Episodes

  • The Moment When a Book Becomes a Spark with Christine Barnes [S5 E13]

    The Moment When a Book Becomes a Spark with Christine Barnes [S5 E13]
    Feb 12 2026
    Welcome to another episode of Business Book Bites! Today, Karen Williams is joined by Christine Barnes, a global thought leader in organizational design and systems thinking, who has just launched her new book, Inclusionable.

    Christine shares her inspiring journey of returning to academia at 63 to pursue doctoral research on inclusive leadership, and how she transformed her rigorous dissertation into a practical, story-driven business book. From overcoming the challenges of narrative writing to creating a global community around inclusion, Christine’s insights reveal how leaders can spark lasting change and engagement in the workplace.

    In this episode, you'll hear candid stories, key aha moments, and actionable tips for anyone thinking about writing their own business book—or leading with greater inclusion. Inclusionable isn’t just a book, but the beginning of a movement for more connected, effective teams worldwide.

    ** Upcoming Events **

    If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors.

    We also run an annual writing retreat, and our next retreat in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book!

    You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com.

    Key Takeaways

    Stories Create Connection: Real-life leadership stories from Christine’s research bring inclusion to life, making it relatable and actionable for readers. People learn best from peers – not just experts.

    From Dissertation to Narrative: Academic rigor is valuable, but translating it into a practical, engaging book means distilling evidence and embracing storytelling. Christine’s shift from tables and stats to narrative changed everything.

    Inclusion Is Not Just DEI: "Inclusionable" focuses on inclusion as a tool for leaders to create better engagement and performance – not as part of a DEI checklist. It’s about practical strategies leaders can use every day.


    Bio

    Christine Barnes, EdD is a global thought leader on organization design, development and systems thinking. Her work of inspiring leaders and teams to solve complex business challenges effectively is at the intersection of her doctoral research on inclusionary practices of leaders, her years of executive coaching, and her passion for continuous improvement.

    Website: www.inclusionable.com

    Book link: www.inclusionable.com

    Socials: www.LinkedIn.com/in/christinebarnes

    Time stamped overview:
    00:00 From Dissertation to Impactful Book
    05:05 Leadership Insights: Stories Over Data
    09:13 Creating Community Through Connection
    10:52 Impact of Shared Reflections
    14:13 Inclusion as Leadership Strategy
    18:29 Collaborative Publishing Process Insights
    23:25 Start Small, Keep It Simple
    26:17 Write, Edit, Move Forward

    Keywords: organizational design, systems thinking, executive coaching, inclusive leadership, STEM organizations, inclusionary practices, inclusion biases, academic research, leadership development, narrative writing, qualitative research, quantitative research, evidence-based book, storytelling, business impact, book launch, creating a movement, community building, online connections, hybrid publishing, london book fair, girl Friday productions, manuscript editing, thought leadership, employee engagement, leadership strategy, practicing inclusion, writing a business book
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    26 mins
  • Creating a Movement with a Book with Saar Ben-Attar [S5 E12]

