Blog Archives
It’s NOT Just About Money
The Leader Connection – The Foundation dives deep into the human side of leadership, covering topics like empathy, communication, adaptability, and the nuances of eight distinct leadership styles, as well as providing actionable strategies for leaders. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Observing the current discussions and insights about labor, staffing shortages, and turnover, I felt compelled to share my journey and passion with a broader audience.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about leadership and employee connection?
It’s only about the money!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
1. Understand Your Leadership Style
2. The Importance of Your Role in Building Connections and Enhancing Culture
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Leader Connection – The Foundation?
The book serves as a crucial resource for both novice and seasoned leaders, offering valuable insights to help achieve success.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
THE LEADER CONNECTION
The book dives deep into the human side of leadership. It is part reflection and part manual, weaving together Parker’s personal journey with practical advice. He covers empathy, communication, adaptability, and the nuances of eight distinct leadership styles. The core message is clear. Leadership is not about authority. It is about building trust, connection, and growth within a team. Through stories, frameworks, and exercises, Parker paints a picture of leadership as a living relationship between people rather than a system of control.
Reading this, I felt drawn to Parker’s honesty. He doesn’t pretend to have been a perfect leader, and that humility makes the lessons hit harder. The mix of memoir and guide felt refreshing. Some moments, especially when he shared about his father, his son, or his own missteps, carried a warmth that made me pause. The book sometimes lists traits and challenges like lecture notes. The sincerity behind it kept me engaged, and I found myself reflecting on my own experiences with bosses who inspired connection versus those who drained it.
What stood out most for me was how personal and vulnerable his approach is. I appreciated the balance between theory and story. The chapters on servant leadership and authentic leadership especially struck a chord. They reminded me that good leadership often looks less like grand gestures and more like quiet acts of service. It reads like someone thinking aloud after a long career, eager to pass on everything they’ve learned.
I would recommend The Leader Connection to managers who are tired of dry business texts and want something more human. It’s also a good pick for anyone stepping into leadership for the first time and looking for guidance that feels grounded rather than academic. Parker doesn’t promise easy answers. What he offers instead is a lived-in, heartfelt reminder that leadership is about people, and that connection is what makes the work worthwhile.
Pages: 186 | ASIN : B0FN1VV122
One Door at a Time: How Putting Students at the Center of Education Works
One Door at a Time is a powerful memoir-manifesto hybrid, co-written by Michael Gary Jr., David L. Heiber Sr., and Ivory A. Toldson, that tells the story of Concentric Educational Solutions, a student-first initiative grounded in Afrocentric values and real-world experience. Through a mix of lived narratives, reflective critique, and practical frameworks, the book charts the failures of the traditional education system, especially in underserved Black communities, and the grassroots, door-knocking, relationship-centered model that Concentric has pioneered. With stories from Baltimore to D.C. to Detroit, the authors show how putting students and their families at the core of the education process can transform not just academic performance, but lives.
The writing is earnest and clear, but it never hides from the hard stuff. I appreciated how the authors peeled back layers of bureaucracy and systemic dysfunction without sugarcoating anything. They didn’t shy away from naming how some systems are built not to serve but to survive themselves. What hit hardest were the sections about chronic absenteeism and the real lives behind those data points. They didn’t just throw around big ideas, they brought in stories of missed kids, misunderstood families, and teachers caught in the crossfire of outdated models. It felt deeply personal. You can tell these folks have walked the walk.
What stood out most to me was their relentless commitment to human connection. It sounds simple, just go to a student’s house and ask why they’re not in school, but the bravery and humility in that act is huge. This isn’t some theoretical overhaul. It’s a day-to-day grind rooted in trust and compassion. The Afrocentric lens added a depth I didn’t realize was missing in a lot of education reform writing. They’re not just advocating for more “diverse” classrooms. They’re rethinking what school means altogether, from the ground up, through culture, family, and identity. At times, it read like a love letter to forgotten students and a challenge to every adult who ever said, “We did our best.”
I would recommend One Door at a Time to anyone who works in education, or who has ever wondered why school isn’t working for so many kids. It’s especially important for policymakers, school leaders, and those in teacher prep programs. But I think it would move anyone who believes education should be about more than test scores. This book isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s a flashlight and a set of tools, and a reminder that sometimes, real change starts with just knocking on one door.
