Ask the Author: Jonathan Stanley
Answered Questions (6)
Jonathan Stanley
I’ve experienced writer’s block, and the best way I’ve found to overcome it is to change my environment. Stepping away from my laptop and shifting my surroundings makes a huge difference. Sometimes, that means taking my Viszla, Charlie, to the park (which also keeps him from trying to sit in my lap!) or simply moving to a different room when writing. I’ve learned that getting unstuck is often about breaking the routine and giving your mind a fresh perspective.
Jonathan Stanley
When I started this journey, my goal was simple: to reach just one person and inspire them to make a meaningful change that could ripple into the world. I’ve since had so many early readers tell me my words resonated deeply with them and connected with their inner dialogue about who they want to become. Knowing that my work has made a positive difference in someone’s life is the most fulfilling part of being a writer.
Jonathan Stanley
When I was 21, I moved to Italy to escape distractions and focus on writing my first book. I finished that book, but when I returned home, I only shared it with two people before tucking it away in a wooden chest—where it still sits today. I gave up on the idea of being a writer and instead prioritized my career. Looking back, I wish I hadn’t let that dream slip away for so long. My advice to aspiring writers? Don’t wait for the perfect time or the perfect story. Just start writing. If I can write a book, so can you! The greatest gift you have to offer others is you.
Jonathan Stanley
I'm developing a new talk for my upcoming speaking engagements. I aim to inspire people to shift their mindset from 'what can I gain?' to 'what can I give?' True leadership is about supporting, empowering, and uplifting others, and I want this message to resonate deeply with audiences as they navigate their leadership journeys.
Jonathan Stanley
I don't know if my approach to writing is unique, but it's all about setting clear goals for each writing session and chapter. I committed to writing daily, even when inspiration didn't show up. To stay consistent, I carved out a dedicated space where writing became a daily habit in my home. The process was far from perfect. Some days, the words flowed effortlessly, but many pages—and even whole chapters—never made it into the final book. And that's okay. I learned that the real key was letting go of perfection and embracing the messy, unpredictable journey of creativity. The best ideas eventually surfaced in that process of trial, error, and persistence.
Jonathan Stanley
When I sold my purpose-driven company and transitioned to the organization that acquired it, I quickly found myself disengaged. I felt lost, isolated, and disconnected, almost like a stranger in my new workplace. But instead of letting that feeling consume me, I convinced the executive team to allow me to lead a purpose-driven transformation across the company. The impact was profound—not just on the organization but also on the people within it. Yet, as I connected with friends and colleagues across industries, many opened up about feeling undervalued, and some even admitted they were quietly quitting. Their stories struck a chord with me and sparked the idea for this book. I realized that if we want truly thriving workplaces, we must shift the focus from what we can get out of work to what we can give through it. That seed of an idea grew into a mission to help leaders create businesses where purpose and meaning drive everything they do, both inside and beyond their organizations.
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