Blog Archives

The Habits of Consistency Perseverance

In The Habits of Consistency, Perseverance, and Appreciation, author John D. Cadore presents a compelling exploration of the formation of beneficial habits and the avoidance of harmful ones. Drawing from his personal journey to becoming an attorney, Cadore highlights the transformative power of consistency in both personal and professional realms. The narrative is enriched with personal anecdotes, making the book relatable and engaging. Cadore delves into a variety of virtues, including decisiveness, appreciation, and a positive attitude, and discusses how these can profoundly impact one’s life. He thoughtfully integrates biblical quotations and reflections on societal issues, providing a multifaceted approach to establishing ethical foundations. This exploration ranges from the consequences of neglecting education to the pitfalls of drug use, offering a comprehensive look at the impact of individual choices on both personal life and the broader society.

The author’s straightforward writing style ensures that the book’s key messages are conveyed efficiently and memorably. For instance, Cadore’s observation, “Remember that life is not a zero-sum game. Someone does not have to lose for another to win,” is both impactful and easy to recall. One of the book’s strengths lies in its integration of biblical wisdom with practical life lessons. Cadore’s strategic use of Bible verses, such as Proverbs 10:4, in a discussion on procrastination, provides a deeper, spiritually-infused perspective that enhances the reader’s understanding. I found the book particularly enlightening, especially in its reframing of adversity as a tool for personal growth and resilience. Despite its brevity, the book is rich with wisdom and insights that align with pursuing fulfilling and disciplined life goals.

The Habits of Consistency, Perseverance, and Appreciation is recommended for those seeking practical advice enriched with biblical guidance. It offers a roadmap to a more disciplined, meaningful life, resonating with readers from diverse backgrounds who are on the journey to realizing their dreams.

Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0C4RGWXF4

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One Size Does Not Fit All

Claudio Chiste Author Interview

In Rise of the Warrior Leader, you provide a complete breakdown of the challenges faced on the journey to becoming an effective leader in today’s world. Why was this an important book for you to write?

During my time in the unforgiving environment of the military and international banking, I devoted significant effort to unraveling the intricacies of effective leadership. Transitioning from the military to the banking sector amid the sub-prime crisis, an era marked by relentless waves of job losses, presented a daunting scenario. It was, undoubtedly, an inopportune time to embark on this career shift.

Amidst this tumultuous period, my exploration of leadership literature revealed two notable observations. First and foremost, a multitude of self-proclaimed leadership experts ardently championed their own leadership models, often motivated by financial gains or fixated on singular lessons drawn from crises such as the infamous Enron scandal. This compartmentalized approach operated in isolation from other models, creating a fragmented landscape. However, I recognized that each model offered a valuable fragment of the overall leadership puzzle.

Secondly, I observed the diverse interpretations provided by commentators regarding the era we live in—whether it be labeled as the Information Age, Industry 4.0, Digital Age, and so forth. In response, I chose to shift my focus towards embracing the challenges intrinsic to each of these definitions. I sought to discern patterns across various leadership models, thereby crafting an integrated approach geared towards enhancing leaders’ effectiveness.

In essence, the new challenges that confront us demand a new approach. I am committed to synthesizing the collective wisdom embedded in diverse leadership models to construct a comprehensive framework. This holistic perspective is intended to empower leaders to navigate the complexities of our ever-evolving landscape with newfound efficacy.

Can you tell us a little about the research process required to write Rise of the Warrior Leader?

Originally conceived as my doctoral thesis, this book emerged after a four-year journey of intermittently refining my PhD proposal. The process involved numerous revisions dictated by a university professor whose demands seemed ceaseless. However, amidst the stringent adjustments during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, a revelation struck me. I realized that the essence of my work deserved to be presented as intended, free from the constraints imposed by the academic conformity sought by the professor.

The underlying premise was clear: the conventional approach needed a paradigm shift, and the insights gleaned from my research should be accessible to benefit others. Distinctive in its departure from the confines of academic literature, this book is the embodiment of that conviction. It draws on exhaustive examinations of academic papers and prominent leadership books.

The content within attains a high academic standard, yet I have endeavored to supplement it with easily comprehensible diagrams, catering to a non-academic audience. This dual approach aims not only for scholarly excellence but also ensures that the material is inviting and readily applicable to a broader readership, ultimately contributing to the betterment of humanity.

What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your book?

