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Heart Boss: Trust Your Gut, Shed Your Shoulds, and Create a Life You Love
Women are doing it running companies, nurturing marriages, raising kids, volunteering on boards, and still making Pinterest-perfect cupcakes for the class party, thank you very much.
But we’re exhausted.
We’re running on hamster wheels and popping Xanax, and in our most private moments, we’re wondering the scariest question of “Is this it?”
I’ve been that woman. The harried workaholic. The unhappy wife. The frustrated mom. I was even in a passionate relationship with a woman for two years before marrying my husband. Life is complicated, friends.
The point is, I found my way off the treadmill. This book is me extending my hand to help you off yours.
You are not alone. You are worthy. You are powerful. And you can own your life in such a way that you’ll stop asking “Is this it?” and instead start saying “This is it!”
Heart Boss is the story of how I learned to let my heart be boss. And, hopefully, it’s a story about how you can get there too.
But we’re exhausted.
We’re running on hamster wheels and popping Xanax, and in our most private moments, we’re wondering the scariest question of “Is this it?”
I’ve been that woman. The harried workaholic. The unhappy wife. The frustrated mom. I was even in a passionate relationship with a woman for two years before marrying my husband. Life is complicated, friends.
The point is, I found my way off the treadmill. This book is me extending my hand to help you off yours.
You are not alone. You are worthy. You are powerful. And you can own your life in such a way that you’ll stop asking “Is this it?” and instead start saying “This is it!”
Heart Boss is the story of how I learned to let my heart be boss. And, hopefully, it’s a story about how you can get there too.
- GenresNonfictionLeadership
200 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2021
29 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 28, 2021
I love to read, but have been in a book rut. This was the 1st book I’ve read in awhile that I devoured. It was a nice mix of entertaining stories & suggestions on how to live your best life without being preachy. It made laugh out loud & made me want to get my highlighter to focus on certain parts. Great read.
March 26, 2021
Regan Walsh is the cheerleader we all need right now!
This book is a must-read for women (like me) who are scrambling to complete never-ending to-do lists and make everyone in theirs lives happy...but who are constantly coming up short and are feeling depleted, unbalanced, and unfulfilled themselves.
Walsh gives fresh perspective and totally do-able advice that will help you put how you spend your valuable time, resources, and bandwidth into perspective so you can revaluate and re-allocate based on what really makes you happy. She says to "Trust Your Gut, Shed Your Shoulds, and Create a Life You Love," and shares her approachable strategies to do that.
Best yet, she does it with warmth, compassion, wisdom, vulnerability, and sense of humor that makes you feel like a trusted friend who really has her shit together is helping you do the same with zero judgment. She says in the book that she's cheering you on, and you really feel it in these pages.
This book is a must-read for women (like me) who are scrambling to complete never-ending to-do lists and make everyone in theirs lives happy...but who are constantly coming up short and are feeling depleted, unbalanced, and unfulfilled themselves.
Walsh gives fresh perspective and totally do-able advice that will help you put how you spend your valuable time, resources, and bandwidth into perspective so you can revaluate and re-allocate based on what really makes you happy. She says to "Trust Your Gut, Shed Your Shoulds, and Create a Life You Love," and shares her approachable strategies to do that.
Best yet, she does it with warmth, compassion, wisdom, vulnerability, and sense of humor that makes you feel like a trusted friend who really has her shit together is helping you do the same with zero judgment. She says in the book that she's cheering you on, and you really feel it in these pages.
March 28, 2021
I laughed. I cried. And I thought deeply about the woman I want to be.
Regan has this unique ability to help you see yourself more clearly - in the best, most empowering way. This book feels uplifting without feeling preachy..... approachable without feeling fluffy..... and actionable without feeling overwhelming.
I’m ready to listen to my gut and “shed my shoulds.” Thank you for that, Regan. <3
Regan has this unique ability to help you see yourself more clearly - in the best, most empowering way. This book feels uplifting without feeling preachy..... approachable without feeling fluffy..... and actionable without feeling overwhelming.
