Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi I’m Laurie. I grew up in a tiny upstate-NY town where cows outnumber people! I’m the middle child of 14 (I fondly refer to us as the Crazy Bunch – kinda like the Brady Bunch gone wild!). This childhood experience is probably what set the course for me to “help people work better together.” I founded Unlimited Coaching Solutions, Inc. in 1999.
Leading With GRIT is the first book I’ve written. It was a lot more work than I anticipated, but it was a labor of love for sure. I’ve created a GRIT Productivity Planner, and just finished and submitted the audio version of Leading With GRIT. My plans are to create a self-directed Lead With GRIT workbook, and then write some more GRIT books: Communicate with GRIT; Team GRIT; etc.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Leading With GRIT was inspired by my own workplace dread, along with watching so many people dreading Monday morning! I grew up in a bit of a dysfunctional family, and I started to see a lot of workplaces are dysfunctional too. After over 15 years training and coaching, I thought it was time to put it into a book so even more people could benefit from this simple formula – GRIT.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this is unusual, but I’m not structured and disciplined. I need to think about it – take walks, visualize it – and then get it to paper. Collaborating gets my juices flowing and ideas popping. My thoughts flow way faster than I can capture them. Ideally I’d love someone to just audio record my workshops and sessions and help me put it all together… but, it didn’t happen like that. I had index cards, sticky notes and papers sprawled over my entire living room and dining room for weeks!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Four Agreements has been the biggest influence for me, both personally and professionally. I met Don Miguel Ruiz in NYC many years ago and connected instantly (as he does with many!).
I went to multiple retreats and spent 1:1 time with Don Miguel. I had already been using “don’t take things personally” and “don’t make assumptions” in my trainings before I met him.
I am forever grateful for that time with him, and for his wonderful endorsement of my book.
What are you working on now?
As mentioned, my next project is a self-directed Lead With GRIT workbook, and then I’ll write some more GRIT books: Communicate with GRIT; Team GRIT; etc. I’m also considering an online, self-directed course on Lead With GRIT.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Linked in and Amazon are all I’ve used to promote my books so far, and messages to my email list. I just discovered Awesome Gang and some other cool book promo sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Understand your Truth around writing the book. Why are you writing it? What is the purpose? This helps keep you in Integrity (aka aligned to your Truth). You’ll stay focused on the actions that make the most sense. You’ll be respecting yourself, and it will be easier for you to genuinely give to your audience. (Um, we just used GRIT, did you notice?)
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Be yourself – everyone else is already taken.” Oscar Wilde
What are you reading now?
Just finished “The Nightingale” last night – what an outstanding book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To write more GRIT books and share the formula in different situations. It really is a great roadmap to create the life you deserve. It can be applied in so many ways. I want to share that with people so they can be free to choose to live life authentically and without regrets.
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?
The Bible
The Four Agreements
Wilderness Survival Guide
Blank Journal
Author Websites and Profiles
Laurie Sudbrink Website
Laurie Sudbrink Amazon Profile
Laurie Sudbrink’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile