Motivate. Inspire Your Personal Growth & Development | Global Coaching Corner
Author: Dr. Shelly
Dr. Shelly Cameron is a leadership strategist, author, and executive coach dedicated to helping individuals uncover their purpose, elevate their leadership potential, and achieve meaningful success. She is the creator of the GreenLight Leadership Framework. As the curator of SuccessfulLeaders.net, Dr. Shelly shares insights drawn from her extensive experience in organizational development, human resources, and personal growth. She is passionate about empowering professionals to navigate change, manage stress, and design fulfilling lives through intentional goal setting, self-discovery, and continuous learning.
Dr. Shelly's research on Success Strategies was published in the JAABC Business Journal. She is also the author of several books, including works on leadership, success, and cultural intelligence.
New and aspiring writers are curious about the publishing process. As a foundation, it is important to understand the basic advantages and disadvantages of each. These two infographics were prepared as a comparative analysis to help writers understand each especially when navigating the agent-publisher-author relationship.
Here’s hoping it will clarify any confusion associated with the process and help new authors make informed decisions.
Which have you used? Traditional, Self-Publishing, or a combination of both. Do share, we would love to hear.
The publishing process can be intimidating for an unknown writer. The traditional Agent-Publisher-Author relationship is hard. Rejection after rejection is common as Agents say ‘no’. Writers become discouraged and often give up. Manuscripts stay in the darkness of desk drawers for years.
As time has involved, so has the advent of self-publishing. Writers become bold and take advantage of their publishing plight. They make bold moves; step ahead, take the reins to achieve their publishing goal of becoming an author. With low budget and unplanned expenses, some cut corners and quality becomes compromised. Book covers are mediocre. Titles lack depth. Formatting is non-existent, which leads to the demise of some great manuscripts.
On the other hand, some writers step out, work hard, invest, learn the process, and viola! Success follows!
Self-Publishing Success
Here are 15 Authors of color who achieved significant success through self-publishing:
Toni Morrison – While primarily known for her traditionally published works, she self-published her first novel “The Bluest Eye” before gaining wider recognition
Terry McMillan – Initially self-published her debut novel “Mama” before securing a publisher for subsequent works
N.K. Jemisin – First self-published some of her fantasy work before becoming the first author to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel three years in a row
Alexandria House – Found success self-publishing contemporary romance novels featuring Black characters
Kristen Ashley – Built a dedicated following through self-publishing her romance novels before signing with traditional publishers
Brenda Jackson – Pioneer in African American romance who began with self-publishing before becoming a New York Times bestseller
Alyssa Cole – Initially self-published her diverse romance novels before becoming an award-winning author
K.M. Jackson – Self-published romance author who found success writing diverse contemporary stories
Nikki Turner – Self-published her first urban fiction novel before becoming known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Fiction”
Beverly Jenkins – Started self-publishing historical romances featuring Black characters when traditional publishers showed little interest
Sister Souljah – Self-published “The Coldest Winter Ever” which became a groundbreaking street lit phenomenon
Nnedi Okorafor – Self-published some of her early Africanfuturist works before winning multiple prestigious awards
Kiini Ibura Salaam – Award-winning speculative fiction writer who self-published collections of her short stories
Octavia Butler – Though mostly known for her traditionally published works, she self-published some early stories
Zane – Built an erotic fiction empire beginning with self-published works before launching her own publishing company
These authors demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial spirit and literary talent often creating space for Black women’s voices. This occurred at a time when traditional publishing wasn’t receptive to their work. Many of these women went on to sign traditional deals. Suffice it to say they proved their commercial viability through self-publishing. Others maintained independence throughout their careers.
Need help to get over your fear to make the leap? Let these women inspire your journey. Thoughts about any of these or other women of color who have experienced success? Do share. We would love to hear.
“Writing is a process, a journey into memory and the soul.”
Isabel Allende
Award-Winning Storyteller and Journalist Sharon Gordon published her debut novel Sheribaby and started off with a bang! Introverts may not be as purposeful due to shyness. They are reserved and avoid putting themselves ‘out there’ for the world to see them and their author life.
