Inspiring Future Leaders

About the Episode

If you've got a twinkle in your eye about a book within you which needs to be birthed, then listen to independent publisher Alison Jones talk about how authors are leaders and the similarities between creating a book and a business.

We talk about authors as leaders, experts and facilitators of personal and professional development. Books as a means to listen in on the conversations which are emerging in the world, at any point in time, as well as understanding that writing any book is the same as starting a business - through synthesising and differentiation.

Core values are highligted, such as transparency, authenticity, trust and respect, in the realms of creating a positive, fulfilling, proactive and motivating workplace culture.

In addition, this week (w/c 13th September 2021) also marks the start of Alison's latest Book Proposal Challenge, whereby each participant takes that twinke in the eye to a fully formed book proposal which is ready to be sent out into the world of publishers to catch a book deal. As if that wasn't enough, one lucky person will get themselves a full publishing deal with Practical Inspiration Publishing (aka Alison)!

What are you waiting for? Sign up now

About Alison

Alison Jones is founder of Practical Inspiration Publishing, a pioneering publishing partner for businesses, and host of The Extraordinary Business Book Club, a podcast and community for writers and readers of extraordinary business books. 

A veteran of the publishing industry, she worked for 25 years with leading companies such as Chambers, Oxford University Press and Macmillan (as Publisher and then Director of Innovation Strategy at Palgrave Macmillan). 

She regularly speaks and blogs on the publishing industry, is on the board of the Independent Publishers Guild and Head Judge of the Business Book Awards. She has written and edited several books, most recently This Book Means Business (2018).

How to connect with Alison and her initiatives

LinkedIn: Alison Jones

LinkedIn: Practical Inspiration Publishing

Instagram: @bookstothesky

Twitter: @bookstothesky

Website: Practical Inspiration Publishing

Website: Alison Jones

Website: The Extraordinary Business Book Club (EBBC)

About the Episode

Today's episode is released on the 6-month anniversary of International Women's Day 2021. This year's theme was "Choose to Challenge" and Marija Skobe-Pilley is certainly delivering on her pledge, which she made publicly on her podcast and a Gender Diversity in Customer Success panel discussion back on 8th March 2021!

Marija is a full-time and passionate Customer Success professional, a proud mother of two, host of the Women in CS podcast and part of the founding leadership team for the Women in CS Network - I don't know where she finds the time!

She believes in making connections at the purest level, that everyone is a leader - no matter your job title or age, there is huge power in leaders who focus on serving those around them and creating an environment for learning based on trust.

I truly enjoyed my conversation with Marija and I hope you enjoy listening just as much.

About Marija

Marija Skobe-Pilley is the Founder of Women in Customer Success Podcast & Network, Customer Success Enthusiast. She’s a classical musician who has transitioned into the world of technology.

Having spent her education years as a music performer and educator, Marija discovered her passion for tech. and business after completing her graduate research on using arts to develop business competencies. She realised that future of business needs more human touch and her unique skillset and artistic mindset are in demand. 

Soon, she found a new home in Customer Success. During the pandemic, Marija started the Women in Customer Success Podcast to provide a platform for women to connect, inspire and champion each other. She is committed to bringing remarkable ladies to the show, from all career stages and backgrounds, to share their inspirational story and practical tools to help others succeed and make an impact. 

Marija holds degrees from the University of Zagreb (BA Music, MMus) and University of Cambridge (MPhil in Education).

How to connect with Marija and her initiatives

LinkedIn: Marija Skobe-Pilley

LinkedIn: Women in CS podcast

Instagram: @womenincspodcast

Website: Women in CS podcast

Join the Women in CS Network, on Slack, here!

This is an introduction to the Inspiring Future Leaders podcast. A podcast where I plan to have conversations with many individuals about positive business cultures, frameworks and leaderships styles. I'm particularly interested in exploring how positive business cultures can promote more conscious business styles and individual motivations towards community-led business practices and more active participation in being global citizens.

Get in touch if you have thoughts, insights and/or suggestions as to who I should invite on the podcast!