Strategize Your Creativity Like a Profession, with Kern Carter, Author and Creative Entrepreneur

Today’s guest proves that a creative career doesn’t have to rely on algorithms, going viral, or luck. If you’ve ever wondered how to strategize your creativity like a real profession—and build a living from your work—this conversation is for you.Kern Carter is a former indie and current traditionally published author writing books for Penguin and Scholastic. He writes essays at the intersection of publishing and pop culture, offering candid insight into what it actually takes to make a living as an author and creative entrepreneur.www.kerncarter.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kerncarter/In the past year alone, Kern has sold approximately 15,000 books—without being popular on any social media platform—by intentionally building and leveraging community. His journey includes dropping out of high school at 18 when he became a father, earning a full athletic scholarship, self-publishing his first books, securing an agent, and signing multiple traditional publishing deals beginning in 2021.Beyond books, Kern runs a thriving creative business spanning film production (with a film on Amazon Prime Video), ghostwriting, and platforms that support emerging writers. His story is one of perseverance, planning, and playing the long game.1) Designing a Creative Career on PurposeKern, you’ve said you’re living the life you told yourself you’d live at eight years old—and that it didn’t happen by accident. How did you approach building a creative career the way someone might approach a traditional profession, with strategy, planning, and long-term vision?2) Prioritizing Yourself While Raising a ChildYou became a father very young, yet you still prioritized your creative ambitions. That’s a difficult balance for many people. How did you navigate that tension—and what impact did that decision have on both your career and your relationship with your daughter?3) Selling Books Without Social Media FameYou’ve sold roughly 15,000 books in the last year without being popular on social media, which goes against most advice writers hear today. What role has community building played in your success, and how can writers start building real relationships instead of chasing followers?4) Playing the Long GameYour journey took 15 years to reach what many would call “overnight success.” How did you stay motivated through the slower seasons, and what mindset shifts helped you keep going when results weren’t immediate?5) Education, Income, and the Future of Creative WorkYou’ve been outspoken about what formal education gets wrong when it comes to preparing writers to earn a living. What do you think aspiring authors really need to learn—and how are you personally adapting to changes like AI entering creative industries?For creatives listening who feel behind, discouraged, or unsure if their plan is working—what’s one thing you want them to remember about patience, strategy, and belief in themselves?

Cathleen Ireland is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer whose work blends warm pop, soul, and coastal R&B with emotional depth and authenticity.Throughout this conversation, we’ll be playing excerpts from four of Cathleen’s songs:“Coastin’”“Golden Sienna” “In the City”“Do You Care”A longtime fixture in Pittsburgh’s music scene, she has earned international recognition for both her music and visual storytelling, with songwriting honors from the USA Songwriting Competition, the UK Songwriting Competition, and the International Acoustic Music Awards, along with more than 70 film festival selections for her music videos worldwide.In 2024, Cathleen was awarded Best Adult Contemporary Song by The Artists Forum Music Competition in New York City for “DRIVE,” a track she co-wrote and co-produced with multi-platinum producer Ryan M. Tedder.She kicked off this year with the release of an uplifting new single “Coastin’,” from her latest album In The City — a sunlit, groove-driven anthem rooted in gratitude, presence, and self-acceptance.As both a songwriter and producer, Cathleen remains deeply hands-on in shaping a sound that feels modern yet personal—polished yet unmistakably human. She is also the founder and lead vocalist of the Pittsburgh-based band Hot Weather Holiday.Cathleen's WebsiteCathleen on YouTube@cathleenireland on InstagramCathleen's Facebook pageLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-ireland-68513550/1) “Coastin’” and the Moment After the ClimbCathleen, “Coastin’” feels like a deep exhale — a moment of calm after pushing through uncertainty. What season of life were you in when you wrote this song, and what did “coastin’” represent for you personally?2) Gratitude Without PlatitudesThe lyrics celebrate gratitude, presence, and self-acceptance—but in a way that feels earned, not glossy. How do you write about gratitude without it sounding cliché, and how has lived experience shaped the honesty in your songwriting?3) From “DRIVE” to In The City: Crafting Songs That Move PeopleYour song “DRIVE,” co-written and produced with Ryan M. Tedder, earned major recognition and clearly resonated with listeners. What did that collaboration teach you about songwriting, production, and trusting your creative instincts — and how did that experience influence the music you’re making now?4) Creative Momentum and CollaborationYou’ve collaborated with a wide range of musicians and producers over the years. How do collaboration and trust influence your creative process—and what have you learned about your own voice through working closely with others?5) Presence, Peace, and the Creative Life“Coastin’” reminds us that fulfillment doesn’t always come from chasing what’s next. For creatives who feel pressure to constantly produce, perform, or prove themselves, what does it look like to slow down and still stay creatively alive?If someone listening today is in the middle of their own climb, what’s one thing you’d want them to remember about joy, patience, and trusting the process?

