meet the authors Archives - Page 2 of 4

Stephen Shaner: Ever wonder how some people always seem so positive? Their secret is in the art of awesome thinking.

Liz Rubico September 28, 2024 September 26, 2024Meet The Authors

Ever wonder how some people always manage to stay positive, no matter what life throws at them? It’s like they have this secret superpower that keeps them upbeat when everything seems to be going wrong. But here’s the thing: it’s not magic or luck. According to Stephen Shaner, author of The Art of Being Awesome: Proven Techniques to Add to Your Attitude Palette, it all comes down to “awesome thinking.” And no, it’s not about pretending everything’s perfect or faking a smile. It’s about learning to train your mind to find the good in even the toughest situations. Think about those people who always bounce back from setbacks. They’ve figured out how to change the way they see challenges. Instead of getting stuck in the negative, they ask themselves, “What can I learn from this?” or “How can this help me grow?” Shaner calls this reframing—it’s all about flipping your perspective. These people aren’t immune to frustration or bad days, but they’ve trained themselves to focus on solutions and growth, which helps them stay resilient. Gratitude also plays a huge role in their mindset. I know it sounds cliché, but there’s real power in being thankful for the little things. People with this positive outlook make it a habit to appreciate the small stuff—whether it’s a hot cup of coffee, a friendly smile, or just the fact that they made it through a tough day. Shaner explains that focusing on gratitude helps keep you grounded and stops you from getting…

Dan Purkey: Boost your team’s performance without burnout—here’s how.

Liz Rubico September 27, 2024 September 26, 2024Meet The Authors

Boosting your team’s performance without causing burnout is not only possible, it’s crucial if you want long-term success. The key? Balance. You need to find that sweet spot where productivity thrives, but your employees don’t feel like they’re constantly drowning in work. And as Dan Purkey, author of It’s Not That Hard. Just Do This.: Practical Communication Tools That Drive Lasting Employee Engagement and Productivity, says, it’s all about using the right tools at the right time. First off, communication is everything. It’s not just about sending emails or holding meetings—it’s about creating an environment where your team feels comfortable talking about what’s really going on. If someone’s workload is piling up or they’re feeling overwhelmed, they need to know they can tell you without fear of judgment. Purkey stresses the importance of regular, open check-ins—not just about the tasks at hand, but about how your team is doing mentally and emotionally. When you stay ahead of the game by tackling small stressors early, you’re less likely to hit major burnout down the road. Another big piece of the puzzle? Clear, realistic goals. Nothing burns out employees faster than unclear or impossible-to-achieve targets. Purkey points out that setting expectations that are both challenging and achievable helps keep your team motivated. Break down those massive projects into smaller steps, and as each one gets checked off, make sure to celebrate those wins. Even small milestones can help people feel like they’re making progress, and that keeps energy levels high without pushing…

Kent Sanders: A Father’s Legacy in 18 Words: Discover the Values That Lead to a Life Well-Lived

Liz Rubico September 26, 2024 September 24, 2024Meet The Authors

It might be difficult to determine what really important in a world where noise is all around us. However, often the most valuable teachings are the most basic, handed down through the centuries. In his book 18 Words to Live By: A Father’s Wisdom on What Matters Most, Kent Sanders condenses ageless principles into just 18 words, each of which contains a nugget of knowledge that makes life more meaningful. Think of having a set of eighteen straightforward terms that could help you go through the highs and lows of life. These aren’t just any old words; they stand for principles that Kent inherited from his father, principles that are firmly based on integrity, compassion, love, and tenacity. Each word is a reminder of what’s truly important—principles that help us stay grounded, no matter how crazy life gets. What’s beautiful about these 18 words is how straightforward they are. Life often feels complicated, but Kent’s father knew that true success doesn’t come from chasing after the latest trends or stressing over things that don’t last. Instead, it comes from living with integrity, treating others with respect, and holding onto the values that never go out of style. These words encourage you to pause and reflect, to ask yourself: Am I living in a way that honors these timeless values? The real magic is that these 18 words aren’t just for fathers to pass down to their children. They’re universal. They’re for anyone who wants to find clarity, focus, and a…

Chad Hyams: Don’t Just Survive—Thrive! Here’s How to Create a Life of Predictable Success Using What You Already Have!