Pages: 260 | ISBN : 978-9004735989
A Roadmap for Success
Find The Ladder takes a close look at the modern workplace and the challenges faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. What inspired you to write this guide?
Having supported job seekers and career professionals for years, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact the pandemic had on livelihoods worldwide. Things turned really critical in the UAE where around 85% of the total population consists of expatriates, a unique situation that effected millions of workers. The sudden loss of jobs and the resulting economic instability created an urgent need for comprehensive guidance and support. My existing YouTube channel, while helpful, lacked the reach to address the widespread challenges many were facing. This realization motivated me to extend my efforts beyond digital content and move towards creating literary content.
In writing this book, I aimed to provide a deeper, more structured approach to navigating the modern workplace in the wake of COVID-19. My book addresses key issues such as remote work, skill diversification, and mental resilience, offering actionable strategies to help individuals adapt and thrive. By combining my extensive experience in career coaching with up-to-date research and real-world case studies, I aspired to create a resource that empowers readers to rebuild their careers and find new opportunities in these unprecedented times.
Can you share with us a little about the research required to put your book together?
To start my research for ‘Find the Ladder’, my first course of action was direct contact with the affected people on social platforms. I also had to conduct extensive online research, drawing from years of experience in career coaching and recruitment. I analyzed recent employment trends, interviewed a few recruitment and HR experts, and tried to gather firsthand perspectives about the future course of the employment scenario post-pandemic. Progressively, I continued incorporating data from reputable sources to ensure that the strategies and insights provided in the book are practical and relevant for today’s job market.
What is one thing you learned in your research that surprised you?
One of the most surprising insights from my research was the staggering percentage of individuals experiencing dissatisfaction in their careers. This revelation underscored a critical issue: many people feel unfulfilled and disengaged in their professional lives, leading to decreased productivity and overall well-being in their personal lives. I discovered that career dissatisfaction stems from multiple factors, which I ensured to address in ‘Find The Ladder’ to the maximum. These findings highlighted the importance of addressing career satisfaction not just for individual fulfillment but also for organizational success.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Find the Ladder?
One key takeaway I hope readers gain from ‘Find The Ladder’ is the power of resilience and the impact of mindset-positivity in the face of adversity. The pandemic has reshaped the professional landscape, introducing unprecedented challenges and new concepts related to the overall employment scene. My goal is to empower and inspire readers to view these changes not as insurmountable challenges or obstacles, but as catalysts for growth through adaptability.
Through practical advice, strategic insights, and offering new methodologies, I want readers to understand that their career paths are not stagnant. They have the power to redefine their professional journeys, harnessing their unique strengths and passions. I hope to instill a sense of confidence and optimism, encouraging them to embrace continuous learning and proactive career management.
Ultimately, I want Find the Ladder to be a beacon of hope and a roadmap for success, guiding readers toward fulfilling sustainable careers in this new era. By adopting the principles outlined in the book, they can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace and emerge stronger, more adaptable, and ready to seize the opportunities ahead.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn
‘Find The Ladder’ offers a revolutionary approach to career counseling, providing you with practical and accessible advice to help you with career change, career advancement, and personal growth.
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Storytelling Skills for Interview Success and The CAR Technique.
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Deep and Lasting Connections
Willie Lost, But Not Really, follows a young girl from Maine who discovers a newborn harbor seal pup, and together, they learn about kindness and friendship. What inspired your story?
The inspiration for my story Willie, Lost But Not Really Comes from two main sources. First and foremost, it was inspired by my granddaughter, Alora, who has shown me a new and bright perspective on the world around me, especially a renewed appreciation for nature. Additionally, my deep-rooted connection to Maine, where I grew up on Peaks Island in Casco Bay, plays a significant role.
After spending eight years in the Southwest for school and staying on after graduating from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I returned to Maine and reconnected with my roots as an artist and sculptor. I began creating sculptures of harbor seals, merging them with ceramic and driftwood, and during this process, I educated people on the nuances of harbor seal behavior, particularly about when a seal appears stranded but is simply following nature’s course. These experiences with my granddaughter and my artistic endeavors in Maine inspired the creation of Willie’s story, blending my love for Maine, Harbor seals, and the insights from my granddaughter.
I found Alora to be a fascinating character. What was your inspiration for this character?
