How can I increase the value of my business? How can I increase profitability in my business? Is it possible to balance owning a successful business with living the lifestyle I desire? Welcome to the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast, where we answer all of those questions and MUCH MORE! We host weekly discussions designed to help you grow your business AND create the lifestyle you desire. Elevate your business with proven strategies from CPAs and business advisors. We discuss real-world c ...
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Writes4Women is all about celebrating women's voices and supporting women writers. It's about writing the voice, reading the voice and being the voice. Every week host Pamela Cook, or a special guest host, interviews an outstanding female, trans or non-binary author about their books, writing process and life. Transcript available via the Writes4Women website. Video of most episodes available on the Writes4Women youtube channel. You can find out more about Writes4Women at www.writes4women.com
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Few have the ability to tell the human stories of driving change in business like EY Regional Deputy CEO and People and Culture Leader for Oceania, Jenelle McMaster. In the Change Happens podcast series, Jenelle reveals how to apply the unique lessons learned by top leaders, who harness the transformative power of change, to tackle the biggest issues businesses face today. Through story and conversation, Jenelle highlights the importance of workplace culture and how leaders are using technol ...
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#165: What to Do When Your Business Hits a Financial Plateau
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33:02Hitting a financial plateau can feel like one of the most frustrating points in your business journey—you're working hard, but growth has stalled. In this episode of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast, we’re diving into why it happens, how to recognize it early, and what you can do to break through. Megan Spicer is joined by Katina Peters, CPA…
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Beyond Fantasy: Lynnette Noni's Genre Shift
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42:16What happens when a best selling Fantasy author does a sneaky genre swap? Guest host Jo Riccioni welcomes bestselling author Lynette Noni to discuss her genre shift and new book, 'Wandering Wild.' They explore the departure from Noni's typical fantasy genre to YA contemporary, featuring a Hollywood actor and an Australian teen navigating a survival…
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#164: The $1.1 Million Wake-Up Call: Financial Systems Every Dentist Needs
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31:29Fraud can happen to any dental practice—and often does. In this episode of Cultivating Business Growth, we’re joined by Susan Gunn, Certified Fraud Examiner, and a nationally recognized expert in financial systems and ethics for healthcare practices. Susan shares jaw-dropping real-world stories—including a $1.1 million embezzlement case—and provide…
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AI and Publishing: Tracey Spicer and Sandie Docker
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44:45If you only listen to one episode of W4W this year, THIS is the one you need to make time for. Pam talks AI, its implications and the future of writing with two women on the frontlines of championing artistic rights, journalist @traceyspicer and writer @sandiedocker. We promise, you’ll leave this episode informed, aware, determined and hopeful abou…
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#163: Building a Business Budget that Actually Works
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37:35Building a Business Budget That Actually Works In Episode 163 of Cultivating Business Growth, we’re diving deep into how to create a business budget that actually works—without making your head spin. Katina Peters, Partner at Willow Virtual CFO, joins us to discuss why budgeting is essential for small businesses and how it can be your most powerful…
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Breaking New Ground: Emily Maguire’s Foray into Historical Fiction
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43:53In this episode of Writes for Women, guest host Mary-Lou Stephens sits down with historical fiction author Emily Maguire to discuss her latest novel, 'Rapture', set in the ninth century. They delve into Maguire's transition from contemporary fiction, the extensive research involved, and the challenges of writing historical content while maintaining…
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Confronting Bias in AI with Tracey Spicer
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29:57Today, we’re stepping into one of the most urgent conversations in tech right now: bias in artificial intelligence. Tracey Spicer AM is a Walkley Award-winning journalist, author, and longtime activist for gender equity. In this episode, she unpacks the unseen biases coded into the technologies we use every day—and what happens when we leave them u…
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#162: How to Grow a Dental Practice Through Community, Leadership, and Support with Dr. Grace Yum of Mommy Dentists in Business
