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In this episode of Unleashing Your Great Work, Amanda sits down with Alice Draper, founder of Hustling Writers and host of the award-winning podcast My Rejection Story. Alice is on a mission to make publicity accessible by helping creators and entrepreneurs build what she calls rejection resilience. Alice shares her personal story of caregiving during the pandemic, facing loss, and discovering that life becomes richer when we stop self-rejecting. She explains how rejection shows up in our brains as real pain, why building a “rejection muscle” is essential, and how community makes the process of visibility more sustainable. You’ll learn: Why we regret the risks we never take more than the ones that didn’t work outHow to build rejection resilience through small, low-stakes experimentsWhy publicity is less about hustle and more about collaborationThe surprising “fake assistant” hack to pitch with less fearHow partnerships and platform-specific collaborations can grow your reach If you’ve been holding back from pitching, posting, or putting yourself out there, this conversation will give you both courage and concrete strategies. RESOURCES: Download the first chapter of Great Work Free: http://greatworkfreechapter.com Connect with Alice on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-m-draper/ Connect with Alice on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/alicedraper/ Alice’s pitch templates: http://hustlingwriters.com/template My Rejection Story podcast: https://pod.link/1765721680 BIO: Alice is the founder of the podcast booking company, Hustling Writers and the host of the award-winning podcast "My Rejection Story". She is on a mission to make publicity accessible by reframing rejection. Alice has secured her clients on countless podcasts, including most of the top 0.5% shows. Some of her favorite things include strong coffee, affordable travel hacks, and deep connections. She detests small talk, waking up early, and unnecessary jargon.

In this episode of Unleashing Your Great Work, Amanda sits down with Robin J. Emdon, host of the Goal Busters Podcast and creator of Get Resultsology: The Science of Getting Stuff Done. Robin shares his personal journey from selling souvenirs in a family business, to training with Tony Robbins, to a face-palm realization that chronic procrastination had cost him years of momentum. What began as a personal struggle became a deep dive into the science of procrastination, leading to his system for helping solopreneurs achieve up to 33% more of their goals, without burning out. You’ll learn: The difference between occasional and chronic procrastinationHow procrastination erodes self-trust and confidenceWhy awareness is the first step to changeHow brain science (limbic system vs. prefrontal cortex) shapes our productivityWhy external accountability is the hidden key to lasting momentum If you’ve ever said, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” this conversation will give you practical tools to reclaim your time, your goals, and your Great Work. RESOURCES: Download the first chapter of Great Work Free: http://greatworkfreechapter.com Get your full copy of Great Work and the Great Work journal: https://www.amandacrowell.com/great-work Skyrocket your productivity and kick procrastination to the curb with Robin's free book: reallyusefultips.com A free 5-day challenge to help you get started: skyrocketyourproductivitychallenge.com BIO: Robin J. Emdon, aka The Procrastination Slayer, is the creator of GetResultsology® – The Science of Getting Stuff Done! and host of the GoalBusters podcast (100+ episodes). His journey from chronic procrastinator to accountability coach began with a face-palm moment in 2019: despite being a trained life coach, it had taken him ten years to finish a six-year home-study degree — stalled by years of procrastination. That embarrassing realization sparked a three-year deep dive into academic studies and science-backed books on the topic. Based in South Devon, England, Robin now helps solopreneurs, creatives, and independent professionals achieve up to 33% more of their goals through brain-based strategies, accountability, and his momentum formula: Do it today. Profit tomorrow. Repeat!