Today’s conversation might change the way you think about your home. What if the spaces you live in are quietly shaping your energy, relationships, and sense of purpose—every single day? Whether you own or rent, this episode will show you how to put the mind–body–environment connection to work for you.”Talor Stewart is a licensed architect with more than 25 years of experience and the author of the #1 bestselling book Conscious Home Design, which has reached the top of the charts in seven countries. An award-winning architect, Talor specializes in single- and multi-family homes as well as intentional communities, working with clients across the United States and select international locations.Talor's Website@conscioushomedesign on InstagramTalor's Facebook pageLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talorstewart/Over the past two decades, Talor has developed the Conscious Home Design (CHD) philosophy and system—an approach that helps people understand how their homes can actively support wellbeing, relationships, and personal growth. In addition to his design practice, he teaches and certifies other designers and architects in the CHD method, empowering them to bring these life-changing principles to clients everywhere.Talor’s work expands the familiar mind-body connection to include the built environment, helping people—whether they own or rent—make simple, meaningful changes that uplift daily life.1) What Really Makes a Good Life?Talor, you often reference long-term research on happiness. What does the research—especially the Harvard Study on Adult Happiness—tell us about what actually helps people thrive as they age, and how did that insight influence your approach to home design?2) Relationships, By DesignOne of the exercises in your workbook is about three different types of relationships that are essential to our wellbeing. Can you break those down for us—and explain how the bones of our homes can either support or undermine those relationships?3) From Maslow to the Floor PlanWhen you’re thinking about what a home truly needs to provide, what framework do you use? How does Maslow’s hierarchy of needs translate into your concept of the nine essential spaces, and why does that matter whether someone lives in a house or a small apartment?4) The “Sunny Window Effect”You’ve coined the term sunny window effect. What is it, and why does access to sunlight have such a powerful influence on motivation, mood, and daily behavior?5) Small Shifts, Big ImpactFor listeners who may not be building a new home—or who rent—what are a few small, practical changes they can make right now to shift their environment and, in turn, shift their life?If someone listening today wants to start living more intentionally—but feels overwhelmed—what’s one simple step they can take this week to let their home support them more fully?What could we do to start making a “Creative Room: Express Yourself! Making Room for Creativity”?

