Author Community Showcase

Life has no limitations, except the ones you make. ~Les Brown

Such an honor to facilitate the gathering of leaders and creatives. The influence, and impact reminds me of why I engage in the work of leadership development.

The intrigue on the faces of attendees, aspiring, debut and seasoned authorpreneurs left a lasting impact. The Greenlight Leadership Factor was definitely felt.

Located minutes from the Broward Mall, the West Regional Library provided the perfect location for easy accessibility for both authors and patrons.

The rich learnings and takeaways was indeed a vibe. Can’t wait to build the craft as the learnings excite.

Thanks to all who made the event a success Dale Mahfood for moderating the panel discussion with Dr Rose Stiffin Filmmaker Jeff Carroll
and Bles Chavez-Bernstein
led to an engaging time with the community. Event hosted by West Regional Library in partnership with Writers Group of South Florida

As the saying goes,

Writers write. Readers read. Together they are one.

Cheers!

5 Self-Published Authors Who Made it Big & How You Can Too

1. E.L. James – Fifty Shades of Grey

  • Starting Point: Self‑published as an e‑book and print‑on‑demand.
  • Breakthrough: Went viral through online word-of-mouth and book clubs.
  • Result: Sold over 150 million copies; major movie trilogy.
  • Lesson: Leverage niche communities (like book clubs, online forums) to spark buzz.

2. Hugh Howey – Wool

  • Starting Point: Released short dystopian story independently on Amazon.
  • Breakthrough: Readers demanded more; he expanded it into a series.
  • Result: Bestseller, foreign rights sales, and Apple TV+ adaptation Silo.
  • Lesson: Listen to your audience and let their feedback shape your next steps.

3. Colleen Hoover – Slammed

  • Starting Point: Self‑published in 2012 while working a full‑time job.
  • Breakthrough: Book bloggers and social media amplified her work.
  • Result: Multiple #1 NYT bestsellers; Netflix adaptation of It Ends With Us.
  • Lesson: Build genuine relationships with influencers and reviewers.

4. Andy Weir – The Martian

  • Starting Point: Posted story for free on his blog, then on Kindle for $0.99.
  • Breakthrough: Readers recommended it heavily; caught publisher’s and Hollywood’s attention.
  • Result: NYT bestseller and Oscar-nominated film starring Matt Damon.
  • Lesson: Offer value first—sometimes giving content away builds your biggest fanbase.

5. Amanda Hocking – Trylle Trilogy

  • Starting Point: Self‑published paranormal romance e‑books.
  • Breakthrough: Priced affordably and marketed directly to YA readers online.
  • Result: Over 1 million copies sold; multi‑million‑dollar deal with St. Martin’s Press.
  • Lesson: Use smart pricing and targeted marketing to quickly grow sales.

Takeaway for Aspiring Authors

Self‑publishing is no longer “Plan B.” It’s a proven path to bestseller lists, film deals, and global readership—if you combine quality writing with smart marketing.

Your next step:

  • Identify your audience
  • Engage them before your book launches
  • Use online platforms to amplify your reach

Overly Nice Leaders Burn Out

Being a “Nice” leader without Boundaries often lead to:

•Overcommitment
•Emotional exhaustion
•Resentment
•Being the default problem-solver for everyone

Support doesn’t mean self-sacrifice.
Availability doesn’t mean 24/7

Boundaries are not unkind.
They are a leadership skill

The leaders who last long-term learn how to say:

🔭I can help. Here’s when
🔭That’s not mine to carry
🔭Let’s find a better process

If you feel stretched thin but still “showing up” for everyone…
It may not be a workload issue
It may be a Boundary Gap.

If this resonates, let’s explore.

Master Decision-Making with the GreenLight Leadership Framework

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Before the New Year Begins: A Leadership Reflection

At a gathering, family and friends were asked to reflect. Sonia asked each to share one thing they were thankful for. Marriage, graduation, opportunities, sports achievement, divine protection, new car, life and the aged still living were among the thoughts shared.

But one thing stood out. As Stephan ended giving thanks collectively in prayer, shouts rang out at her thoughts that hit home. Many rushed with hugs and adoration, but one stood out. George turned to her mom and pointed at her. Without saying a word, his action said it all. Mom had passed the baton to Stephan and stood watching as the group embraced. Indeed mom felt pride that her labor was not in vain.

Before the New Year Begins

As the year comes to a close, leaders are already thinking about goals, plans, and next moves. But before we rush into the next chapter planning our dreams and aspirations, there’s value in pausing to reflect.

Personal growth doesn’t always show up as promotions, metrics, or public wins. Often, the most meaningful growth happens quietly.