    Creating a Movement with a Book with Saar Ben-Attar [S5 E12]
    Feb 5 2026
    Today, Karen Williams sits down with Saar Ben-Attar, founder of Ascent Growth Partners and acclaimed author of Challengers – How a New Breed of Leaders Collaborates and Wins in a Hyper Competitive World. Saar shares the story behind his first book, revealing how his journey – filled with collaboration, frustration, and innovation – shaped both its content and its impact. They dive into the evolution of leadership and ecosystem growth, from the challenges of writing and publishing, to the real-world impact his book has had for organisations worldwide. The episode explores the exciting frontier where business books meet generative AI, discussing how AI is helping readers bridge the gap between knowing and doing, driving creativity, and enabling more practical application of the book’s practices. Whether you’re an aspiring author, an innovation leader, or simply curious about the intersection of business and technology, this episode dives into behind-the-scenes writing insights and a glimpse of the future where books become dynamic tools for change. ** Upcoming Events ** If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors. We also run an annual writing retreat, and our next retreat in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book! You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents.Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com. Key Takeaways From Words to Action: Writing and publishing a business book is just the beginning. The real transformation happens when readers move beyond passive consumption and start actively applying practices in their organizations. Amplifying Creativity with AI: Saar shared how generative AI isn’t just a marketing tool – it’s a bridge to new collaborative possibilities, allowing readers to creatively engage with concepts and accelerate scenario planning from weeks to mere hours. Collaboration Drives Innovation: The secret sauce? Consistent collaboration – both in crafting the book and developing tools that empower leaders to bring ecosystem thinking into their everyday work. Bio Saar Ben-Attar is the founder of Ascent Growth Partners, an award-winning firm that focuses on innovation and ecosystem-driven growth, supporting clients in fast-growing economies in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia, with offices in Johannesburg and Singapore. He has been working with Fortune Global 500 as well as mid-sized, high growth organisations for over 20 years, helping them to realise their growth aspirations. As a national expert in Business Ecosystems, under the auspices of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), he has helped to develop a new global guidance standard for Innovation Ecosystem Management (ISO 56012). His highly collaborative approach has given rise to partnerships formed with leading organisations that augment Ascent’s work, including business schools and industry think tanks. Apart from his role at Ascent Growth Partners, he serves as an Advisory Board member and is an Executive Fellow at the Center for the Future of Organization, at the Peter F. Drucker School of Management. His book, Challengers: How a New Breed of Leaders Collaborates and Wins in a Hyper-Competitive World, has won acclaim and is available on Amazon.com. Website: www.ascent-growth.com Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Challengers-Breed-Leaders-Collaborates-Competitive/dp/B0CYWG78FQ Book a 15 minute call with Saar here Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saarbenattar Time stamped overview: 00:00 Journey of Collaborative Creation06:10 Motivation, Challenges, and Learning09:39 Insights on Collaboration and AI11:45 Generative AI for Creative Impact16:16 Testing Practices for Real Life22:02 AI's Human Journey and Limits25:32 Effective AI Use Requires Clarity29:16 Generative AI Bridges Global Collaboration32:13 Collaborative AI-Powered Book Innovation34:34 Creating Value and Visibility Keywords: ecosystem-driven growth, Ascent Growth Partners, book writing journey, leadership, hyper-competitive world, , AI innovation, generative AI, collaborative learning, bestselling author, Amazon books, podcast appearances, collaborative ecosystems, organizational impact, value creation, business practices, digital tools, card deck, AI digital assistant, cultural collaboration, future of AI ethics, book publishing
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    34 mins
  • How to Self-Edit Like a Pro with Katie Chambers [S5 E11]

