Business Book Bites

In today’s episode, Karen Williams and Sheryl Andrews dive deep into one of the burning questions on every business author’s mind – what does real return on investment (ROI) look like when you write a book?   

Sure, we all want to sell copies, but as Karen and Sheryl discuss, the true value of a book goes far beyond simple sales numbers. We debunk the 15-pound fallacy, discuss why focusing on book sales alone misses the bigger picture, and explore the unique ways a business book can boost your authority, streamline your processes, and open unexpected doors for your business.   

Whether you’re using your book to save time, build credibility, or attract your dream clients, you’ll come away with fresh insights on how the process of writing a book is transformative – both personally and professionally.  

** Upcoming Events **  

If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month.  You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors.  

Our Smart Author Momentum programme starts on Monday 19 January 2026, and we also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book!  

You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com.   

Related episodes  

S5, Ep 8: The Mindset Shift Behind a Bigger, Bolder Book with Claire Brumby (where we talk about Claire’s experience of self-publishing vs getting a publishing deal).  

S5, Ep 6: The Courage to Write a Book That Matters with Deborah Naish (where we talk about how her book shifted her business long before her book was published).  

S2, Ep 9: Cracking Crowdfunding during COVID with Paul Newton (where we talk about Paul’s crowdfunding experience).  

S3, Ep 9: Career Trends and Crowdfunding Success with Della (which also touches on crowdfunding).  

S4, Ep4: 5 Things Every Business Authors Should Know Before Publishing with Karen and Sheryl (where we talk about the pros and cons of the different publishing routes for business authors)  

Key insights  

Book sales are not the whole story: The true return on your investment doesn’t come from sales alone. It’s about the credibility, authority, and opportunities you create by putting your thinking, experiences, and processes into words.  

Clarity is priceless: The process of writing a book forces you to reflect, structure, and articulate what makes your approach unique. That self-awareness helps you communicate your value—and often attracts the clients and work you most want.  

Momentum matters more than perfection: You start seeing returns even while writing your book. Sharing your expertise, getting feedback, and talking about your project opens doors, builds your visibility, and often draws in business before your book is even published.  

Bio – Karen Williams  

Karen Williams is The Book Mentor at Librotas®, a leading authority in helping experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders write and market non-fiction books. Having started out in business in 2006, and writing her first book in 2009, she knows the difference that writing a book can make to your business when done well.   

With a focus on sharing significant stories and memorable messages, Karen guides her clients through the entire process of planning, writing, marketing, and launching a book that boosts credibility, attracts new clients, and creates exciting opportunities. Karen is the bestselling author of 10 books and a TEDx speaker.  

Website: https://librotas.com   

Socials:    https://www.facebook.com/librotas https://twitter.com/librotas https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenwilliamslibrotas/  https://www.instagram.com/karenwilliamslibrotas  https://www.youtube.com/@librotas   

Bio – Sheryl Andrews  

Sheryl Andrews is The Listening Detective and is known for helping you do more of what you love and ditch the critic that says you can’t. Sheryl spends her time supporting individuals to work, learn and live at their best, both independently and in groups, and her first book, Manage Your Critic, was published in 2016 and she is currently writing her second.  

Website: https://stepbysteplistening.com   

Time-stamped overview:  
00:00 Books as Business Tools
04:08 Writing with Purpose and Vision
09:15 Write Books for Ideal Clients
13:14 Making the Invisible Visible
16:47 Balancing Writing and Work
18:09 Just Start Writing
23:39 Overcoming Blocks to Writing
25:00 Funding Creative Projects Through Support
28:35 Purpose-Driven Book Writing Insights  

Keywords:    book sales, return on investment, business book, book marketing, Amazon sales, self-publishing, traditional publishing, author authority, business credibility, business growth, client acquisition, content creation, coaching, workshops, personal branding, vision planning, niche audience, ideal reader, ideal client, content clarity, expertise, transformation, program creation, speaking engagements, confidence building, crowdfunding, merchandise, publishing options, editing process, thought leadership writing, purpose driven books

In today's episode, Karen Williams (The Book Mentor) sits down with Claire Brumby, motivational speaker, leadership coach, and bestselling author. Claire shares her journey from launching her first book, The Winning Mix, back in 2018 – a guide inspired by her own entrepreneurial experience in the food industry – to mapping out her upcoming title, Forget Normal, I Want Magic, which introduces her progressive leadership framework and is set to be published in April 2026.  

