combustion to highlight their complementary nature. Key Takeaways & Leadership Frameworks During the conversation, Haverlack broke down the key concepts featured in Combustion designed to help leaders streamline operations and build stronger corporate cultures: * Alignment in Personal Health: Real leadership starts within. Leaders must maintain balance across physical, mental, and spiritual health to remain centered and effectively guide others. * The Power of Simplicity: Businesses often overcomplicate their problems. Much like water—a simple compound of hydrogen and oxygen that sustains life—the most powerful solutions in business are often straightforward and directly in front of us. * Red Light, Yellow Light, Green Light: To streamline project updates, teams should color-code initiatives. While individual team members can flag issues by changing a green project to yellow or red, it requires whole-team consensus to move a project back to green. * The Rule of 100: De-escalate emotional moments or workplace friction by asking: “Will this matter in 100 years? 10 years? 1 year?” Filtering issues through this lens strips away existential panic so teams can focus on actionable solutions. * The Rule of Fishing (Hiring Speed): Applying the rules of fishing to recruitment, Haverlack points out that top talent is taken quickly. Streamlining hiring processes allows companies to capture high-quality candidates before competitors do. * Penalty Flags for Meeting Culture: Inject fun and lightheartedness into meetings by giving team members yellow penalty flags to toss when bad behaviors surface, enforcing mutual accountability with humor. Lifelong Learning and Legacy At 68 years old, Haverlack continues to practice what he preaches. He recently completed his MBA at his alma mater, Slippery Rock University, earning a 4.0 GPA. Having previously endowed the university’s business school—now the Haverlack Business School—he returned as a student to remain a lifelong learner and engage directly with the next generation.For Haverlack, leadership ultimately comes down to human connection and a core lesson passed down by his father: “People might forget what they bought, but they’ll never forget the way you made them feel”. Elliott Haverlack’s new book, Combustion, is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and major booksellers. You can learn more about his work at his official website or by connecting with him on LinkedIn. April Eichhorn is the founder of Golden Acorn Press, an independent book publishing company. To schedule a publishing consultation visit goldenacornpress.com and be sure to connect with April on Linkedin. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

What does it mean to cultivate a Shero mindset? In Episode 97 of the I’m Booked Podcast, April Eichhorn speaks with Lulu Carter, author of The Shero Mindset, about resilience, trauma growth, positive psychology, self-love, kindness, community, and the power of transforming difficult life experiences into meaningful growth. Lulu Carter’s The Shero Mindset grew out of a desire to share the stories of women who had experienced profound adversity but refused to let their trauma become the end of their story. During the COVID pandemic, Lulu reached out to women who had inspired her and invited them to share their personal experiences in a book. The result was a collection of powerful stories that demonstrate one central message: you are not alone. In this episode, April and Lulu explore the meaning of the word Shero—“She Hero”—and how adopting a Shero mindset can help us look at adversity through a different lens. Lulu discusses the concept of post-traumatic growth and how people can potentially grow after experiencing trauma. She also shares how her own childhood trauma influenced her ability to recognize the importance of creating safe spaces where people can feel seen, heard, accepted, and supported. The conversation explores why community matters, how storytelling can help people feel less isolated, and why sharing our experiences can give others permission to share theirs. Lulu also explains why she doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all formula for developing a Shero mindset. Instead, she encourages people to discover their own path toward self-love, peace, kindness, and emotional strength. April and Lulu also discuss: The connection between trauma and post-traumatic growth How difficult experiences can shape our purpose Why storytelling can help people feel less alone The importance of creating safe spaces How to practice self-love and kindness Why resilience is a practice rather than a destination How community can help us move through adversity The connection between the Shero mindset and service Lulu’s work supporting the autistic community The role of creativity and expressive art in helping people flourish Why unconditional love and acceptance matter How kindness can create a ripple effect This episode is for anyone who has experienced adversity, trauma, loss, grief, or major life transitions, and for anyone who wants to learn how to cultivate a stronger, more compassionate mindset. Whether you are familiar with the Shero mindset or hearing the concept for the first time, Lulu’s message is simple and powerful: you don’t have to be perfect to be a Shero. You simply have to keep choosing how you will move forward. Listen to Episode 97 of I’m Booked with April Eichhorn and Lulu Carter, and discover how the Shero mindset can help you rethink your story, reconnect with your strength, and find meaning in the experiences that shaped you. After listening, leave a review and let us know what you think. Send us your comments and questions, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear Lulu’s message today. What does the Shero mindset mean to you? EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Welcome to the I’m Booked Podcast 01:10 – What Is the Shero Mindset? 03:22 – How Six Women Became Sheroes 04:41 – You Are Not Alone 08:22 – Creating Safe Spaces After Trauma 12:14 – There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Shero Mindset 15:03 – Rewrite Your Story 17:25 – Learning How to Come Back From the Darkness 21:44 – “I’m Not a Victim Anymore” 24:06 – Finding Purpose in the Autism Community 26:30 – The Power of Creative Expression 28:36 – Where to Find Lulu Carter and The Shero Mindset CONNECT WITH LULU CARTER Website: https://www.thesheromindset.com/about-5  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lulu.carter1  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulu.carter  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdzHB19YThgivkWcWpYiboQ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

