Blog Archives
Telling Stories That Matter
Women Making a Difference is an anthology featuring women from around the world and their stories of triumph over adversity. Why was this an important collection for you to write?
I knew that there were women making a difference in big and small ways all over the world, and yet so often these stories are not the kind that we hear about, the mainstream media always telling the sensationalist news rather than sharing positive, hopeful and uplifting news. But these stories matter and are so important to be told as they provide real-life inspiration for others to think about how they can make a difference too. You never know whose story will resonate with someone and be the catalyst for them to take action on changing the world in their own way.
Can you share with us a little about your process for selecting stories for this anthology?
Each author submitted a written application to be considered for this anthology. We received over 100 applications from women all over the world. When selecting authors for this anthology there were a number of factors we were particularly looking for – representation is important to us, so ensuring that we had a diverse collective of voices ensures that when someone reads this book they’ll find someone who’s story, experience or perspective they can relate to. We also looked for tales of courage, resilience, and overcoming significant challenges to reach success. We wanted to acknowledge that making a difference is not always an easy road, yet if you’re committed to your vision it is possible, no matter what obstacles that stand in your way.
Did you learn anything about yourself during the course of putting this book together?
During this process I learned that the work I do makes a difference too! I realised that by providing a platform for women to tell their stories I’m providing a powerful way for them to share their voices on a global stage and a powerful tool for healing through rewriting their narrative.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Our next anthology is Begin It Now! This one is a call to action to women to step into their greatness, to follow their dreams and to overcome self doubt, fear and the feelings of not being enough which so often hold women back from taking the first step.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Featuring Authors
Dr. Cara Lenore Antoine, Comfort Dondo, Ellen Hooper, Florence Kayungwa, Gaëlle Berruel, Heather McCarthy, Iris Mhlanga, Janette Salmi, Justine McLean, Kabinga Mazaba, Kate Fisher, Laura Goldberg, Leanne Butterworth, Lisa Benson, Melanie Wentzel, Nicola Baker, Patricia Gonde, Rebecca Rylands, Dr Sarifa Alonto-Younes, Zara Celik
The Whisper Way: The Secret Formula for Female Entrepreneurs to Scale and Sell for Life-Changing Money
Carrie Kerpen’s The Whisper Way is part memoir, part business guide, and part fictional fable—all tied together with a mission to help women entrepreneurs scale their businesses with intention and, if they choose, sell for real money. The book is built around a cozy, engaging story of seven women who attend a retreat hosted by the ethereal and wise Ramona Kalman, a fictionalized version of Kerpen’s aspirational self. At the heart of it all is the Whisper Way, a clear and emotionally intelligent framework designed specifically for women to grow their businesses in a way that feels aligned, empowered, and strategic.
One moment that completely got me was in the intro, when Carrie talks about sitting across from a room full of men during the sale of her company, defending every line of her financials. “It felt like I was fighting to sell my left arm,” she says. The idea that something I pour my soul into could one day be picked apart by strangers was a terrifying idea. But it was also motivating. That fear is real, and this book doesn’t sugarcoat it. Carrie gets it. She gets the late-night Googling. She gets the burnout. She gets the part where you kind of want to give up but don’t.
What I really loved is that she didn’t just stay in the weeds of personal narrative or toss out vague advice. She gave structure. The chapter “Secure Your Secret Sauce” helped me realize that I don’t need to copy anyone else’s business model. What makes my idea special is me—and that’s the thing I should protect and lean into. The fictional retreat setting honestly felt a little woo-woo at first, but then I got it. It created a space for storytelling that felt like group therapy for entrepreneurs. I saw pieces of myself in Hannah, Ivy, and even Wendy with her “I don’t know what I want” energy.
If you’re a woman with a business, whether you’re just getting started or you’re three years deep and still figuring out if this whole thing is going to fly, this book is for you. It’s not preachy. It’s not some “10X your growth with this funnel” nonsense. It’s human. It’s warm. It’s got solid business advice wrapped in a big sister hug. Read it if you’ve ever felt like the only woman in the room, if you’ve ever doubted your worth, or if you just want someone to finally say out loud what you’ve been whispering to yourself for years.
