Authors Who Lead - Learn to write a book from bestselling authors and leaders

How Writing a Book Transformed My Life | Azul Terronez

Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I return with a heartfelt update and an honest call to action for anyone dreaming of writing a book. This episode isn’t just an update—it’s a raw exploration of why telling your story truly matters, how the writing process can change your life, and what to do when self-doubt creeps in. I’m reminded again that the journey to authorship is about much more than putting words on a page. It’s about finding your truth and having the courage to share it with the world.Timestamp:00:00 Behind the scenes of writing04:26 Rediscovering myself through podcasting08:10 Listening to students wisely11:30 Writing, purpose, and perseverance15:24 Your voice mattersFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Why Writing Your Book Feels Like a Battle with Julia Packwood

Send us a textJulia Packwood has the idea. She feels the call. She even has deadlines and bylines. Yet when she sits down to write, it feels like a battle.In this episode, Azul reframes that struggle: the hard feeling is not a problem to be fixed, but rather a rite of passage. Then the conversation turns practical, moving the writing practice out of the office and into nature, separating drafting from editing, and measuring progress by words, not time.A warm, honest episode for anyone trying to write a book while raising kids, building a business, or living a full life.Timestamps:00:00 Who Julia is and what she teaches01:06 The writing battle: deadlines help, but it still feels hard03:04 Reframe: “This is how writing is,” and nothing is wrong with you04:53 Write outside the box, literally07:41 Transcribe later, create first09:11 Intuition vs “business advice” about the right audience14:12 Your expertise is your perspective, not your facts17:19 Nature-led play, and why parents need simplicity20:11 Let go of “chapters” and follow seasons25:14 AI hooks vs human presence28:31 Bold claims, fierce wonderings, and why outlines can trap you34:27 Count words, not time42:05 Feeling exposed, sharing the journey anyway44:51 The takeaway: resistance is the pathFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

How to Build TEDx Talks That Actually Move People, with Alexia Vernon and Kaia Vernon-Oliveira

Send us a textIn this episode of the Authors Who Lead podcast, I talk with a mother–daughter duo who live and breathe this work: Alexia Vernon, a communication and leadership expert, and Kaia Vernon-Oliveira, a Davidson Young Scholar, actor, and TEDx speaker whose talk, “The Myth of the Gifted Girl,” is already inspiring people far beyond her age.Together, we unpack what makes a TEDx talk powerful, how to know if your idea is ready, and why this matters so much for authors.Timestamp:00:00 – Intro00:40 – Meet Alexia & Kaia01:35 – Why TEDx is valuable03:00 – How TEDx selection works06:40 – Kaia’s TEDx topic08:00 – Preparing as a young speaker11:30 – Simple structure for a strong talk13:00 – Common mistakes speakers make17:10 – How to truly connect with an audience24:30 – About the Soul Stirring speaker event30:50 – Final advice from Alexia & Kaia33:00 – ClosingFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Loving Life & Living Your Genius Zone with Dr. Gay Hendricks

Send us a textAfter eight years of hosting Authors Who Lead, Azul finally sits down again with the man who inspired the show from the very beginning: Dr. Gay Hendricks, author of The Big Leap, Conscious Loving, and his new memoir, Loving Life.In this intimate, spiritually rich conversation, Gay shares the stories behind his memoir, the pivotal moment on the ice that changed everything, the quiet teachers in his family (including his Aunt Kat), and how suffering can open the doorway to your genius. This is more than an interview—it’s an invitation to remember who you really are.Timestamp:00:00 – Welcome & intro00:32 – Why the podcast began01:07 – Introducing Dr. Gay Hendricks02:33 – Why he wrote a memoir05:06 – Spiritual moments that shaped him09:27 – Seeking answers at a young age14:43 – Understanding your zone of genius19:10 – Aunt Kat’s influence26:29 – Life stages & growth30:17 – The moment that changed everything35:26 – Why Loving Life is transformativeFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Why Your Book Isn’t a Side Project — And Why You’re Still Stuck | Azul Terronez

Send us a textYou’re a coach, entrepreneur, or leader with a powerful message. You know a book would expand your influence, elevate your authority, and open doors. So why does it still feel impossible to start?In this solo episode, Azul breaks down why brilliant, experienced leaders get stuck — and why your book is not a side project. You’ll learn the exact mindset shift needed to overcome overwhelm, silence self-doubt, and take the first real step toward becoming a published authority.If you've been “waiting for the right time” to start, this is the episode that will move you into action.Timestamp:00:00 — Why your book idea matters more than you think01:40 — The real reason coaches and creatives feel stuck03:25 — Introducing the private podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start05:00 — How writing your book builds authority and impact06:52 — A gift to help you take the first step08:16 — Final encouragement + holiday wishesFull show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage