Barbara Bray wrote Define Your WHY from the process she went through to figure out her WHY. She discovered this as the host of her podcast and through coaching others. Many shared with Barbara that they did not feel valued or appreciated. A few even shared that they didn't know why they needed to believe in themselves. Yet, they shared stories about being challenged, overcoming struggles, and that they found ways to live on purpose. Barbara tells her story with stories from 26 inspirational thought leaders along with quotes, resources, questions, and activities to help you on your journey to define your WHY so you own your story. After reading "Define Your WHY," you will... Know WHY you and your story matters. Identify your "ikigai" and your reason for living. Build your backpack based on your skills and how you learn best. Understand why empathy and being vulnerable help you be the real YOU. Discover your passion and align it with what the world needs. Become the chief storyteller of your WHY.
Barbara Bray, author, coach, mentor, speaker, podcast host, and difference-maker, has been on a mission for over 30 years to transform teaching so learning is authentic and meaningful. She is the co-author of Make Learning Personal and How to Personalize Learning. Barbara has hosted the Rethinking Learning podcast since 2017 to capture stories from inspirational innovators. These stories became the heart of her book, Define Your Why: Own Your Story So You Can Live and Learn on Purpose.
Barbara is co-host of the podcast “Real Talk with Barbara and Nicole” focusing on authenticity in a polarized society. Her new book is “Grow Your Why - One Story at a Time” with 23 personal stories from inspirational educators, entrepreneurs, and innovators. She loves to write and is inspired by stories, especially your story. This is why Barbara calls herself a Story Weaver.
Through Why Press Publishing, she is a mentor and coach to anyone who wants to be a writer or podcaster. Barbara is also pursuing her life coach certification to coach people to grow their why and build their dreams.
I enjoyed this book as the author encourages readers to “Find Their Why?” Many things struck me-the first that “Curiosity” lies at the heart of teaching. This sentiment resonated with me as teachers face the task of teaching a wide range of students, often with limited knowledge. Bray encourages readers to be reflective, to learn, and to grow and “Find Their Why” to make significant contributions to their community and society. Bray has podcasts with every person who shared stories in this book. I found many of the stories shared, inspiring. They had me valuing the power of “being different” and challenged the “status quo.” It’s a book I will revisit again and again for its valuable resources.