One of my favorite leaders and mentors, Dr. Jodi Blinco, wrote a book – Inner Alchemy. She was one of the impactful leaders early in my career. She also delivered a fantastic workshop for one of my teams later in life. And now I had the privilege to check out her book in advance. This book is like having a conversation with Dr Jodi. She’s vulnerable and transparent – sharing her story and asking us ours. The transition from one section to the next flows so well it keeps the reader intrigued. It’s about development, self-care, emotions, engagement, tactical action items – all in one place – it’s magic. Reading it is the first step in breaking out of your box. I would recommend this book to someone that truly is focusing on self-development and trying to find themselves. It’s also great for someone that wants to learn from stories and lessons from corporate America and transition to entrepreneurship with various projects. Her stories share the why behind it which helps you know if what you are doing is right for you or not.

Here are some of my nuggets:

• We may be from different walks of life with different backgrounds, different
• ethnicities, and different lived experiences, nut being human is the common
• connector that we all share. Being a human being is what makes all of the same.
• Living in overdrive means we are moving too fast, missing the details of all the
• amazing things happening right in the very moment.
• Trust that, at your own pace, you will build stamina, momentum, and speed to
• yield performance over time.
• Think of your life as the organization you have been appointed to lead as the
• CEO. As the CEO of your own life, one of your most important responsibilities is
• managing your behavior, thoughts, and actions.
• Leadership is taking the initiative to invest in your own personal growth and
• development. There is only one leader that has full control and power over what
• is written in the story of your life…YOU.
• You are not going to change people. If you want to change something, change
• the way you think about situations that trigger your frustration.
• Opportunities challenge our mind, stretch us past our comfort zone, and
• strengthen our drive. Opportunities are passageways to transition to the next
• level of personal growth.
• Trying new things and having new experiences not only keeps life rich and
• interesting, but more importantly, it builds your self-confidence.