It started messy...
...and it definitely included a few, "Squirrel!" moments.
How it started
When I burned out of the corporate world, then severely injured my back, leading to months of incapacitating pain and eventually, surgery, I realized that life is far too short to do work that isn't personally purposeful. (For more about my personal story, see the FAQ "What's your story and what makes you qualified to help me write my book?") I decided to follow my passions: writing, speaking, and coaching others to find and bring their own unique voices to the world, whether on paper or by presenting.
Why work with me?
In the course of my work at companies like PwC and Sage, I project managed and led dozens of successful global, multi-million dollar marketing, sales, go-to-market, and proposal initiatives as we expanded our relationships with Amazon Web Services (AWS) globally. I understand the urgency of wanting to bring your book to fruition in order to help your business grow. My Start Messy, Finish Mighty method is derived from my years of experience in both the corporate world and having been a successful entrepreneur for almost 10 years.
Insightful inquiry means better outcomes. My penchant (and passion!) for asking the right questions means that we'll get to the heart of the story you want to convey to the world faster.
When you're ready to master your public speaking persona, you'll benefit from my extensive public speaking, facilitation, and train-the-trainer experience with executives and Fortune 1000 C-Suiters - not to mention the 15 years I spent as a Toastmaster (including attaining the coveted Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) status).
As a Certified Myers Briggs Personality Type (MBTI®) Practitioner, I'm committed to creating an inclusive atmosphere in which everyone is heard and respected.
Turn your professional know-how into a marketable, authority-based book from which to grow your business.
You'll benefit from:
Research-backed motivational and goal achievement theory.
Time-tested Amazon Working Backwards business principals.
Decades of business, marketing, writing, and public speaking experience that many other "write a book" authors lack.
A step-by-step, business-minded process that's specifically designed to keep you on track and focused on the big picture: growing your business.
Committed to High Values.
We love the opportunity to work with a huge range of clients who are changing the world through their businesses. We live and breathe by certain core values that highlight our passion and the essence of why we do what we do - namely, to bring authors' voices like yours to the world so you can grow your business and elevate your brand.
Freedom of Speech & Expression
This might seem like an obvious value to hold, but it's one we cherish.
We're committed to searching for and working with people from every walk of life who are looking to express themselves freely through their writing and speaking in a respectful manner.
However:
We reserve the right to refuse to work with any client should we feel their work does not align to our values, particularly those who appear to be engaged in defamation, libel, slander, obscene or hate speech, or over-reliance on AI to write the copy of their books.
Demonstrate respect
“I don't care if you're black, white, straight, bisexual, gay, lesbian, short, tall, fat, skinny, rich or poor. If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you. Simple as that.”
— Robert Michaels MD
We recognize that asking for coaching, editing, and public speaking services can, for many, be akin to running through the streets naked and exposed.
We're committed to respecting every client's efforts, vulnerability, and willingness to put their trust in us to help foster their career journey.
We expect the same respect from our clients.
Have fun!
"Fun is one of the most important - and underrated - ingredients in any successful venture. If you're not having fun, then it's probably time to call it quits and try something else."
— Richard Branson, business magnate
If we're not having fun, what's the point?! Yes, sometimes it can be rough. Yes, sometimes feedback is hard. We're committed to showing up with a smile on our faces and reminding you that, just because something might be challenging, doesn't mean it isn't also FUN!
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
— United States Constitution Bill of Rights, First Amendment