I aim to equip leaders with a comprehensive conceptual framework for navigating various situations. This book serves as an empowering tool, steering away from offering rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions. Recognizing our unique individualities and nuanced responses based on distinct personality traits, the book instead furnishes a guiding framework. This framework facilitates a thoughtful consideration of diverse variables and contexts, fostering an approach that enhances effectiveness in leadership.

What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?

My forthcoming book will explore the subject of Mental Toughness from a distinctly African perspective. The genesis of this project dates back over six years. However, I temporarily redirected my focus two years ago, taking a sabbatical to diligently finalize my previous work, Rise of the Warrior Leader.

Author Links: Facebook | Website

In the minefield of leadership literature available today, this book provides clarity, adding fresh and unique insights to critical leadership skills. The author draws upon his own unique experience from an unforgiving environment, forged from his background in the military and the international corporate world.
This book is for you if you:
·Want to be an effective leader.
·Are willing to transform into the change you wish to see.
·Are committed to improving the lives of those you lead.
If this sounds like you and you are willing to do what it takes, you are invited to take an inner journey of self-reflection. Self-reflection is critical for leadership development. In the process, improve your personal and professional life and discover practical tools to:
Increase mental resilience – These unpredictable times place more demands on people mentally, emotionally, spiritually and possibly even physically. This is the ‘new norm’ for which mental resilience is essential.
Build a sense of trust and safety – Unlike mainstream leadership literature which tends to focus mainly on the vision of the leader, this book also focuses on the leader’s ability to build trust and provide a sense of ‘safety’ by ‘holding the space’ in these times of VUCA.
Inspire Ownership-driven Leadership – The Selfless Leader sees the Collective as fellow stakeholders. In times of crisis, ‘self-preservation’ for the Selfless Leader is ‘collective preservation’, seeing the people as an extension of oneself. This book enables a sense of Ownership for you to:

Own who you are. Own the mission. Own the result.

Own who you are. Own the mission. Own the result.

Rise of the Warrior Leader

In an ever-evolving world, there’s a pressing need for individuals to adapt and evolve. Rise of the Warrior Leader dives deep into the intricacies of leadership within this modern backdrop. Author Claudio Chistè insightfully navigates through three predominant themes: the Age of Globalization, the Information Age, and the VUCA era (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous). The book delves into the escalating uncertainties, especially against economic, environmental, political, and pandemic backdrops. There’s a keen emphasis on the shifting role of leaders in our knowledge-driven economy and a compelling discourse on contemporary phenomena like the “cancel culture” on social media.

A compelling read for those with a penchant for leadership and modern world dynamics, Rise of the Warrior Leader provides a rich intellectual experience. Chistè presents a reader-friendly text. The incorporation of historical references amplifies the current context, while data-driven insights add credibility to the discourse. What stands out is the book’s interdisciplinary lens—tapping into history, economics, and technology, providing a comprehensive viewpoint of the challenges ushered in by the Information Age and global shifts. Furthermore, Chistè courageously examines topical issues like deep fakes, fake news, and the transformative role of technology, making the narrative both current and resonant.

Rich in analytical content, Rise of the Warrior Leader adheres to an objective, fact-centric tone, catering mainly to those intrigued by the nuances of contemporary leadership. It aspires to unravel the multifaceted challenges leaders confront in today’s fast-paced world, offering pragmatic insights on steering through these hurdles. Indeed, this is a discussion-worthy read, perfect for intellectual engagements and networking events.

Rise of the Warrior Leader explores a vast range of topics with depth and finesse. Thoroughly researched and brimming with invaluable insights, it addresses pivotal leadership transitions in today’s global scenario. Claudio Chistè’s creation stands as an enlightening resource for those keen on understanding leadership in the digital era. Engaging and illuminating, it’s a book that’s sure to spark enriching conversations.

Pages 238 | ISBN : 978-1991219794

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The Self-Love Path: How to Embrace Self-Compassion and Kindness to Yourself and Achieve Your Goals

Embracing self-love is one of the most profound gifts we can offer ourselves. While many master the art of showing compassion to others, turning that kindness inward often remains a challenge. The Self-Love Path, by Ariane S. Turpin, is a compelling guide that underscores the power of self-compassion and its undeniable link to personal success and fulfillment.

The narrative starts with a deep dive into the symbiotic relationship between self-compassion, motivation, and goal attainment. Drawing from robust research, Turpin asserts that individuals with self-compassion often exhibit heightened motivation, reduced lethargy, and superior long-term achievement. The inclusion of psychologist Susan David’s insights further enriches the content, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging challenging thoughts and feelings for personal growth.

