Ask the Author: Sylvana Caloni
Answered Questions (6)
Sylvana Caloni
I take my hat off to my co-author Paul O'Donnell. He had the strength and courage to share his vulnerability and the factors that led to his poor decision making when starting up his business, Humble Pie. He also had the generosity to share what he learned about himself, his blindspots and what he could have done differently so that budding entrepreneurs could avoid some of his mistakes.
As a leadership coach, facilitator of peer advisory circles and mentor I have witnessed how people can get in their own way and how they can learn to notice more, become more self aware and make meaningful shifts. This is the key to ultimate success.
Paul's narrative about starting up and closing down Humble Pie, provided stories of success as well as a very useful vehicle to demonstrate blind spots and unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving.
As a former equity analyst and funds manager I also had some insights to share from my 15 years in global financial markets. We believed that bringing together Paul's story with the overlay of my two lenses would provide practical and powerful insights.
You can also read more about us and our decision to co-author Humble Crumbles at https://www.mindfood.com/article/humb...
As a leadership coach, facilitator of peer advisory circles and mentor I have witnessed how people can get in their own way and how they can learn to notice more, become more self aware and make meaningful shifts. This is the key to ultimate success.
Paul's narrative about starting up and closing down Humble Pie, provided stories of success as well as a very useful vehicle to demonstrate blind spots and unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving.
As a former equity analyst and funds manager I also had some insights to share from my 15 years in global financial markets. We believed that bringing together Paul's story with the overlay of my two lenses would provide practical and powerful insights.
You can also read more about us and our decision to co-author Humble Crumbles at https://www.mindfood.com/article/humb...
Sylvana Caloni
I love ideas, exploring models, understanding what motivates and inhibits people. I'm a "course junkie" and I facilitate peer advisory groups, learning groups and communities of practice.
I believe in the power of storytelling and metaphors. I'm co-lead of the IWF UK storytelling group and I have the privilege of hearing and collating the stories of trailblazers and generous leaders.
I believe in the power of storytelling and metaphors. I'm co-lead of the IWF UK storytelling group and I have the privilege of hearing and collating the stories of trailblazers and generous leaders.
Sylvana Caloni
I'm garnering responses from our readers about what they'd like more of, say, going into some of the models of human behaviour in more depth. One idea is to create a workbook where readers can enter their responses to the reflective questions I've asked and where they can record their progress and successes.
I'm also considering how to convert my photo book which is a Primer on Self Awareness into a book. https://sylvanacaloni.com/wp-content/...
I'm also considering how to convert my photo book which is a Primer on Self Awareness into a book. https://sylvanacaloni.com/wp-content/...
Sylvana Caloni
Writing can be lonely and requires discipline. Surround yourself with "cheer leaders". People who will nudge you on when you doubt yourself, read your drafts and offer constructive criticism and brainstorm ideas with you.
Borrowing from the English poet John Donne, "no person is an island". We gain from collective wisdom and seeking out alternative perspectives.
Borrowing from the English poet John Donne, "no person is an island". We gain from collective wisdom and seeking out alternative perspectives.
Sylvana Caloni
It's heartwarming to receive feedback from readers who have found the book useful, easy-to-read and full of "crumbs of wisdom" that they can put into practice when setting up their own businesses.
I'm also delighted that while our book is aimed at young, budding entrepreneurs working from home or transitioning from corporate roles, our readership is much broader; they range from a curious 10 year-old to a 70 year-old social entrepreneur.
I'm also delighted that while our book is aimed at young, budding entrepreneurs working from home or transitioning from corporate roles, our readership is much broader; they range from a curious 10 year-old to a 70 year-old social entrepreneur.
Sylvana Caloni
I had a version of writer's block when I thought "I have nothing new to say, it's all been said before by thought leaders in my field". I got over it when I asked a successful author if she had experienced "imposter syndrome". Her response was "Sylvana it's not about you, it's about your readers. You have experiences and insights that are valuable and inspiring to them".
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