Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Alexis Gerst. I’m a millennial leader with a passion for remote work culture. I am currently an Acquisition Program Manager for the United States Air Force on Active Duty, where I lead technical teams toward the procurement and sustainment of weapon systems critical to our national defense.
On the side, I love to write. I recently released my first book, “Leading Remote Teams: Embrace the Future of Remote Work Culture.” This book champions the future potential of remote work, explores the advantages of a workplace paradigm shift, and delivers tactical tips for remote leaders to enable team success.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled, “Leading Remote Teams: Embrace the Future of Remote Work Culture.”
At the start of the pandemic, I embraced my digital comfort as a millennial and quickly transitioned all of my team’s activities to suit the virtual environment. We continued to execute our organization’s mission without so much as a slow-down. After a couple months, I became aware that not all team leads were able to successfully transition their activities to accommodate the remote work environment, so I volunteered to start putting together training materials and conducting presentations on how to effectively engage teams and continue to accomplish tasks while working remotely.
When I shared what I was doing with my passion project on LinkedIn, a few people in my network picked up the idea and encouraged me to run with it by asking that I speak at their national symposium. The inspiration from these two people that the topic of remote leadership was a needed discussion gave me the energy I needed to put the training content into a book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s all that unusual, but I get up a 4am every morning to make time for writing. Since I have both a full-time job as a program manager and I prioritize fitness in my daily schedule, waking up early to write for a couple hours in the morning is the only way I can ensure I actually get time to write and make progress on my book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Simon Sinek, Cal Newport, Tim Ferris, and Nassim Nicholas Taleb are a few of the authors that stand out in my mind as far as thought leadership goes. I read mostly non-fiction books, with the occasional science fiction or romance novel as an indulgence. As far as topics, I love reading books about technology, national defense dynamics, personal finance and retirement planning, health and fitness, mindfulness, leadership, and work/life balance.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on promoting “Leading Remote Teams” and getting the book in front of as many people in my target audience as possible. In a world where the shift to remote work is accelerating, this book has the tools many people need right now to lead their teams more effectively and relieve some of the mounting stress resulting from unplanned remote work. I’m also planning my next big career transition for when I leave active duty in the coming year. As I navigate the transition and look at where my career is headed, I will also be brainstorming ideas for my next book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I used several free promotion websites for my book during the first week of launch, in addition to pumping social media and personally messaging every connection in my network I could think of who would be interested in the book. Since the free launch promo was short lived and several were stacked on the same 2 days, it is hard to say which ones were most effective. I had over 900 free downloads in the first 2 days of launch! Kindle Book Review, Free Discounted Books, and eReaderIQ are a few that I can connect directly to results in downloads and sales.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Set a launch date and make a timeline for yourself to get it done and publish your first book. One book I read that really helped me lay out a plan and start executing that plan was “Published!” by Chandler Bolt. It was practical and easy to follow. Compress your goal into 90 days so you can make measurable progress and see results. It won’t go perfect—but you’ll gain experience, learn from your mistakes, and be able to do it better on your next book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Some of the best advice I’ve heard was a recommendation from my commanding officer before I commissioned. He told me that many people will try to influence my leadership style, but I should always stay true to myself. Time and time again, I’ve heard his words echoing in my mind as I haven’t always fit the “Type-A, Storm-the-Hill” type that is so common and desired in military leaders. I have come to learn that my leadership style is more analytical and collaborative, which fits my chosen career field much better than trying to impose my ideas from the top down.
What are you reading now?
I just finished “Overcoming the Impostor: Silence Your Inner Critic and Lead with Confidence” by Kris Kelso, which resonated with me on several levels. Currently, I’m reading “Likewar: The Weaponization of Social Media” by P.W. Singer. This one is an interesting take on how social media influences our perception of the world—and many of us don’t realize it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Up next for me, I’m learning about all things book marketing after publishing. I’m brainstorming a few ideas for my next book, which I’ll probably start writing before the end of this year. I love learning and writing about leadership, so I’m sure my next book will be within the overall topic of leadership and team culture.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
First, I would bring Scott O’Dell’s “Island of the Blue Dolphins.” It was a book I fell in love with as a young girl and seems like it would jive well with being stranded on an island. Second, I would bring “The Tao of Seneca” because I would have plenty of time to work on my inner peace while stranded. With my other 1 or 2 books, I would probably want some type of “How-To” books that explain some of the skills necessary to survive on a remote island.
Author Websites and Profiles
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