As her new book is published, author Jacqueline Wales sat down to respond to a few questions about it. Giving us a glimpse of why The Fearless Factor @ Work is so valuable and relevant for our time.
What led you to write The Fearless Factor @ Work?
It’s simple. I want to help people get past self-imposed barriers in their own lives.
I’ve coached people for years about becoming more self-aware, building their confidence, and communicating more effectively. At the same time, I’ve been going through my own life experiences and growth, which has informed everything I do.
This book is an evolution of the work I started years ago, in my previous book, The Fearless Factor. Fear is at the root of what gets in our way: Fear of not being good enough, exposing our flaws and being judged keeps us playing “small.”
| Fear is at the root of what gets in our way.
We know how to be our own best enemies—but what about being our own best friend? When we are going through change, we need compassion for ourselves and others.
Why Focus On Being Fearless at Work?
What drove me to talk about the workplace was the chance to help leaders grow and develop; to help them be better at who they really are and improve their potential for strong leadership.
I’ve seen business leaders who are so focused on perfectionism or are using aggressive behaviors and imposing that on others . . . instead of creating the synergy they want with their teams. I’ve also seen them keeping their head down, not drawing attention to themselves, and staying out of decision making, lacking confidence in who they are, and that what they’re doing is good enough.
This book gives them ways to increase their awareness, develop more confidence, build trust and communicate better. To achieve more.
There’s a lot of misunderstanding about behavior and how our thinking influences our actions. Questions in the book deep dive into those issues: Guiding readers to discover their own truths and insights along the way.
How is the Book Relevant for our Current Times?
People are used to living life in a vertical way, and this pandemic has definitely sent things horizontal. Work has significantly changed. So much of it is virtual now.
Fear and uncertainty loom large. Anxiety is real. A lot of people are looking for something to hang on to, to anchor them.
This book helps identify things in our lives that we can control and get clear answers about what’s truly important. Grounding us, giving us tools to manage disruption and change.
What’s One Nugget of Wisdom You Can Share From the Book?
There’s a big thing about failure in the book. I like to say we’re all failing our way to success, and the only real failure is the failure to try.
The next time something doesn’t go right, consider: What’s your attitude about it? Do you think it’s the end of the world? Or do you respond by thinking, hmm, that didn’t work. What’s next?
| So much of it is about our own thinking.
Fearless leaders aren’t afraid to say now what? Or to take the next step. Fear is imagination based. Until we have empirical evidence of fear (which doesn’t exist most of the time), it’s simply just a thought.
Who we are, and how we handle life and work, is based around our own thinking—and we can all change that. As Wayne Dyer said, change your thoughts, change your life. Our thinking impacts our behavior and behavior drives results. It’s not complicated, but it’s not easy.
Success is built on failure. None of us is an overnighter!
What’s The Biggest Benefit Readers Will Get From Your Book?
If they take it seriously and work it (asking themselves the questions to find their true answers), the book will shift the needle on how and what they think about themselves. They’ll have a better and deeper understanding of what personally matters to them and how to be their best self.
So many people live “lives of quiet desperation.” To me, that’s a waste of time and space, and the life we’re given from birth to death. I originally thought life was about “marking time” and accepting the status quo. Not anymore! I think you can find the meaning in all of this if you’re willing to put in the hard work.
It’s also a guide to help you navigate these challenging and fearful times by keeping you focused on what matters, and the importance of taking care of yourself.
How Do You Feel About The Book Being Published?
I’m excited! This is my third book and it never gets old. It’s always a thrill to physically hold it in your hands.
It’s also a book for the times. Everywhere I go people ask the same question. “How do I deal with my fears about the current climate we are living in?” There are no simple answers, but you can think about where you are focused. The uncertainty is real, but how you respond is up to you.
Someone once told me: “You’re here to heal.” I said that was a lot of responsibility . . . but I’m ready to own it.” I love helping people change their thinking and their behavior.
I’m passionate about this; it’s my life’s calling. In this book, I may not be telling readers anything they haven’t heard before, but maybe it’ll sink in this time. I know if they choose to use the book and the questions in it to guide them, it can make a difference.
My own learning and development in the last 10 years has been exponential. I’ve had many turning points and reinventions in my life. This last year, I’ve completely transformed my business and I’m in a much different place now. I’m a testament to the saying: if you really want to change, you can.
When Will The Book The Fearless Factor @ Work Be Available and Where?
It’s available now. I released the Kindle version on Amazon. If you have Kindle Unlimited, it’s free. If not, you can get it for $.99 during a special promotional time or buy the paperback version for $12.99.
If readers would like to check out an excerpt before buying it, that’s available too.
Anything Else You’d Like to Add About The Book?
I want this book to inspire and motivate people. With honesty, integrity and no BS. So important in these challenging times.
I’ve been told “you make it safe to be human.” I do that in all my books. There are a lot of personal stories in here; I’m very vulnerable and don’t hold back. I think my stories will help people relate. And shared experiences become powerful. I’ve been there, done that . . . and I want readers to say if she did it, I can too.
Interview by Candy Culver October 6th, 2020