The inspiration for my character Alora comes from the beautiful spirit and fresh view of the world seen through the eyes of an eight-year-old. My granddaughter Alora, is a uniquely, insightful, intuitive, and imaginative child, very special and deeply in touch with nature. Alora’s sensitivity extends to her interactions with the environment, for example, she asks permission from a tree before taking anything from its base for our artwork. Spending time with her has opened my eyes to a very pure and appreciative way of viewing the world, which I aim to capture and share through my storytelling.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
One of the most special parts of the story is when Willie, now a mature harbor seal, returns to the harbor to find Alora. In this scene, they are together in the water, with me describing Alora as being up to her chest in the water, face to face with Willie. This reunion is deeply significant because it stems from the respect and kindness Alora showed Willie when he was just a pup. The illustration captures them almost nose to nose, bonding once again. It is a powerful depiction of their enduring relationship highlighting the theme that kindness to nature fosters deep and lasting connections. This scene where they meet again, matured and bonded by past kindness, really encapsulates the essence of the story.
Can you tell us about the next book in the series and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
I am currently working on a new series alongside continuing the Nana Dee and Ari series. This new project is called 12 Months of Harmony It is a collection of twelve interrelated volumes intended for young readers and adults alike. The first 3 months are currently available on Amazon: Grazie’s Peace Pasture, Lady of the Ferns, and Toby Rose.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
This beautiful tale intertwines a journey of discovery and the profound connections between life and the natural world, highlighting the impact of empathy and the essence of community where every being has its place.
Join Willie and Alora in a transformative journey that celebrates the wonders of nature and the bonds of friendship.
The ABCs of Motivation
Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t?: Unlocking Teen Motivation in School and Life combines real-life stories with research-backed strategies, providing a comprehensive resource that can rekindle a teen’s enthusiasm for learning. What was the inspiration for writing a book on this topic?
A student asked one of my (Becca’s) colleagues, who was teaching a class on study skills, “Can you help me give a sh*t about high school? I want to, but I just don’t know how.” That colleague came to me and another colleague for advice. In the process of offering support, I realized that most of the books out there only offer token anecdotes about students’ experiences, without really collaborating with them on building solutions. So I began interviewing young people about their most and least engaging experiences in high school, and what made the difference between them. In the process, my first interviewee, Grace, became my co-author. We interviewed high school and college students from across the country, and integrated their anonymized stories into insights for parents and educators in this book.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
It took us about two and a half years to conduct the research, write, and revise this book. We formally interviewed 20 young people from all over the country and identified the themes in their experiences. We also reviewed secondary research from education and psychology to confirm if the themes students were surfacing had shown up for other researchers, and interviewed professionals (educators, researchers, and psychiatrists) and parents to generate actionable insights for the end of each chapter.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The most important idea is that student motivation, like any human motivation, doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s not just a personality trait that some people have and other people don’t. It’s heavily influenced by environmental factors, and students, educators, and parents can do things to make those factors more supportive of motivation. If you make environments that support what we refer to as the ABCs of motivation (ability, belonging, and choices), motivation increases.
The other key idea is that this can’t happen for people, it needs to happen with them: students, educators, and parents need to collaborate to build solutions together. Parents and educators also struggle with their motivation – they’re overburdened and stressed out, frequently in situations that limit their own ABCs. Respectful, creative, and thoughtful collaboration is the only sustainable way to build solutions that will work for everyone.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t??
If you’re a student, parent, or educator feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, or apathetic about school – you’re not alone! These are flip sides of the same coin, and a natural response to a system that, on the whole, isn’t designed to help anyone in it maintain sustainable motivation for learning, curiosity, and growth. At the same time, waiting on systemic change can take too long for the people stuck in difficult situations right now. This book will help give ideas on what to do right now to improve motivation, as well as start conversations that can improve the broader system over the long term.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website
Sparked by this student’s request, educator and parent Dr. Rebecca Block and undergraduate student Grace Edwards began talking with teens across the country. Students spoke about when and how school fell short and what made the difference when it didn’t.
Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? shares those stories, alongside research in psychology and education, to explore how to help young people build lasting motivation – not the kind that leads to short, panic-driven bursts of productivity, but the kind that energizes over the long haul.
Don’t wait for systemic changes. Discover engaging stories and practical strategies to empower parents and educators to:
– Build relationships that support sustainable motivation
– Encourage student voice and agency
– Make school feel more relevant
– Manage screens’ impact on motivation
A must-read for anyone invested in rekindling students’ love of learning. Get this book to start making a difference in your teens’ lives today.