    How to Self-Edit Like a Pro with Katie Chambers [S5 E11]
    Jan 29 2026
    Welcome to another insightful episode of Business Book Bites! Today, we’re joined by Katie Chambers, developmental editor, copy editor, and owner of Beacon Point, LLC. Passionate about helping authors shape compelling fiction and nonfiction, Katie brings a unique perspective—not only as an experienced editor, but now as an author herself. Karen Williams dives into Katie’s journey on both sides of the publishing fence: from supporting nearly 300 books behind the scenes to navigating the vulnerable experience of publishing her own self-editing guides for fiction and nonfiction writers. Together, they explore the emotional rollercoaster of imposter syndrome, the challenge of knowing when to stop editing, and the importance of getting honest feedback from beta readers—as well as engaging professional editors, even if you’re one yourself. You’ll gain practical insights into the stages and types of editing, learn why investing in covers and blurbs might be more crucial than you think, and hear candid opinions about the powerful—but sometimes controversial—role of AI in writing and editing. Whether you’re just starting your manuscript, deep in revisions, or strategizing your book launch, Katie’s hard-won advice and actionable takeaways will help you level up your writing and publishing process. ** Upcoming Events ** If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors. We also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book! You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com. Key Takeaways Editing is a Multistage Process: Katie stressed that self-editing isn't a one-and-done deal. It often takes as much (or more!) time than writing your draft. Breaking your editing into focused rounds (story, scene/content, then actual writing improvements) is far more effective than trying to tackle everything at once. The Value of Outside Support (Even for Editors!): Even as a professional editor, Katie invested in external editing, beta readers, and honest feedback to gain a fresh perspective. She emphasized that authors are always “blind to their own errors,” and an outside eye is essential—even for seasoned editors. AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement: Katie and Karen discussed using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude for feedback and example generation. The consensus? AI can speed up certain parts of the process and offer new angles, but it’s never a substitute for thoughtful self-editing and professional review. Always make ethical, transparent choices about how and when to use these technologies. Bio Katie Chambers, a developmental editor, copy editor, and owner of Beacon Point LLC, helps authors shape powerful fiction and nonfiction. With a background in teaching middle and high school English and formal public speaking training, Katie brings clarity, enthusiasm, and a teacher’s heart to every presentation. She loves editing and running her business. Still, teaching is at her core, so give her a mic and a room of writers, and she's right at home. She’s passionate about helping authors strengthen their writing and better understand the editing process. Website: https://beaconpointservices.org Book link: https://beaconpointservices.org/self-editing-guides Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-chambers-62b16bb3 Time stamped overview: 00:00 Perils of Perpetual Editing06:15 Investing in Writing & Feedback08:11 Write Fearlessly, Edit Mercilessly11:42 Write Fearlessly, Edit Honestly14:47 Big Picture Editing Overview20:08 AI: Nuance Over Black and White21:07 AI-Assisted Editing and Examples26:52 Editing: AI vs. Human Touch27:55 Embracing and Learning ChatGPT34:20 Author Management Tracker Development35:49 Book Launch Strategy Tips Keywords: editing process, self-editing, copy editing, developmental editing, proofreading, imposter syndrome, beta readers, AI in writing, ChatGPT, Claude AI, professional editor, book publishing, author journey, book writing tips, feedback for authors, book marketing, cover design, book description, author bio, manuscript evaluation, editing levels, fiction writing, nonfiction writing, editing tools, writing drafts, publishing journey, editing costs, marketing strategies, advance review copies, arc readers
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    36 mins
  • Writing a Book When You Think You Can’t with Kimberley Ashwin [S5 E10]

