A Word With an Author
We continue our series of features on Singapore-based writers.
How did you get the idea for your book?
A big part of the passion for writing this book was in response to what we were all experiencing because of the pandemic. Everywhere I turned, I could see my community languishing, in despair, and overwhelmed by misinformation. So I felt this incredible urgency to contribute a message of hope, of peace, of global unity. I also knew the time was right for this message.
To the depths of my soul, I really believe we all need to muster up some Uncommon Courage – that is, if we're going to get through this time with our sanity intact, and get ready for the deep societal changes we need to make if we want to build a healthier, more equal and fairer world, in balance with all life on earth.
What are you hoping readers take away from your book?
The essential message is, if you want to create great change, it starts within each of us. That is the starting point to getting our world back on track, and it's something all of us can commit to. By illustrating my lessons, learnings and observations, I'm hoping to show everyone that it is possible. Not easy, but very possible. Who doesn't want to be more contented and peaceful within themselves?
By inviting readers on my personal journey, I'm inviting them to reflect on their own. I hope they dig deep and step back to look at their current life with fresh eyes and come away with a new perspective on how they can achieve more peace and contentment in their lives.
What was one highlight and lowlight during your writing process?
I think the highlight and lowlight is the same thing. In the book, there is a chapter about a very personal experience we had with our son Lex called, “Don't Lose Yourself in Challenging Times”. I knew I needed to include this chapter, because in order for me to write a book like this, readers need to know I haven't experienced a life of bliss. Hardship is what defines us, and how we respond to hardship is a critical part of life's journey – when you go through hard times and you end up at a fork in the road, which path do you take? The one where your life is less? Or the other, where you take on the lesson and become a better version of yourself? It is one of those stories, and none of us know how we'll respond until we face our darkest times.
The other side is that I've been completely vulnerable in this book, which is something I am absolutely fine with, but you never know how others will take it, or how they will use it. Opening my family to the world this way wasn't easy, but I'm glad I did it and I'm glad they supported it too. The world needs more vulnerability and it starts with each of us.
What’s your day job?
Professionally, I'm known as The Digital Conversationalist, where I speak, train, coach and mentor clients on social leadership, with a focus on integrity, a mindset of service and deep authenticity. I work with global businesses in the B2B space.
Uncommon Courage is available at Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble and Book Depository.