I’m ready to listen to my gut and “shed my shoulds.” Thank you for that, Regan. <3
April 20, 2021
I rarely read non-fiction unless it's a celebrity memoir, and I'm definitely not interested in "self help."
Luckily, "Heart Boss" doesn't read like the stereotypical self help book. It's not preachy or full of hard-to-grasp concepts. It's relatable and hard to put down. Walsh intersperses stories from her own life (sometimes funny, sometimes raw) with suggestions for how to get out of our own way and figure out what's really important.
One of the many bits I highlighted is something that I've felt and said for years: "Truth is we all control the pace of our own lives. There is not actually 'so little time.' Everyone gets the same twenty-four hours a day. And each of us chooses how we use it and controls how and when we stop to savor the now."
I would definitely recommend this book to moms who also work outside the home, although I don't have kids and I found loads of applicable information.
Luckily, "Heart Boss" doesn't read like the stereotypical self help book. It's not preachy or full of hard-to-grasp concepts. It's relatable and hard to put down. Walsh intersperses stories from her own life (sometimes funny, sometimes raw) with suggestions for how to get out of our own way and figure out what's really important.
One of the many bits I highlighted is something that I've felt and said for years: "Truth is we all control the pace of our own lives. There is not actually 'so little time.' Everyone gets the same twenty-four hours a day. And each of us chooses how we use it and controls how and when we stop to savor the now."
I would definitely recommend this book to moms who also work outside the home, although I don't have kids and I found loads of applicable information.
June 7, 2021
What an encouraging read! I laughed, nodded along and cried. The author Regan pulls together a set of life rules that we have all heard before but packages them in a relatable and funny way. As women, we get stuck in the do everything, please everyone and run around trying to look good doing it. She addresses this pressure in chapters called " F*@$ the rules (Always take the best next step). She is honest and what I appreciate is she not only takes her own experience to share but she gives examples of what her clients stories are...which are what helps make this relatable.
April 23, 2022
I found Walsh's website and felt hopeful about her book after perusing some of her free corporate coaching material online. It always is nice to support a hometown local and fun to read about places you are familiar with. I think a positive and useful message is buried in here somewhere but the stories were a disjointed mess - some of which is her editor's fault. Other times I think Walsh tried to be relatable but her jet-setting details came across as humble brags and missed the mark for me. Nothing about this book felt terribly original, so I can't recommend it.
June 11, 2025
This book should be read by every woman!! It is beautifully written and the storytelling is amazing! It gave me so much to reflect on and I ended up purchasing one copy for my closest girlfriends and my sister!! READ IT!!
December 31, 2022
I will think of Regan and Heart Boss every time I sign up for napkins and paper plates for classroom parties … which I will do guilt free going forward. Shedding my shoulds !
April 12, 2021
If you’re looking for a book to connect with or to connect you back to you and pull you out of ther busyness you’ve created, don’t miss Heart Boss.
I laughed. I cried. I was inspired and energized. A book that can take you through so many emotions is a powerful connection. One that you miss when it’s over. I had to pull out my phone multiple times to make notes as my brain came awake and new thoughts came to life.
Thank you, Regan Walsh, for not giving up on this book and sharing your heart, experience, and life with your readers and those you serve. Your book is a highly relatable look into life as a mother, a woman, a daughter, a professional and a friend.
#heartboss #bookrecommendation #womenleaders #women #moms
I laughed. I cried. I was inspired and energized. A book that can take you through so many emotions is a powerful connection. One that you miss when it’s over. I had to pull out my phone multiple times to make notes as my brain came awake and new thoughts came to life.
Thank you, Regan Walsh, for not giving up on this book and sharing your heart, experience, and life with your readers and those you serve. Your book is a highly relatable look into life as a mother, a woman, a daughter, a professional and a friend.
#heartboss #bookrecommendation #womenleaders #women #moms
April 30, 2021
“If you have to fake something-anything-why are you saying yes?”
There are a dozen more quotes from this book that I notated but this one stuck with me the most. I really, really want to list all of them and that’s why I think folks would truly benefit from reading this.
