Tag: goals

Top 8 Audiobook Publishers You Should Know

Listening to the dulcet tones of a familiar voice is an appealing way to work our way through those books we’ve always meant to get around to, but haven’t.– Clare Thorp

You have written your book! Took it a step further and did the audiobook. Now what do you do? How do you get it into the hands of listeners? The options listed may help.

1. Audible (an Amazon company)

  • What they do: Industry leader in audiobook publishing and distribution.
  • Also produces: Audible Originals (exclusive content).
  • Website: audible.com

2. Tantor Media

  • What they do: Full-service audiobook publisher with a wide range of genres.
  • Known for: High-quality production and professional narration.
  • Website: tantor.com

3. Podium Audio

  • Focus: Sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller genres.
  • Notable for: Discovering and promoting indie authors with huge success (e.g., The Martian by Andy Weir).
  • Website: podiumaudio.com

4. RBmedia

  • What they do: One of the largest audiobook publishers globally.
  • Imprints include: Recorded Books, HighBridge Audio, Tantor Media, and more.
  • Website: rbmediaglobal.com

5. Dreamscape Media

  • What they do: Audiobook production and publishing for libraries, retail, and direct sales.
  • Also handles: Distribution to major platforms like Audible, Hoopla, OverDrive.
  • Website: dreamscapepublishing.com

🧰 Self-Publishing & Hybrid Options

6. ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange)

  • Owned by: Amazon (works with Audible and iTunes).
  • For: Authors and publishers to create and distribute audiobooks.
  • Website: acx.com

7. Findaway Voices (by Spotify)

  • What they do: Allows authors to produce and distribute audiobooks across 40+ platforms (including Audible, Apple Books, Google, etc.).
  • Website: findawayvoices.com

8. Author’s Republic

  • What they do: Distribute audiobooks globally with easy access for self-published authors.
  • Website: authorsrepublic.com

Questions to Consider

Consider these questions before you make your selection.

  • Is the audiobook already recorded, or do you need help with narration/production? (e.g., voice talent, editing, mastering, etc.)
  • Are you looking to self-publish, or are you open to working with a publisher?
  • What is your target audience and platform preference? e.g., Audible, Spotify, Apple Books, libraries, global reach, etc.)
  • Do you want control over pricing and rights, or are you okay with royalty splits?
  • What’s the genre or focus of the content?
  • (e.g., business, leadership, fiction, memoir, etc.)

A Conversation With Journalist & Award Winning Story Teller Sharon Gordon

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!

Order your copy of Sheribaby today https://a.co/d/5R50Nwu and follow Sharon’s author journey

Enjoy our literary conversation here.

Beauty Is In The Stories We Carry …

The Stories We Carry

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.

Meryl Streep

Setting Boundaries: A Key to Work-Life Balance

SAY NO

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.

How Can Leaders Take Charge of Limited Resources to Achieve Better Outcomes?

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.

7+ Ways To Prepare For A Public-Facing Leadership Role

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.

Cheers!

What Would You Attempt To Do If You Knew You Would Not Fail?

To live a fulfilled life, we need to keep creating the “what is next” of our lives. Without dreams and goals there is no living, only merely existing. – Mark Twain

What Would You Attempt To do If You Knew You Would Not Fail?…

10 Ways To Help You Achieve Your Goals

Goals are the links in the chain that connect activity to accomplishment. —Zig Ziglar

Another year filled with regret at not achieving the goals Sabrina had set. Throughout her career she had helped others achieve their goals, yet it was at the expense of achieving her own personal goals. Something has to give.