That said, here are 15 women authors who found significant success through self-publishing:
Amanda Hocking – Became a millionaire by self-publishing her paranormal romance novels before signing with a traditional publisher
E.L. James – Initially self-published “Fifty Shades of Grey” as fan fiction before it became a global phenomenon
Colleen Hoover – Self-published her debut novel “Slammed” before becoming a #1 New York Times bestselling author
Rachel Abbott – One of the UK’s most successful self-published authors with her thriller novels
Lindsay Buroker – Found success with her Emperor’s Edge fantasy series and numerous other works
Bella Forrest – Self-published the phenomenally successful “A Shade of Vampire” series
H.M. Ward – Romance author who sold millions of copies of her self-published works
Jasinda Wilder – Self-published numerous bestselling romance novels before signing a traditional deal
Vi Keeland – Initially self-published her romance novels before becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller
Penny Reid – Built a successful career with her self-published romantic comedies
Rupi Kaur – Self-published her poetry collection “Milk and Honey” which became a worldwide bestseller
Sierra Simone – Found success with her provocative romance novels
Sarina Bowen – Award-winning romance author who began her career self-publishing
L.J. Shen – Romance author who built a massive following through self-publishing
Many of these authors began self-publishing when traditional routes weren’t available to them. They remained independent even after achieving success. Several eventually signed traditional publishing deals after demonstrating their commercial appeal through self-publishing
Need help to get over your fear of leveling up to achieve your goal of being a published author? Let these women inspire you. Have you or someone you know stepped out and achieved success? Do share. We would love to hear.
Absolutely thrilled to announce that Sharon Gordon’s debut book “Sheribaby is NOW AVAILABLE!
Journalist Sharon, is the talented 2025 Award winning Storyteller and niece of beloved Jamaica’s Singer Songwriter Beresford Hammond.
I met Sharon a decade ago when Reggae music matriarch Miss Patricia Chin, hosted my Success Strategies of Caribbean American Leaders book event at VP Records, New York.
It’s been such an honor to guide Sharon through the book publishing journey – from connecting her with Raquel, the perfect editor for her genre, to navigating publisher conversations and finally seeing her words in print.
Her dedication to the craft and willingness to embrace the publishing process made this success inevitable. This is why I do what I do!
Congratulations Sharon! Indeed, hard work pays off!
If you have been dreaming of becoming a published author but aren’t sure where to start, let Sharon’s journey inspire you. With the right guidance, YOUR story could be next on the shelves!
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face — Eleanor Roosevelt
Uncertainty and fear are common these days as both federal government and private sector battles with job security.
Government jobs once thought of as the most secure are now being eroded. Employees across the board are now forced to adapt quickly or be left behind.
In this video, Chris Daley, and I in my capacity of Certified Master leadership Coach, explore the emotional and practical challenges faced by workers who experience sudden, unexpected job loss. We share how professionals across various industries can arrive at work only to be told their positions had been eliminated—with little to no warning.
The video briefly examines:
📍The initial shock and emotional impact of unexpected termination
📍Common corporate practices that leave employees in the dark
📍Immediate financial concerns and survival strategies
📍The psychological journey from disbelief to acceptance
📍Practical steps to take after job loss.
Whether you’re currently dealing with sudden unemployment or want to prepare for corporate uncertainty, this video offers both emotional support and actionable advice for those facing one of life’s most challenging professional transitions.
If you or someone you know has been affected, DM to connect.
If you’re an employer or business leader who needs help with business transition, reach out today and get the help you need to do it the right way.
Poetry is ordinary language raised to the Nth power. Poetry is boned with ideas, nerved and blooded with emotions, all held together by the delicate, tough skin of words. – Paul Engle
An evening of laughter, fun and cheer! Yes indeed, it was great ❤️ The Writers Group of South Florida Authors performed. Energy pumped, attendees became inspired, created and shared on-the-spot pieces.
Personally, it was an honor to have lead this initiative and to have read Poet Charmaine Allwood-Hanson’s piece “WE ARE THE CARIBBEAN”, written in recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month 2021.
An energizing event with promises of more to come.
Thanks fellow author and Poet, Dr. Susan Lycett Davis for the La Veranda venue referral. It was the perfect location to host this inaugural Open Mic event 🎙️
Aging is not for the weak. One day you wake up and realize that your youth is gone, but along with it, so go insecurity, haste, and the need to please… You learn to walk more slowly, but with greater certainty. You say goodbye without fear, and you cherish those who stay. Aging means letting go, it means accepting, it means discovering that beauty was never in our skin… but in the story we carry inside us.
Stop asking why they keep doing it and start asking why you keep allowing it.
Setting boundaries involves defining expectations and limits in relationship (Positive Psychology). Here are 5 characteristics to help balance your work/ life.