I kept thinking of so many people I wanted to suggest it to, YES, so-and-so needs to see this passage, ooooooh, that would be really relevant to “X’s” current situation, etc. The whole dang book resonated with me, some parts more deeply than others, such as her first divorce and her “bucket-fillers” analogy but ultimately, what I’ve concluded, is that Heart Boss is a book for pretty much everyone.
Walsh’s delivery conjured many emotions in me. I adore reading and when it makes you cry (more than once) and then heartily laugh, heck yeah, that’s everything.
Read it, love that you can relate to it, find comfort in that life is hard but there are ways to make it easier, and then resolve to utilize some of Heart Boss’ amazing takeaways.
There are a dozen more quotes from this book that I notated but this one stuck with me the most. I really, really want to list all of them and that’s why I think folks would truly benefit from reading this.
I kept thinking of so many people I wanted to suggest it to, YES, so-and-so needs to see this passage, ooooooh, that would be really relevant to “X’s” current situation, etc. The whole dang book resonated with me, some parts more deeply than others, such as her first divorce and her “bucket-fillers” analogy but ultimately, what I’ve concluded, is that Heart Boss is a book for pretty much everyone.
Walsh’s delivery conjured many emotions in me. I adore reading and when it makes you cry (more than once) and then heartily laugh, heck yeah, that’s everything.
Read it, love that you can relate to it, find comfort in that life is hard but there are ways to make it easier, and then resolve to utilize some of Heart Boss’ amazing takeaways.
April 3, 2021
I felt empowered beyond belief after finishing this book. Regan weaves stories, lessons, laughs, tears and reflections together in a creative and powerful way. Her story is relatable AND aspirational.
She has found a way to articulate things every busy working mom has thought and felt guilty about and turned them into a way for us to take stock, set priorities, and reclaim who we have always been meant to be.
I intend to pick this book up every day so that I can laugh, cry and ultimately be reminded that I am at choice in my life’s path.
Thank you for this gem, Regan.
She has found a way to articulate things every busy working mom has thought and felt guilty about and turned them into a way for us to take stock, set priorities, and reclaim who we have always been meant to be.
I intend to pick this book up every day so that I can laugh, cry and ultimately be reminded that I am at choice in my life’s path.
Thank you for this gem, Regan.
April 2, 2021
A raw, honest, fun, and funny look at life as a woman. It’s packed with great little golden nuggets of advice without being preachy. I laughed and I cried. Inspirational. Aspirational. It's an 11 out of 10. Brliant! Love, love, love.
April 3, 2021
I enjoyed and gleaned some real nuggets from this book and would recommend to my struggling mama friends out there!!
June 4, 2021
Regan Walsh is magnetic, savvy, smart, a consummate professional that you'd love to work with, if you're lucky enough (she has no problem saying no). And she's also willing to share everything she's learned for those who are open to it. To use her words that drew me to her, she's "rooting for you."
Note -- this is especially for those folks -- mostly women who are stuck in perfectionism, say yes to everything, and suffer from human giver syndrome (credit to "Burnout" by Nagoski and Nagoski).
I was fortunate to meet Regan through her coaching business and can vouch for her authenticity.
Her first book is a smooth Sunday read, light enough for the beach. I had a lump in my throat and a belly-laugh for every page in the book.
I wish I had had this book 10 years ago when my kids were in pre-and elementary school. In those days I was always too LATE to sign up for class activities -- the napkins and plates were already taken! I could have made fewer homemade cupcakes or valentines. Ah, but, no regrets. I'm eyeing what success and heart-led clarity look like today, living it for myself, my work, and modeling it for my family and teens.
Note -- this is especially for those folks -- mostly women who are stuck in perfectionism, say yes to everything, and suffer from human giver syndrome (credit to "Burnout" by Nagoski and Nagoski).
I was fortunate to meet Regan through her coaching business and can vouch for her authenticity.
Her first book is a smooth Sunday read, light enough for the beach. I had a lump in my throat and a belly-laugh for every page in the book.
I wish I had had this book 10 years ago when my kids were in pre-and elementary school. In those days I was always too LATE to sign up for class activities -- the napkins and plates were already taken! I could have made fewer homemade cupcakes or valentines. Ah, but, no regrets. I'm eyeing what success and heart-led clarity look like today, living it for myself, my work, and modeling it for my family and teens.