If you are like Sabrina, here are some practical steps to help you achieve your goals:

1.Break Down Large Goals

    • Divide big goals into smaller, manageable sub-goals
    • Create a step-by-step action plan
    • Make each milestone specific and measurable
    • Set realistic timelines for each sub-goal

    2.Develop a Concrete Action Plan

    • Write down your goals in detail
    • Specify exactly what you want to achieve
    • Include specific deadlines
    • Identify potential obstacles in advance
    • Create strategies to overcome these obstacles

    3.Prioritize and Track Progress

    Use tools like:

    • Goal tracking apps
    • Physical planners
    • Digital spreadsheets
    • Regularly review and assess your progress
    • Adjust your plan if needed
    • Celebrate small victories along the way

    4. Build Accountability

    • Share your goals with trusted friends/family
    • Find an accountability partner
    • Join support groups related to your goals
    • Consider working with a coach or mentor

    5. Develop Consistent Habits

    • Create daily/weekly routines supporting your goals
    • Practice discipline and consistency
    • Use habit-tracking techniques
    • Start small and gradually build momentum

    Goals: Killing me Softly

    6. Enhance Motivation

    • Visualize success
    • Create a motivational vision board
    • Use positive affirmations
    • Reward yourself for reaching milestones
    • Maintain a growth mindset

    7. Continuous Learning

    • Acquire necessary skills
    • Read relevant books/materials
    • Take courses
    • Seek mentorship
    • Stay updated in your goal’s domain

    8. Manage Time Effectively

    • Use time management techniques
    • Prioritize tasks
    • Eliminate distractions
    • Practice focused work sessions
    • Use productivity tools

    9. Practice Self-Care

    • Maintain physical and mental health
    • Get adequate rest
    • Exercise regularly
    • Practice stress management
    • Maintain a balanced lifestyle

    10. Stay Flexible and Resilient

    • Accept that setbacks will happen
    • Learn from failures
    • Be adaptable
    • Maintain a positive attitude
    • Continuously reassess and adjust your approach

    Follow these steps to achieve your goals as you step into a new phase of your career. Need help? Let’s connect

    Cheers!

    Making Big Decisions: Head Or Heart?

    Decisions. Decisions

    A new year paves the way for ‘change’. As we approach 2025 many of us will make decisions that will impact our lives. Decisions in our entrepreneurship roles, decisions in our relationships, career (stay or go), and in our personal and professional lives.

    The question was asked on social media about decision-making. When making decisions do you make them using your ‘head’ or ‘heart’. Respondents quickly chimed in with 29% preferred ‘head’, while 71% preferred ‘heart’. Decided to break down head decisions vs. heart decisions and analyze their roles and characteristics in decision-making.

    Head Decisions (Rational / Logical)

    1. Characteristics:
    • Based on facts and data
    • Relies on analysis and reasoning
    • Focuses on practical outcomes
    • Uses systematic evaluation
    • Considers long-term consequences
    • Weighs pros and cons objectively
    • Driven by logic and evidence
    1. Best Used For:
    • Financial decisions
    • Business strategies
    • Career choices
    • Investment planning
    • Risk assessment
    • Legal matters
    • Technical problems

    Heart Decisions (Emotional / Intuitive)

    1. Characteristics:
    • Based on feelings and intuition
    • Relies on personal values
    • Focuses on emotional satisfaction
    • Uses gut instincts
    • Considers personal fulfillment
    • Weighs emotional impact
    • Driven by passion and purpose
    1. Best Used For:
    • Personal relationships
    • Creative pursuits
    • Life purpose decisions
    • Value-based choices
    • Personal fulfillment
    • Passion projects
    • Meaningful connections

    Which is Better?

    Neither is “better” – both have their place

    1. Integrated Approach:
    • Best decisions often combine both
    • Head ensures practicality
    • Heart ensures alignment with values
    • Balance creates sustainable choices
    1. Context Matters:
    • Some situations need more logic
    • Others need more emotional intelligence
    • Most benefit from both perspectives
    1. Decision Framework: Best Practice: Use Both
    • Heart: Initial guidance
    • Head: Validation and planning
    • Heart: Final gut check
    1. When to Lean More on Head:
    • High-risk situations
    • Financial commitments
    • Legal matters
    • Complex problems
    • Strategic planning
    1. When to Lean More on Heart:
    • Life purpose decisions
    • Personal relationships
    • Career passion
    • Creative endeavors
    • Value-based choices
    1. Integration Tips:
    • Start with heart to identify what matters
    • Use head to evaluate feasibility
    • Check back with heart for alignment
    • Plan execution with head
    • Monitor satisfaction with heart
    1. Warning Signs: Head-Only Decisions:
    • Feels empty or unfulfilling
    • Lacks personal meaning
    • May lead to regret
    • Could miss opportunities

    Heart-Only Decisions:

    • May be impractical
    • Could be financially risky
    • Might lack sustainability
    • Could be too impulsive

    Real-World Example: Career Change Decision:

    • Heart: Identifies passion and desired impact
    • Head: Evaluates market demand, salary, skills needed
    • Heart: Confirms emotional alignment
    • Head: Creates transition plan
    • Both: Monitor progress and satisfaction

    Recommendation

    1. Use a Balanced Approach:
    • Start with heart to understand what you truly want
    • Use head to evaluate feasibility and plan
    • Check back with heart for alignment
    • Execute with head’s planning
    • Monitor with both heart and head
    1. Decision-Making Process:
    • Identify the type of decision
    • Consider the stakes involved
    • Use appropriate balance of both
    • Create evaluation criteria
    • Make and implement decision
    • Review and adjust as needed
    1. Questions to Ask: Head Questions:
    • What are the facts?
    • What are the risks?
    • What are the long-term consequences?
    • What resources are required?

    Heart Questions:

    • How does this feel?
    • Does this align with my values?
    • Will this bring fulfillment?
    • What does my intuition say?

    Points to Note

    • The best decisions often come from balanced input from both head and heart
    • Different situations require different balances
    • Practice integrating both perspectives
    • Trust both your logic and your intuition
    • Monitor outcomes using both metrics

    So there you have it. A thorough overview of when and how to make decisions with your head and heart. What type of decision-maker are you? Head or Heart? Do share, we would love to hear.

    Writers of Color Women’s Empowerment Initiative

    “Ask yourself, what would I do if I weren’t afraid? And then go do it” — Sheryl Sandberg

    Inspiring. Intentional. Take charge. Grow. These were common words that described the Writers Group of South Florida’s Women Empowerment Event held at the West Regional Library in Plantation, Florida.

    Guests turned out in numbers to be educated or refreshed as seasoned authors shared nuggets on leadership, balance, wellbeing, and becoming financially independent.

    Thanks to fellow writer GMoss Designs for being Instrumental and singer songwriter Ettosi Brooks for the delightful music entertainment.

    Panelists Award winning Reggae legend Miss Pat Chin and others did an exceptional job in highlighting the challenges women face as well as the Strategies to overcome.

    Missed it? Plan for it Next year same time.

    Cheers!

    14 Strategies For Adults Reporting To Millennial Team Leads

    The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly. ~Jim Rohn

    “I report to Jen who is in her late 30s and is as old as my daughter” Cindy said aloud to the group. She respects me though. The diverse group of women nodded in agreement. There are others who are not as lucky as Cindy, not necessarily because of being older but because they complain of having more experience than the Millennial who supervise them. They often take offense at any task given because they do not believe they should report to someone younger than themselves.

    This is an increasingly common situation as workplace demographics change. Here are some strategies older adults can use when reporting to or being supervised by millennials:

    1. Focus on mutual respect:
      • Recognize that your millennial supervisor has earned their position.
      • Treat them with the same respect you’d expect, regardless of age.
    2. Leverage your experience tactfully:
      • Offer your insights and experience as a resource, not a challenge to authority.
      • Frame suggestions as “In my experience…” rather than “You should…”
    3. Embrace learning opportunities:
      • Be open to new ideas and approaches your younger supervisor might introduce.
      • Show enthusiasm for learning new skills or technologies.
    4. Adapt to communication styles:
      • Be flexible with communication methods (e.g., instant messaging, video calls).
      • Understand and respect different communication preferences.
    5. Manage your own biases:
      • Challenge any preconceived notions you might have about younger managers.
      • Focus on their skills and leadership qualities rather than age.
    6. Highlight your strengths:
      • Demonstrate how your experience and skills complement the team’s needs.
      • Show how your long-term perspective can be valuable for strategic planning.
    7. Be a team player:
      • It’s no playtime. Support your supervisor’s decisions publicly, even if you disagree privately.
      • Offer constructive feedback in appropriate settings.
    8. Stay current:
      • Keep up with industry trends and new technologies.
      • Show initiative in updating your skills.
    9. Practice active listening:
      • Give full attention to your supervisor’s ideas and directives.
      • Ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding.
    10. Seek feedback proactively:
      • Ask for regular performance feedback.
      • Show willingness to adapt based on constructive criticism.
    11. Find common ground:
      • Look for shared interests or values beyond work.
      • Build a relationship based on mutual understanding and respect.
    12. Offer mentorship subtly:
      • If appropriate, offer to share your knowledge in areas where you have deep expertise.
      • Frame it as supporting their success rather than undermining their authority.
    13. Embrace change:
      • Be open to new processes or workflows your millennial supervisor might implement.
      • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.
    14. Focus on results:
      • Align your work with the goals and metrics your supervisor values.
      • Demonstrate your value through your performance and outcomes.

