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  • E2A 104: Writing Between Flights: Turning Quiet Moments into a Leadership Book with Wendy Walker

    E2A 104: Writing Between Flights: Turning Quiet Moments into a Leadership Book with Wendy Walker
    Feb 10 2026
    In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, your host Scott MacMillan speaks with seasoned marketing leader and author Wendy Walker about the hidden emotional and psychological realities of leadership. Drawing from more than two decades in high-pressure, globally distributed corporate roles, Wendy shares how her book Between Flights took flight—quite literally—on airplanes, in the liminal space between meetings, cities, and family time.

    Wendy and Scott explore why so many leaders carry the “unspoken” parts of leadership alone, why reflection is not a luxury but a vital leadership practice, and how small, intentional pauses can help leaders stay grounded and aligned with their values. Wendy also describes her journey from writing purely for herself on her phone’s notes app to sharing her reflections on LinkedIn and ultimately publishing them as a book.

    Whether you’re an executive, an emerging leader, or an entrepreneur aspiring to authorship, this conversation offers a calm, honest look at what it really takes to lead with heart in high-intensity environments—and how writing can help you process, make sense of, and ultimately share those experiences with others.

    GUEST BIO
    Wendy Walker is a marketing leader, creative advocate, and thoughtful voice on what it really takes to lead with heart. For more than two decades, she has shaped brands and cultures across industries and continents, guiding teams through growth, transformation, and creative reinvention.
    She believes leadership is not about titles or power, but about the impact we have on others — and the energy we leave behind long after we’ve moved on.
    Wendy’s career has spanned senior marketing roles at global, regional, and startup levels, always anchored in the conviction that creativity and clarity can drive both impact and integrity. Beyond the corporate world, she has played a significant role in shaping the industry as Founder and President of the International Advertising Association (IAA) Singapore chapter, Global Board Member of the IAA, and former Chair of The Marketing Society in Singapore, where she was awarded the title of Fellow. In 2025, she served as Global Jury President for the Creative B2B category at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, leading discussions that celebrated bold, transformative work on the global stage.

    SHOW LINKS
    LinkedIn Newsletter linkedin.com/newsletters/7323567288211714049/
    Get the book: amazon.com.au/Between-Flights-Reflections-Unspoken-Leadership/dp/199852874X

    CONNECT WITH WENDY

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/ in/wendywalkersg

    CONNECT WITH SCOTT
    entrepreneurtoauthor.com
    grammarfactory.com

    LinkedIn (@scottmacmillan): linkedin.com/in/scottmacmillan
    Instagram (@scottamacmillan) instagram.com/scottamacmillan
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    16 Min.
  • E2A 103: Writing a Field Guide for Generalists with Siobhan O'Riordan

    E2A 103: Writing a Field Guide for Generalists with Siobhan O'Riordan
    Dec 2 2025
    In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, your host Scott MacMillan welcomes Siobhan O’Riordan, coach, advisor, and lifelong generalist to discuss her book Reframe: How Generalists Thrive in a Changing World. Drawing on her nonlinear career and client work, she unpacks the “generalist’s dilemma” of being essential yet often unseen and misunderstood. In Reframe, she offers a functional definition of a generalist built around ranging curiosity, creative connections, and context, giving generalists the language and framework they’ve lacked so they can better understand their strengths, articulate their value, and intentionally design careers that fit them.

    She also reflects on the writing journey behind the book, noting that long-form writing is a very different discipline from day-to-day writing. The process forced her to clarify her thinking, decide what truly served the reader, and turn years of experience into a focused, practical guide. With the help of structure, a clear curriculum, and a supportive writing community, she completed a book that argues generalists are increasingly vital in a changing world—able to experiment, test, and take risks in ways specialists often can’t.

    EPISODE LINKS:
    First two chapters of "Reframe" Free big-sea-strategies.kit.com/7b06068914
    Expert Author Community: expertauthor.community

    GUEST BIO
    As a certified coach, advisor, and founder of Big Sea Strategies, Siobhán helps individuals and teams anchor in their strengths to navigate change.

    A Generalist with experience across the social sector, Siobhán has worked with hundreds of individual leaders, teams, and board members across 100+ organizations with revenues ranging from $500K to $30M. Her lifelong commitment to helping others learn, grow, and succeed is her favorite job; she taught high school history at The Lincoln School in Kathmandu, Nepal. Siobhán is a certified Gallup® Global CliftonStrengths™ Coach with a BA in History and MA in Teaching from Tufts University.

    CONNECT WITH SIOBHAN
    Book Website: bigseastrategies.com/book
    Website: bigseastrategies.com
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/saoriordan/

    CONNECT WITH SCOTT
    entrepreneurtoauthor.com
    grammarfactory.com

    LinkedIn (@scottmacmillan): linkedin.com/in/scottmacmillan
    Instagram (@scottamacmillan) instagram.com/scottamacmillan
    Medium (@scottamacmillan): scottamacmillan.medium.com
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    19 Min.
  • E2A 102 Solving Hard Problems: Chris Harrop on Turning Experience into Impact

    E2A 102 Solving Hard Problems: Chris Harrop on Turning Experience into Impact
    Nov 18 2025
    In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, your host Scott MacMillan sits down with Chris Harrop, former Senior Partner at Bain & Company with over three decades of experience helping leaders solve complex business problems. Chris shares the challenge of translating a lifetime of hands-on expertise into clear, accessible guidance and reflects on what it really takes to solve hard, never-before-seen problems. His book, The Problem Solver’s Playbook, teaches readers to “tame” problems by narrowing scope, digging to the root cause, and navigating the messy realities of stakeholder alignment and execution. As business challenges grow increasingly dynamic—accelerated by AI—Chris underscores why strong, foundational problem-solving skills have never been more important.

    GUEST BIO

    CHRIS HARROP is a former Senior Partner at Bain & Company with more over three decades of experience helping leaders solve complex business problems. He has advised clients across industries and continents on strategy, transformation, and execution. Chris lives in Sydney, where he continues to work with senior executives and leadership teams.

    CONNECT WITH CHRIS

    Book Website: problemsolversplaybook.com
    Website: bain.com
    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chrisnharrop
    Instagram: instagram.com/egmonty

    CONNECT WITH SCOTT
    entrepreneurtoauthor.com
    grammarfactory.com

    LinkedIn (@scottmacmillan): linkedin.com/in/scottmacmillan
    Instagram (@scottamacmillan) instagram.com/scottamacmillan
    Medium (@scottamacmillan): scottamacmillan.medium.com
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    23 Min.
  • E2A 101: The Power of Creating a Framework and Consistent Writing with Scott MacMillan

    E2A 101: The Power of Creating a Framework and Consistent Writing with Scott MacMillan
    Sep 9 2025
    In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, your host Scott MacMillan unpacks a common challenge: expertise, on its own, isn’t enough. Without a clear and consistent framework, even the deepest insights can be overlooked. Scott explores why frameworks matter, how they turn scattered ideas into memorable and shareable models, and the five qualities that make intellectual property truly powerful.

    You’ll also learn a simple process for shaping your knowledge into a proprietary methodology you can apply consistently across books, keynotes, and client work. If you want to move from being an invisible expert to an influential thought leader, this episode will help you build a framework that elevates your authority and amplifies your message.

    EPISODE LINKS

    Free STEPS Guide: grammarfactory.com/awesome-book-guide/
    SPARC IP Incubator: grammarfactory.com/sparc-ip-incubator

    ABOUT SCOTT:
    Scott MacMillan serves as the Chief Strategist and Executive Publisher at Grammar Factory Publishing. While not a professional writer or editor by training, he brings over two decades of experience as an entrepreneur and business leader, having held executive, operational, and management consulting positions with esteemed organizations including Boston Consulting Group, Rogers Communications, and Corus Entertainment. Upon transitioning to entrepreneurship, Scott has dedicated his expertise to strategic oversight, ensuring that authors’ books are closely aligned with, and actively contribute to, the growth objectives of their businesses.

    ABOUT GRAMMAR FACTORY:
    Grammar Factory is a Canadian self-publishing company that helps business leaders and entrepreneurs write, publish, and market non-fiction books to boost their credibility and business results. Their expert team guides clients from idea to professionally published book, offering editorial services to ensure high-quality, compelling content. Serving clients globally, Grammar Factory focuses on transforming manuscripts into industry-leading books that attract clients and enhance brands, with a strong commitment to supporting authors throughout the publishing process.