May 23, 2023
Despite this book being heavily geared toward moms and mothers, I ended up taking a lot away from it. Self-help books are reads I'm picky with, so when I won a copy of Heart Boss it sat on my Kindle for over a year. Then one day I felt ready to read it and, ironically, the subject matter in here is one my coworkers and I have been discussing. Heart Boss made me feel empowered and had me thinking about what I'm giving my time and energy to. I will start applying Walsh's 90% rule to my energy dividend.
I mainly read this book at night and it helped me relax before bed. It was kind of a cool down for me and helped get me ready for my nightly meditation. I'm sad it's over and will be looking to see if Walsh has written any more.
I mainly read this book at night and it helped me relax before bed. It was kind of a cool down for me and helped get me ready for my nightly meditation. I'm sad it's over and will be looking to see if Walsh has written any more.
January 28, 2024
I can understand the authors point of view when each situation she experiences challenges her to either step forward or step back. There are many moments of losses and victories. Pretty good read but didn’t really gain any skills or good advice just confirmation that “we aren’t alone in the boat of mistakes/problems”. Which is okay because I believe the author is just sharing their own experience. This book seems good for someone who is going through something or just finished going through something. But if your in a good place it probably doesn’t make sense to read because it’s just going to bring up memories you got over.
June 10, 2021
This book was gifted to me by my boss and I am so happy I took a couple days to read it. I recently made a decision in my career to change positions, after 20 years of experience , to simply have more of a work life balance. For once I listened to my heart and I do not regret the decision I made.
Everything about this book is very relatable, funny and gives you advice to reflect on which really makes you think. I have definitely ear marked many pages and plan to use some of these tactics with my direct reports to ensure their well-being is also the first in mind.
100% recommend this read.
Everything about this book is very relatable, funny and gives you advice to reflect on which really makes you think. I have definitely ear marked many pages and plan to use some of these tactics with my direct reports to ensure their well-being is also the first in mind.
100% recommend this read.
May 24, 2021
The author is wise and thoughtful, but also incredibly humble and clever. Her language around the value of self awareness and following your heart is so relatable and inspiring and should be required reading for all ambitious women that simultaneously want to be happy and do the "right thing". The book has so many funny real-life examples of how the world works when you are trying to work hard and love hard. Loved, loved, loved the stories and sage advice in this book.
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July 23, 2021Beautiful and relatable stories, served up with incredible life advice
Incredible book, beautifully written. Absolutely love the format of the chapters. I was so touched by the stories. This book made me cry and laugh. Loved one of the author's talks I attended pre-covid at Together Digital, and I am so glad I read this book.
Incredible book, beautifully written. Absolutely love the format of the chapters. I was so touched by the stories. This book made me cry and laugh. Loved one of the author's talks I attended pre-covid at Together Digital, and I am so glad I read this book.
June 1, 2021
Excellent Read!
I don’t typically read self help books but this is so well written and encouraging. It’s a great story and a great guide for living life to the fullest on your terms.
I don’t typically read self help books but this is so well written and encouraging. It’s a great story and a great guide for living life to the fullest on your terms.
July 10, 2021
A light and uplifting read.
July 24, 2021
Written by one of my amazing mentors from Renegade Accelerator and I hear you loud and clear Regan..my life is my choice. I will shout it from the rooftops. 💕
January 6, 2022
Absolutely loved this book!
April 16, 2022
Read the book, ladies. Read the book. Devour it. Think on it. Be encouraged by it. Be inspired by it. Give yourself some grace. Let your heart lead you to your best self.
November 9, 2022
This is one of those books I wish I had written myself! Loved it. So funny, inspiring, and useful advice.
January 31, 2023
So good. So spot on, loved the author’s perspective (and humor!). Really great and short/quick read.
February 27, 2025
Great book. A gift for any busy mom who struggles to feel fulfilled and says yes to too many things and needs to shed the shoulds.
November 20, 2025
One of the very few books I have read more than once. And is a go to gift for other women in my life. I love love love this book.
May 29, 2024
One of the best books I’ve ever read on this topic.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews