Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After 20 years of working in operational roles, this is my first book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“How to be a Chief Operating Officer” is a solution to a problem I found when I first started as a COO. I worked for over 20 years in several of the disciplines before securing my first COO role. I trained as an accountant, then moved into operational risk, technology programme delivery, held two chief of staff positions, led a global risk function, and finally worked in Legal, before taking on my first role as COO. Even with this breadth of experience, I was acutely aware that I was being asked to lead teams in disciplines in which I had little more than tangential experience; HR, communications, insurance, building and facilities management, to name a few. I had to work hard, dig deep and read voraciously. I reached out to contacts for subject matter knowledge, built a trusted community of advisors and, gradually moved up the learning curve. It was hard and I thought there must be a better way. This is what prompted me to write this book – it is the book I wish I had had at the outset.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really! But I do survive on a diet of coffee and flapjacks. I like to have a candle burning and Ludovico Einaudi playing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the clarity of Niamh O’Keeffe’s books (see “Your first 100 days”).
What are you working on now?
Just getting my book out on Kindle and following up with the paperback in the autumn.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Ask me again in a few months!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. And get support. Self-publishing is so open and accessible now, but there are some tricks of the trade. I signed up to the Self-Publishing School (https://xe172.isrefer.com/go/sps4fta-vts/bookbrosinc2241) and my book would not be here today without them.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure yet! I have enjoyed the writing process. Maybe I’ll be back for more!
Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Geary Website
Jennifer Geary Amazon Profil
Jennifer Geary’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account