What sets The Self-Love Path apart is its actionable content. Readers are equipped with hands-on exercises and invaluable advice to nurture self-compassion and align their pursuits with core values. Turpin addresses hindrances like negative self-talk and introduces strategies to counteract these barriers. The book’s introduction of the Kanban method, a proven productivity technique, is particularly notable. This approach helps streamline workflows and keep readers focused on their objectives.

Turpin’s personal journey is peppered throughout the book. Her battles with self-doubt and the weight of external expectations add a layer of authenticity, making her message resonate deeply. Her empathetic and motivational tone, paired with her lucid writing, makes the content both relatable and accessible, even for those less familiar with self-help genres.

The Self-Love Path is an essential compass for anyone seeking to bolster their self-compassion, enrich personal growth, and realize their aspirations. Through Ariane S. Turpin’s guidance, readers are poised to transform their self-perception, fortifying their resilience and self-kindness in the quest for true success.

Pages: 168 | ISBN : 978-1998099023

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2024… Your Year of More

2024…Your Year of More by Noah William Smith serves as an uplifting guidebook that underscores the significance of setting aspirations and crafting short-term plans to foster a fulfilling life. Smith encourages us to make 2024 a year of “more” – a year brimming with memorable moments and remarkable achievements. He passionately urges readers to take a deep dive into their own yearning for growth and invites them to embark on a shared journey toward a more enriching existence.

Smith excels in igniting the desire for greater fulfillment within readers. His book places a strong emphasis on seizing opportunities, staying in the present moment, and assuming responsibility for our own progress. These principles deeply resonated with me, as did the comprehensive ‘A-Z of More’ list featured in the book. This approach ensures that you not only set goals but also track your progress along the way. While some exercises may initially seem repetitive, they serve as a valuable practice to build discipline and cultivate the habits necessary for success. From Accountability to Goals to Knowledge, this guide is filled with aspects I am sure to incorporate more of into my own life. The author offers well-structured exercises to help individuals stay on course towards their aspirations. The thought-provoking exercises and practical timelines provide a roadmap to personal growth and fulfillment.

I highly recommend this book and intend to follow its guidance personally. 2024…Your Year of More by Noah William Smith has the potential to inspire and empower anyone seeking a more fulfilling and purposeful life journey.

Pages: 112 | ASIN : B0CF63FZB4

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Not Everything Online is True

Derek Fisher Author Interview

Lost and Found follows a young girl and her friends at school as they investigate rumors they hear and find out that not everything they hear or read online is true. What was the inspiration for your story?

This is not an uncommon occurrence for any of us online, but while the instance in the book about fake cheese and sleeping janitors are innocent enough, the real danger is that individuals lose the ability to critically think about a subject when they see it online. Over the last decade or more, we’ve seen an explosion of people getting online, and that has brought with it more information available for a wider audience. This brings with it the challenge of validating what we see and hear online.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

There were a few items I wanted to highlight in this particular book. One was being aware of information that is online and ensuring that we understand that we need to take it with a grain of salt. Another notion was to be able to take a break from our devices on occasion. Many of us struggle to distance ourselves from our devices, but doing so periodically is healthy. Lastly, I wanted to bring in the concept of cyberstalkers. I struggled with writing this in a way that wasn’t frightening for a children’s book, but at the same time was able to convey the seriousness of the problem. While cyberstalkers are a very real thing, simply knowing that you cannot always confirm whom it is you are conversing with online is a key takeaway.

Your book touches on topics that are relevant for children today and is written in a manner they can connect to the characters. What’s your experience as a writer?

This is my third children’s book, and I also have a technical book published by Manning Publishing on the topic of software security. These are very different audiences, but the discipline and process is similar. In both cases, you need to put yourself in the mindset of the reader. I have a young daughter, so I was able to leverage some of the interactions that she has online with her friends to pull together some of the storyline.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

I am working on a novel for adults that is a bit of a cyber-thriller. I’m in the early stages of writing, so I don’t have a publishing timeline in mind. My hope is to have it out in 2024. Additionally, I am starting to frame a choose-your-own-adventure book for children on cybersecurity. This will, most likely, have a different set of characters. I am aiming for a 2024 release for this one as well.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Alicia is excited to go on a long weekend trip with her parents to a house on a lake. They all can’t wait to see what is in store for them as they enjoy some time on the water and hiking in the woods. Before they pack their bags Alicia has a few days at school full of challenges and even a few lessons about responsibility when one of her friends’ loses their phone!