Pages: 224 | ASIN : B0DL7W83JN
Women Making a Difference
Women Making a Difference is a stirring anthology spotlighting the voices of women across the globe who have transformed adversity into impact. Compiled by Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner, this collection features personal stories from trailblazers in tech, social justice, education, business, and healing, each chapter a testament to resilience and purpose. Through raw honesty and bold vulnerability, these women share what it truly takes to be a change-maker—not just in theory, but in practice and not without scars.
What stood out to me most was the way the book cracked open the illusion that making a difference is about big stages or perfect plans. Dr. Cara Lenore Antoine, in her chapter “Be the First,” writes with sharp clarity and warmth about being a woman in tech, often the only one in the room. She didn’t just show up—she redesigned the room. Her story of fighting for women’s PPE in male-dominated industries struck me hard. It was funny, frustrating, and deeply human.
Comfort Dondo’s chapter, “Transformative Healing and Proactive Advocacy,” pulled me into a different kind of storm—one made of trauma, community pain, and quiet, fierce courage. Her words are heavy with truth, like when she says, “I was trying to continue to offer a lifeline for other women, while my own was still shaky.” I felt that in my bones. She makes it clear that advocacy without healing is a path to burnout. The idea of healed healers reshaping the systems that once broke them resonated deeply.
The Silent Difference by Dr. Sarifa Alonto-Younes is a quiet storm of a chapter—calm on the surface but brimming with strength underneath. She writes about the power of leading with humility, compassion, and integrity, even when no one is watching. Her story, rooted in her Muslim faith and her experiences as an educator and global advocate, reminds us that dignity, patience, and purpose can move mountains in silence.
This book isn’t about polished resumes or highlight reels. It’s about messy, brave women who said yes to something bigger than themselves. It’s about pain, yes, but also purpose. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to make a difference, this book will call you out, lift you up, and push you forward. I walked away from it feeling seen, inspired, and more determined than ever to keep showing up—not because it’s easy, but because it matters.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Women Making a Difference to women leaders, aspiring changemakers, or anyone feeling worn down by the weight of trying. This book doesn’t give you permission to give up—it gives you a hundred reasons to keep going. And it reminds you, beautifully and powerfully, that you’re not alone.
Pages: 245 | ASIN : B0DNY75MZQ
Tough Lessons and the Triumphs
In The Hollywood Unicorn, you paint a vivid picture of your struggles and triumphs navigating corporate America as a woman of color. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing The Hollywood Unicorn was deeply personal for me. As a woman of color navigating corporate America, and Hollywood no less!, I often felt like I was walking a tightrope—facing systemic barriers, cultural bias, and an unspoken set of rules no one teaches you. For years, I saw so many talented women of color around me either burn out, fade out, or stay stuck because the system wasn’t built with them in mind.
This book was my way of saying, “You belong here. And not only that, but you can thrive here.” It’s a blueprint for turning those challenges into advantages and making bold, strategic moves to claim your space at the table.
It was important for me to share both the tough lessons and the triumphs because it’s not just my story—it’s the story of so many women who are overlooked and underestimated. I wanted to give them the tools and the confidence to navigate these spaces on their own terms. At its heart, The Hollywood Unicorn is about empowerment and legacy—helping the next generation not just survive but succeed and shine.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life? “Hollywood is a very small town.
You’re going to run into the same people over and over again, so be careful. Also, “Everyone in this business gets fired at some point. Don’t feel bad about it.”
What is one misconception you feel many people have about navigating power dynamics?
One major misconception is that navigating power dynamics is inherently manipulative or insincere. People often associate “playing the game” with being fake, scheming, or sacrificing their values, but that’s not true. At its core, understanding power dynamics is about being intentional—knowing who holds influence, recognizing unspoken rules, and positioning yourself effectively.
It’s not about compromising your integrity; it’s about ensuring your voice is heard and your contributions are valued. Too often, women of color are taught to just “work hard and keep your head down,” but that mindset can leave you sidelined. Navigating power dynamics isn’t about playing dirty—it’s about playing smart, understanding the system, and advocating for yourself in ways that align with your values. It’s a skillset, not a character flaw, and when done right, it’s one of the most empowering things you can learn.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from the experiences you share in The Hollywood Unicorn?