Today’s guest is going to help you answer a question every creative wrestles with: How do I show up with confidence, clarity, and purpose—especially when the stakes are high? If you’ve ever felt stuck, underestimated, or like you’re holding back your best work… this conversation will help you lead with more intention—and live with fewer regrets.Pallavi Ridout is an executive leadership coach, keynote speaker, facilitator, and emcee who helps leaders unlock confidence, clarity, and purpose. After a 20-year corporate career, she stepped into her calling full-time—guiding individuals and teams through her signature work, Leading a Life of No Regrets.And outside of leadership development, Pallavi is a global traveler who has visited 30 countries—including an “Around the World in 80 Days” adventure with her son—and she even competes in pool championships.Pallavi's Websitehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/pallaviridoutBook: https://a.co/d/2FcPIoy1) The Pivot: From Corporate Success to No RegretsPallavi, you had a 20-year corporate career across global industries—entertainment, internet, aerospace—and then made the bold decision to build your own path. What was the moment—or season—that made you decide: “I’m going to lead a life of no regrets”?2) Confidence + Clarity: The Foundation of Creative LeadershipA lot of creatives struggle with visibility—speaking up, owning their value, pitching ideas, asking for opportunities. When you coach leaders, what are the most common confidence blockers you see… and what’s one practical way people can start building confidence quickly?3) Executive Presence Without “Performing”You specialize in executive presence, emotional intelligence, and communication. How do you help leaders develop executive presence in a way that feels authentic—especially for thoughtful, introverted, or highly creative people who don’t want to feel like they’re “acting” in professional settings?4) Turning Loss Into Leadership: Your Chapter in Lives Lost and Leadership FoundYou’re a contributing author to Lives Lost and Leadership Found, a powerful collection where leaders reflect on how grief, loss, and “special somebodies” shape our capacity to lead. What inspired you to contribute your story—and what did the writing process unlock for you personally or professionally? And what was it like being part of a multi-author collection where so many voices are transforming loss into leadership wisdom?5) Purpose, Courage, and Community ImpactYou devote 25% of your work to purpose-driven efforts that strengthen communities and amplify unheard voices. How do you personally stay grounded in purpose while also growing a business—and what does “living with no regrets” look like in real life, not just as a keynote theme?If someone listening today is ready to lead with more courage—but they’ve been hesitating—what’s one small step they can take in the next 24 hours to move toward a life of no regrets?

Have you ever walked out of a meeting feeling misunderstood, over-explained, or like your best ideas never landed the way you intended? Today’s episode is all about the hidden power of conversation—and how better listening, clearer communication, and stronger trust can unlock creativity, alignment, and real momentum inside any team or organization.Today, I’m joined by Adrienne Shoch, Founder of 5 to 1 Consulting. Adrienne brings more than 25 years of global experience in communication-focused leadership and team development. Her work blends communication science, positive leadership, neuroscience, and awareness practices to help leaders and teams create meaningful, lasting change.Adrienne's WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-shoch/Book: https://a.co/d/be0u3kHAdrienne has led Thales University North America, managed HR across Europe as an expatriate for CGI/AMS, consulted for the World Bank, facilitated at Wharton Executive Education, and guest lectured at Salisbury University and UNC Asheville.She’s authored a business case quantifying something staggering: the $1.2 trillion annual cost of poor communication in U.S. businesses.She also recently contributed a chapter to the new book Lives Lost and Leadership Foundhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-shoch/1) Why Conversation Quality Is a Competitive AdvantageAdrienne, you’ve made a bold claim that conversational excellence isn’t a “soft skill”—it’s a hard business driver with measurable impact.Where do most organizations underestimate the cost of poor communication, and what’s the most surprising consequence you’ve seen play out in the real world?2) The $1.2 Trillion ProblemYou quantified the annual cost of poor workplace communication at $1.2 trillion in the U.S.—that’s not a rounding error, that’s a national business crisis.What are the biggest “hidden drains” that create that number—misalignment, rework, turnover, conflict, decision delays—and what do leaders need to start measuring differently?3) Trust, Awareness, and Generative ConversationsA lot of leaders think communication means: “I said it clearly.”But your work focuses on trust, verbal awareness, and high-quality generative conversations.What are the key ingredients of a truly great conversation inside a team—and what habits immediately kill trust and connection?4) The Human Side: Loss, Compassion, and Leadership GrowthYou also wrote a chapter in Lives Lost and Leadership Found called:“A Journey through Compassion, Transformation, and the Practice of Letting Go.”How does loss reshape a leader’s ability to listen, relate, and communicate—and what does it look like to lead with compassion without losing performance and accountability?5) A Practical Path Forward for Leaders and TeamsIf a leader is listening right now thinking, “This is us—we’ve got meetings, we’ve got Slack, we’ve got email… but we don’t have real conversations,” where should they start?What are 2–3 simple practices teams can implement this week to improve conversational competence and build a healthier culture—fast?Adrienne, what’s one reminder you want every leader to carry into their next conversation—something simple, practical, and transformative?

