Influence With a Heart: The Courage to Write and Lead Intentionally

Описание: What if influence was not about being louder, faster, or more visible, but about being more intentional? In this conversation, Ben Gioia shares how heart-centered leadership, clarity-driven writing, and meaningful relationships create impact that lasts far beyond a book launch.

Ben reflects on the moments that shaped his philosophy, from life-altering experiences in India to writing and publishing a book under an intense six-and-a-half-week deadline after being invited to speak at Stanford. These experiences revealed a powerful distinction between pain, which is part of being human, and suffering, which is optional. Together, we explore how this insight applies directly to the writing process, especially when authors feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their purpose.

At the heart of the conversation is Ben’s unique approach to book development through conversations with ideal readers and clients. Rather than writing in isolation, Ben shows how dialogue can bring clarity, sharpen a message, and even create business opportunities before a book is finished. We unpack how writing becomes not just an act of creation, but a practice of service and alignment.

We also explore what it means to build influence with integrity. From founding Influence With A Heart to launching Leadership Awake Press, Ben shares how authors and thought leaders can design businesses and publishing paths that reflect their values, support sustainability, and resist hustle-driven norms.

This episode is an invitation to rethink what success looks like as an author. It offers a grounded, human alternative to performative visibility and reminds us that the most powerful influence often comes from presence, intention, and courage rather than noise.

Connect with Ben:
Website: influencewithaheart.com
LinkedIn:   / bengioia  


About Ben
Ben Gioia (“joya”) helps purpose-driven consultants, coaches, and small business owners write a high-quality, client-attracting book… in just five weeks. Too many experts stay invisible because they wait for the perfect moment to publish. Ben flips the script: helping clients land speaking gigs, 5-figure contracts, and Fortune 100 deals before their book is finished. He’s a 4-time international bestselling author, trained 100s of millionaires at Stanford, and created a mindfulness and empathy video game for 20,000 employees. Through his publishing company Leadership Awake Press, Ben offers strategy, editing, and launching that gets results.

About Purpose Beyond The Page
Purpose Beyond The Page is a conversation series for nonfiction authors, thought leaders, and purpose-driven entrepreneurs who want to grow their impact, influence, and income through their books. Hosted by Jenn T. Grace, founder of Publish Your Purpose, the series goes beyond writing and publishing to explore the real strategies, stories, and tools that help authors connect with readers and build lasting platforms.

Each episode features honest discussions, expert insights, and actionable takeaways on everything from marketing and visibility to business models and community-building. Whether you’re preparing to launch your first book or looking to amplify the reach of your next one, Purpose Beyond The Page will help you turn your big idea into a powerful tool for change.

If you are working on a book that matters, you do not have to navigate the path alone. My book Promote Your Purpose will help you build meaningful connections with readers and make the impact you envision. Check it out at PromoteYourPurposeBook.com.

About Jenn
Jenn T. Grace is an author, publisher, and strategist who has hundreds of nonfiction and memoir authors bring their books into the world with clarity and intention. She is the founder of Publish Your Purpose, a purpose driven company that supports authors who want to transform their ideas, expertise, and lived experiences into books that make a meaningful difference. Jenn is the author of Publish Your Purpose and Promote Your Purpose, and she teaches the ASPEN MethodTM, a strategic framework that helps authors grow visibility and impact in sustainable ways. Her work focuses on aligning purpose with action so every book becomes a catalyst for change.