    Writing a Book When You Think You Can’t with Kimberley Ashwin [S5 E10]
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode, Karen Williams (The Book Mentor) sits down with Kimberly Ashwin, an autism consultant, nurse, entrepreneur, and empowerment advocate. Kimberly Ashwin is the author of the memoir Teen Mum to CEO, published in 2025 – a raw and powerful story of resilience, healing, and transformation. Together, Karen Williams and Kimberly Ashwin dive into her journey of overcoming adversity, becoming a mother at sixteen, navigating neurodivergence, and building a nationally recognized organization from her kitchen table. Kimberly Ashwin opens up about the process of writing her memoir as a dyslexic leader, the challenges of building a personal brand, and the unexpected opportunities her book has unlocked – including a new program supporting young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. If you’ve ever doubted whether you could share your story or worried about imposter syndrome, this is an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss. Grab your coffee and get ready for insights on personal growth, authentic storytelling, and creating impact far beyond the page. ** Upcoming Events ** If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors. We also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book! You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com. Key Takeaways Your Story Has Power – Even If You Doubt Yourself. As someone who’s dyslexic, Kimberley never imagined writing a book. But starting, jotting down bullet points, and accepting support from others made it possible. If you even help one reader, it’s worth it. Embrace Vulnerability and Authenticity. Sharing the hard moments isn’t about dwelling on them, it’s about showing resilience and growth. Balance is key: be honest, but focus on the lessons learned along the way. One Bold Step Sparks a Movement. Publishing a book was just the beginning. It’s led to the Team Mum to CEO program and inspired other young women to chase their goals – proof that telling your story can create ripples far beyond yourself. Bio Kimberley Ashwin is an Autism Consultant Nurse, entrepreneur, and empowerment advocate. She is the founder of Teen Mum to CEO and works as an independent consultant nurse, supporting neurodivergent individuals and empowering young mothers through entrepreneurship. A specialist in PDA-informed autism and ADHD assessment, Kimberley blends clinical expertise with lived experience to reshape service delivery with compassion and rigour. Her journey includes being the CEO at Autism Oxford UK for 5 years prior to its closure and expanding her impact through speaking, workshops, and podcasts, positioning her as a thought leader in neurodivergence and women’s leadership. Known for emotionally intelligent messaging and meticulous operational systems, she is committed to building ethical, sustainable frameworks that foster trust and growth. At the heart of her work is legacy: creating opportunities for young people, especially teen mums and neurodivergent women to thrive with confidence and strategy. Inspired by her children’s achievements in sport, Kimberley channels that drive into movements that challenge stereotypes and elevate community potential. Website: www.kimberleyashwin.co.uk Book link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teen-Mum-CEO-Neurodivergent-Advocacy/dp/191921190X Socials: https://www.instagram.com/kimberley.ashwin/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-ashwin-06a77a76/ Time stamped overview: 00:00 Overcoming Doubts to Write05:33 Reflection and Structure in Writing09:08 Managing Your Inner Critic10:43 Dyslexia's Impact on Verbal Skills17:40 Entrepreneurial Nurse's Journey20:20 Balancing Work and Home22:38 Just Go Write It Keywords: teen mum to CEO, memoir writing, personal branding, neurodivergence, dyslexia, overcoming adversity, leadership, publishing a book, entrepreneurship, podcast interviews, public speaking, disadvantaged backgrounds, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, imposter syndrome, personal growth, support for young women, inspirational stories, breaking stigma, social impact, neurodivergent author, writing and dyslexia
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    23 mins
  • The Real ROI of Writing a Business Book [S5, E9]

    The Real ROI of Writing a Business Book [S5, E9]
    Jan 15 2026
    In today’s episode, Karen Williams and Sheryl Andrews dive deep into one of the burning questions on every business author’s mind – what does real return on investment (ROI) look like when you write a book? Sure, we all want to sell copies, but as Karen and Sheryl discuss, the true value of a book goes far beyond simple sales numbers. We debunk the 15-pound fallacy, discuss why focusing on book sales alone misses the bigger picture, and explore the unique ways a business book can boost your authority, streamline your processes, and open unexpected doors for your business. Whether you’re using your book to save time, build credibility, or attract your dream clients, you’ll come away with fresh insights on how the process of writing a book is transformative – both personally and professionally. ** Upcoming Events ** If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors. Our Smart Author Momentum programme starts on Monday 19 January 2026, and we also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book! You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com. Related episodes S5, Ep 8: The Mindset Shift Behind a Bigger, Bolder Book with Claire Brumby (where we talk about Claire’s experience of self-publishing vs getting a publishing deal). S5, Ep 6: The Courage to Write a Book That Matters with Deborah Naish (where we talk about how her book shifted her business long before her book was published). S2, Ep 9: Cracking Crowdfunding during COVID with Paul Newton (where we talk about Paul’s crowdfunding experience). S3, Ep 9: Career Trends and Crowdfunding Success with Della (which also touches on crowdfunding). S4, Ep4: 5 Things Every Business Authors Should Know Before Publishing with Karen and Sheryl (where we talk about the pros and cons of the different publishing routes for business authors) Key insights Book sales are not the whole story: The true return on your investment doesn’t come from sales alone. It’s about the credibility, authority, and opportunities you create by putting your thinking, experiences, and processes into words. Clarity is priceless: The process of writing a book forces you to reflect, structure, and articulate what makes your approach unique. That self-awareness helps you communicate your value—and often attracts the clients and work you most want. Momentum matters more than perfection: You start seeing returns even while writing your book. Sharing your expertise, getting feedback, and talking about your project opens doors, builds your visibility, and often draws in business before your book is even published. Bio – Karen Williams Karen Williams is The Book Mentor at Librotas®, a leading authority in helping experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders write and market non-fiction books. Having started out in business in 2006, and writing her first book in 2009, she knows the difference that writing a book can make to your business when done well. With a focus on sharing significant stories and memorable messages, Karen guides her clients through the entire process of planning, writing, marketing, and launching a book that boosts credibility, attracts new clients, and creates exciting opportunities. Karen is the bestselling author of 10 books and a TEDx speaker. Website: https://librotas.com Socials: https://www.facebook.com/librotas https://twitter.com/librotas https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwilliamslibrotas/ https://www.instagram.com/karenwilliamslibrotas https://www.youtube.com/@librotas Bio – Sheryl Andrews Sheryl Andrews is The Listening Detective and is known for helping you do more of what you love and ditch the critic that says you can’t. Sheryl spends her time supporting individuals to work, learn and live at their best, both independently and in groups, and her first book, Manage Your Critic, was published in 2016 and she is currently writing her second. Website: https://stepbysteplistening.com Time-stamped overview: 00:00 Books as Business Tools04:08 Writing with Purpose and Vision09:15 Write Books for Ideal Clients13:14 Making the Invisible Visible16:47 Balancing Writing and Work18:09 Just Start Writing23:39 Overcoming Blocks to Writing25:00 Funding Creative Projects Through Support28:35 Purpose-Driven Book Writing Insights Keywords: book sales, return on investment, business book, book marketing, Amazon sales, self-publishing, traditional publishing, author authority, business credibility, business growth, client acquisition, ...
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    27 mins
  • The Mindset Shift Behind a Bigger, Bolder Book with Claire Brumby [S5 E8]