In this inspiring conversation, Amanda sits down with Ha Nguyen, a global storyteller, entrepreneur, and Chief Growth Officer at Leaders Square. Ha shares his remarkable journey from growing up in rural Vietnam to studying in the United States, returning home against all advice, and building a life dedicated to connection, wisdom, and impact. In this episode, they explore: How a desire to inspire during the pandemic sparked over 1,200 interviews across 83 countries.The life lessons drawn from leaders, record-breakers, and everyday change-makers.Why knowing your strengths and weaknesses is the foundation for meaningful contribution.The importance of acting now instead of waiting for the “right time.”How his latest platform, Hello Newness, encourages people to embrace fresh opportunities. Along the way, Ha tells moving stories about his family, his commitment to legacy, and a special book project that led to building a small church in his mother’s childhood village, with the help of a moonwalker. If you’ve ever wondered how to transform curiosity into action and impact, this episode will leave you ready to start.  RESOURCES: Download the first chapter of Great Work Free: https://www.amandacrowell.com/free-chapter Get your full copy of Great Work: https://www.amandacrowell.com/great-work Connect with Ha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nguyennoiha/ Ha's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGrowthInsights Leaders Create Leaders: https://www.leaderscreate.com/ BIO: Ha Nguyen is a storyteller, entrepreneur, husband, and father of three, fueled by a deep desire to make a difference. He believes the most powerful change begins within, a conviction that has guided his work and inspired him to explore paths he never imagined. Through his global platform, Ha has interviewed more than 1,100 extraordinary leaders, from astronauts and Nobel Prize winners to Fortune 500 executives and Holocaust survivors, gathering insights that illuminate what it means to live with courage, purpose, and impact. Today, he shares those lessons to help others discover their own Great Work.

In this solo episode, Dr. Amanda Crowell pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to move from lone wolf to collaborative creator. Born of her own struggles—and the behind-the-scenes story of writing Chapter 7 of the second edition of Great Work—this episode explores the three biggest mindset shifts Amanda had to make in order to collaborate without losing herself. You’ll hear how she learned to: Stop chasing “ease” and start thinking strategicallyNavigate drama with clarity and connectionAsk for help early (instead of right before the finish line) Plus, Amanda shares the story of the Great Work book’s near-total rewrite, why perfectionism delays good collaboration, and how to spot the moment when real magic starts to unfold. Links & Resources:Buy Great Work or the Great Work Journal: amandacrowell.com/book-shop Snag the Lone Wolf's reflection guide: https://www.amandacrowell.com/blog/the-lone-wolfs-guide-to-collaboration-a-practical-guide-for-people-whod-really-rather-do-it-all-themselves Listen to the OG pisode about collaboration: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/great-work-is-done-in-community-encore-uygw070/id1586648710?i=1000612293955

In this electrifying episode of Unleashing Your Great Work, we’re joined by Shantel Love—award-winning VP of Customer Success, keynote speaker, and author of Promote Your Damn Self. From near homelessness to managing over a billion dollars in her career, Shantel shares her powerful story of reinvention, resilience, and rising to the top. Learn how personal branding is more than a buzzword—it’s a path to economic justice and generational wealth. Shantel’s insights will leave you inspired to own your value and advocate for your greatness. Key Topics Covered: Shantel’s journey from stuck at $40K to executive leadershipWhy personal branding is a tool for economic justiceStrategies to overcome imposter syndrome (Meet Big Bertha!)How to use your voice, even when it shakesTactical personal branding strategies for career and business BIOFrom being near homeless to managing over a billion-dollars in her career—plot twist: this isn't a Netflix series, it's Shantel Love's actual life story. As an award winning, Global VP of Customer Success and the first Black Woman VP in her division's history, she's living proof that shattering glass ceilings makes for excellent cardio. Author of the game-changing career and personal branding book, Promote Your D@mn Self, Shantel transforms boardrooms and ballrooms with her electrifying keynotes. While others perfect their elevator pitch, she's busy teaching professionals how to own the entire building. Her secret sauce? Turning professional roadblocks into launching pads with a signature blend of sharp insights, authentic leadership, and refreshingly real talk. When she's not managing global teams or dropping wisdom on stage, Shantel serves on the board of Elevate Diversity and Girlz Who Sell and champions diversity as an executive sponsor of a Black Employee Resource Group. Her mission? Creating corporate ladders with wheelchair ramps, elevators, and escalators—because everyone deserves access to the top. Through strategic mentorship and speaking engagements, Shantel equips professionals with more than inspiration—she hands them the tools to rewrite their career stories and build an empire on their own terms. LINKSWebsite: ShantelLove.com Book: Promote Your D@mn Self: The 3 Personal Branding Mistakes to Avoid That Nearly Destroyed My Career Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/shantellove