Today we’re joined by Dr. Matthew Harmody — a retired emergency physician, living kidney donor, and one of the leading advocates for kidney donation in the United States. Matthew donated a kidney to a stranger, then dedicated his post-medical career to eliminating the national kidney waitlist through education, mentorship, and policy reform.Matt's Website@5k50ss on InstagramMatt's Facebook pageMatt's Facebook groupLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-harmody-97988311/He currently serves as Board Chair of the National Kidney Donation Organization, is a founding member of the Coalition to Modify NOTA, and has just released a remarkable new book, Ascending America: Five Kidney Donors, Fifty States, One Record-Breaking Journey. The book chronicles an extraordinary feat—summiting the highest point in all fifty states in record time—while carrying a much bigger message about courage, health, and the power of giving.From the ER to Altruism in ActionMatt, you spent years as an emergency physician—trained to assess risk, act fast, and save lives under pressure. What first inspired you to donate a kidney to a stranger, and how did that single decision redirect the course of your life?Donor Myths vs. RealityMany people believe kidney donation is dangerous, permanently limiting, or something only done for family. What surprised you most—physically and emotionally—about living with one kidney, and what do you wish the public understood about life after donation?Climbing for a CauseAscending America documents your team’s Guinness World Record journey summiting the highest point in every state. How did this extreme physical challenge become a platform for kidney donation advocacy—and what moments on that journey stayed with you the most?The Science of SelflessnessYou’ve spoken about the neuroscience behind altruism. From your perspective, what does science tell us about why people give so selflessly—and how might understanding that help normalize and expand living kidney donation?Changing the System, Not Just the StoryBeyond individual donors, you’re working to change federal policy through efforts to modify the National Organ Transplant Act. What needs to change to eliminate the kidney waitlist—and how can everyday people support this mission?Matt, after everything you’ve experienced—as a physician, a donor, an athlete, and an advocate—what do you hope people take away about courage, health, and the power of giving?

Today, we welcome Dr. Greg Giuliano, advisor and executive coach to senior leaders and teams around the world, and founder of GA | Ultra Leadership. Greg is the author of three #1 Amazon Bestsellers, including his newest book, Coaching for (a) Change: How to Engage, Empower, and Activate People.Greg's WebsiteGreg on YouTube@ultraleadership on InstagramLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggiuliano/In this book, Greg challenges traditional command-and-control leadership and offers a practical alternative: coaching. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, he introduces the GR8 Coaching Framework, a set of eight powerful questions designed to help leaders shift from being expert problem-solvers to facilitators of ownership, engagement, and real change.Why This Book, and Why Now?Greg, let’s start at the beginning. What experiences or patterns in your leadership and coaching work prompted you to write Coaching for (a) Change? What problem were you seeing leaders struggle with most?From Manager to CoachYou talk about the need for leaders to shift from “manager” to “coach.” What does that shift really mean in day-to-day leadership—and why does the old command-and-control model fall short?Ultra Leadership vs. Traditional LeadershipYou distinguish between traditional leadership and what you call Ultra Leadership. How are they different, and what behaviors separate leaders who engage and empower people from those who unintentionally shut them down?The Power of Coaching (and the Misconceptions)Many leaders say they don’t have time to coach—or that coaching is soft or optional. Why is coaching actually a critical leadership skill today, and what are the biggest misconceptions leaders have about it?The GR8 Coaching FrameworkLet’s get practical. Walk us through the GR8 Coaching questions. How do these questions help leaders kick the “expert problem-solver” habit and activate ownership, accountability, and change?For leaders listening right now who want to start coaching for change—but don’t know where to begin—what’s one question they can ask this week that would immediately shift how their people show up?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.com.And before you go, you can download a free copy of my e-book A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.