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37:10In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Grace Yum, founder of Mommy Dentists in Business, to explore how building a strong community and embracing leadership can help you grow a dental practice. We discuss mentorship, burnout, profitability, and how collaboration leads to greater success for women in dentistry.…
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The Art of Persistence: Lauren Keegan's 15-Year Writing Journey
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1:00:45Join Pamela Cook on Writes for Women as she chats with Lauren Keegan about her debut novel 'All the Bees in the Hollow.' Learn how Lauren's background in perinatal psychology shapes her storytelling and character development. Discover the intriguing folklore of Lithuanian beekeeping and the challenges of writing historical fiction. Support the show…
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In this episode of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast, host Megan Spicer is joined by Jaime Staley, Partner and CFO at Willow Virtual CFO, to break down the often-intimidating process of creating and managing cash flow projections. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just trying to get a better handle on your finances, this episode is de…
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Indie Publishing 101: Real Journeys with Sal Gallaher and Kirsten Nixon
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48:01Navigating the Journey of Indie Publishing with Sal Gallagher and Kirsten Nixon. In this episode of Rights for Women, host Pamela Cook delves into the world of indie publishing with guests Sal Gallaher and Kirsten Nixon. Sal discusses her novel 'Secrets in the Lakes', her journey through editing, and the challenges of self-publishing. Kirsten share…
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The Future of Work and The Australian Lifestyle (Part 2)
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14:40If you haven't already, be sure to go back and listen to Part 1 of this episode with renowned social demographer Bernard Salt, where he lays the groundwork for understanding the dynamics at play in our society. From the housing market to the care economy and labour force participation, Bernard explores the challenges and opportunities ahead, advoca…
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#160: Why Construction Businesses Need Industry-Specific Accounting Software with John Meibers of Deltek
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41:51When it comes to accounting for construction businesses, using a generic accounting program can result in more confusion than clarity. In this episode of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast, host Katina Peters, CPA, CGMA, and Virtual CFO, sits down with John Meibers, Vice President and General Manager of Deltek ComputerEase, to discuss the real…
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Venetian Vibes: Tess Woods on Setting and Storytelling
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47:48WRITING LOVE, LOSS & VENICE What happens when a bestselling author walks away from publishing—only to return with her biggest book yet? This week on Writes4Women, Pamela chats with Tess Woods about her five-year break from writing, rediscovering her passion, and the inspiration behind The Venice Hotel. Tess shares the highs and lows of her journey,…
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#159: What is Cash Flow Management and Why is it Important?
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28:55Today, we’re diving into a fundamental topic for every business owner: what is cash flow management and why is it important? To help us unpack this, we’re thrilled to welcome back our resident cash flow expert, Jaime Staley. Known affectionately as the 'Cash Flow Queen,' Jaime brings her wealth of knowledge to help business owners take control of t…
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Chrissie Bellbrae on Writing and Resilience
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44:09STITCHING STORIES TOGETHER How do you turn fragments of family history into a novel that spans generations? This week on Writes4Women, Pamela sits down with Chrissie Bellbrae to talk about the magic of uncovering forgotten stories, the inspiration behind The Florentine Quilt, and what happens when real-life twists shape our creative journeys. Chris…
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The Future of Work and The Australian Lifestyle with Bernard Salt
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34:47Welcome to Season Six of Change Happens. This season, we're going to explore the forces shaping the future of work. From emerging trends to technological developments, we'll uncover what's changing and how we're adapting. Bernard Salt AM is a leading demographer and futurist who has spent decades analysing the forces shaping society. In this episod…
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#158: Leveraging Personal Financial Management to Enhance Business Success
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35:41We are so excited to welcome Joe Saul-Sehy for episode 158! Joe is a seasoned financial expert with a background as a financial advisor and co-host of the award-winning Stacking Benjamins podcast, where he dives into personal finance topics with a fun and approachable style. Joe’s experience and insight make him a trusted voice for those seeking fi…
