In this conversation, Doug Crowe and Cynthia Kay dig into one of the hardest questions business owners face: Do I stay, or is it time to move on? Cynthia reflects on her path from investigative journalism to entrepreneurship, sharing how each chapter of her career taught her to recognize when something had run its course.

Drawing on her background in broadcasting, she explains how curiosity, pattern recognition, and self-awareness shaped her decision-making over time. Together, they explore what emotional readiness really looks like, why peer-to-peer learning matters so much to entrepreneurs, and how reinvention isn’t a single leap but a thoughtful, often uncomfortable process.

Key Takeaways

• You always have the option to choose differently or to walk away.
• A fading sense of passion is often the first signal that something needs to change.
• Emotional readiness is just as important as financial readiness when making a move.
• Peer-to-peer learning is one of the most powerful tools for business owners.
• Reinvention is a process, not a single decision and it’s more accessible than ever.

Get your copy of "Should You Stay or Should You Go" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2P4wVuo

This week on the Author Your Brand Show, Doug Crowe sits down with Kathleen Lucente, founder and CEO of Red Fan Communications, to unpack what really happens when leaders face their toughest public moments. Drawing on experiences from 9/11 to global health crises and corporate upheavals, Kathleen explains how smart crisis communication can protect both people and brand reputation. She shows why every CEO needs a clear plan, an aligned leadership team, and an honest narrative before a crisis ever makes the news.

The conversation dives into the psychology of employees after traumatic events, the realities of data breaches and public protests, and the importance of practicing crisis scenarios so leaders can respond with confidence instead of panic. Kathleen also shares why she turns down ethically questionable “fix it” work and how values-driven communication builds long-term trust with customers, investors, and teams. Whether you’re running a startup or a global brand, this episode will change how you think about preparedness, reputation, and leadership under pressure.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Every organization needs a crisis communications plan before a crisis hits.

2. Internal communication and employee trust are just as important as external PR.

3. Practicing scenarios and simulations builds the muscle memory to respond well.

4. Ethical, transparent messaging is the foundation of a lasting reputation.

5. A clear brand narrative helps leaders turn high-stakes moments into opportunities for trust and credibility.

Learn more about Kathleen Lucente and Red Fan Communications at https://redfancommunications.com.

This Is My New Foundation: A Memoir of Loss, Faith, and Redemption — Based on a True Story

In a world upended by trauma, grief, and the unexpected storms of life, This Is My New Foundation tells the unforgettable story of William Bailey—a man who lost everything, only to discover that sometimes, hitting rock bottom is the first step toward building something unshakable.

From the gritty streets of Detroit to the disciplined halls of West Point, from the chaos of military service to the quiet devastation of personal loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bailey’s journey is raw, real, and deeply human. What began as a breakdown became something else entirely: a testimony of survival, resilience, and divine intervention.

This memoir is more than a life story—it’s a call to anyone who’s ever felt forgotten, broken, or buried by circumstance. With honesty and grace, Bailey reveals how pain can be a teacher, how faith can be a blueprint, and how healing can begin—even in silence.

Whether you’re facing your own storm or searching for new purpose, this book reminds us: You don’t rebuild with bricks. You rebuild with truth, faith, and a new foundation.

This week on the Author Your Brand Show, Doug Crowe sits down with bestselling author Brian Kelly to tackle the controversial question: Should AI replace human work? Brian argues that AI isn’t here to replace people. It’s here to eliminate the mundane, repetitive tasks that slow us down. By letting technology handle the routine, we free ourselves to focus on creativity, innovation, and impact. The conversation goes deeper into mindset, growth, and resilience. Brian shares how understanding your “why” can fuel motivation, transform setbacks into comebacks, and keep you aligned with your bigger vision. He also reveals practical ways businesses are already using AI to streamline processes and unlock new opportunities. Whether you’re skeptical of AI or eager to embrace it, this episode will challenge how you think about technology, success, and the future of work. 5 Key Takeaways 1. AI should replace repetitive tasks, not people. 2. Mindset determines how you adapt and grow. 3. A clear “why” fuels resilience and motivation. 4. Setbacks can become setups for comebacks. 5. Businesses that embrace AI will enhance creativity and innovation. Get a copy of Brian's latest book, Mind Body Business, at https://a.co/d/2Ddz5nw.