I hope readers walk away with the confidence to embrace their full, authentic selves while navigating the complexities of corporate life. One of the key lessons in The Hollywood Unicorn is that the things we often see as disadvantages—being the only one in the room, having a different perspective, or coming from an underrepresented background—can actually be our superpowers when we learn how to leverage them strategically.
I want readers to understand that success isn’t about becoming someone else or shrinking to fit a mold. It’s about knowing the rules of the game and using them to create opportunities on your own terms. Most importantly, I want them to feel seen and empowered, knowing they’re not alone in the challenges they face—and that those challenges can be transformed into stepping stones to success.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Learn the secrets of success from a top Sony Pictures, DreamWorks Studios, and Film District Executive.
The secrets of a Hollywood trailblazer & How They Can Help You Win The Game!
It’s no secret that Corporate Culture is a ruthless world that takes no prisoners. Now add on that you’re a woman of color in a male-dominated space. Baby, that deck is stacked against you.
Unless…
You learn the secrets of a Top Hollywood Executive who learned to not only survive but thrive as the only woman of color for several of the top film studios in the world.
I mean – seriously, is this what your work life looks like? A constant cycle of pitfalls and rejections? Being talked over in meetings? Going home feeling demoralized and drained?
Being stuck in a rut is a frustrating experience that no one should settle for. From fighting to be heard and political roadblocks to going home feeling demoralized and drained — it’s enough to make even the most driven person give up on finding Success.
It feels like you’re watching everyone else around you succeed while you’re getting coffee for someone who’s half as talented as you are and who keeps getting ahead.
What do they know that you don’t? More importantly, what do you need to know to know?
Even if you feel hopeless in your career, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. I’m here to empower my fellow women of color to flip the script on any self-doubt they might have when “suiting up” for The Big Game.
In The Hollywood Unicorn, you will discover:
• YOUR ZONE OF GENIUS so you can start living with purpose and fulfillment right now!
• THE WHEEL OF BLAME, and how not to fall victim to it!
• How to transform yourself into a BOARDROOM BADASS no matter where you’re at today!
• THE BIAS PLAYBOOK that keeps you on the right side of any foul play aimed at you.“Do it right, keep it Air-tight!”
• Downloadable WORKSHEETS with actionable steps to build the New You today!
• THE CHEAT CODES the top Hollywood Executives use!
• How to PLAY CORPORATE GAMES like a BOSS and WIN! And much more.
I’ll share my HOLLYWOOD MOMENTS, offering insight into my experiences that became stepping stones for growth and resilience.
Learn how to strategically maneuver through the corporate maze with less friction. Even if you’re not naturally outgoing with charisma for days!
There is no fluff here; this is a “get it done right now” type of book.
One last thing: do me a quick favor. Imagine you’re sitting across from me and my colleagues in a pitch meeting. You’re pitching a movie about your life story. Now ask yourself, is it a blockbuster feel-good movie of the year? A triumph of the human spirit? Or is it time for a rewrite?
If you want to escape the corporate sludge and rewrite your story, then scroll up and click the “Add to Cart” button right now.
The Hollywood Unicorn
Christine Birch’s The Hollywood Unicorn is an inspiring blend of memoir and corporate survival guide, particularly tailored to women of color navigating the labyrinth of high-stakes business environments. Birch weaves her personal narrative—rooted in resilience and unapologetic ambition—with practical advice, offering readers a toolkit for thriving in spaces that often seem designed to hold them back. From mastering your “zone of genius” to wielding the “wheel of blame” with finesse, the book brims with strategies aimed at empowerment and professional triumph.
What struck me first was the candidness of Birch’s storytelling. She doesn’t sugarcoat her experiences. For instance, the chapter on “Bringing Grit on the Journey” paints a raw and vivid picture of her struggles and triumphs in Hollywood. Her description of navigating corporate America as a woman of color was not only relatable but also inspiring.