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A quarter of the way into this century, it’s the perfect time to step back, reflect, and consider what has changed—and what’s about to—across workplaces, industries, and our lives. This season, Jenelle McMaster—Deputy CEO and People & Culture Leader at EY—explores the forces shaping the future of work. From emerging trends to technological advancem…
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Weaving Worlds: The Art of Storytelling with Kell Woods
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50:44WRITING FAIRYTALES FOR GROWN-UPS What does it take to turn folklore into a rich, immersive novel? This week on Writes4Women, guest host Jo Riccioni chats with the brilliant Kel Woods about crafting historical fantasy, blending research with imagination, and the writing process behind her stunning books After the Forest and Upon a Starlet Tide. Kel …
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#157: How to Prepare Your Business for a Stress-Free Tax Season
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27:33Tax season is a time of high stress for many business owners. The fear of the unknown, looming deadlines, and last-minute scrambling often create unnecessary anxiety. However, with proper tax planning and organization, you can significantly reduce the stress associated with this time of year. In episode #157 of the Cultivating Business Growthpodcas…
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The Writer's Mind with Megan Dalla-Camina
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56:54Welcome to Season 6 of Writes4Women! Join host Pamela Cook and Megan Dalla-Camina, a leader in women's empowerment and leadership and author of 'Women Rising', as they delve deep into the psychological aspects of writing, discussing inner critics, procrastination, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Both authors share personal anecdotes on how th…
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#156: Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth
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34:06Mari Smith, one of the world's top social media experts and often called the 'Queen of Facebook,' joins us for episode #156. In this exciting episode, Mari gives business owners actionable insights on leveraging social media for business growth.By PJS & Co. CPAs
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#155: A Guide to CFO Outsourcing Services
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44:28Join us for the first episode of the new year, where we discuss signs that you are outgrowing your accountant. Are you ready to grow and take the next step? If so, it may be time to outsource CFO services. As your business grows, so do its financial complexities. Knowing when to expand and invest in additional expertise can make all the difference …
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The Year That Was: Writing Wins, Fails and Goals for 2025
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1:00:06Looking for inspiration as you wrap up the year? Ready to dive into the highs and lows of the writing life, with insights from writers who’ve truly walked the path? This week on Writes4Women, it’s our 2024 Wrap-Up Episode! Join @pamelacookwrites as she chats with guest hosts @rachaeljohnsisanauthor @maryloustephenswriter, @joriccioni, and her VA @a…
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How to Write Gripping Fiction that Stands Out with Nikki Gemmell
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51:19Struggling to find your unique voice or create stories that truly resonate? Wondering how to weave big ideas into page-turning narratives? This week on Writes4Women with @pamelacookwrites, best-selling author @nikki.gemmell shares the secrets behind her latest feminist literary thriller, Wing, and how she transformed personal experiences into power…
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A Paige-Turning Plot: Vanessa McCausland’s Secrets to Success
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49:31Struggling to write a story that hooks readers? Feeling unsure about how to balance plot, character, and big ideas? This week on Writes4Women with Pamela Cook, Vanessa McCausland shares the secrets behind her latest novel, The Last Illusion of Paige White, and how she overcame the exact challenges you might be facing as a writer. Here’s how listeni…
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#154: The Importance of Customer Experience in Business Growth
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27:50Welcome to Episode #154 of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast, brought to you by PJS & Co. CPAs! In this episode, host Megan Spicer teams up with Kim Nixon, Director of Operations, to explore how prioritizing customer experience can become a pivotal driver for business growth. Together, they discuss the differences between customer service and…
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Change Happens with Prof. Andrew Wilks - episode 59
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29:30"The moment of discovery, that sense of awe and wonderment, is something I wish every scientist could experience." In this captivating episode, Professor Andrew Wilks takes us on a journey from the council estates of Liverpool to the forefront of molecular cancer biology. A scientist-turned-entrepreneur, Andrew’s career spans the discovery of JAK p…