    The Mindset Shift Behind a Bigger, Bolder Book with Claire Brumby [S5 E8]
    Jan 8 2026
    In today's episode, Karen Williams (The Book Mentor) sits down with Claire Brumby, motivational speaker, leadership coach, and bestselling author. Claire shares her journey from launching her first book, The Winning Mix, back in 2018 – a guide inspired by her own entrepreneurial experience in the food industry – to mapping out her upcoming title, Forget Normal, I Want Magic, which introduces her progressive leadership framework and is set to be published in April 2026. Together, they dive into the differences between self-publishing and securing a publishing deal, the evolution of Claire Brumby's business and message, and the ambitious goal of making her next book a Sunday Times bestseller. You'll hear practical advice for aspiring authors, candid reflections on book writing challenges, and unique marketing tactics like 'lumpy mail' and leveraging your network. Plus, Claire Brumby reveals the origins of her signature MAGIC acronym and how it's shaping leaders and organizations for the future.** Upcoming Events ** If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors. Our Smart Author Momentum programme starts on Monday 19 January 2026, and we also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book! You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com. Key Takeaways Find Your Why Before You Start Writing: Claire stressed the importance of sitting with yourself, understanding your motivations, the audience you want to serve, and what you want your book to achieve. Knowing your why gives you the staying power you’ll need for the writing process. The Power of Networks & Bold Marketing: When preparing for her second book launch, Claire is going all in on connection—leveraging her network, reaching out directly, and even bringing back old-school lumpy mail marketing! Don’t be afraid to ask for help or experiment to spread your message. Frameworks Make Ideas Stick: The MAGIC framework (Mindset, Awakening, Gumption, Intuition, Charisma) isn’t just memorable—it's actionable. Whether you’re leading a team or presenting on stage, frameworks like this make complex ideas tangible and practical, helping both you and your audience grow. Bio Claire Brumby is a motivational speaker, leadership coach and best-selling author helping leaders and organisations unlock intuitive, emotionally intelligent and future-ready leadership. As a former FMCG founder and Dragons’ Den alumna, Claire brings real-world commercial experience together with deep insight into resilience, mindset and transformation. Her new book, Forget Normal – I Want Magic! introduces her pioneering MAGIC framework—Mindset, Awakening, Gumption, Intuition, and Charisma, offering a progressive approach to self-leadership in a world reshaping fast. Claire challenges outdated, overly masculine leadership norms and invites every leader, regardless of gender, to embrace balanced energetics, intuition and personal power. Claire works internationally with organisations, boards and executive leaders to develop cultures that are authentic, human-centred and high performing - without burnout. She speaks powerfully on intuitive leadership, emotional intelligence, authenticity in modern leadership, and how to lead with courage in times of uncertainty and change. Her mission is to inspire individuals and organisations to lead with heart, clarity and confidence, and to create impact that feels meaningful, aligned and sustainable. Website: www.clairebrumby.com Book link: https://tinyurl.com/ForgetNormalIWantMagic Socials: https://www.instagram.com/theclairebrumby Time stamped overview: 00:00 Entrepreneurial Lessons from Food Industry06:27 Pandemic Pivot: Expanding Business Horizons10:11 Overcoming Self-Doubt for Success14:01 Shooting for the Bestseller Goal17:27 Chasing Sunday Times Bestseller18:33 Leveraging Networks and Celebrations21:32 Overcoming Fear for Leadership25:50 Memorable Impact Through Magic28:35 Quick Mindset Boost Guide32:14 Business Culture Fuels Burnout37:59 Blending Memoir and Advice Keywords: book writing, self-publishing, publishing deal, Sunday Times bestseller, keynote speaking, leadership, coaching, business growth, food mentor, entrepreneurial journey, women leaders, positive disruption, marketing tactics, lumpy mail, personal development, pivoting in business, author journey, goal setting, book proposal, magic framework, Kogan Page, organizational change, storytelling, writing process
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    33 mins
  • Stepping Into the Spotlight - How to Raise your Visibility with Susan M. Barber [S5 E7]

