Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
For over 30 years I have delivered leadership development programs around the globe, including in the U.S., Canada, Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, and the Arab Gulf region. I am the author of 20 books on leadership, management, marketing, and personal development.
Two of my recent books have won industry awards, including a Silver Award from the Nonfiction Authors Association for bringing “a comprehensive plan of action for improving life through recognizing decision-making patterns that don’t serve us well, don’t enrich our lives, and don’t bring us to our goals and dreams.” That was for my most recent book Better Decisions Better Thinking Better Outcomes.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Better Decisions Better Thinking Better Outcomes, which was published in October 2018.
My research into Alzheimer’s disease and dementia began when I started to assist my father, who suffered from early-stage Alzheimer’s in the last few years of his life. After his passing my research intensified, mostly for selfish reasons as I certainly do not wish to live my final years in cognitive decline.
As I conducted my research I was thrilled to learn of new neuroscientific studies showing that neuroplasticity — the ability to grow neuronal connectivity across the brain — can continue well into our 70s. I also learned that our lifestyle habits (poor eating, lack of exercise, etc.) also contribute to both dementia and bad decisions, poor thinking, and undesirable outcomes.
This was a message I felt obligated to spread, hence the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am an early riser and my brain kicks in as soon as I wake up. So I often write for 2-3 hours at the start of the day, beginning as early as 5:30.
Also, whenever I am writing or editing I put my mobile phone on airplane mode so as to not be disturbed by incoming calls and text messages.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dr. Martin Seligman, author of Authentic Happiness and several other books, has been an influence. So has Deepak Chopra, Dr. David Simon, and Daniel Goleman.
What are you working on now?
I have just completed the draft outlines for two new books on leadership. One will be a collection of quotes concerning a specific leadership skill. The other I would prefer not to reveal at this time.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s hard to say. It’s been different for every book. But in general, a mixture of social media (Twitter, LinkedIn) and public appearances (classroom training and speaking engagements) has proven to be a good combination.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write. And do not worrying about editing as you write. Editing can come later.
Also, use a professional editor once your second draft is complete. Very few writers are capable of editing their own work, especially when it comes to catching typos and grammatical errors.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Richard Bach wrote, “You don’t tell the quality of a master by the size of his crowds.” To me, this means that writers do not have to become best-selling authors to have an impact. So if my books reach only a few hundred people, or only a couple of thousand, I am satisfied knowing that I will have impacted those hundred or thousands of readers.
What are you reading now?
Fit for Joy: The Healing Power of Being You by Valeria Teles and Project You: Living A Determined Life by Phronesis. Both are excellent.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, I still have a few more books in me. And I would like to expand my reach with more keynote speaking engagements.
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?
Authentic Happiness by Dr. Martin Seligman
The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon
Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah and Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach
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