This year, growth may have looked like:

  • Choosing courage when fear was familiar.
  • It may have meant staying committed when quitting felt easier.
  • Or letting go of roles, relationships, or expectations that no longer aligned with who you’re becoming.

Understand that Leadership begins within. Before we lead teams, organizations, families or communities forward, we must first acknowledge our own evolution.

As you prepare for the new year, consider these questions:

  • Who have I grown into this year?
  • What did this season teach me about myself?
  • What alignment (not perfection) do I want to carry forward?

Clarity comes after commitment

You don’t need every answer before January 1st. Clarity often comes after commitment.

As the calendar turns, may the next year be marked by your:

  • Intentional leadership
  • Purposeful growth
  • The courage to move forward aligned with who you truly are.

Reflection:

What is one lesson this year taught you about your leadership or personal growth? Think about it. Acknowledge it and Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Elevate Your Leadership: Key Questions to Shape 2026

Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside, awakens. ~Carl Jung

As the year closes, the most effective leaders are the ones who pause long enough to evaluate, realign, and elevate. These 12 questions are designed to help you step confidently into 2026 with clarity, courage, and intention.

Take a moment to reflect on each. Use them to guide your vision, your team, and your next level of growth. Strong leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through awareness, alignment, and action.

Reflection Questions

1. What are my top 3 leadership wins from 2025?


2. What drained my energy this year, and why?


3. What habits strengthened my leadership?


4. What habits weakened it?


5. What opportunities did I ignore that I should revisit?


6. What does success look like for me in 2026?


7. What limiting belief must I leave behind?


8. Who do I need to become next year?


9. What relationships do I need to nurture?


10. What boundaries do I need to create?


11. What skills must I develop or sharpen?


12. What is ONE bold move I will take before Jan. 31?

If you’d like support creating a strategic leadership plan for the new year, join the year-end and January coaching sessions. This is designed for leaders in transition and professionals preparing for a stronger 2026.

What will you do differently next year? Which question resonated with you the most? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Setting Goals: Key to Overcoming Crises

Together we Grow

Ann, a historian and extreme planner, had an adventurous time touring Greece with her husband. During the trip, she shared photos of places she had learned in her undergraduate program. As they began their return trip, civil unrest occurred blocking all flights to leave Turkey, cruise and all. Quick decision, they decided to get out of the country whichever way they could. Both landed in Paris, only to be separated to get back home to the USA. Separation was a non-issue. Their goal was to return safely to their two kids waiting back home.

Times of Crises

There are times of crises as in Ann’s case. But most often we do have opportunities to plan ahead. Financiers will preach that we should plan for times of crises too.

Why is it important to set goals? Because if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. Where you will end up, who knows? That’s when you will just have to go with the flow.

Goalsetting is the process of identifying desired outcomes and creating a plan of action to achieve them, providing a sense of direction, motivation and focus

So why do we need to set goals? Because setting goals is the process of identifying desired outcomes and creating a plan of action to achieve them, providing a sense of direction, motivation and focus.

That’s the reason it a pleasure to facilitate the writing process with authors. The event was held at the Broward County’s West Regional Library in Plantation, Florida. This session focused on Writers Goal Setting for 2026 books through the Writers Group of South Florida.

If you are an aspiring author, or are ready to take your leadership to the next level and need a copy of the Goal-Setting guide, connect to get yours today. Leadership Assessment also available.

Not an author but ready to take your leadership to the next level through setting your 2026 goals, let’s chat. Referrals are warmly welcomed.

Cheers!

How Can A Business Owner Overcome Fear of Marketing? 4 Steps-To-Success

Overcome Marketing Fear

At a networking event, a bold Networker spoke about her reluctance to use social media. She was hesitant about using it. She asked herself “why not enroll into a social media class?

How can a business owner overcome this fear? This is a powerful and timely question especially as we get close to the peak of the biggest holiday season. Most business owners are confident in their work but hesitant about visibility.

4 Ways to Overcome the Fear of Marketing as a Business Owner

Many business owners love what they do but freeze when it’s time to promote their work. They fear sounding “salesy,” being judged, or stepping into the spotlight. Yet, marketing isn’t about ego, it’s about service and connection. Here are some tips to negate that fear.

  1. Reframe “marketing” as “helping.”

Marketing is simply communicating the value of what you offer to people who need it. When you shift from “selling” to “serving,” fear loses its grip.
Ask yourself: Who needs this solution? How can I make it easier for them to find me?

  1. Start with authenticity, not perfection.

You don’t need perfect videos, fancy funnels, or flawless captions. You just need a clear message and consistency. Share your why, your story, and the transformation you help others achieve. Authenticity builds trust faster than polished perfection.