Dr. Gena Cox returns to explore the power of respect in transforming workplaces and society. In this candid and timely conversation, Gena shares her Respect Ethos Framework, explains how respect fuels innovation, and reflects on how societal shifts have redefined her “great work.” Whether you're a leader, collaborator, or change-seeker, this episode will inspire and challenge you to think deeper about how we go about being human. In this episode, we discuss: What it truly means to be seen, heard, and valuedRespect vs. DEI: What's missing in traditional modelsHow fear shuts down innovation and collaborationWhy leaders must go beyond performance to focus on human experienceRespect as a form of activism and resistance BIOFor over 20 years, Dr. Gena Cox, an organizational psychologist, executive coach, and thought leader, has guided business leaders in building psychologically healthy cultures. Gena’s R-E-S-P-E-C-T Ethos™ framework helps leaders grow profitable businesses, enhance their leadership impact, and break down barriers to employee collaboration and innovation. Gena is named to the prestigious Thinkers50 Global Top 50 Coaches list and has earned many awards as the author of Leading Inclusion. She writes about the intersection of psychology and leadership for top-tier media, including Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes. Gena earned her PhD in I/O Psychology from the University of South Florida. LINKSOpt-In: 25 Ways Anyone Can Help Build A Culture of Respect - https://www.genacox.com/25ways My POV & research page: https://genacox.com/respect/ Latest Forbes article about respect: https://www.forbes.com/sites/genacox/2025/05/06/7-ways-to-win-respect-as-a-power-advantage-when-stakes-are-high/ Connect with Gena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genacox/

Guest: Julie Ellis, award-winning entrepreneur, author of Big Gorgeous Goals, and podcast host of Figure 8 Summary: Julie Ellis returns to Unleashing Your Great Work for a lively and insightful conversation about building businesses, setting Big Gorgeous Goals, the necessity of collaboration, and how trusting others is essential to growing your great work. Julie shares her journey from co-founding Mabel's Labels to launching her own coaching and authoring career, emphasizing why solopreneurs must overcome lone-wolf tendencies to truly thrive. Amanda and Julie explore how leaders evolve, the tough lessons of delegation, and how peer support can be a game-changer. Topics Discussed: Julie’s transition from corporate life to entrepreneurshipWhy women entrepreneurs struggle with setting and achieving big goalsThe power of systems, processes, and people in business growthHow trusting your team leads to greater expansionBuilding and relying on a network of peers and mentorsFrameworks for decision-making and leadership developmentJulie's Big Gorgeous Goals workbook and its practical approach BIOJulie Ellis is an author, keynote speaker and leadership coach to corporate leaders and scaling Entrepreneurs. Julie provides her unique experience and expertise to her coaching clients, gained through 25 years of working first in the corporate world, and then as a leading Canadian entrepreneur. She is a co-founder of award-winning Mabel’s Labels, one of Canada’s greatest small business success stories. Julie’s book, Big Gorgeous Goals is written for women entrepreneurs who want to step out of the small box they find themselves in and set world domination in their sights. In discussion with over a dozen women entrepreneurs, Julie explores their stories of why and how they have achieved great things in their lives and careers, and pairs that knowledge with her own stories of how she built, grew, and sold her business to a giant in her industry. LINKSWebsite: www.biggorgeousgoals.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ellis/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/thejulieellis www.instagram.com/biggorgeousgoals

In this transformative conversation, Dr. Catherine Franssen joins the podcast to discuss the science behind stress, connection, and collaboration. Drawing on her background in neurobiology and decades of research, Catherine shares why building a "wolf pack" is not only beneficial but essential for mental resilience and peak performance. From oxytocin and mirror neurons to the myth of the lone genius, this episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to do meaningful, impactful work without burning out. Topics Covered:Why stress and burnout are signals, not flawsThe myth of the “lone wolf” and the neuroscience of human connectionThe role of oxytocin and mirror neurons in collaborationHow loneliness registers as physical pain in the brainSmall steps for lone wolves to ease into collaborationHow to foster trust and avoid common collaboration pitfallsUsing biology to build better teams Resources Mentioned:Dr. Franssen's website: franssenstrategies.comConnect with Dr. Franssen on LinkedIn BIODr. Catherine Franssen is passionate about teaching high achievers how to use practical strategies, backed by science, to improve productivity, performance, and well-being. She received her Ph.D. in neurobiology from the University of Chicago and has thrived at multiple universities over the past two decades. Her collaborative research over the past two decades has appeared in prestigious academic journals as well as popular media outlets. Her areas of expertise include stress management, mental health, and neurodiversity.