Liz Rubico September 25, 2024 September 24, 2024Meet The Authors

Don’t Just Survive—Thrive! Here’s How to Create a Life of Predictable Success Using What You Already Have! Let’s face it—we’re all busy just trying to keep up with life’s demands. Whether it’s balancing work, relationships, or personal growth, it can often feel like we’re just surviving, not really thriving. But what if I told you that you already have everything you need to create predictable success in your life? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, Chad Hyams, author of Achieve your Apex: How to Maximize Your Strengths, Create Predictable Results, and Thrive in Every Facet of Your Life, shows us that it’s entirely possible. The truth is, most of us spend way too much time focusing on what we can’t do—our weaknesses. We’re constantly trying to fix things we’re not good at or become someone we think we need to be. But the real magic happens when you start focusing on what you’re already great at! When you lean into your natural strengths, things begin to click. That’s when you shift from just surviving to truly thriving. Chad Hyams explains that success doesn’t have to be a mystery or something that happens by chance. By maximizing your strengths, you can actually create a life where success is predictable. Imagine that—having a system in place that consistently works because it’s built around what makes you uniquely talented. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or your overall well-being, you can create habits and routines that align with your strengths and make success feel…

Dorris Burch: Can a woman be both self-aware and powerfully confident? Discover the secret to being truly fabulous

Liz Rubico September 24, 2024 September 21, 2024Meet The Authors

Can a woman be both self-aware and powerfully confident? Absolutely! In The Little Black Book of Being Fabulous by Dorris Burch, we dive into the magic that happens when these two traits come together. Being fabulous isn’t just about how you look; it’s about who you are inside and how that reflects in your everyday life. Self-awareness is the foundation. It’s about really knowing yourself—understanding your thoughts, emotions, and how you interact with the world. A self-aware woman gets what makes her tick, what her strengths are, and even where she can improve. This kind of insight doesn’t just help her navigate life more smoothly; it also allows her to be authentic and genuine, which is incredibly attractive. But let’s talk about confidence, because that’s the spark that lights the fire. Confidence is all about owning your self-awareness. When you’re confident, you carry yourself in a way that says, “I know who I am, and I’m proud of it.” It’s about stepping into any situation, big or small, with assurance. You’re not seeking approval from others because you’ve already given it to yourself. When a woman combines self-awareness with confidence, she becomes a force to be reckoned with. It’s not about being the loudest person in the room; it’s about having a presence that draws people in. Imagine walking into a gathering and effortlessly capturing attention—not because you’re trying to stand out, but because you’re simply being yourself. That’s the kind of power that comes from knowing who you are…

Paula Neva Vail: True success isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about how you feel. Discover the power of a happy heart

Liz Rubico September 23, 2024 September 21, 2024Meet The Authors

Success is often seen as reaching big goals—getting the promotion, earning more money, or gaining recognition. But is that really what success is all about? In Paula Neva Vail’s book, Why Am I So Happy?: The Sign of True Success is a Happy Heart, she reminds us that real success isn’t just about what we achieve; it’s about how we feel. The key to it all? A happy heart. Let’s be honest: we’re all chasing something, whether it’s career achievements, financial goals, or personal milestones. And while it’s exciting to hit those targets, the truth is, if you’re not happy on the inside, those wins can feel empty. Paula’s message is simple but powerful—if you don’t feel joy and contentment, all the external success in the world won’t truly make you successful. What’s amazing about a happy heart is that it brings you a sense of real, lasting fulfillment. When you stop chasing more—more money, more status, more stuff—you start to see the beauty in the everyday things. You begin to appreciate the small moments, the people you love, and the peace that comes with simply being. You no longer need external validation to feel successful because your happiness comes from within. Paula’s take is that happiness doesn’t come from a bigger paycheck or a fancier job title; it comes from moments of connection, laughter, and self-acceptance. True success is about living a life where you feel good about who you are and what you’re doing. And when your heart…

Alex Cody Foster: John McAfee offered me a story; what I got was a front-row seat to chaos. The Man Who Hacked the World reveals it all

Liz Rubico September 22, 2024 September 20, 2024Meet The Authors

John McAfee offered me a story; what I got was a front-row seat to chaos. The Man Who Hacked the World reveals it all. When I was first hired to ghostwrite John McAfee’s story, I thought it would be an exciting opportunity. I mean, how often do you get a chance to work with one of the most controversial tech pioneers of our time? The guy built one of the most famous antivirus software empires, then became notorious for his bizarre, almost unbelievable lifestyle. I figured it would be an adventure—but nothing prepared me for just how wild that ride would be. What I quickly realized is that John McAfee didn’t just want to tell a story. He wanted to drag me into his chaos, to pull me into a world where paranoia ruled and nothing was ever as it seemed. This wasn’t just about putting words on a page—it was about surviving the insanity that surrounded him. McAfee was a man who thrived on disorder. He didn’t just hack into computers—he hacked into people’s lives, into their minds. Every day brought a new conspiracy theory, a new cast of shady characters, and the constant feeling that we were always being watched. Was it real? Or was it all in his head? Half the time, I couldn’t tell, and honestly, I don’t think McAfee knew either. In The Man Who Hacked the World: A Ghostwriter’s Descent into Madness with John McAfee of Alex Cody Foster, I dive into what it was really like…