Together, they dive into the differences between self-publishing and securing a publishing deal, the evolution of Claire Brumby's business and message, and the ambitious goal of making her next book a Sunday Times bestseller.   

You'll hear practical advice for aspiring authors, candid reflections on book writing challenges, and unique marketing tactics like 'lumpy mail' and leveraging your network. Plus, Claire Brumby reveals the origins of her signature MAGIC acronym and how it's shaping leaders and organizations for the future.

** Upcoming Events **  

If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month.  You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors.  

Our Smart Author Momentum programme starts on Monday 19 January 2026, and we also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book!  

You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com.   

Key Takeaways  

Find Your Why Before You Start Writing: Claire stressed the importance of sitting with yourself, understanding your motivations, the audience you want to serve, and what you want your book to achieve. Knowing your why gives you the staying power you’ll need for the writing process.  

The Power of Networks & Bold Marketing: When preparing for her second book launch, Claire is going all in on connection—leveraging her network, reaching out directly, and even bringing back old-school lumpy mail marketing! Don’t be afraid to ask for help or experiment to spread your message.  

Frameworks Make Ideas Stick: The MAGIC framework (Mindset, Awakening, Gumption, Intuition, Charisma) isn’t just memorable—it's actionable. Whether you’re leading a team or presenting on stage, frameworks like this make complex ideas tangible and practical, helping both you and your audience grow.  

Bio  

Claire Brumby is a motivational speaker, leadership coach and best-selling author helping leaders and organisations unlock intuitive, emotionally intelligent and future-ready leadership. As a former FMCG founder and Dragons’ Den alumna, Claire brings real-world commercial experience together with deep insight into resilience, mindset and transformation.   

Her new book, Forget Normal – I Want Magic! introduces her pioneering MAGIC framework—Mindset, Awakening, Gumption, Intuition, and Charisma, offering a progressive approach to self-leadership in a world reshaping fast. Claire challenges outdated, overly masculine leadership norms and invites every leader, regardless of gender, to embrace balanced energetics, intuition and personal power.   

Claire works internationally with organisations, boards and executive leaders to develop cultures that are authentic, human-centred and high performing - without burnout. She speaks powerfully on intuitive leadership, emotional intelligence, authenticity in modern leadership, and how to lead with courage in times of uncertainty and change. Her mission is to inspire individuals and organisations to lead with heart, clarity and confidence, and to create impact that feels meaningful, aligned and sustainable.  

Website: www.clairebrumby.com   

Book link: https://tinyurl.com/ForgetNormalIWantMagic   

Socials:  https://www.instagram.com/theclairebrumby  

Time stamped overview:  
00:00 Entrepreneurial Lessons from Food Industry
06:27 Pandemic Pivot: Expanding Business Horizons
10:11 Overcoming Self-Doubt for Success
14:01 Shooting for the Bestseller Goal
17:27 Chasing Sunday Times Bestseller
18:33 Leveraging Networks and Celebrations
21:32 Overcoming Fear for Leadership
25:50 Memorable Impact Through Magic
28:35 Quick Mindset Boost Guide
32:14 Business Culture Fuels Burnout
37:59 Blending Memoir and Advice  

Keywords:    book writing, self-publishing, publishing deal, Sunday Times bestseller, keynote speaking, leadership, coaching, business growth, food mentor, entrepreneurial journey, women leaders, positive disruption, marketing tactics, lumpy mail, personal development, pivoting in business, author journey, goal setting, book proposal, magic framework, Kogan Page, organizational change, storytelling, writing process

Today, Karen Williams, The Book Mentor, sits down with Susan M. Barber, a leading visibility coach and former Kraft Heinz executive. With over 25 years of corporate leadership experience under her belt, Susan has turned her journey – from battling imposter syndrome to becoming an influential author and podcast host – into invaluable lessons for quiet, high-achieving professionals looking to step into the spotlight.  

