“The number one thing a leader can do is have a vision for their team's careers—yet only 12% of employees say their boss ever talks to them about it.” — Kevin McGarry, Ph.D.

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, we sit down with Dr. Kevin McGarry—leadership expert, CEO of Leading 360, and author of Lead with Purpose. Kevin shares his journey from corporate leadership to academia and back, revealing the insights from his doctoral research on what makes an effective leader. He also talks about his unique approach to writing, the parallels between coaching youth sports and leading in the boardroom, and the deeper purpose behind his book. Plus, he shares how his 13-year-old daughter played a special role in bringing Lead with Purpose to life.

Key Themes:
1. The Evolution of a Leader – From corporate sales manager to leadership coach and author.
2. Turning a Doctoral Thesis into a Business Fable – The challenge of shifting from academic writing to storytelling.
3. Lessons from the Field – How coaching his daughter's softball team influenced Kevin's leadership philosophy.
4. The Biggest Leadership Gap – Why most leaders fail to have career vision conversations with their employees.
5. The Business of Writing a Book – Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing and the realities of book marketing.
6. Goal Setting at Home – How Kevin applies leadership principles to parenting.

Buy Lead with Purpose: A Story About Leading In Your Personal and Professional Life
Amazon: https://amzn.to/437kQVh
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9798990933804

Connect with Dr. McGarry
Website: https://mcgarryleadership.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mcgarry-leadership/about/

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#Leadership #LeadWithPurpose #KevinMcGarry #BusinessFable #LeadershipDevelopment #AuthorLife #Coaching #SuccessMindset

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“We all have a light to shine, and today more than ever, the world needs us to shine those lights in all the different areas that are there.” – Julie Wignall

In this illuminating episode of Uncorking a Story, Julie Wignall shares her unconventional journey from marine biology to corporate leadership to writing The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies. She reveals how each of us has an inner light and a unique purpose, and she offers insight into overcoming fear, embracing creativity, and finding meaning in the smallest moments. Through powerful storytelling and real-world examples, Julie inspires us to step into our own brilliance and change the world—one firefly at a time.

Key Themes:
1. The metaphor of fireflies and why we all have a light to shine
2. How Julie navigated an unconventional career path spanning science, politics, and business
3, The importance of storytelling in personal and societal transformation
4. Strategies for overcoming fear and imposter syndrome
5. How small, joyful moments shape a meaningful life
6. The power of finding alternative paths when doors seem closed
7. Why play and creativity are essential for adults, not just children

Buy The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies: How to Shine Your Light Brighter and Transform the World

Amazon: https://amzn.to/41lrvZr
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781954920798

Connect with Julie
Website: https://www.extraordinaryfireflies.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extraordinarypoweroffireflies/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExtraordinaryPowerofFireflies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wignall-38548668/

Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#UncorkingAStory #JulieWignall #Fireflies #ShineYourLight #OvercomingFear #FindingPurpose #Storytelling #LiveYourPassion #TransformTheWorld

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"Believe in that inner voice. Trust it, no matter what anyone else says. Just keep pursuing what’s important to you." – Robert Steven Goldstein

Robert Steven Goldstein spent decades in the corporate world before making good on a lifelong dream—becoming a novelist. After retiring at 56, he dedicated himself to writing full-time, crafting compelling and unconventional stories. In this episode, Robert shares his journey from aspiring writer to corporate executive to published author, dives into his latest novel Golden Touch, and reflects on themes of secrecy, reinvention, and self-discovery.

Key Themes:
1. A Writer’s Origin Story – How Robert’s childhood shaped his love of storytelling (and his complicated relationship with criticism).
2. The Decision to Leave Corporate America – Why he set a goal to retire early and pursue writing full-time.
3. Inside Golda’s Hutch – A dark psychological novel exploring secrets, deceit, and hidden lives.
4. Exploring the Undercurrents of Society – From corporate culture to San Francisco’s underground BDSM scene.
5. A Personal Connection to His Fiction – How Robert’s own experiences informed his novel’s themes.
6. Eastern Philosophy and Spirituality – How decades of practicing yoga and meditation influence his writing.
7. Lessons from a Writing Life – The advice Robert would give his younger self (and aspiring writers).

Buy Golda’s Hutch
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3F3hI2E

Connect with Robert
Website: https://robertstevengoldstein.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.goldstein.790
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertstevengoldstein/


Connect with Mike
Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory
Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#RobertStevenGoldstein #GoldenTouchNovel #FictionWriting #Reinvention #WritingLife #Storytelling #Novelists #EasternPhilosophy

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