Find The Ladder
Nadeem Shafkat Lutfullah’s Find the Ladder offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the modern career landscape, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book begins with a stark reminder of the pandemic’s devastating impact on both lives and livelihoods, setting the stage for a broader discussion on resilience, adaptability, and the power of positive thinking.
One of the most intriguing takeaways from the book is Lutfullah’s concept of the “Eureka instant,” described as ‘the critical moments of intentional thought that shape our actions and outcomes.’ He builds the book around this idea, taking readers on a journey to understand how a positive mindset is foundational to success, likening it to the opening moves in a chess game that determine the course of play.
Lutfullah excels in demonstrating his points through real-world examples, drawing from his own experiences and those of others. For instance, he tells the story of a small family-owned restaurant that successfully adopted a digital model, illustrating the power of adaptability in personal and business contexts, especially during a crisis. He addresses the challenges of such transitions honestly, including the mental health implications of prolonged isolation and the digital divide. His insistence on lifelong learning is a key message that helps readers manage their expectations, showcasing his credibility as a writer. Lutfullah’s insights can be applied directly to change the trajectory of one’s career. His writing is personal and passionate, and his storytelling conveys a deep commitment to the subject. This approach offers readers a comforting and encouraging perspective, making the book especially valuable for those feeling stuck in their careers.
Find the Ladder, by Nadeem Shafkat Lutfullah, is like a warm mug of cocoa on a snowy day—exactly what you need to keep going. It is engaging, motivational, and encourages readers to hope for better while also reminding them to stay realistic.
Pages: 107 | ASIN : B0D5FK14K5
Empathy and Support
A Different Lens follows a young skunk who struggles with his morning routine and schoolwork leading to feelings of frustration and isolation. What was the inspiration for your story?
As an educator and a mother, I have the privilege of connecting with many children. A few years ago, an extraordinary boy with ADHD was going through a particularly challenging period. One day he told me, “Don’t you understand? It doesn’t feel good at all to have a hard time!” It was at this moment my understanding of what Dr. Ross Greene has said, “Kids do well when they can,” moved from my head to my heart. I witnessed how empathy and support changed this child’s life. I also became keenly aware that so many people with invisible disabilities are negatively impacted because their challenges are misunderstood. I wrote this book so that readers of all ages could have the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of someone with an invisible disability. Given this experience, I hope they will see this population through “a different lens,” and be inspired to show patience, empathy, and support.
The art in this book brings the emotions of Simon to life so even younger children can understand what he is experiencing. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Zoe Bendoff?
Partnering with Zoe was a fantastic experience! It was a close collaboration. We live in the same town, so we met throughout the process. I shared hopes for each page, requesting simple images that focused on the emotions of the characters. Zoe blended in her ideas and added her signature style creating beautiful illustrations that truly capture the feelings of each character. She also embedded many personally meaningful “hidden nuggets.” For example, the handwriting in Simon’s journal and the word “Different” in the title are my son’s handwriting. She is extremely talented and was truly a joy to partner with.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
As Dr. Stuart Shanker said, “When you see a child differently, you’ll see a different child.” What may appear to be off-task, attention-seeking, or defiant behavior is often the symptom of an invisible disability and outside the child’s control. Everyone wants to do well. When we assume positive intent and aim to support all children in a way that is individualized to their needs, they can be the best version of themselves. When this happens, those children and everyone around them benefit.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Book number two is in process and will be published in the spring of 2025. It is about a day in the life of one of Simon’s classmates- Robyn. Check back in the spring to find out more!
Author Links: GoodReads | Adori Publishing | Amazon
“A Different Lens” is:
A must-have for every elementary school’s Diverse Book Club list
A book for educators and administrators of 1st-5th grade classrooms supporting social-emotional learning
A resource for parents to teach children about empathy, neurodiversity, and invisible disabilities, such as ADHD.
A tool for enhancing adults’ understanding of the diverse abilities of children within their families, schools, and community
Simon struggles to complete simple tasks at home and school, leading everyone in his world to feel upset and annoyed. Inevitably, Simon’s frustration reaches a boiling point and he makes a huge mistake in front of everyone! How will Simon ever recover? Why can’t he just do better? In the end, readers will realize that Simon, like everyone, is doing the best he can, and with a little support, the world can become a better place for all.
LITERARY TITAN 