In this conversation, Susan shares the story of how blogging about her own struggles and triumphs led to writing her influential books and building a business centered on helping others embrace their unique strengths. You’ll hear insights about her signature “Rise” framework for gaining visibility, why she wrote a workbook to accompany her main book, and practical tips for anyone struggling with self-promotion – especially those who identify as introverts.   

If you’ve ever wondered how to authentically share your achievements without feeling like you’re bragging, or what it takes to go from corporate life to author and entrepreneur, this episode is full of honest advice and inspiration.   

 ** Upcoming Events **  

If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month.  You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors.  

We also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book!  

You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com.   

Key Takeaways
Visibility Is a Skill, Not Just a Trait: Susan shared how her own struggles with imposter syndrome and being “too quiet” inspired her to develop authentic strategies for visibility that work—even for introverts and reluctant self-promoters.
Your Story Resonates More Than You Think: By openly sharing her personal and professional stories through blogs, books, and her podcast, Susan found her vulnerability created connection—and clients saw themselves in her journey.
Books (and Workbooks!) Create Ecosystems: Publishing her story unlocked new opportunities—including speaking gigs, workshops, and international connections. Her recent workbook goes beyond inspiration, providing practical prompts and resources to help readers implement real change.
Bio

Susan M. Barber is a leading visibility coach who helps quiet, high-achieving corporate leaders step into the spotlight and become visible, valued, and influential. With over twenty-five years of leadership experience at Kraft Heinz, Susan understands the challenges of corporate life. She’s the author of Your Journey to Visibility Workbook, The Visibility Factor and the host of The Visibility Factor podcast. Through her coaching and work, Susan empowers professionals to embrace their unique strengths, grow their influence, and take their careers to the next level.  

Website: https://susanmbarber.com   

Book link: The Visibility Factor and Your Journey to Visibility Workbook  

Socials:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbarbercoaching   

Time stamped overview:  
00:00 From Imposter Syndrome to Business
05:45 Prioritizing My Role as Author
09:06 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Visibility
12:44 Career Clarity for Decision Making
16:27 Share Impact, Not Ego
18:54 Inspiring Others to Try Boldly
20:29 Embracing a Voice to Help
24:47 Guidance Unlocks Limitless Potential  

Keywords:   

visibility coach, imposter syndrome, authentic leadership, personal branding, career success, blog writing, storytelling, book writing, workbook creation, influence growth, author mindset, podcast hosting, visibility challenges, pandemic career impact, career transition, career clarity framework, introverts in business, book publishing, developmental editing, business ecosystem, public speaking, business networking, marketing books

Welcome to another episode of Business Book Bites! Today, host and book mentor Karen Williams sits down with Deborah Naish, an award-winning executive coach and author of Level Up Your Leadership.   

With over 40 years of experience in both corporate and nonprofit leadership, Deborah brings a wealth of wisdom on how leaders can create positive change with intention and clarity.   In this conversation, Deborah shares her journey from adamantly believing she’d never write a book to becoming a published author—thanks to some inspiration from other writers and a few pivotal mindset shifts.   

She opens up about imposter syndrome, the importance of curiosity and acceptance, and how writing her book not only helped her formalize her own leadership models but also gave her powerful new tools to help clients and elevate her business.  

If you’re an aspiring author, a coach, or simply someone seeking inspiration from a seasoned leader who’s walked the talk, this episode is packed with practical tips, authentic reflections, and plenty of encouragement to help you level up your own journey.   

 ** Upcoming Events **  

If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month.  You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors.  

We also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book!  

You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com.   

Key Takeaways

Embrace the Beginner Mindset: Stepping into something new—even if it’s messy or uncomfortable—is where meaningful growth happens.
Structure Creates Freedom: Turning instinctive ways of working into a framework not only clarifies your process, but also creates ongoing resources for both you and your clients.
Curiosity and Acceptance are Superpowers: Staying curious and learning to accept what is helps us transform roadblocks into possibilities, whether in writing or business.
Bio  

Deborah Naish is an award-winning executive coach and author of Level Up Your Leadership. With 40+ years of experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership, she helps leaders grow their impact with clarity and intention. Based in Santa Barbara, she finds inspiration by the ocean and sees leadership as a force for positive change. 2025 winner of two Goody Business Book Awards: Leadership: Mentor/Coaching and Leadership: Motivation.  