    Stepping Into the Spotlight - How to Raise your Visibility with Susan M. Barber [S5 E7]
    Dec 18 2025
    Today, Karen Williams, The Book Mentor, sits down with Susan M. Barber, a leading visibility coach and former Kraft Heinz executive. With over 25 years of corporate leadership experience under her belt, Susan has turned her journey – from battling imposter syndrome to becoming an influential author and podcast host – into invaluable lessons for quiet, high-achieving professionals looking to step into the spotlight. In this conversation, Susan shares the story of how blogging about her own struggles and triumphs led to writing her influential books and building a business centered on helping others embrace their unique strengths. You’ll hear insights about her signature “Rise” framework for gaining visibility, why she wrote a workbook to accompany her main book, and practical tips for anyone struggling with self-promotion – especially those who identify as introverts. If you’ve ever wondered how to authentically share your achievements without feeling like you’re bragging, or what it takes to go from corporate life to author and entrepreneur, this episode is full of honest advice and inspiration. ** Upcoming Events ** If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors. We also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book! You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com. Key TakeawaysVisibility Is a Skill, Not Just a Trait: Susan shared how her own struggles with imposter syndrome and being “too quiet” inspired her to develop authentic strategies for visibility that work—even for introverts and reluctant self-promoters.Your Story Resonates More Than You Think: By openly sharing her personal and professional stories through blogs, books, and her podcast, Susan found her vulnerability created connection—and clients saw themselves in her journey.Books (and Workbooks!) Create Ecosystems: Publishing her story unlocked new opportunities—including speaking gigs, workshops, and international connections. Her recent workbook goes beyond inspiration, providing practical prompts and resources to help readers implement real change.BioSusan M. Barber is a leading visibility coach who helps quiet, high-achieving corporate leaders step into the spotlight and become visible, valued, and influential. With over twenty-five years of leadership experience at Kraft Heinz, Susan understands the challenges of corporate life. She’s the author of Your Journey to Visibility Workbook, The Visibility Factor and the host of The Visibility Factor podcast. Through her coaching and work, Susan empowers professionals to embrace their unique strengths, grow their influence, and take their careers to the next level. Website: https://susanmbarber.com Book link: The Visibility Factor and Your Journey to Visibility Workbook Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbarbercoaching Time stamped overview: 00:00 From Imposter Syndrome to Business05:45 Prioritizing My Role as Author09:06 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Visibility12:44 Career Clarity for Decision Making16:27 Share Impact, Not Ego18:54 Inspiring Others to Try Boldly20:29 Embracing a Voice to Help24:47 Guidance Unlocks Limitless Potential Keywords: visibility coach, imposter syndrome, authentic leadership, personal branding, career success, blog writing, storytelling, book writing, workbook creation, influence growth, author mindset, podcast hosting, visibility challenges, pandemic career impact, career transition, career clarity framework, introverts in business, book publishing, developmental editing, business ecosystem, public speaking, business networking, marketing books
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    26 mins
  • The Courage to Write a Book That Matters with Deborah Naish [S5 E6]

