What if one podcast, one book, or one idea could permanently change the direction of your life? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Nick Hutchinson, founder of Book Thinkers, to explore how reading became the catalyst for leadership, entrepreneurship and conscious growth. From building a side hustle while still employed to hosting large-scale author events and serving visionary leaders around the world, Nick’s story is a powerful reminder that slow, intentional growth often creates the strongest foundations.

This conversation dives deep into leadership development, vision-building, community, and why books remain one of the most accessible tools for transformation in an ever-changing world.

What You Will Learn:

How podcasts can act as a gateway to deeper learning through books.

Why most successful leaders credit reading as a key factor in their growth.

How to develop leadership skills by learning from a wide range of perspectives.

Why revisiting the same book at different stages of life creates new insights.

How reading expands global awareness and challenges limited worldviews.

What it really takes to transition from a side hustle to a sustainable business.

Why financial runway matters when leaving full-time employment.

How intuition, timing, and signs can guide major life decisions.

What it means to lead other visionaries while honoring individual strengths.

Why community is essential for authors, creators, and thought leaders.

How events create safe spaces for growth-oriented, mission-driven people.

Why “slow and steady” leadership often outperforms rushed success.

How books can serve as both personal development tools and business assets.

What it looks like to build a life and business rooted in peace, purpose, and impact.

Resource:

Nick Hutchinson

Book Thinkers

Leading Visionaries Podcast

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What if the real reason you feel stuck isn’t a lack of knowledge but old programming running your life on autopilot? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Deekron Krikorian, MBA, and transformation coach for high achievers and the founder of the Identity Liberation Movement. Deekron shares how a “survival identity” forms in childhood, how it silently drives perfectionism and why inner work is the missing piece for high achievers who want authentic leadership. You’ll also hear why metabolic health matters for your mind, your mood, and your decision-making.

What You Will Learn:

How early life experiences shape a subconscious identity that continues to influence leadership, decisions, and behavior.

Why high achievement often comes from survival patterns rather than true self-expression.

How perfectionism and people-pleasing can limit entrepreneurial success and personal fulfillment.

Why leaving corporate environments can trigger anxiety and loss of direction for high performers.

How identity work reveals the hidden patterns behind procrastination, burnout, and self-sabotage.

Why information and credentials alone are not enough to create lasting transformation.

How internal emotional stress differs from external stress—and why both must be addressed.

The role cortisol and chronic stress play in decision-making, energy, and long-term health.

Why habits and mindset tools fail when layered over unhealed emotional programming.

How metabolic health directly impacts cognition, clarity, and leadership capacity.

What self-leadership looks like beyond discipline, including emotional mastery and boundaries.

How to communicate without triggering fear or defensiveness in high-stakes conversations.

Why vision requires autonomy, sovereignty, and internal alignment to come to life.

How identity liberation can release long-held pressure and restore a sense of freedom.

Why individual inner work contributes to collective leadership and cultural change.

Resource:

Deekron Krikorian

LinkedIn

Book The Nine Shifts: The Mind-First Method to Transform Your Body and Your Life

Leading Visionaries Podcast

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Creative Age Consulting Group

What if the challenge in front of you isn't here to break you, but to bring you back to who you really are? In this episode of the Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell sits down with Felicity Ashley, mother of three, former corporate marketer, ocean rower, cancer survivor, motivational speaker and #1 bestselling author of Stronger Than the Storm.

If you've been feeling the nudge to start something bigger, this episode will invite you to trust your "why," ask for help, and lead yourself into a life that feels truly your own.

What You Will Learn:

How early life experiences and family dynamics quietly shape leadership of self.

Why challenging expectations and doing things differently is a powerful leadership trait.

The difference between being inspired by someone and feeling personally called to a challenge.

Why knowing your “why” is essential for staying committed when obstacles arise.

How physical setbacks or adversity can reconnect you with your core identity.

Why opportunities that create a full-body “pull” are worth paying attention to.

How shared challenges can strengthen relationships and deepen personal connection.

What parts of a corporate career can become assets when starting a new business.

How to navigate the financial uncertainty of entrepreneurship with courage and clarity.

Why founders must seek expertise instead of trying to do everything themselves.

How asking for help becomes a strength that accelerates growth and resilience.

What it looks like to build a personal “support crew” for business and life.

Why most regret comes from missed opportunities rather than failed attempts.

How personal struggles can evolve into platforms for service and inspiration.

Why long-term goals require emotional endurance, structure, and self-leadership.

How to reclaim parts of your identity that were set aside during challenging seasons.

Resource:

Felicity Ashley

Website

Book: Stronger than the Storm

Leading Visionaries Podcast

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Creative Age Consulting Group