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Tips for Editing a First Draft: A Solo Episode with Pam
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53:13Ever wanted to know how to edit a first draft? In this week’s solo episode Pamela Cook focuses on the craft of editing, sharing all of her insider tips–from structural elements, point of view, voice and more. With resources and insights galore, this episode is like a free mentoring session with one of Australia’s best-love writing coaches. SHOWNOTE…
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From Dreams to Reality: Sandy Barker's Journey in Publishing
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47:35Join us for a fascinating chat with Sandy Barker, an Australian author known for her travel-inspired romance and rom-com novels. With 12 books under her belt, Sandy shares insights into navigating the publishing industry, the importance of determination and resilience, as well as tips on keeping the joy of writing alive. We discuss her latest books…
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#153: Lean Marketing Strategies with Sarah Noel Block
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27:57In episode #153, Sarah Noel Block discusses lean marketing for small businesses. She is the founder of Tiny Marketing. She shares ways they can achieve big results. Whether you're running a small marketing team or wearing all the hats yourself, Sarah’s expertise in streamlined, efficient marketing systems offers invaluable insights. If you’ve ever …
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Whales, Words & Wisdom: A Deep Dive with Joanne Fedler
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53:49Jump into the latest episode of Writes4Women where Pamela Cook chats with international bestselling author Joanne Fedler about her enchanting new book, 'The Whale's Last Song.' Joanne and Pamela share deep discussions on the writing process, the transformative power of words, and the inspiration drawn from the sea. Get a sneak peek into Jo's journe…
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From Music to Words: Gillian Wills’ Journey
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1:05:41Summary: Join us in this week's episode as guest host Laura Boon chats with Gillian Wills about her new novel, Big Music! Discover how Gillian pours her rich background in music into her writing, creating a riveting tale that intertwines passion, politics, and power plays within the world of classical music. Learn about her transition from a musici…
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#152: Budgeting for Business Growth - How to Plan and Execute
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26:41In episode #152, Jaime Staley helps us tackle the question: how do we plan and execute a budget for business growth? Considering that the financials are a lifeline for a company, this topic is an important starting point for any business at any stage of its life. If this is your first time taking on a budget for your business and you aren’t sure wh…
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The Joy of Historical Christmas Novels with Mary Anne O'Connor
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38:13This week, guest host Mary-Lou Stevens chats with bestselling author Maryanne O'Connor about her delightful new historical Christmas novel, MARY CHRISTMAS. Discover how this fun and festive romance came about while also getting insights into the writing journeys of both Mary-Lou and Maryanne. Plus, hear about exciting updates from Writes4Women and …
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Exploring Fantasy Worlds with Madeleine Te Whiu
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1:00:30Guest host Jo Riccioni chats with fantasy author Madeleine Te Whiu about her Assassin trilogy's final instalment, crafting complex characters, balancing a vet nursing career with writing, and insights into her creative journey. Madeline's passion for books began when she was growing up in rural South Australia. Her youngest memory of books is sitti…
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Change Happens with Alice Chun - episode 58
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29:06"Light gives safety, light gives hope, and I can see why children see the magic in it." Alice Min Soo Chun is a humanitarian entrepreneur whose journey began with a simple yet profound idea: light can change lives. From creating origami-inspired solar lights to distributing them in disaster-stricken areas and war zones, Alice’s work has impacted vu…
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#151: How Organizations Can Thrive & Foster Innovation with Tara May
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32:22Don’t miss episode #151, where Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech, a nonprofit tech services company with 95% autistic employees, joins us to discuss how companies should focus on the ROI of kindness and how organizations can thrive and foster innovation by promoting neurodiversity & psychological safety in the workplace.…
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Writing Her Story: The Power of the Feminine with Megan Dalla-Camina