  1. Use your strengths.

If writing comes naturally, blog or post.
If you’re a people person, go live or network.
If you’re visual, create short reels or carousel posts.
Play to your natural communication style instead of forcing what feels unnatural.

  1. Build confidence through small wins.

Set simple, repeatable goals, one post a week, one short video, one client testimonial shared. Every time you take action, your comfort zone expands.

  1. Get coached through the fear.

A leadership or business coach can help you uncover the root cause of your fear. Whether it’s fear of rejection, comparison, or visibility and replace it with confidence and clarity.

Coaching helps you align your mindset, message, and methods so you can show up as a confident leader of your brand.


Coaching helps you align your mindset, message, and methods so you can show up as a confident leader of your brand.

Remember:
As with the business owner we spoke about, she learnedd that she did not have to love marketing, she just needed to see it as part of her leadership. She did and was happy to shout the benefits.

Remember, your voice, your story, and your offer could be the answer someone is praying for. Don’t let fear keep you silent.

Have you been hesitant to step out and share your work? Do share. We would love to hear.

Need help to make the move? Attend GreenLight Leadership Coaching Workshop

Cheers!

Why Smart Leaders Get Stuck at Crossroads & How to Move Forward

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Spooky Leadership: 3 Frights That Haunt the Workplace (and How to Fix Them) …

Spooky Leadership

Do one thing everyday that scares you.

As the spooky season approaches, it’s not just ghosts and goblins giving people chills. Sometimes leadership habits can be downright spooky!

1. The Invisible Leader

Disappears when the team needs them most. No feedback, no presence, just crickets.

FIX: Show up. Visibility builds trust. A simple check-in can turn uncertainty into motivation.

2.The Zombie Communicator

Repeats the same messages with no real emotion or connection. Team meetings feel lifeless.

FIX: Revive communication! Be intentional, listen actively, and personalize your message.

3.The Vampire of Ideas

Sucks up all the credit and leaves others drained. Recognition? Nowhere in sight.

FIX: Share the spotlight. Empower your team and celebrate contributions publicly.

This season, take a moment to unmask your leadership style. Make sure you are not the one haunting your workplace and if you are, let’s connect to clear the spookiness.

Are there thoughts you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Empowering Quotes for Entrepreneurs: Fuel Your Journey

Start by doing what’s necessary l; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible. ~St. Francis of Assisi

Starting something new takes courage. Whether it’s launching a business, chasing a career dream, or stepping into the unknown, the journey can feel exciting—but also overwhelming. Fear, doubt, and challenges often show up uninvited, tempting us to give up before we’ve even begun.

That’s exactly why I created my newest book, 101+ Empowering Quotes for New Entrepreneurs.

This isn’t just another quote collection. It’s a daily dose of encouragement designed to remind you that setbacks are temporary, obstacles are stepping stones, and success is possible when you keep moving forward.

Why This Book Matters

Every entrepreneur and dreamer knows the reality: there will be days when you question yourself. This book is here for those exact moments—when you need that spark to reignite your drive.

Inside, you’ll discover:
✨ Quotes that challenge fear and fuel confidence
✨ Encouragement to push through hard days and keep showing up
✨ Wisdom from timeless voices that inspire resilience and growth

Whether you’re building a business, pursuing a new career path, or simply in need of a reminder to keep going, these words of encouragement will meet you where you are.

Pre-Order Your Copy Now

101+ Empowering Quotes for New Entrepreneurs will be available September 29, but you can pre-order your copy now!

Here’s how you can support and spread empowerment:

  1. Order your copy today and be among the first to receive it.
  2. Leave a review once you’ve read it—your feedback encourages others to join the journey.
  3. Gift a copy (or two!) to the entrepreneurs, creators, and go-getters in your life who could use a reminder that giving up is never an option.

Final Thoughts

Dreams are built one step at a time. Challenges are part of the process. And sometimes, all you need is the right word at the right time to keep moving forward.

This book is that reminder.

Don’t wait—101+ Empowering Quotes for New Entrepreneurs now. Join me in fueling a movement of empowered entrepreneurs who choose courage over fear and persistence over giving up.

6 Thinking Traps Holding You Back

You can’t grow without letting go. ~Unknown

Gaps in your thinking traps your personal, business, or career Growth.  Here are 6 reasons.

6 Reasons Your Thinking Traps Your Growth

  • The Knowledge Gap: I don’t know how to grow
  • The timing Gap: It’s not the Right time
  • The Mistake Gap: I’m afraid of making mistakes
  • The Perfectionist Gap: I have to find the best way before I start
  • The lack of Inspiration Gap: I don’t feel like doing it
  • The Comparison Gap: Others are better than me

Which one, two or more do you identify with? Think about it and share. We can’t wait to hear.

Cheers!  

Photo by Frank K on Pexels.com

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