I also loved her concept of the “business alter ego” introduced in Lesson #3. Birch explains how crafting an empowered, professional persona helped her overcome bias and navigate the challenges of corporate culture. She shows us how to balance authenticity with the calculated strength required in professional settings. This section is a game-changer for anyone looking to claim their space unapologetically.
The Hollywood Unicorn is a must-read for women of color in the corporate world, but its wisdom extends far beyond its intended audience. If you’re a professional looking to navigate power dynamics with confidence or simply someone who loves stories of grit and innovation, this book will resonate. Christine Birch’s voice is equal parts relatable and formidable—like getting advice from a fiercely supportive friend who’s seen it all and still dares to dream bigger.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0DMXGZRJX
Timeless Leadership Lessons
The Job Well Done: The Queen’s Way to Successful Leadership is a comprehensive guide to leadership, relationships, and service, inspired by the life and legacy of the late, beloved Queen Elizabeth II. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Queen Elizabeth’s passing in September 2022 was a moment that profoundly moved me. Across the UK and beyond, it felt as though we had lost a cherished family member. Witnessing thousands of people waiting in line for hours, up to days, to pay their respects at Her Majesty’s flag-draped coffin was both humbling and extraordinary. It stirred a powerful question in my mind: How did The Queen create such a deep connection with so many people?
That question marked the beginning of a personal journey. I wanted to understand what made Queen Elizabeth’s influence so remarkable. As I searched for books and resources exploring Her Majesty’s leadership and legacy, I was surprised to find that the Queen’s exceptional qualities weren’t widely discussed in the context of business or leadership. This gap intrigued me and drove me to dig deeper. I immersed myself in books, documentaries, and historical records, determined to uncover the essence of her unparalleled leadership.
What I discovered was extraordinary. The Queen’s impact wasn’t just about Her Majesty’s title: it was about who the Queen was as a leader. Her humility, resilience, compassion, and unique ability to balance tradition with progress were at the heart of her reign. These weren’t just royal virtues; they were timeless leadership lessons that could inspire anyone looking to lead with authenticity and purpose.
Out of this exploration, The Job Well Done was born. Writing this book was my way of addressing that gap in leadership discussions and paying tribute to a woman who inspired millions. My goal was to distil Her Majesty’s leadership principles into practical, actionable insights that could guide aspiring leaders on their journeys.
This book isn’t just a reflection on The Queen’s legacy: it’s a roadmap for future leaders. Queen Elizabeth’s approach to leadership wasn’t confined to one era or industry: it transcended time and circumstance, offering lessons in forging meaningful connections, overcoming challenges, and leading with integrity. Through The Job Well Done, I hope to share these principles with a wider audience, inspiring a new generation of leaders to follow Her Majesty’s example and create a legacy of impactful leadership.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
Writing The Job Well Done: The Queen’s Way to Successful Leadership was a deeply personal journey, fuelled by a sense of urgency and purpose. Just two days after Her Majesty’s passing on September 10, 2022, I felt compelled to begin. The outpouring of grief and admiration for Queen Elizabeth’s legacy inspired me to capture the timeless leadership principles that defined her extraordinary reign.
From the very start, I immersed myself in extensive research. I read every book I could find about Queen Elizabeth II, watched countless documentaries, and explored every available resource detailing Her Majesty’s life and leadership. This wasn’t just about gathering facts, it was a labour of love, driven by a deep desire to understand what made her influence so remarkable.
The process was both demanding and transformative. For six intense months, I poured everything into this project, working 120-hour weeks to gather insights, analyse details, and shape them into a meaningful narrative. My goal was clear: to honour The Queen’s legacy while creating a practical guide that could inspire and empower future leaders.
Completing the first edition in time for what would have been The Queen’s birthday on April 21, 2023, felt profoundly significant. Publishing on that day was my way of paying tribute to her enduring impact and ensuring that her leadership lessons would continue to resonate with others.
Looking back, writing The Job Well Done was more than just hard work; it was a journey of reflection and discovery. It allowed me to delve into the essence of Her Majesty’s remarkable life uncovering lessons. This book stands as a testament to her legacy, one that transcends time and continues to guide us toward leadership with purpose, grace, and integrity.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In The Job Well Done: The Queen’s Way to Successful Leadership, I wanted to share lessons from Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary life that could inspire and guide readers in their personal and professional lives. Each chapter highlights a key theme, offering timeless wisdom in a way that feels practical and relatable. Here’s a glimpse of the ideas I felt were most important to include:
- Stay Focused: Life is full of distractions, but true success comes from staying committed to what really matters. Queen Elizabeth II’s humility and unwavering purpose showed us how to navigate life with integrity and determination.
- Hard Work Pays Off: Her Majesty’s relentless work ethic is a testament to the power of consistency and dedication. She didn’t just meet expectations; she exceeded them, inspiring people through her tireless commitment to excellence.
- Find Balance: Even with a schedule packed with royal duties, The Queen made time for what brought her joy: family, horses, and quiet moments in nature. Her life reminds us that recharging isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for long-term success.
- Aim High, Learn Always: Striving for perfection doesn’t mean never failing. The Queen showed that learning from mistakes and staying focused on growth is what truly leads to greatness.
- Strength Through Challenges: Adversity can break us or make us stronger. Her Majesty faced countless challenges with grace, proving that resilience is one of the most powerful leadership traits.
- Adapt to Change: Queen Elizabeth embraced change while holding firm to her core values: a balance that allowed her to thrive across decades of evolving times.
- Lead with Compassion: Leadership isn’t just about decisions; it’s about empathy. Her ability to connect with people across generations and cultures was a cornerstone of her success.
- Balance Tradition with Progress: The Queen walked the delicate line between honouring the past and embracing the future, showing that great leadership requires a foot in both worlds.
- Build Communities That Thrive: Her Majesty believed in the power of unity. She demonstrated how fostering inclusivity, and collaboration can create meaningful change.
At its heart, this book isn’t just a tribute to The Queen’s legacy; it’s a guide for anyone looking to lead with purpose, navigate life’s complexities, and leave a lasting impact. By sharing these ideas, I hope to inspire readers to step into their roles, no matter how big or small, with the same grace and determination that defined Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable reign.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Job Well Done?
No matter who we are, we all play different roles in life: whether as a parent, teachers, doctors, hairdressers, or anything else. These roles are often shaped by our families, society, and the choices we make. But what truly matters isn’t the title we hold; it’s how we approach these roles and make them our own.
Queen Elizabeth II’s life is a powerful example of this. Her Majesty’s dedication, resilience, and compassion went far beyond her title as monarch. Even without the crown, these qualities would have made her an extraordinary individual, admired by those around her.
Through this book, I hope readers feel inspired by The Queen’s example. Whatever role you find yourself in, give it your all. Strive for excellence, adapt to challenges, and stay focused on what truly matters. Just as importantly, extend empathy and compassion to those around you; these small actions can create a stronger, more inclusive community.
The Queen showed us that greatness comes not from the title we hold but from the way we live our lives. If readers take away one thing from The Job Well Done, I hope it’s the motivation to embrace their roles fully and leave a positive, lasting impact on the world.
Author links: YouTube | GoodReads | LinedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Website | Book Review
This book delves into the exceptional leadership and influence of Queen Elizabeth II, examining the factors that made her so revered by people from all walks of life and leaders from all around the world. The book describes how to cultivate a detached egoless mindset, focus relentlessly on success, build resilience, use soft power, strive for high-quality perfectionism, and much more. The Queen showed unwavering focus, resilience in the face of challenges, and a deep commitment to her values and to the people the Queen served.
The chapters include practical advice, illustrating examples from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as well as inspiring stories from other leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Bill Gates, Roger Federer, Tony Robbins, Michael Jordan, Elon Musk, Cristiano Ronaldo, Barack Obama, Steven Bartlett, Warren Buffet, Richard Brandon and many more.
Whether you’re a seasoned business leader, a rising manager, or an aspiring entrepreneur, The Job Well Done offers tools, insights, and inspiration to succeed in today’s fast-paced and complex world. By learning from the life of an extraordinary woman, you will be inspired, motivated, and empowered to create your path to greatness and make a positive impact in the world.