In this inspiring episode of Unleashing Your Great Work, Dr. Amanda Krowl is joined once again by the brilliant AJ Harper — author, ghostwriter, teacher, and mastermind behind “Write a Must-Read.” Together, they dive deep into what it means to do truly great work, the power of creative collaboration, and the emotional resilience needed to keep going when the writing gets hard. AJ shares how her great work has evolved from ghostwriting bestselling books to empowering authors to finish (and flourish in) their own journeys. From writing sprints to trusting collaborators, to finding your voice in a noisy world, AJ brings wisdom, integrity, and serious inspiration. What You’ll Learn: Why helping people stay in the game is at the heart of AJ’s current great workHow to build trust in collaboration — and why it’s really about trusting yourselfThe difference between creative abundance vs. scarcity mindsetWhat to look for in a collaborative partner (values, roles, vision)How community can be a game-changer for writers LINKSLearn more about AJ Harper, her book and her offerings: ajharper.com writeamustread.com AJ Harper's book: Write a Must-Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives―Including Your Own  BIOAJ Harper is an editor and publishing strategist who helps authors write transformational books that enable them to build readership, grow their brand, and make a significant impact on the world. As ghostwriter and as developmental editor, she has worked with hundreds of authors, from newbies to New York Times bestselling authors with millions of books sold. AJ teaches her method in Top Three Book Workshop and the Must-Read Editing Workshop. She is the Head Writing Coach for Heroic Public Speaking, the premier speaker training program created by Michael and Amy Port. She is writing partner to business author, Mike Michalowicz. Together they’ve written nine books, including Profit First. AJ is the author of Write a Must-Read: Craft a Book That Changes Lives--Including Your Own.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Amanda interviews visual storytelling expert John DeMato, who shares how his journey from behind the scenes of daytime television to behind the camera helped him discover and share his own great work. John specializes in photographing speakers, coaches, authors, and other experts—not just capturing what they look like but revealing who they truly are. We talk about: The deep emotional impact of branding imagesWhy great photos aren't about looking perfectHow mindset and personal growth influence how you show up in your imagesJohn's personal story of transformation and how loss catalyzed his pivot into entrepreneurshipWhat it means to create a portfolio of images that dancesThe real reason your favorite image might not be the most effective oneWhy your visuals should reflect not just what you do, but who you are 📸 John also shares a powerful message: “It’s not about you—it’s about them.” 🧠 This episode is a masterclass in authenticity, storytelling, and showing up for your audience with heart. LINKSjohndemato.com (newsletter signup is at the bottom of the page) BIOJohn DeMato is a visual storytelling expert who specializes in photographing experts—speakers, trainers, coaches, consultants, and authors—capturing a wealth of genuine moments and emotions that elevate their authority and credibility. John’s work helps his clients prove what they say by capturing them in genuine ways, creating a visual narrative that resonates with their audience. Through a combination of strategic planning and expert execution, John collaborates with his clients to build compelling image portfolios that demonstrate who they are, who they serve, and how they solve problems. He also empowers them to strategically implement these visual assets across their entire online presence, visually punctuating the sentiment behind every story they tell. A former talk television producer for NBC Universal’s Maury, John brings over 24 years of experience behind the camera, working with Hall of Fame speakers and emerging talents alike, helping them deliver their transformational message to the audiences that need to hear it most.

What if your money struggles aren’t a moral failure—but a systems problem? In this powerful episode of Unleashing Your Great Work, Amanda Crowell sits down with Anne Lester, retirement expert, author of Your Best Financial Life, and former Head of Retirement Solutions at JP Morgan. Anne is on a mission to remove shame from the conversation around money—and to help rising leaders take control of their financial futures. Drawing from her own story and decades of experience, she shares how our financial habits are often the result of wiring, not weakness, and offers practical tools to help you “move the door” and change your financial outcomes. Whether you're just starting your career, hitting your stride, or wondering if it’s too late to start saving—this episode is packed with wisdom that will change the way you think about money forever. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why shame and fear are keeping people stuck in unhealthy money habitsThe power of behavioral economics in understanding your financial decisionsHow to set guardrails that make saving and investing easierHow a metaphor to “Move the Door” can transform your life and financesWhy Anne left a successful, high-profile career to follow her Great Work 💡 Quotes to Remember:“When I framed my struggles with money as moral failure, I stayed stuck. When I reframed it as behavior, everything changed.” – Anne Lester“The system isn’t designed to help you succeed financially—but that doesn’t mean you can’t.” – Anne Lester“You don’t have to be perfect with money. You just have to start.” – Anne LesterLinks: AnneLester.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/savesmartwanne/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/savesmartwanne/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@savesmartwanne Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@savesmartwanne Facebook https://www.facebook.com/savesmartwanne

