Mary Olson-Menzel is the author of the new book What Lights You Up?: Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career. She is an executive coach, and is the founder and CEO of MVP Executive Development.
Q: What inspired you to write What Lights You Up?
A: This book is based on a proven methodology I created many years ago to help people find direction and satisfaction in their careers and lives.
We had so much success with it that our executive clients started asking if we could help their spouses, kids, friends etc. We had a long waiting list and could not "clone" ourselves, so I wrote this book.
This book is my gift to the world, to help people at all levels tap into their own greatness and "light" and chart a course to a professional life that they truly love.
Q: How was the book's title chosen, and what does it signify for you?
A: My mentor, coach, and friend, Leah Komaiko, a branding expert, urged me to dig into my childhood memories. I was born on Christmas Eve, during the "season of lights." Light is a concept that people can understand. Universally, light makes life brighter and warmer; I love that idea.
So together, we played with the idea of what
"light" means to me as an executive coach and how that looks and
feels in the workplace. We explored how to put the essence of
"light" into words and practice. At that point, we were calling
the book Dream with the Light On.
Finally, after many iterations with Cheryl Segura and the team at Wiley, we came up with the actual title.
Q: The author Marshall Goldsmith said of the book, "In What Lights You Up?, Mary Olson-Menzel masterfully transforms the concept of career building into an inspiring journey of self-discovery." What do you think of that description?
A: First of all, Marshall is an expert in the field of leadership and coaching. He is filled with insights and wisdom, and I am honored to know him and be a part of his 100 Coaches community.
Second, I like it because we are whole people; we cannot separate the true essence of who we are from our careers and compartmentalize our lives.
For every client I work with, I work with the whole person, their hopes, their dreams, their aspirations, their skills, and their natural gifts, and then help to guide and inspire them to move towards more contentment in their jobs. It's all connected!
And only when we dig into that self-discovery can we design a path that is right for us. Life is a journey, and it's meant to be enjoyed!
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?
A: I hope readers feel hopeful, inspired, and ready to take their careers into their own hands and create a path that works for them at any stage in their lives!
Q: What are you working on now?
A: There is so much good stuff! I'm working on promoting the book and having so many amazing and interesting conversations with people from all over the world who are reading it.
I'm also working on MVP Executive Development's business plan for 2025, and I'm working to help my clients elevate and amplify their leadership, their teams, and their work.
And, importantly, I'm spending a little time exhaling, spending time with my family and friends, and adding in a little self-care, too!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: The biggest thing I am reflecting on now is what a wild ride it is to publish a bestselling book! I've learned so much over the past year and am so incredibly grateful for everyone who helped make this book a success and get it out into the world!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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