When April O’Leary first published her book in 2012, she had no idea it would lead to launching her own publishing company. But what she discovered is what she shares in this episode: books open doors. In this heartfelt guide to publishing, April distills over a decade of experience into 7 powerful steps. With compassion and clarity, she breaks down every part of the journey—from writing through editing to launch day and beyond. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of publishing, this episode will inspire you to finally take the next step—and believe that your voice matters. In This Episode You’ll Learn: The first and most important step to publishing: understanding your “why” The differences between hybrid, traditional, and self-publishing—and which one’s right for you Why your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect (or even polished) How developmental, line, and proof editing each serve a unique purpose Why professional book design (not DIY!) matters for credibility and reach What to expect during the publishing and distribution process How to ensure your book is available globally, not just on Amazon Why most authors fail at the final step: marketing their book Why support, collaboration, and a publishing team are game-changers The belief that your story is worth sharing—and how to finally take action Share this! “Don’t let a lack of writing skills stop you—first drafts aren’t supposed to be perfect.” “Marketing isn’t optional if you want your book to reach people.” “This could be the year your book idea becomes real.” “You don’t have to publish alone. That’s what we’re here for.” Mentioned in this Episode: O’Leary Publishing's free guide: Manuscript Magic Let’s connect! Follow April on Instagram @olearypublishing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

What do runes, herbal tea, and a wise owl named Mama B have in common? They’re all part of the magical world of Poppy the Awesome Opossum—a children’s chapter book series brought to life by Julie LeBriton. In this heartwarming episode, April O’Leary sits down with Julie to talk about how a chance discovery of a stuffed animal sparked an idea that became a two-book series, and how her stories carry big life messages disguised as forest adventures. Poppy’s journey is rooted in self-discovery, bravery, and curiosity. Children meet characters who teach lessons on intuition, friendship, and inner strength. Adults, too, will find themselves learning about meditation, runes, and the healing properties of teas—often for the first time. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who believes in the power of storytelling, this episode will inspire you to follow your creative nudges and maybe even throw a Poppy-themed tea party of your own. In This Episode You’ll Learn: How a stuffed animal inspired a magical children’s book series with a message of self-worth Why introducing kids to meditation early can help them build lifelong emotional tools What Norse runes are and how they’re used to empower children through storytelling How Julie’s writing process was guided by intuition and meditation—often while driving or in stillness The significance of “keys” in the Poppy series and how they symbolize life lessons like bravery and purpose Why it’s never too late to become an author, even if you’ve never considered yourself a writer How herbal teas and essential oils are introduced to young readers to teach wellness in a playful way The creative extras that come with Julie’s books—from free coloring pages to 3D printed Poppy figures How parents, educators, and children can host Poppy-themed tea parties and literacy events The importance of reading above your child’s level to spark imagination and encourage deeper understanding Share this! “This story didn’t belong to me—it belonged to everyone.” “Knowledge is a treasure—and kids deserve the keys early.” “Reading to your child stretches their mind beyond their reading level.” “Poppy teaches kids—and reminds parents—how awesome they are.” Mentioned in this Episode: Julie LeBriton’s Website Book Review Raffle Poppy the Awesome Opossum and the Book of Runes Poppy the Awesome Opossum and the Cedar Treasure O’Leary Publishing's free guide: Manuscript Magic Let’s connect! Follow April on Instagram @olearypublishing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