Alicia and her friends also learn that not everything you hear can be trusted as a rumor spreads like wildfire through the school bus one morning. The friends are shocked to find out that some of the information that is online, isn’t always true. With the help of her parents, Alicia sets out to investigate the rumor and determine the truth. Through this, she learns about the dangers of fake news and the importance of fact-checking.

When Alicia and her parents take their long-awaited trip, they enjoy all that nature can offer. Even better, they are able to combine nature and technology by doing one of Alicia’s favorite activities. Geocaching! But when they return home from the fun-filled weekend, Alicia discovers that she has a cyberstalker. While Alicia is able to navigate the situation with her parents, one of her friends has to find a way to protect herself from a similar problem. Luckily, the friends are able to come together to learn how to protect themselves from these dangers online.

In the third and final book (with a 5 Star review from Readers’ Favorite!) in the Alicia Connected series, the friends learn about different types of online threats and how to stay safe on the internet. They also discover the importance of device responsibility, taking a break from being online, and being able to identify false information online.

Lost and Found (Alicia Connected)

Lost and Found, the third installment in the Alicia Connected series, takes readers on an enlightening adventure with its young protagonist, Alicia. Throughout this engaging tale, Alicia discovers the importance of patience, the need to verify online information, and the risks of engaging with unknown people online. When confronted with a suspicious cyberstalker, Alicia’s decision-making skills are put to the test.

Set against the backdrop of an anticipated lake vacation filled with geocaching and family fun, the story artfully illustrates the struggle to balance the digital world with real-life experiences. But to truly enjoy the real world, Alicia must learn to disconnect from the virtual one.

Author Derek Fisher has crafted a narrative that isn’t just entertaining and educational. In a world where many young readers may lack proper digital education, Fisher’s tale is a much-needed tool for teaching digital responsibility. He has an undeniable knack for conveying the thoughts and feelings of children, especially when they are immersed in addictive video games.

The story’s subtlety is another strength, as Fisher encourages readers to always choose the safe path when in doubt. Alicia’s internal dilemmas, her attempts to justify why something is “probably” okay, and her ultimate realization that “probably” isn’t good enough is beautifully portrayed. The message is clear: When in doubt, seek guidance.

Lost and Found is a timely and age-appropriate book that educates children on the vital subject of digital responsibility. Engaging, thoughtful, and filled with relatable scenarios, this book comes highly recommended for parents and educators alike. If I were teaching a class on digital responsibility for children, this would undoubtedly be on the reading list.

Pages: 84 | ASIN : B0BSSK1CVD

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These Are My People

Rahni Varieur-Davies Author Interview

Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain follows an intelligent young boy with an active mind who must find a way to focus to learn to ride his bike. What was the inspiration for your story?

I am a mom and a family therapist. My son was the kind of kid who was always asking questions, experimenting and loved to tell people about all the great things he knew. As a therapist, I have had many brilliant child clients who are articulate, inquisitive, and sometimes a little impulsive. They often are chastised for blurting out answers in class etc. These are my people, and I love them, so I developed a mindfulness exercise that I use with my son and my clients. I was inspired to write this story by these wonderful children, and I hope it speaks to children and adults everywhere.

The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Barbara Owczarek?

This was by far my favorite part of the book process. I looked for an illustrator for over a year before I found Barbara. At our first meeting, I knew we were a great fit. I had a specific look I wanted for the book, a little bit gothic, a little bit rock n roll, and a lot cozy. I told her I wanted the main character to look like a combination of a young Jack White(musician) and Edgar Allan Poe. She totally got it, and Edgar came to life. We discussed each page with a free-flowing exchange of ideas, and she was amazing.

I find something to delight in every time I look at the illustrations. Barbara really understood the story and had the same aesthetic that I wanted for it.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

I wanted children to be excited to explore science and history through reading, which is why Edgar has so many different types of books in his room. I also hoped readers would learn about the power of mindfulness and how being different can be a positive trait.

Will this children’s book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?

I am working on another Edgar Allan Know book, hoping to make it into a series. I am also working on other stories on different subjects.

Author Links: Facebook | Website

Edgar Allan Know knows lots of things, like the perfect temperature to drink hot chocolate at, but
there is one thing he doesn’t know – how to ride a bike.
Despite lots of attempts, Edgar’s brain is too busy and he just can’t figure it out! But when Mom helps Edgar learn how to focus, will it finally be what he needs to master bike riding? And what does a hot chocolate have to do with it? Join Edgar in this heart-warming story to find out! Full of quirky facts, mindfulness techniques and emotion, this beautifully illustrated story is perfect for both children and adults to enjoy.