Website:    www.deborahnaish.com   

Book link:    Level Up Your Leadership: Becoming More Conscious, Courageous & Resilient https://www.amazon.com/Level-Your-Leadership-Conscious-Courageous/dp/B0FKMM6KVD   

Socials:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahnaish   

Time stamped overview:  
00:00 Writing a Book: The Start
03:54 Creating Connection Through Writing
07:14 Level Up Loop Framework
11:04 Overcoming Doubt to Achieve Success
16:25 Exploring What's Next
19:15 Acceptance and Moving Forward
21:06 Unlocking Personal Agency
25:45 Flexible Approach to Writing Tasks
29:56 Leadership Lessons for Everyone
30:52 Deborah on Podcast  

Keywords:    leadership, executive coaching, book writing journey, author mindset, imposter syndrome, business book, leadership development, self-publishing, book marketing, book launch, building a coaching business, personal growth, writing process, book structure and frameworks, publishing awards, business awards, social impact, women in business, book as a business card, LinkedIn marketing, developmental editing, overcoming self-doubt

In today’s episode, host Karen Williams is joined by Sheryl Andrews. Known as the Listening Detective, Sheryl has spent over 30 years motivating, managing, and mentoring others at work, and she brings a wealth of raw, honest, and often funny insights into her journey as an author and coach.   

Sheryl shares the inside story behind her first book, Manage Your Critic, revealing how personal challenges, especially around communication and self-doubt, fuelled her writing and shaped her process.  

We’ll dive deep into her experience of making the invisible visible—transforming patterns, behaviours, and inner wisdom into practical strategies that empower others to overcome overwhelm and get clarity. Sheryl unpacks how writing her book wasn’t just a professional milestone but a transformative personal journey, recovering lost confidence and rebuilding relationships.  

You’ll also hear about her expertise in clean language coaching, the emotional ups and downs of book writing, and the powerful impact that self-awareness and managing criticism has on authors and business owners alike.   

 ** Upcoming Events **  

If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month.  You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors.  

Sheryl and Karen also run an annual writing retreat and our next event in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book!  

You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com.   

Key Takeaways  

Make the Invisible Visible: Writing crystallizes those invaluable but hard-to-articulate insights you use daily into tangible strategies you can share—and use to help yourself.  

Embrace Your Unique Process: There’s no “one right way” to write a book. Discovering and trusting your personal rhythm, learning style, and environment is the secret to lasting creativity and clarity.  

Turn Self-Criticism into Curiosity: Silence the inner critic with curiosity instead of judgement. Notice when you’re stuck, explore the why, and give yourself permission to get support when you need it.  

Bio  

Sheryl Andrews – aka ‘The Listening Detective’ draws on 30 plus years motivating, managing and mentoring others at work whilst also negotiating the challenges of bringing together a blended family of 5 children. Sheryl is both funny, raw and honest when sharing her own inside stories and making the impossible feel possible through practical step by step strategies.  

Website https://stepbysteplistening.com   

Book link: Manage Your Critic – https://stepbysteplistening.com/manage-your-critic-the-book and https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manage-Your-Critic-Overwhelm-Clarity/dp/0995755604   

Socials:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylandrews  https://www.facebook.com/stepbysteplistening   

Time stamped overview:  
00:00 Why I Wrote My Book
06:33 Overwhelmed by Independence
08:25 Self-Regulation Through Authenticity
12:20 Honoring Inner Wisdom Through Reflection
16:03 Book Delay and Pandemic Recovery
17:20 Calm Unlocks Creative Flow
21:59 Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable
24:00 Knowing and Advocating Needs
29:40 Overcoming Brain Barriers to Risk
32:00 Writing, Learning, and Memory Connection
34:47 Finding Purpose Through Struggles
37:52 Trust Yourself to Write  

Keywords:    book writing journey, book writing process, managing criticism, clean language coaching, self-help books, author journey, writing retreats, regulating nervous system, overwhelm, clarity, storytelling, business growth, neurodivergence, resilience, delegation, work-life balance, writing sprints, book writing feedback, trusting your process, mindset shifts, overcoming self-doubt, transformational change, emotional regulation, writing strategies, writer's block, writing a book, manage your critic, the listening detective, writing retreats spain