In this episode of Unleashing Your Great Work, Dr. Amanda Crowell takes us on her personal journey from going it alone to embracing collaboration as the key to success. She shares hard-earned lessons about the six levels of collaboration and how moving beyond solo work can unlock greater impact, creativity, and fulfillment. If you've ever hesitated to ask for help or believe you must do it all yourself, this episode is for you! What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why being a lone wolf can only take you so farThe six levels of collaboration and how to move through themHow delegation is the first step to real transformationWhy trusting experts can elevate your work beyond what you imaginedHow audience feedback and innovation shaped the second edition of Great Work Don't Forget to Subscribe & Review! If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a five-star review. It helps us reach more people who are ready to Unleash their Great Work!

On this episode, we dive deep with Jill Paider—an award-winning photographer turned astrologer—who shares how astrology became her ultimate tool for self-mastery and creativity. If you’ve ever felt like something big was shifting in your life but couldn’t quite put it into words—this episode will give you a whole new perspective. Listen now and discover how to align with your true strengths. About Jill Paider:Jill Paider is an astrologer focused on self-mastery for creative entrepreneurs. She is an award-winning photographer, bestselling author, and founder of Gilliard Moshe, a publishing agency. @jillpaider www.jillpaiderastrologer.com www.jillpaider.com

Have you ever set a goal and then completely forgotten about it? Or worse—remembered it later and felt frustrated that you never followed through? That’s Goalnesia, and today we’re tackling it head-on. In this episode, we’ll explore: ✅ Why Goalnesia happens (and why it’s not just procrastination) ✅ Six powerful questions to uncover hidden mindset blocks ✅ How to break free from perfectionism and overwhelm ✅ The Three Goal Strategy for focusing on what truly matters ✅ How to use the Great Work Journal to stay on track Did you love this episode? Subscribe and Review the podcast and help other people find it, too.

Host: Dr. Amanda Crowell Guest: Susan Eckstein, Executive & Leadership Coach, Creator of Unarmored Leadership 🎧 Episode SummaryWhat if the very things that once protected you are now holding you back? In this episode of Unleashing Your Great Work, we welcome Susan Eckstein, an executive and leadership coach specializing in Unarmored Leadership. Susan helps leaders dismantle the invisible barriers—thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors—that prevent them from stepping into their full potential. We dive deep into: ✅ What armor is and how it limits leadership and personal growth ✅ The four Unarmored Leadership Archetypes: The Knight, The Fencer, The Wrestler, and The Martial Artist ✅ How shedding outdated beliefs leads to more effective leadership, stronger teams, and a more fulfilling life ✅ Susan’s own journey of transformation from corporate PR to triathlete to leadership coach ✅ Practical steps you can take today to let go of self-doubt and lead with confidence If you’ve ever felt stuck, like you’re playing by outdated rules, this episode is your invitation to embrace your authentic leadership style! Loved this episode? 🎙️ Subscribe & Review – If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! Your support helps us bring you more great conversations! LEARN ABOUT SUSANSusan Eckstein is an executive and leadership coach and group coaching facilitator. The foundation of her work is Unarmored Leadership™, a coaching model she created to help leaders dismantle their armor so they can lead without limitations. Susan is passionate about serving ambitious leaders who are armoring up and experiencing crises of confidence. Her coaching focuses on improving communication and executive presence, navigating ambiguity, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Susan is a certified Group Coaching HQ Master Coach, Facilitator of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® x Coaching, and Clear Beliefs Coach. With more than a decade of public relations experience, Susan has worked with senior-level executives in the medical, pharmaceutical, and financial industries. She is also a three-time Ironman competitor and former USA Triathlon certified coach who has coached hundreds of people to compete in their dream athletic events. CONNECT WITH SUSANLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susaneckstein/ Website: www.unarmoredleadership.com Unarmored Leadership Quiz: https://056drajwooi.typeform.com/to/ymm9glfe