Blog Archives
Authenticity Isn’t Optional
Posted by Literary-Titan

Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection is a guide, a memoir, and a motivational tool all rolled into one book that explores what it means to connect, inspire, and create positive change. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Harnessing Purpose was born out of a deep desire to reframe how we think about marketing—not just as a business function, but as a tool for connection, empathy, and impact. After two decades in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors, I saw firsthand how purpose-driven storytelling could move people, heal communities, and drive real change. This book was important to write because I wanted to offer both a roadmap and a reflection point for marketers—especially those who are mission-driven—to reconnect with why they do this work and who they do it for. It’s both personal and practical because in today’s noisy world, authenticity isn’t optional—it’s everything.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about marketing?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that marketing is just about selling—it’s not. At its core, marketing is about building trust and forming genuine connections. Especially in fields like healthcare and mental health, marketing has the power to educate, empower, and destigmatize. It can be a force for good when it’s done with integrity and heart. Unfortunately, too many still view it as manipulation rather than meaningful communication.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to emphasize that finding alignment between personal and brand purpose is not only possible—it’s powerful. I also prioritized themes of inclusion, ethical storytelling, and resilience in the marketing profession. Whether you’re leading a campaign or just starting out, your work matters more when it’s grounded in values. And importantly, I wanted readers to feel seen, encouraged, and equipped to lead with authenticity.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Harnessing Purpose?
That purpose is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. When marketers and business leaders operate from a place of purpose, they don’t just meet KPIs—they change lives. I hope readers walk away with the confidence that their voice, their story, and their work can make a lasting impact. Marketing, when rooted in purpose, becomes a catalyst for connection, creativity, and social good.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Share this:
- Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
- Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
- Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
- Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
- Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
- Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
- Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Posted in Interviews
Tags: advertising, author, book, book recommendations, book review, Book Reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, business, ebook, Entrepreneurship Advertising, Entrepreneurship Management, goodreads, Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, marketing, Melissa Fors Shackelford, memoir, nonfiction, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, self help, story, writer, writing


