In this episode of the Munn Avenue Muse podcast, Charlie Levin welcomes Pat Alacqua, a renowned business growth strategist, author, and founder of the Entrepreneur to Enterprise program. While rooted in the business world, Pat shares valuable insights applicable to authors navigating their own creative and professional journeys.

Pat discusses his background, starting with a concrete business out of high school and moving into trade shows, a sports academy, and eventually coaching and guiding other leaders. This journey instilled in him the importance of mentorship and learning from others who have been there before. He explains that his decision to write his book, Obstacles to Opportunities, stemmed from years of facing challenges in his own businesses and a desire to pass along the lessons he learned, often the hard way through late nights, high-pressure decisions, and trial and error.

Getting Started

A core concept Pat explores, highly relevant to authors, is how to pivot and turn obstacles into opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of just getting started rather than waiting for the perfect idea or moment, and then learning to pivot once in motion, allowing the real path to reveal itself. This connects to the idea that real progress happens by focusing on what's next. Like Colin Powell's 40-70 rule discussed in the conversation, it's often better to move forward with partial confidence than wait until it's too late.

Pat highlights the power of storytelling in making messages stick. He chose to include stories from multiple entrepreneurs in his book because they resonate with readers and meet them where they are. Learning from the mistakes and journeys of others is crucial, as the "wise person learns from other people's mistakes". He shares an example of how insights from Maurice Mascarenas helped him navigate the transition from an entrepreneur to a more professionally managed firm.

Embracing Complexity

Pat and the host discuss the concept of embracing complexity. While we often strive for simplicity, Pat argues that you have to "get complex to get simple". Tackling the details and upfront challenges allows for later clarity, making communication and action easier. This ability to handle complexity is where expertise adds value, much like how Munn Avenue Press helps authors navigate the complex publishing process.

Authors can learn more about Pat's work and connect with him via his website, PatAlacqua.com. He also enjoys connecting with people on LinkedIn. Obstacles to Opportunities is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through local bookstores.

This episode offers valuable perspectives for authors on tackling challenges in their writing and publishing journey, the effectiveness of storytelling, the necessity of pivoting, and the benefits of seeking guidance.

If you would like the book you’re writing (or just dreaming about) to be a Best of 2025, let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

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In this engaging episode of the Munn Avenue Muse podcast, host Charlie Levin welcomes Jeff Burgess, author of the new book It Worked for Me. Burgess shares his remarkable journey from a non-college graduate warehouse manager in 1979 to the CEO of his own hundred-million-dollar company.

99% Confidence

He candidly discusses his early lack of work ethic and a pivotal "come to Jesus moment" with his father that motivated him to change. Burgess delves into his philosophy on sales, emphasizing that it's "99% confidence, 1% b*****"** and highlighting the crucial art of listening to understand customer pain points.

He recounts early career lessons, such as securing a deal before worrying about the product, and his success in transforming a retail store into a corporate selling entity. Burgess also shares his approach to warm calling and building indispensable relationships with customers.

OTFD

Beyond his business acumen, Burgess opens up about personal challenges, including a stroke he experienced, and his inspiration for writing It Worked for Me as a legacy for his children and to "get it out of his system" after 45 years in the computer industry. He reveals the book's core mantra, "out the f**** door (OTFD),"** which drove his company's focus on speed and quality.

Notably, all proceeds from the book sales will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, reflecting Burgess's desire to give back. He also shares his positive experience recording the audiobook and his surprise at the book becoming an Amazon #1 Bestseller.

Listen, watch, enjoy…

Want to learn more? Pick up a copy of It Worked For Me

“If you've ever felt stuck, uncertain, or like success was just out of reach, this book will show you how to seize your own turning point.”

If you would like the book you’re writing (or just dreaming about) to be a Best of 2025, let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

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In this engaging podcast episode, we speak with Don Weiss, author of the acclaimed book "Disease Detectives: True Stories of NYC Outbreaks," a real-life mystery exploring his fascinating career in public health.

Don shares his unconventional journey from chemist and pediatrician to epidemiologist involved in investigating the 2001 anthrax attacks, Covid-19, and numerous other outbreaks. For fellow authors, Don offers a unique perspective on finding compelling narratives in real-world experiences. Discover his insights into the "detective" work involved in both public health and writing ..., his note-taking process over two decades, and how his background shaped his gripping storytelling in a way that reads like true crime. Learn how Don's passion for highlighting the crucial work of public health professionals fueled his desire to write this timely and important.