Get ready to unleash your inner leader with The Job Well Done: The Queen’s Way to Successful Leadership!
The Job Well Done
The Job Well Done offers a profound exploration of leadership through the life, legacy, and values of Queen Elizabeth II. Her decades of experience provide a treasure trove of insights, from celebrated achievements to hard-won lessons, shared here with warmth and respect. Dr. Maheshika Halbeisen skillfully combines historical narrative with actionable lessons on resilience, self-discipline, and servant leadership, making this a compelling resource for business leaders, aspiring managers, or anyone pursuing personal growth.
The book is thoughtfully organized, leading readers through key themes like duty, resilience, and integrity, qualities that define the Queen’s approach to leadership. Dr. Halbeisen’s admiration is palpable as she recounts Queen Elizabeth’s unwavering dedication, humility, and commitment to service, supported by anecdotes from pivotal moments: her ascension to the throne, the challenges of WWII, and more. Dr. Halbeisen’s expertise shines as she unpacks universal lessons from the Queen’s personal victories and trials, emphasizing values-driven leadership and the importance of resilience and integrity in building a lasting legacy. She crafts a narrative rich with examples, even drawing from other leaders to broaden the message, underscoring that these principles resonate beyond royalty. For readers navigating fast-paced, high-stakes environments, Dr. Halbeisen presents essential strategies for cultivating inner strength and leading with empathy.
Eloquent yet accessible, The Job Well Done captures Queen Elizabeth’s journey in a tone that’s both reverent and motivational. Dr. Halbeisen’s storytelling breathes life into the Queen’s experiences, simplifying complex leadership lessons into relatable, engaging insights. The book flows effortlessly from one chapter to the next, combining historical depth with relevant takeaways that any reader can apply.
This heartfelt tribute celebrates the Queen’s enduring legacy while delivering timeless lessons in leadership. The Job Well Done stands out for its historical richness and practical guidance, appealing to anyone seeking to lead with purpose and resilience. Dr. Halbeisen’s work not only honors the Queen’s legacy but also inspires today’s leaders to embrace the same steadfast principles.
Pages: 222 | ASIN : B0C3W7X8ZV
WINX for Employees: The Problem-Solving Model to Unlock Workplace Success (The WINX Descision Making Series)
WINX for Employees, by Irma Parone, is an insightful guide that empowers readers to make strategic choices leading to exponential success in their professional lives. Parone presents an 8-step framework called WINX (Win Exponentially), grounded in her personal experiences and extensive research. This framework helps readers thoroughly examine workplace challenges and develop effective systems for finding solutions. The book differentiates between a problem-solving mindset and mere complaining, teaches how to analyze risks and uncertainties, and underscores the importance of becoming invaluable in the workplace.
This well-structured book provides stress-free access to its resources, enabling readers to seamlessly incorporate its lessons into their daily routines. Parone’s framework is conveyed through straightforward action steps that instantly capture interest and curiosity. With clear titles like “Evaluate Alternatives” and “Craft Your Problem Statement,” the table of contents alone gives a solid overview of what each chapter and step entails.
I found Parone’s book highly resonant. Her insightful deductions and well-researched information, such as the emphasis on fostering diverse thinking and collaboration to spur innovative problem-solving in organizations, are particularly impactful. The book’s communicative style, enriched with stories and explanations, delivers profound insights in a clear and engaging manner. Readers will appreciate the book’s consistent focus. Parone stays true to her main theme, providing continuous insights into workplace dynamics without straying from the core subject. The discussions revolve around various aspects of the work environment, including employees, customers, teams, leadership, and goals, ensuring relevance to any professional setting.
WINX for Employees is an invaluable resource for both employers and employees across all industries. It equips readers with practical tools for solving problems and achieving professional success. Parone’s book serves as a smart guide to strategic thinking, helping individuals become their most competent selves at work and in life. Don’t miss out on this straightforward, research-backed, and transformative guide by Irma Parone.
Pages: 92 | ASIN : B0D3WR3RC1
LITERARY TITAN 