    CONNECT WITH SCOTT
    entrepreneurtoauthor.com
    grammarfactory.com

    LinkedIn (@scottmacmillan): linkedin.com/in/scottmacmillan
    Instagram (@scottamacmillan) instagram.com/scottamacmillan
    Medium (@scottamacmillan): scottamacmillan.medium.com
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    10 Min.
  • E2A 100: Writing Disrupt It: How Two Co-Founders Turned Their AI Expertise into a Book with Dr. Mehdi Nourbakhsh and Dr. Sam Zolfagharian

    E2A 100: Writing Disrupt It: How Two Co-Founders Turned Their AI Expertise into a Book with Dr. Mehdi Nourbakhsh and Dr. Sam Zolfagharian
    Aug 26 2025
    In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, host Scott MacMillan speaks with Dr. Mehdi Nourbakhsh and Dr. Sam Zolfagharian, co-founders of YegaTech and co-authors of Disrupt It. The conversation highlights how their complementary strengths—Sam’s detail orientation and Mehdi’s big-picture vision—shaped a unique collaborative writing process. Rather than dividing up chapters, they worked in a “round robin” style, iterating together through multiple drafts and challenging one another’s ideas until the manuscript truly served its intended audience. They also share how changing environments, from coffee shops to mountain retreats, helped them step away from daily distractions and focus deeply on the book. With support from Scott and his team, they stayed on track and pushed through the endless cycle of revisions to arrive at a book that equips AEC executives to navigate AI transformation. Their story underscores the discipline, collaboration, and creative strategies needed to bring a complex idea to life on the page.SHOW LINKSFree Resources: yegatech.com/free-resources/Get the Disrupt It Book GUEST BIOS Dr. Mehdi Nourbakhsh is an author, speaker, and CEO of YegaTech, a technology consulting company in the AEC industry specializing in AI strategy, governance, and implementation for AEC companies. As the author of two Amazon bestselling books “Augment It: How Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Leaders Leverage Data and Artificial Intelligence to Build a Sustainable Future,” and “Disrupt It: How Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Executives can Transform their Organizations in the Age of AI Disruption,” Dr. Mehdi co-created new frameworks for understanding and integrating AI technologies in AEC, establishing a solid foundation for innovation in the field. Feel free to meet Dr. Mehdi via his blog posts or connect with him on LinkedIn.Dr. Sam Zolfagharian is an AI strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Disrupt It: How AEC Executives Can Transform Their Organizations in the Age of AI Disruption. As Co-Founder of YegaTech, she advises CEOs and boards on AI strategy, governance, and innovation. With a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech and 20+ years in tech and design, Sam helps organizations turn AI disruption into sustainable, strategic advantage.You can learn more about Dr.Sam Zolfagharian through their blog posts or LinkedIn. CONNECT WITH SCOTTentrepreneurtoauthor.comgrammarfactory.comLinkedIn (@scottmacmillan): linkedin.com/in/scottmacmillanInstagram (@scottamacmillan) instagram.com/scottamacmillanMedium (@scottamacmillan): scottamacmillan.medium.com
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    28 Min.
  • E2A099 Intentional Escapes: How to Recharge or Create Your Best Work While Away

    E2A099 Intentional Escapes: How to Recharge or Create Your Best Work While Away
    Aug 12 2025
    In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, Scott MacMillan explores the value of stepping away from the daily grind, whether it’s to fully unplug, dive into deep work, or find a balance between the two. Inspired by the spotty Wi-Fi connection at the cottage, Scott shares actionable strategies for making the most of time away from your usual environment, and how to bring those benefits back home.

    ABOUT SCOTT:
    Scott MacMillan serves as the Chief Strategist and Executive Publisher at Grammar Factory Publishing. While not a professional writer or editor by training, he brings over two decades of experience as an entrepreneur and business leader, having held executive, operational, and management consulting positions with esteemed organizations including Boston Consulting Group, Rogers Communications, and Corus Entertainment. Upon transitioning to entrepreneurship, Scott has dedicated his expertise to strategic oversight, ensuring that authors’ books are closely aligned with, and actively contribute to, the growth objectives of their businesses.

    ABOUT GRAMMAR FACTORY:
    Grammar Factory is a Canadian self-publishing company that helps business leaders and entrepreneurs write, publish, and market non-fiction books to boost their credibility and business results. Their expert team guides clients from idea to professionally published book, offering editorial services to ensure high-quality, compelling content. Serving clients globally, Grammar Factory focuses on transforming manuscripts into industry-leading books that attract clients and enhance brands, with a strong commitment to supporting authors throughout the publishing process.

    CONNECT WITH SCOTT
    entrepreneurtoauthor.com
    grammarfactory.com

    LinkedIn (@scottmacmillan): linkedin.com/in/scottmacmillan
    Instagram (@scottamacmillan) instagram.com/scottamacmillan
    Medium (@scottamacmillan): scottamacmillan.medium.com
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    6 Min.
  • Unpacking The Briefcase Effect: Vinisha Rathod’s Guide to Authentic Personal Branding

    Unpacking The Briefcase Effect: Vinisha Rathod’s Guide to Authentic Personal Branding
    Jul 15 2025
    In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, Scott MacMillan interviews Vinisha Rathod, founder of P3 Studio and author of The Briefcase Effect. Vinisha shares how her writing journey mirrored her personal branding sessions—starting with deep self-reflection and inviting her community to participate in decisions like the book’s title and cover. She discusses the challenges of writing, from multiple rounds of editing to letting go of ego, all to ensure the book would be practical and empowering for readers. Building in public kept her accountable and made the process collaborative and reader-focused.