    It’s hard and often uncomfortable. But remember, successful intergenerational workplace relationships are built on mutual respect, open communication, and a willingness to learn from each other. By focusing on these elements, older adults can create positive and productive relationships with their millennial supervisors.

    16 Ways For A Procrastinator To Get Things Done

    Procrastination makes easy things hard, hard things harder.

    Mason Cooley

    Author? Writer? Project Manager? On-the-job administrator? Are you one of those persons who find themselves with several lists of things to ‘finish’? Procrastinating it’s called. You start doing laundry, then realize you need to mow the lawn, or pick up groceries so off you rush to do that leaving several observable tasks undone. You mean well but it keeps happening. A task here, another there and on and on it goes. You never seem to catch up.

    Well for people who struggle with completing projects and find themselves juggling multiple unfinished tasks, here are some effective strategies:

    1. Prioritize and focus:
      • List all ongoing projects.
      • Rank them based on importance, urgency, and potential impact.
      • Choose 1-3 top priorities to focus on exclusively.
    2. Break projects into smaller tasks:
      • Divide each project into manageable, specific steps.
      • Create a detailed action plan for each step.
    3. Set clear deadlines:
      • Establish realistic timelines for each project and its components.
      • Use a calendar or project management tool to track deadlines.
    4. Implement the “Two-Minute Rule”:
      • If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
      • This helps prevent small tasks from piling up.
    5. Use the Pomodoro Technique:
      • Work in focused 25-minute intervals, followed by short breaks.
      • This can help maintain concentration and prevent burnout.
    6. Create accountability:
      • Share your goals and deadlines with a friend, colleague, or mentor.
      • Regular check-ins can help keep you on track.
    7. Limit new commitments:
      • Learn to say “no” to new projects until current ones are completed.
      • Assess carefully before taking on additional work.
    8. Eliminate distractions:
      • Identify and minimize common distractions (e.g., social media, unnecessary meetings).
      • Create a focused work environment.
    9. Celebrate small wins:
      • Acknowledge and reward yourself for completing project milestones.
      • This builds momentum and motivation.
    10. Re-evaluate regularly:
      • Periodically assess if projects are still relevant or necessary.
      • Be willing to abandon or postpone projects that no longer align with your goals.
    11. Use visual progress tracking:
      • Employ kanban boards or progress bars to visualize project advancement.
      • Seeing progress can be motivating.
    12. Address perfectionism:
      • Recognize if perfectionism is causing delays.
      • Focus on “good enough” for initial completion, then refine if necessary.
    13. Schedule dedicated project time:
      • Allocate specific time blocks for working on projects.
      • Treat these as non-negotiable appointments.
    14. Seek closure:
      • Develop a habit of finishing what you start, even in small ways.
      • Practice completing minor tasks to build the “finishing” muscle.
    15. Learn from past patterns:
      • Analyze why projects typically remain unfinished.
      • Address recurring issues (e.g., lack of resources, skill gaps).
    16. Use the “Sunk Cost Fallacy” awareness:
      • Be willing to let go of projects that are no longer serving you, regardless of time already invested.

    Are you a procrastinator? If so, did any of the above appeal to you? Hope you find a few useful. Note that by implementing these strategies, individuals can improve their project completion rates and reduce the stress of managing multiple unfinished tasks. The key is to find a balance between focus, organization, and flexibility.

    Happy Finishing!

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