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Pulling Back the Curtain

Lynn Bruines Author Interview

Secrets of a Social Butterfly is part memoir, part business guide that shares your transformation from a struggling student to a confident global business strategist. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I wrote Secrets of a Social Butterfly because I know what it feels like to doubt yourself, to feel like you don’t quite belong, and to struggle with confidence in professional settings. This book was my way of pulling back the curtain and sharing the lessons I wish I had known earlier. I wanted to show that confidence isn’t something you’re simply born with—it’s a skill you can develop, and it can change the course of your career or business.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

I wanted to show that personal growth isn’t a straight line. I’ve had setbacks, doubts, and moments of imposter syndrome. But every challenge brought lessons that helped me grow, and I wanted readers to see that their struggles don’t define them—the way they navigate them does.

What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?

I wish someone had told me: You don’t need to have all the answers to move forward. Just take the next step.

I spent so much time in my early years overthinking, second-guessing myself, and waiting until I felt “ready”—but the truth is, clarity comes from action. Every small step, every new experience, every conversation builds confidence. If I had understood that sooner, I would have trusted myself more and embraced opportunities without so much hesitation. This is also why I launched my popular weekly newsletter Ready Already!

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?

If you feel like you don’t quite belong, or you’re unsure of your next step, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. But when you focus on building relationships, staying curious, and showing up as your authentic self, doors start to open. You don’t have to change who you are to succeed—you just need to lean into your strengths and learn how to navigate the world in a way that works for you.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

“Secrets of a Social Butterfly’’ Isn’t a business handbook. Nor is it a memoir. It is, in fact, both of those things. The narrative traces Lynn’s metamorphosis from navigating significant challenges in her education to becoming a confident business relations expert with an extraordinary career spanning ten countries around the globe.
All of us have experienced those moments of imposter syndrome, struggled to fit in, and have even been bullied for being different. Lynn’s inspiring story takes us on an incredible journey of overcoming setbacks that led to Lynn’s inspiring journey around the world.
Sometimes funny, often poignant, “Secrets of a Social Butterfly” uses storytelling to teach business leaders, founders and anyone really, those ‘unteachable’ skills that we desperately need in this ever changing landscape in which we find ourselves.
This unique narrative nonfiction work blends business insights with learning moments from Lynn’s memoir, offering lessons on going from self-doubt to success.


Secrets of a Social Butterfly

Lynn Bruines’ Secrets of a Social Butterfly is a part-memoir, part-business guide that tells the story of her transformation from a struggling student to a confident global business strategist. She shares deeply personal stories of overcoming imposter syndrome, childhood bullying, and professional challenges, weaving these experiences into valuable lessons about relationship-building, self-empowerment, and personal growth. The book isn’t just about networking; it’s about how human connection, resilience, and adaptability shape our lives and careers.

From the first few chapters, Lynn’s storytelling feels raw and personal. She takes us back to her early struggles in school, where undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD made her feel like an outsider. Her journey is filled with setbacks like being underestimated by teachers, facing rejection from a top hospitality school, and navigating the social dynamics of the corporate world. Yet, she shares these stories with a mix of humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom. One of the most memorable moments comes from her road trip back to her childhood schools, where she finally confronts the past that shaped her. The vulnerability in these reflections makes the book incredibly relatable.

Where the book truly shines is in its blend of personal stories and practical takeaways. Lynn doesn’t just tell us how she succeeded, she shows us. The book is filled with moments where she applies real-life lessons, whether it’s using childhood survival tactics to navigate business meetings or leveraging human psychology to build professional relationships. The chapter where she talks about social hierarchies, drawing parallels between corporate networking and the dominance structures in animals, is both insightful and unexpectedly funny. She has a way of making complex ideas feel simple, all while keeping the narrative engaging.

I’d highly recommend Secrets of a Social Butterfly to anyone who has ever felt stuck whether in their career, personal relationships, or self-perception. If you’re an entrepreneur, young professional, or someone navigating a big life transition, this book is packed with wisdom that’s as inspiring as it is practical. Lynn’s journey reminds us that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a way forward.

Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0DNR4Y8YS

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