At just nine years old, Christine Sadry boarded a plane in Poland alone, headed for a new life in America. What met her on the other side wasn’t the dream her grandmother spoke of—but silence, secrecy, and heartbreak. In this emotional episode, April O’Leary welcomes author Christine Sadry to share the breathtaking, heartbreaking, and ultimately triumphant story behind her memoir, 13 Years Lost: An Unbelievable Story of Fleeing Communist Poland to Traveling the World Serving the United Nations. Christine recounts her early childhood in communist Poland, the shattering loss of her mother, and a spontaneous invitation to come to America that forever changed the course of her life. But what was meant to be a hopeful new beginning turned into 13 years of silence, grief, and emotional imprisonment in an adoptive home where she was forbidden to speak of her past—or contact her family. This is a story for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their past. For anyone looking for permission to dream again. For anyone wondering if it’s too late to start over. Spoiler alert: it’s not. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why your childhood doesn’t define your future That silence can be its own kind of trauma That resilience can be quiet How letting go is not forgetting—it’s reclaiming That sometimes, the most healing act is telling your story That we don’t always get closure—but we can still move forward Why it’s never too late to start over There is power in purpose Share this! “They made my life for 13 years. Now I get to make mine.” “Gratitude was expected. But silence was demanded.” “I realized I had to let the pain go or let it rule my life.” “A locked door held my past. But not my future.” Mentioned in this Episode: 13 Years Lost: An Unbelievable Story of Fleeing Communist Poland to Traveling the World Serving the United Nations Christine Sadry’s Website O’Leary Publishing's free guide: Manuscript Magic Let’s connect! Follow April on Instagram @olearypublishing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

Publishing a book is no small feat—but what happens after the launch? In this episode of the I’m Booked podcast, April O’Leary sits down with author marketing strategist Kim Stewart to talk about the one tool most authors overlook: podcasting. Whether you're considering launching your own show or just want to get booked on others, this conversation is packed with tips, mindset shifts, and encouragement. Kim shares how her own journey from aspiring author to podcast host shaped her marketing career, and why podcasting has become her favorite platform to help authors extend their message beyond friends and family. From podcast formats that fit your style to planning content around your book, this episode will inspire you to stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and start showing up today—with your voice. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why most authors plateau with their “warm market” How to know if podcasting is right for you What a short-run podcast can do for your book Common mistakes in book launches Why being personal beats being polished Share this! “Just because people saw your book doesn’t mean they bought it. You’ve got to keep growing beyond that circle. “Podcasting builds trust faster than almost anything else.” “Start your podcast now. Don’t wait until the book is published.” “Let your book and your podcast work together to build momentum.” Mentioned in this Episode: Kim Stewart Marketing Podcast: Book Marketing Mania O’Leary Publishing's free guide: Manuscript Magic Let’s connect! Follow April on Instagram @olearypublishing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

When Karen Shepherd launched her book Lead with Love, she didn’t just throw an event—she sparked a movement. With decades-old friendships showing up in full force, her launch reminded us all of the power of genuine connection. In this heartfelt interview, April and Karen go beyond business talk to uncover how Karen’s mindset shift at 45—from transactional giving to heart-led leadership—became the cornerstone of her personal and professional life. Karen gets real about her past, her family legacy, and how her father’s wisdom as a Holocaust survivor shaped her into a woman who sees every obstacle as a gift. If you've ever struggled with giving from an empty cup or wondering if your story really matters, this episode is your sign: lead with love, and watch what happens. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why Karen’s book launch was more than just an event—it was a celebration of connection. How her father's Holocaust survival shaped her core values of compassion and unity. The moment that transformed Karen’s leadership style and changed her life. How to give generously and lead from the heart—without expecting anything in return. Share this! “You can’t out-give the universe.” – Karen Shepherd “My leadership was selfish—until I realized it was never about me.” – Karen Shepherd “Obstacles are gifts. They’re the universe’s way of making us stronger.” – Karen Shepherd “My father taught me: it doesn't matter what color, race, or politics you follow. Are you a good human?” – Karen Shepherd Mentioned in this Episode: ⁠Lead with Love: 10 Heart-Centered Strategies to Build a More Profitable Business⁠ ⁠The Lead with Love Foundation⁠ ⁠HR By Karen⁠ O’Leary Publishing's free guide:⁠ Manuscript Magic⁠ Let’s connect! Follow April on Instagram⁠ @olearypublishing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