    With actionable advice and relatable stories, Vinisha’s mission is to help others find clarity and confidence, especially those facing tough challenges, so they can show up more boldly and authentically in their work and life.

    SHOW LINKS
    Are you interested in uncovering how you operate? reach out to Vinisha on https://thebriefcaseeffect.com/

    GUEST BIO
    Vinisha is the author of The Briefcase Effect and Managing Director and Founder of p3 Studio, specialising in helping businesses scale through people, partnerships, and purpose. With experience across corporate, government, and tech sectors in Australia, the UK, and the Middle East, she brings deep expertise in human behaviour and commercial strategy.

    As someone that can see multiple sides and the impact of human behaviour on decision making, she collaborates with leaders to provide clarity and alignment. She is a vocal advocate for diversity across all ecosystems and raising awareness on the impact of domestic violence in the community. Through developing a strong personal brand, she is able to advocate changes needed in the industry.

    CONNECT WITH VINISHA

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vinisharathod/
    Instagram: @vinii_shar
    YouTube: youtube.com/@vinisha_rathod
    TikTok: @vini.sha_p3studio

    CONNECT WITH SCOTT

    entrepreneurtoauthor.com
    grammarfactory.com

    LinkedIn (@scottmacmillan): linkedin.com/in/scottmacmillan
    Instagram (@scottamacmillan) instagram.com/scottamacmillan
    Medium (@scottamacmillan): scottamacmillan.medium.com
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    34 Min.
  • E2A 097: Collaborative Authorship: Writing with Multiple Contributors with Hanna Boëthius and Dr. Verena Voelter

    E2A 097: Collaborative Authorship: Writing with Multiple Contributors with Hanna Boëthius and Dr. Verena Voelter
    Jul 1 2025
    In this episode of The Entrepreneur to Author Podcast, your host Scott MacMillan interviews Hanna Boëthius and Dr. Verena Voelter about their experience co-authoring The Next Tango, a book that stands out for its truly collaborative approach. Rather than writing alone, Hanna and Verena teamed up as a patient advocate and physician, then extended the project by inviting additional contributors to holistically represent all five stakeholder groups in healthcare (patients, providers, pharma, payers, and policymakers. This diverse team brought together a comprehensive range of voices, resulting in a richer, more nuanced exploration of patient-centric, value-based healthcare.

    The conversation highlights the unique benefits and challenges of co-authoring a book with many contributors. Hanna and Verena share how collaboration made the writing process less isolating, provided deeper insights, and ensured the final product resonated with a wider audience. They also offer practical advice for aspiring authors considering a team-based approach, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, shared vision, and support from both peers and professionals throughout the publishing journey.

    SHOW LINKS

    Book Website: tangoforfive.com

    Website: 5phealthcaresolutions.com

    Flagship event: 5phealthcaresolutions.com/index.php/5p-annual-flagship-event/

    GUEST BIOS

    Hanna:
    Having lived almost her entire life with type 1 diabetes, Hanna has grown up with “the patient” as part of her persona. This has helped guide her life’s mission—to help others live a better and healthier life (with or without a chronic condition in tow), which she has realized through various degrees, certifications, projects, and positions as an expert patient voice.

    Verena:
    As a trained internist and oncologist, Dr Voelter has always seen her role at the
    side of the patient. Since the publication of her first book, TangoForFive, she has participated in numerous conversations with interested readers and members of the 5P ecosystem on how to make this vision of cooperation a reality. Patients, fellow doctors, policymakers, and health insurers, as well as leaders from the pharmaceutical industry and life sciences, have supported her in breaking down silos and championing a TangoForFive as the holy grail to fix our ailing health systems.

    CONNECT WITH HANNA & VERENA

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/5p-health-care-solutions

    CONNECT WITH SCOTT
    entrepreneurtoauthor.com
    grammarfactory.com

    LinkedIn (@scottmacmillan): linkedin.com/in/scottmacmillan
    Instagram (@scottamacmillan) instagram.com/scottamacmillan
    Medium (@scottamacmillan): scottamacmillan.medium.com
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    24 Min.