Jen Du Plessis: Success is sweeter when it’s unexpected. Tell Me I Can’t, and I’ll show you the impossible made real

Liz Rubico September 21, 2024 September 20, 2024Meet The Authors

Success is sweeter when it’s unexpected. Tell me I can’t, and I’ll show you the impossible made real. There’s something about being told, “you can’t” that just hits different, isn’t there? For some, it’s discouraging—like a weight pulling them down. But for others, it’s the spark that ignites a fire within. In Tell Me I Can’t, Jen Du Plessis talks about this exact feeling, about using that doubt as fuel to make the impossible possible. When someone tells you, “you can’t,” it’s tempting to believe them, especially if the odds seem stacked against you. But that’s where the magic happens. You get to make a choice: do you accept that as truth, or do you take it as a challenge to push harder and prove that anything is possible? For Jen, and for so many of us who’ve been counted out, the choice is simple—we prove them wrong. And here’s the thing—success is never easy. It’s messy. It’s full of long nights, quiet sacrifices, and moments of doubt. But when you achieve it, especially when no one expects you to, there’s no feeling quite like it. Jen captures this perfectly in her book. She talks about how those small, unexpected wins become personal victories. When people don’t see it coming, that success feels even sweeter, like you’ve quietly snuck in and claimed something that was meant for you all along. When people say “you can’t,” they’re not just doubting your ability—they’re trying to put limits on what you can achieve. But…

Yetta Yvette: Your age doesn’t define you—your mindset does. Discover how to embrace every stage of life with confidence.

Liz Rubico September 20, 2024 September 19, 2024Meet The Authors

Your age doesn’t define you—your mindset does. We hear “age is just a number” a lot, but what does it really mean in everyday life? It’s not about how many years you’ve been around; it’s about how you approach each stage of your life. Yetta Yvette’s book, Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number, really hits the nail on the head. It’s not about pretending you’re younger or pushing back the years; it’s about embracing who you are now and making the most of every moment. Think about the common expectations around age—by a certain point, you’re supposed to have your career nailed down or be slowing down. Yetta challenges these outdated ideas and shows that every age has its own unique opportunities. Whether you’re in your 20s, 50s, or beyond, each phase of life offers chances for new adventures and personal growth. And that’s what makes it exciting. In Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number, Yetta encourages us to see age as just a number and not a barrier. Having a youthful mindset isn’t about denying your age; it’s about staying curious, open to new experiences, and confident in who you are. It’s about enjoying the present and not letting age-related stereotypes hold you back. Confidence plays a huge role here. It’s not about knowing everything or having it all figured out; it’s about trusting yourself to handle whatever comes next. When you approach life with confidence, you turn challenges into opportunities and look forward to what’s ahead rather than dreading it.…

Courtney Andersen: Sobriety isn’t just about giving up alcohol—it’s about gaining a whole new perspective on life. Start your journey to thriving today

Liz Rubico September 19, 2024 September 19, 2024Meet The Authors

Sobriety isn’t just about giving up alcohol—it’s about gaining a completely new perspective on life. Sure, stepping away from drinking is a huge part of the process, but it’s really just the beginning of something so much bigger. When you choose sobriety, you’re choosing to rediscover who you are and how you want to live. And let’s be honest, those first three months can feel tough. But it’s during those early days that you start to uncover a strength you didn’t know you had, along with clarity and resilience that will carry you forward. Courtney Andersen, author of Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in Your First Three Months Without Alcohol, gets it. She’s been there. Courtney doesn’t just focus on quitting alcohol—she talks about how sobriety is a lifestyle shift that allows you to reconnect with yourself. Instead of feeling deprived, you start to feel empowered, more in tune with your emotions, your thoughts, and even your relationships. The fog lifts, and you begin to see life with fresh eyes. The first few months without alcohol may bring challenges, no doubt. But here’s the thing—it’s during this time that you’ll realize sobriety isn’t about losing anything. It’s about gaining freedom. When alcohol is no longer clouding your mind, you have a clearer view of everything around you: your goals, your relationships, and most importantly, your sense of self. You’ll start to notice that your energy levels improve, your productivity skyrockets, and you’re able to show up for yourself and others…