Today we’re joined by Sophia Kristjansson, Founder and CEO of Lexicon Lens, a boutique consulting firm that helps leaders close the persistent gap between strategy and execution—so plans don’t just look good on paper, they actually turn into results.Sophia's WebsiteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiakristjansson/With more than 25 years of experience guiding organizations through growth, change, and transformation, Sophia works closely with leadership teams to restore clarity, align people and process, and build traction when momentum starts to stall. She also teaches graduate courses in business strategy and organizational transformation at the University of DenverShe’s a contributing author to Lives Lost and Leadership Found, edited by Ian Ziskin—who joined us a few episodes back.Why Strategy Fails at the Finish LineSophia, many organizations have smart strategies—but struggle with execution. From your experience, where do things most often break down between intention and action?Closing the Strategy–Execution GapAt Lexicon Lens, your work centers on alignment, collaboration, and leadership development. What are the first signs you look for that tell you a team is losing traction—and how do you help them regain momentum? Sophia shares these six signs:Misaligned success signals – Leaders focus on the wrong metrics, missing what truly indicates performance or risk.Organizational silos – Limited cross-functional visibility creates blind spots that hide emerging problems.Communication mistaken for clarity – Sending emails or memos is assumed to solve issues, without ensuring understanding or follow-through.Execution problems misdiagnosed – Symptoms are addressed instead of root causes, leading to recurring issues.Outdated mental models – Leaders rely on old assumptions and ways of thinking without realizing they no longer fit current realities.Human risk ignored – The people impact (capacity, morale, alignment, burnout) is not surfaced or discussed openly.These six signals indicate leaders may not be seeing the real problem. Bringing leaders together to surface these blind spots enables shared understanding, innovation, and collaboration—often prompting the realization that the issue isn’t execution alone, but perception and alignment.Turning Ideas into Action in Complex EnvironmentsLeaders today are navigating constant change, competing priorities, and growing complexity. What practical frameworks or habits help leaders move from analysis paralysis to decisive action?Lessons from “Lives Lost and Leadership Found”You contributed to Lives Lost and Leadership Found, a book that explores how personal loss and reflection can deepen leadership capacity. How did that experience shape—or reinforce—your perspective on leadership, resilience, and execution?Teaching the Next Generation of LeadersYou teach graduate students in business strategy and organizational transformation. What do you see emerging leaders getting right—and where do they most need to develop skills to lead effectively in today’s organizations?For leaders listening right now who feel stuck between a clear vision and uneven execution—what’s one small, meaningful step they can take this week to move forward?

Today, we’re welcoming Bob Campana, a California-based serial entrepreneur with more than 40 years of experience building businesses across hospitality, travel, real estate, and aviation.ROBERT's WebsiteROBERT on YouTubeFrom hot tub manufacturing to founding the beloved Redwood Café in Modesto, to leading Redwood Café Tours across Europe, Asia, and Oceania, Bob’s career is a living case study in adaptability, optimism, and grit.He’s also the author of the book Don’t Look Down! The Improbable Adventures and Battle-Tested Lessons of a Serial Entrepreneur, where he shares candid lessons learned from a lifetime of figuring it out as he went. Bob has his own entrepreneurship podcast, continuing his mission to share what really happens behind the scenes of business building.1. A Lifetime of ReinventionBob, you’ve built businesses in very different industries—from manufacturing to hospitality to aviation. Looking back over 40 years, what allowed you to keep reinventing yourself rather than getting stuck in one version of success?2. Risk, Fear, and the Title “Don’t Look Down!”Your book title says a lot. Don’t Look Down! suggests both courage and consequence. How have you learned to take risks without being reckless—and what’s one moment when looking down might have stopped you if you’d let it?3. Building Places That Connect PeopleRedwood Café became more than a restaurant—it became a community hub, and now it’s evolved into Redwood Café Tours around the world. What do you think makes an experience or a business truly memorable to people? (Bob recommends two books. “Moments of Truth: How the SAS President and CEO Adapted to the New Customer-Driven Economy” by Jan Carlzon. “Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business” by Danny Meyer.)4. Lessons Earned the Hard WayYour book promises “battle-tested lessons,” not theory. What are one or two hard-earned truths about entrepreneurship that you wish more people understood before they start their first venture?5. What’s Next—and Why Keep Going?You’re still expanding into real estate and aircraft leasing, writing books, and launching a podcast. What keeps you energized at this stage—and what advice would you give to entrepreneurs who wonder if it’s too late to start something new?Bob, if you could leave our listeners with one mindset or principle that’s helped you navigate uncertainty over four decades, what would it be?