1. Self-Care Prioritization
Regular exercise
Quality sleep
Healthy nutrition
Meditation/stress management techniques
2. Boundaries Setting
Clear work-life separation
Learning to say no
Limiting overtime
Scheduling personal time
3. Professional Support
Discuss workload with supervisor
Seek workplace accommodations
Consider professional counseling
Join support groups
4. Mental Reset Techniques
Take regular breaks
Practice mindfulness
Use vacation days
Pursue hobbies outside work
5. Systematic Recovery
Identify stress triggers
Develop coping strategies
Regular mental health check-ins
Gradual lifestyle adjustments
Here’s hoping these tips will help you achieve your work / life balance goals.
66 Percent of Projects fail to meet their original Business intent due to poor prioritization, while 96 percent of Leaders feel they are working with limited time and resources.
Begin with the end in mind. ~Steven Covey
It was a pleasure to speak on the topic Prioritizing Workloads at the HR and Business Leader’s Council of Florida Education, Social Impact and Networking event.
A fitting topic as 66% of Projects fail to meet their original Business intent due to poor prioritization, while 96% of Leaders feel they are working with limited time and resources.
As we forge through the new year, it’s statistics like these and the impact on organizational and personal stress that led to the Council’s forward thinking to bring it to the forefront of the business leader’s mind.
How can we prepare? How can leaders take charge of their limited resources to achieve better outcomes?
Covey steered strategists to Begin with the End in mind. 🎯 Prioritizing limited time and resources work wonders. Most of all learn to say ‘No’ to time wasters and set boundaries. 🚫
Suffice it to say, there was much to synergize and Dave & Buster’s Inc. provided the right space.
It’s time to take charge of your priorities. Stay tuned for more on the Urgent vs. Important Matrix.
Long days at work, inability to meet financial needs, household chores, relationship strains. All these can take a toll on us at times. Here are 5 signs associated with burnout. Read and examine each. Then apply it to yourself.
1.Emotional Exhaustion
Feeling drained, overwhelmed, and unable to recover from daily stressors, with persistent mental and physical fatigue.
2.Decreased Performance
Reduced productivity, struggling to concentrate, missing deadlines, and experiencing a significant drop in work quality.
3.Detachment and Cynicism
Developing a negative, indifferent, or callous attitude towards work, colleagues, and responsibilities. Feeling disconnected and unmotivated.
4.Physical Symptom
Experiencing frequent headaches, sleep disruptions, changes in appetite, weakened immune system, and increased vulnerability to illness.
5.Lack of Work-Life Balance
Feeling constantly preoccupied with work, inability to disconnect, neglecting personal relationships, hobbies, and self-care activities.
Are you experiencing one, two, or a few of these signs? Stay tuned for practical solutions. Any missing that you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.
Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” —Jack Welch
More than two decades ago I started my first leadership role. Always facing an audience through years of athletic performance, the arts, other leadership roles, I was always confident. But this was different. In my HR Leadership role, I faced responsibilities on behalf of the company. No more hiding behind other senior leaders. My boss gave me no choice but to step up to my full responsibilities.
After going through a bout of nervousness that lasted months, I found that it got easier each time. Before long, I prepared for each meeting when I had to address employees performance, achievements and areas of development across the region with confidence.
On observation these days, we see politicians and society’s leaders in public service assuming new roles. Consequently, the question was raised; “can a person from behind the scenes excel in a new public-facing role?” The answer is absolutely!
Public-facing means a role where the (individual) exercises managerial authority or control of an entity’s activities.
Here are 7+ points to prepare for a public-facing leadership role. Focus on:
1.Communication Skills
Develop clear, compelling public speaking abilities
Practice articulating complex ideas simply
Learn media training techniques
2.Personal Brand Development
Build a professional, authentic public image
Be consistent across different platforms
Develop a strong personal narrative
3.Continuous Learning
Stay updated on industry trends
Understand diverse stakeholder perspectives
Cultivate emotional intelligence
4.Professional Appearance
Dress appropriately for your industry
Project confidence through body language
Work on your on-camera and in-person presence
5.Media and Presentation Preparation
Take media training workshops
Practice handling tough questions
Learn crisis communication strategies
6.Networking
Build relationships with key industry influencers
Develop a supportive professional network
Seek mentorship from experienced public leaders
7.Digital Literacy
Manage social media presence professionally
Understand digital communication etiquette
Be mindful of online reputation
Bonus: Resilience and Adaptability
Develop thick skin for public scrutiny
Learn to handle criticism constructively
Maintain composure under pressure
Consistent practice and self-reflection are the keys to becoming an effective public-facing leader.
What has been your experience with getting ready for a leadership role? Did you use any of the above strategies? If so, what worked for you? Any other strategy that comes to mind? Do share, we would love to hear.