    The Courage to Write a Book That Matters with Deborah Naish [S5 E6]
    Dec 11 2025
    Welcome to another episode of Business Book Bites! Today, host and book mentor Karen Williams sits down with Deborah Naish, an award-winning executive coach and author of Level Up Your Leadership.

    With over 40 years of experience in both corporate and nonprofit leadership, Deborah brings a wealth of wisdom on how leaders can create positive change with intention and clarity. In this conversation, Deborah shares her journey from adamantly believing she’d never write a book to becoming a published author—thanks to some inspiration from other writers and a few pivotal mindset shifts.

    She opens up about imposter syndrome, the importance of curiosity and acceptance, and how writing her book not only helped her formalize her own leadership models but also gave her powerful new tools to help clients and elevate her business.

    If you’re an aspiring author, a coach, or simply someone seeking inspiration from a seasoned leader who’s walked the talk, this episode is packed with practical tips, authentic reflections, and plenty of encouragement to help you level up your own journey.

    ** Upcoming Events **

    If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors.

    We also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book!

    You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com.

    Key Takeaways

    • Embrace the Beginner Mindset: Stepping into something new—even if it’s messy or uncomfortable—is where meaningful growth happens.
    • Structure Creates Freedom: Turning instinctive ways of working into a framework not only clarifies your process, but also creates ongoing resources for both you and your clients.
    • Curiosity and Acceptance are Superpowers: Staying curious and learning to accept what is helps us transform roadblocks into possibilities, whether in writing or business.
    Bio

    Deborah Naish is an award-winning executive coach and author of Level Up Your Leadership. With 40+ years of experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership, she helps leaders grow their impact with clarity and intention. Based in Santa Barbara, she finds inspiration by the ocean and sees leadership as a force for positive change. 2025 winner of two Goody Business Book Awards: Leadership: Mentor/Coaching and Leadership: Motivation.

    Website: www.deborahnaish.com

    Book link: Level Up Your Leadership: Becoming More Conscious, Courageous & Resilient https://www.amazon.com/Level-Your-Leadership-Conscious-Courageous/dp/B0FKMM6KVD

    Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnaish

    Time stamped overview:
    00:00 Writing a Book: The Start
    03:54 Creating Connection Through Writing
    07:14 Level Up Loop Framework
    11:04 Overcoming Doubt to Achieve Success
    16:25 Exploring What's Next
    19:15 Acceptance and Moving Forward
    21:06 Unlocking Personal Agency
    25:45 Flexible Approach to Writing Tasks
    29:56 Leadership Lessons for Everyone
    30:52 Deborah on Podcast

    Keywords: leadership, executive coaching, book writing journey, author mindset, imposter syndrome, business book, leadership development, self-publishing, book marketing, book launch, building a coaching business, personal growth, writing process, book structure and frameworks, publishing awards, business awards, social impact, women in business, book as a business card, LinkedIn marketing, developmental editing, overcoming self-doubt
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    29 mins