A WORD WITH AN AUTHOR
We continue our series of mini-interviews with writers.
What is your book about?
I’m trying to empower and engage with women on how to become sustainable impact investors. Financial feminism – the belief in the financial equality of women – represents the opportunity for women to use their financial power to build the kind of world that they want to live in. This is where sustainable investing comes in – women investing their wealth aligned with their values. My book aims to help women in getting started.
Did you enjoy writing it?
I loved it! I’d been carrying around in my head so many of the book’s messages for a number of years; it was a phenomenal experience to get it all down on paper. I specifically wrote it in a very chatty and accessible style, as if I was talking to a girlfriend, and really felt inspired as the project evolved. I see financial feminism as a movement – it doesn’t stop with the book.
What inspired you to write this book?
As an executive coach, I have had the privilege to work with brilliant leaders across many regions and industries. As I listened and worked with them, it dawned on me that there is a lot of content that tells leaders how to get better, how to be more effective, more productive, more profitable and more successful, but not much that talks about the challenges, fears and dilemmas that leaders experience.
I decided to fill that gap by giving a name to their temporary challenges, and share insights on how to recognise, acknowledge and overcome it, and prevent it in future.
Who should read this book?
It’s relevant to leaders at all levels and all functions. It’s a book by the leaders for the leaders.
What are the key takeaways for readers?
Investing can seem daunting and it’s not always easy to talk about money. But my core message is don’t shy away – sustainable investing is an exciting opportunity to be in control and to articulate what matters to you in the world.
You can actually start with small sums of money. This is a movement as much as anything else; take ownership and be empowered.
What’s your day job?
I’ve been in sustainable investing for many years. As a consultant, I work with governments, regulators and financial institutions to develop strategies and policies that promote the importance of environmental and social issues. The financial markets and industry players are finally waking up to how important sustainability is. I like to believe I’ve been a constructive force in getting us there!
Available at Amazon, Kinokuniya and other bookstores.
What are you hoping readers take away from it?
I interviewed more than 200 leaders for the book. As they shared their stories with me, I could relate to the emotions they shared, and my hope is that readers can resonate with the anecdotes and learn how to deal with their own “leader’s block”.
Key takeaways:
• Get a name for a phase that everyone goes through – Leader’s Block
• Learn to recognise it, acknowledge it and then overcome it
• Know you are not alone; everyone goes through it
What’s your day job?
I’m a leadership troubleshooter – I help leaders and their teams recognise, acknowledge and overcome leadership challenges, dilemmas and blocks through coaching and speaking.
Available at amazon.sg and amazon.com.