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49:21Unlock the secrets of radical confidence, take steps to silence that inner critic and learn the profound distinction between the Hero’s and Heroine’s Journey in this week’s bumper episode with Megan Dalla-Camina, author of WOMEN RISING. Megan Dalla-Camina is the Founder and CEO of Women Rising and a world leading expert in women’s leadership. A cel…
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From the Archives: Dive into Deep Point of View with Lisa Hall-Wilson
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34:34In this 'From the Archives' episode of Writes for Women, host Pamela Cook sits down with award-winning author and mentor Lisa Hall-Wilson, author of 'Method Acting for Writers', to explore the craft of writing in deep point of view (DPOV). Pam and Lisa chat about the nuances that distinguish DPOV from limited third-person narrative, the flexibility…
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Welcome to episode 150 of the Cultivating Business Growth Podcast. Today, we will explore the power of SMART goals and how they can help you build a strong foundation for growth. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or business owner, setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals is critical to turning your vision into rea…
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A Celebration of Books and Writing: A Round Up of The Northern Beaches Readers Festival
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42:23Did you see Pam and some of the Writes4Women gang at the Northern Beaches Readers Festival last weekend? In this week’s episode Pam gives you her top takeaways after spending a weekend with amazingly talented writers and shares her exciting news! SHOWNOTES: Writes4Women www.writes4women.com Facebook @writes4women Twitter / Instagram @w4wpodcast W4W…
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From Horses to Heartstrings: Christy Cashman’s Fiction Journey
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58:22This week on Writes4Women, host Pamela Cook sits down with Christy Cashman, author of The Truth About Horses, for an unforgettable chat about her writing journey, from film to fiction. In this episode, Christy dives deep into the creative process behind her emotional debut novel—a coming-of-age story about a girl, her connection to horses, and the …
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Change Happens with Dan Rosen - episode 57
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30:05"The music industry was the canary in the coal mine for digital disruption. What happened to us is now happening to every other industry." Dan Rosen’s career has been a balancing act between law, music, and leadership. He started out living a "double life" as a lawyer by day and a musician by night. This unique combination of skills eventually led …
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#149: Strategies for Effective Communication With Your Bookkeeper Tax Preparer with Nancy McClelland
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37:01Welcome to episode #149, where we discuss Strategies for Effective Communication With Your Tax Preparer and bookkeeper. Nancy McClelland, a top client accounting services ProAdvisor, one of the Top 50 Women in Accounting, and the writer of an award-winning blog, The Dancing Accountant, joins us to discuss how small businesses benefit from encouragi…
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Under the Influence: 4 Books That Shaped My Writing with Joanna Nell
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45:04What books have most shaped your writing? In this week’s episode, @pamelacookwrites returns to her ‘Under the Influence’ series where she chats to @joanna_nell_writer about the books that have made a big impact on her career. Prepare to add to your TBR pile because this episode is jam-packed with recommendations and writing advice Timestamps: 00:44…
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From the Archive: Stacey McEwan on Tik Tok for Authors
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59:47This week we have an 'out of the archive 'episode featuring a chat with fantasy author and book tok sensation Stacy McEwen. Pam chats to Stacey about the importance of social media for authors, especially TikTok, and provides practical tips for creating engaging content. Stacy discusses her TikTok journey, which began during the pandemic, and how i…
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#148: The Role of a CFO in Business Growth
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45:36Welcome to episode #148. Today, Partners and VCFOs of PJS & Co. CPAs Jaime Staley and Katina Peters uncover the question, "How can I grow my business?" and how a skilled CFO can be the key to unlocking sustainable growth, steering the financial strategy, and ensuring your business survives and thrives in a competitive market.…
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Crafting Holiday Magic: Publishing a Christmas Anthology
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56:07This week on Writes4Women, Pamela Cook sits down with authors Anna Foxkirk and Megan Mayfair to delve into their holiday anthology, 'The 12 Tropes of Christmas.' From their unique journeys to publication and the joy of writing communities to essential health tips for writers, discover the magic behind their latest collaborative project. Plus, Megan…
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