Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a nationally-recognized strategic leadership coach, author, motivational speaker, retreat facilitator, and executive search consultant with over 35 years of experience leading, connecting with, and inspiring organizations in the nonprofit and medical industries. I am an expert in board governance, leadership development, philanthropy, and succession planning, and work with leaders of nonprofit organizations that want a more motivated and cohesive board and inspirational leadership that provides a more engaged strategic vision. I have written five books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called A Guide to Recruiting Your Next CEO: The Executive Search Handbook for Nonprofit Boards. The positive social impact that the nonprofit sector has in our society is very important to me. Seeing the baby boomer trends in professionals retiring and the need for new leaders with new competencies and skills to step forward, I saw firsthand the number of great nonprofit boards struggle with the issues of recruiting their next CEO. I thought this book would help contribute to their success by providing a roadmap forward.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I have any “unusual” writing habits, but I do know that my biggest challenge is starting the first paragraph in each chapter. It all starts with a blank piece of paper. After a few starts, my writing begins to flow and the rest of each chapter follows easily thereafter.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The one book that really inspired me many decades ago was Profiles in Courage by JFK, our former president. His book inspired me to dream to someday write down some notes that might mean something important to others. There are many other contemporary writers on the nonprofit sector also inspire me. Dan Pallotta, Steve MacLaughlin, Jason Saul and Heather Mansfield are also inspiring writers for the social impact sector.
What are you working on now?
Not officially started, but beginning to do research on writing a new book about encouraging young men and women to pursue careers in the nonprofit sector at an earlier age. There is great opportunity to both do something socially impactful and good for your family’s economy. It bothers me that not enough of educational institutions do not focus on this. I was the founder of the Center for Excellence: Leadership, Governance and Philanthropy at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey, but we need more undergraduate and graduate schools in this area and more high school guidance counselors to “wake up” and promote careers in the nonprofit sector too.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think posting on social media with LinkedIn and email distribution through Constant Contact has been my best way in the past to promote books, but not sure. That’s why I hired my publisher.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, do it, write a lot. Whether fiction or nonfiction. Be determined to succeed, don’t get discouraged in the publishing world. Do it for the love of it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Best advice I ever got was to ask for advice and not a job when I came out of graduate school. I asked for advice and got a job.
What are you reading now?
The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success, Wayne Breitbarth.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Relax for a week or two. Continue to write articles, blogs and books that hopefully inspire others to make a difference in the lives of others.
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?
Profiles in Courage, by John F. Kennedy
Author Websites and Profiles
Dennis C. Miller Website
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