Author Stacy Blemaster brings her best to our podcast with tons of insight about mental health and we discuss her new book To Be or Not To Be. You'll really enjoy this powerful episode! To get a copy of Stacy's book on Amazon https://amzn.to/4dWOija. To take the Author Adventure Quiz https://olearypublishing.com/homepage To get a copy of Who Me, An Author? https://olearypublishing.com/whome This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

Michelle Glogovac is THE Podcast Matchmaker™, a podcast publicist, author of How To Get On Podcasts (McGraw Hill, 2024) and host of the award winning podcast, My Simplified Life and CEO + Founder of The MLG Collective®. Today we talk about the magic of getting on podcasts and how to create a podcast book tour. For more about Michelle visit https://michelleglogovac.com/. For more about becoming an author schedule a publishing consultation at https://olearypublishing.com/consultation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

Jennifer Johnson is the author of Grace & Grit: Becoming a Confident Entrepreneur. As a lifelong, entrepreneur she shares some of the core values she discovered on her path to successful entrepreneurship and some of the pitfalls. To connect with Jennifer online visit www.jenniferannjohnson.com and to purchase her book Grace & Grit visit https://amzn.to/3XI9moM. For more about becoming an author schedule a publishing consultation at https://olearypublishing.com/consultation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

In this episode, Diagnostic Radiologist and author Thomas Hudson, M.D. shares his journey to finding the deeper meaning in everyday life and sharing his thoughts in beautifully written poetry in his most recent book Something Deeper: 31 Spiritual Poems to Help You Navigate Life. To connect with Dr. Thomas Hudson online, visit www.thomashudsonmd.com to schedule a private consultation. For more about becoming an author schedule a publishing consultation at https://olearypublishing.com/consultation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

After navigating her treacherous journey with menopause, Angela Martinez, RN, had to share her story. Angela authored Solving the Mystery of Menopause: WTH is Happening to Me?! https://amzn.to/3zkBl3E She hopes you won't suffer as much as she did and she offers practical tips and insights to get you through this transitional time of life. To connect with Angela online and get help with your journey visit https://angelamartinezrn.com/. For more about becoming an author schedule a publishing consultation at https://olearypublishing.com/consultation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

Lane Kawaoka, author of The Wealth Elevator: Real Estate Syndications, Accredited Investor Banking, and Tax Strategies for First-Gen Millionaires https://amzn.to/45KukW4 joins us today to talk about how to ascend the investment floors to financial freedom. For more about Lane visit https://thewealthelevator.com/home/about-lane/. For more about becoming an author schedule a publishing consultation at https://olearypublishing.com/consultation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

Estelle Erasmus is an award-winning journalist, writing coach, and longtime ASJA member and an adjunct instructor at New York University (where she received the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award) and for Writer’s Digest. She received a 2023 Zibby Award naming Writing That Gets Noticed the “Best Book for The Writer”. Today we talk about how to get noticed with your writing. For more about Estelle visit https://estelleserasmus.com/. For more about becoming an author schedule a publishing consultation at https://olearypublishing.com/consultation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com

Diana Ward, author of Behind the Smile: The Heartbreaking Journey of Raising a Son with Addiction and Mental Illness, is here to share her story of motherhood and her journey with her son Cody who lost his life to suicide. This is a difficult topic and needs to be discussed more openly. For more about Diana and to book her to speak at your next event visit https://naplesspeakers.com/DianaWard. To purchase her book visit https://amzn.to/3L1ExDK. For more about becoming an author schedule a publishing consultation at https://olearypublishing.com/consultation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goldenacornpress.substack.com