In this episode of the Author Your Brand Show, Doug Crowe sits down with Tyler Snure, a published author and entrepreneur who began writing stories at age seven and released his first novel, The Jewels of Fate, by the time he was 17. They explore how Tyler balances creativity with business, connects with young readers and their parents, and uses AI tools to support—but not replace—his creative process.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Tyler began writing stories at age 7 and published The Jewels of Fate at 17.

• He treats authorship as both an art and a business, blending storytelling with an entrepreneurial mindset.

• His marketing strategy targets both young readers and their parents, using relatable messaging and clear value.

• AI plays a role in editing and marketing, but Tyler maintains a fully human approach to creativity.

• Advice to aspiring authors:

  • Prioritize creativity

  • Stay committed to the process

  • Be consistent in your writing and promotion

👤 Guest Spotlight: Tyler Snure – Author of The Jewels of Fate series, entrepreneur, and advocate for youth literacy. Get a copy of Tyler's book here: https://a.co/d/29rwscJ

In this episode, Doug Crowe sits down with ghostwriting expert Eli Gonzalez to explore the evolving landscape of storytelling. They discuss Eli’s journey from corporate sales to becoming a successful ghostwriter, and why the art of ghostwriting is more important than ever in a world increasingly shaped by AI.

Eli and Doug unpack the critical differences between being a writer and an author, share insights on how ghostwriters help people articulate their stories, and highlight the unique role human creativity plays in powerful writing. They dive into why AI can assist but never replace the emotional depth and authenticity that human storytellers bring to the table.

You’ll also hear valuable strategies on how to start writing a book, the importance of mastering interviewing skills as a ghostwriter, and the ethical considerations behind writing someone else's story. Whether you're a writer, an aspiring ghostwriter, or someone curious about the future of AI and writing, this conversation reveals why human stories still matter—and always will.

Top Takeaways:

• Most people struggle to articulate their stories without help.

• Writers should prioritize mastering their craft, not just chasing authorship.

• AI can support the writing process, but human creativity is irreplaceable.

• Great ghostwriters are also great interviewers.

• Ethical ghostwriting can amplify voices and preserve powerful stories.

Connect with Eli Gonzalez: Visit godfatherofghostwriting.com to learn more about his work, or reach out directly at eli@theghostpublishing.com to start a conversation.

Ira Zlotowitz, a commercial real estate financing (CREF) visionary and the Founder & CEO of GPARENCY. This CEO Featurette highlights his extensive experience, including his role in the significant growth of previous companies like Meridian and Eastern Union, and his dedication to addressing the lack of transparency in CRE financing. Zlotowitz's innovative approach at GPARENCY involves a mortgage assurance model that guarantees clients the best rates through a fixed fee, aiming to provide clarity and equitable access to financing for property owners. The text also mentions his recognition within the industry and his commitment to philanthropic efforts.

In this refreshingly honest conversation, Doug Crowe sits down with registered dietitian and Navy veteran Leslie Urbas to decode what your gut is really trying to tell you—especially if you’re a woman in midlife. From gas and digestion to mindset and menopause, Leslie unpacks how emotional baggage and subconscious programming can wreak havoc on our health. Together, they explore why we need to stop labeling food as “good” or “bad,” how breath can reboot your nervous system, and why true healing starts with the words we tell ourselves.

💡 Top 5 Takeaways:

1. Your thoughts feed your gut. The way you think about food impacts how your body digests it.

2. Food isn’t moral. Dropping the “good vs. bad” mindset reduces stress and supports healthier choices.

3. Unspoken emotions can clog your system. Many gut issues trace back to suppressed feelings.

4. Midlife symptoms aren’t a life sentence. Cultural narratives—not biology alone—shape your experience.

5. Awareness is your first medicine. Healing begins when you tune in, breathe deeply, and choose consciously.

Want to learn more or work with Leslie? Visit leslieurbas.com for courses, coaching, and resources to help you stop hating yourself skinny—and start healing for real.