On Your World of Creativity, we travel around the world talking with creative practitioners who turn ideas into impact. In this special roundtable episode, Mark brings together leaders from film, animation, hospitality, consumer brands, immersive experiences, and big-tech UX to explore one powerful theme:Teamwork.When creative outcomes depend on dozens—or even hundreds—of contributors, how do you align vision, manage complexity, and still leave room for magic?Today’s PanelistsMichael Robinson — Hotel & Hospitality Operations LeaderDiego Pulido — Lead UX Designer, Amazon (formerly Google, Walmart, Adobe, JPMorganChase)Matt McLean — Organic Consumer Juice Brand FounderTom Bairstow — Event, Concert Production & Immersive Visual Experiences Rich Magallanes — Children’s & Animated Content ProducerSteven Puri — Focus app creator, ex-studio exec/producer Fox, DreamWorks, SonyTogether, they share real-world lessons from film sets, animation studios, hospitality teams, live events, consumer brands, and product design at scale.In This Episode, We Explore:Creativity as a Team Sport. What great collaboration actually looks like across industries—and why creativity doesn’t happen in isolation.Aligning Vision Across Many Contributors. How leaders communicate creative direction clearly when working with writers, designers, engineers, performers, vendors, and operational teams.Conflict, Constraints & Creative Breakthroughs. How budget limits, timelines, technical requirements, and differing opinions can either block creativity—or unlock it.Leadership in Collaborative Environments. What it means to lead when you’re not the only decision-maker, how to build trust quickly, and why delegation is essential for scale.Practical Takeaways for Better Collaboration. From film crews to UX teams, each panelist shares what actually helps teams work better together—and what listeners can apply immediately.Final Lightning RoundEach panelist shares one simple action listeners can take this week to become a better collaborator.Huge thanks to our panelists. Be sure to connect with them.https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-robinson-a6985735/https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegopulido/https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mclean-5507733/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombairstownorthhouse/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-magallanes-executive-producer-15290776/https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review Your World of Creativity. It helps more creative leaders discover the show.And come back next time, when we’ll sit down with another creative professional to explore how they get inspired, organize ideas, and turn imagination into impact.New Book AnnouncementMark’s new book is coming soon.UNLOCK Your World of Creativity: 6 Key Lessons Learned from More Than 250 Creatives WorldwideBuilt from the first 250 conversations on the podcast, this book distills practical insights from founders, artists, designers, musicians, healers, strategists, and innovators around the globe.Inside you’ll discover:• how creative people get inspired• how they organize ideas into action• how they move through doubt, burnout, and uncertainty• how they turn creativity into meaningful work and real-world impactIt’s designed to be practical, reflective, and encouraging—whether you’re leading a business, building a creative practice, or bringing a new idea into the world.UNLOCK Your World of Creativity coming on Amazon.Just search the full title or look for Mark Stinson.Thanks for being part of this creative journey—and for supporting the podcast and the book.