Watch or listen today and check out:Disease Detectives: True Stories of NYC Outbreaks—an Amazon #1 New Release.

“One sitting!!! I read this book in one sitting. Part mystery book, Part biology text, part reflections on the state of public health today by someone who experienced the highs and lows of a local health department. Fascinating descriptions investigating the source of a Legionella outbreak, or the response to a Central Park rabies scare. You'll think twice before you pick up that tempura-battered tarantula appetizer. Or gefilte fish.This book really delves into the human side of outbreaks, both the disease detectives as well as the affected.”— Mark S. Ziring

If you would like the book you’re writing (or just dreaming about) to be a Best of 2025, let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

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In this episode of the Munn Avenue Muse, host, and bestselling author Charlie Levin speaks with Ashwin Gulati, author of Soul Venture, about his journey from India to becoming a seasoned entrepreneur and author.... Gulati shares the challenges and triumphs of navigating the startup world, emphasizing the importance of merging the "inner journey" with the "outer journey" to find balance and true success. He highlights how the struggles in business often take a personal toll, affecting health, family, and relationships, and how his book aims to bridge the gap between these two worlds.

The Publishing Journey

Gulati discusses his writing and publishing journey, including his decision to hybrid-publish Soul Venture with the Munn Avenue Press to maintain creative control over the book's unique blend of memoir and knowledge-sharing. He shares his initial fears about revealing his authentic self and the positive reception the book has received for its vulnerability and honesty. Gulati also touches on the challenges of defining the book's genre, ultimately embracing its unique combination of entrepreneurship, personal transformation, and self-help elements.

If You’re an Author, You’re an Entrepreneur(Or You Should Be)

The conversation explores the parallels between writing a book and launching a startup, emphasizing the need for visibility and continuous promotion. Gulati expresses his goal for the book: to help aspiring authors and entrepreneurs understand the realities of startup culture and to offer insights into balancing personal well-being with professional pursuits. He also shares his plans to incorporate the "personal side" of business into his work as an interim executive, recognizing the turmoil many founders and business leaders face.

Embark on your Soul Venture and read Ashwin’s book today…

“A brilliant insider's view....a must-read for anyone who's founding a company or chasing the American Dream.”–Valerie Andrews, Founding Editor, Reinventing Home magazine

If you would like the book you’re writing (or just dreaming about) to be a Best of 2025, let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

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Ever dreamed of turning your life experiences into captivating stories?

In this episode, Charles Levin speaks with Vincent DeFilippo, a successful businessman who became a bestselling author in multiple genres—Mystery/Thriller, Mafia Romance, Asian American Adventures, and Business Self-Help.

Discover how his global adventures, family life, and even a stint steaming clothes at fashion shows fueled his creativity. Learn how he uses the 'Save the Cat' method and the 15-beats structure to craft compelling narratives. This is a must-listen for authors seeking inspiration and practical advice.

On top of his accomplishments and sound writing advice, listen and Vince’s charm and entertaining personality will make you smile.

And if you are interested in Vince’s highly rated, best-selling books, check out…

Mayhem on Mulberry (2 book series)

What if the only way to protect the one you love is to destroy everything you’ve ever known?"Mayhem on Mulberry is a fast-paced page-turner that readers will not soon forget, and that will appeal to fans of hard-boiled stories and more grounded crime novels alike."—Jo Niederhoff, San Francisco Book Review

The Leftovers Club (2 book series)

It’s Crazy Rich Asians meets Friends!

Step into the vibrant world of Manhattan's Chinese-American culture and embark on a captivating journey alongside JoJo and her eclectic group of friends in "The Leftovers Club." In this evocative novel, best friends JoJo, Bee, Tina, and Mei navigate the challenges of ambition and tiger moms, finding solace in their creation of "The Leftovers Club" to defy societal pressures and support one another.

Braking Point Paths to Success (3 books)

Have you ever wondered why some of your most carefully made decisions still lead to unexpected and sometimes undesirable outcomes?

Dive into the transformative world of the "Braking Point," books that redefine the art of decision-making. In our personal, business, and family lives, where each choice can have far-reaching implications, the "Braking Point" books emerge as indispensable guides.

Other Books by Vincent DeFilippo

If you would like the book you’re writing (or just dreaming about) to be a Best of 2025, let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse!” This post is public so feel free to share it.