Author of:  An A-Z Introduction to Ethiconomics

Tell Us A Bit About Yourself... I have been described as a natural and inspirational leader. My background is in the corporate environment where I accumulated almost 20 years experience as Financial Controller, Business Manager and Commercial Manager. I also worked for nearly 10 years as an independent coach and consultant to micro- and SME's. During that time I've created and developed several enterprises including businesses in telecommunications, graphic design, health and nutrition and media industries. I am passionate about business ethics, sustainable business operations and personal development. Life is about people. Business is about people. Bringing these together is the way towards a new economy - Ethiconomics^TM - as I call it.  

What Is Your Book About? Ethiconomics is more than a book. It is a philosophy. Combining life skills, personal development techniques and business practices it introduces over 100 principles that can be adopted and integrated into daily activity - at work and in general daily life. Based on core values it provides practical advice on authenticity, change and action intended to help the reader towards a more fulfilling life, rewarding business relationships and authentic personal and social change.

Ethiconomics is a paradigm shift in business thinking. It promotes people as much as profits, the stakeholder not just the shareholder and values humans as assets and not just resources. The principles can be adopted and adapted in to all and any life and business by promoting this shift in thinking and actions; incorporating ethical values into mission statements, objectives and strategies, human resource management, communication and more. From a personal perspective, issues such as boundaries, balance, communication, role models and more help the individual to develop their own uniqueness and value. From affluence to zest for life, An A-Z Introduction will inspire you to think differently, act differently and behave differently - with authenticity, respect and a commitment to changing the way the World does business. 

Who Is It Aimed At? This book is as relevant to the entrepreneur as it is to employees and employers in the corporate world. The information is generic but the application is personal and powerful.

What Inspired You To Write It? The recent banking crisis, political scandals and the overall economic downturn means that a new thinking is required, but thinking is not enough. Action is required. All the principles in An A-Z Introduction to Ethiconomics are practical and personal but expand into a major shift in thinking. Taking authentic, value-driven action will deliver this change. No longer should companies be allowed to resign their CSR policy to a statement on a wall or limit their community support to simple one-off cash donations. Values not only need to be spoken about but need to be acted upon from the top down. It is individual action and decisions that will make this change the way the World does business.

What Would You Like Your Readers To Get From Your Book? Inspiration and confidence to change.

When Did You First Realise That You Wanted To Write This Book? I have worked extensively in the corporate world and with individual entrepreneurs. I realised far too often that individual values were sacrificed for commonly accepted business practice. It was as if money ALWAYS counted more than the people. Humans are the greatest asset in any business but far too often they are treated as a simple resource. Finding ways to develop this asset, to invest in its development and to encourage authentic values became a key component and motivator in my work. This does not mean that profits are ignored but developing a positive, productive workforce, delivering genuine support for the community and respectfully dealing with business partners inspired me to write this introduction to the ethos. Its aim is to encourage leaders and influencers as well as individual to think more holistically in their approach to sustainable business.

What Gave You The Push To Get Published? Once I started the book I was never short of inspiration or content. I am passionate about books. I run an online magazine but feel that a good book is a friend, an investment and still the best way to deliver a message. A book is for life and this book is for everyone's life.

Did You Have Any Difficulty In Getting Published?  I was extremely fortunate in this respect. I anticipated months of sending manuscripts and receiving 'no thanks' responses. It came as some surprise, and an immeasurable sense of support and encouragement that Live It Publishing were keen to support my project.

What Hurdles Did You Face Whilst Writing & How Did You Overcome Them? The main obstacle was a fairly mundane one - money. In taking time to write I was opting to not do other, more lucrative work as a coach and consultant. Balancing out the work and managing the opportunity cost of this was an ever present challenge but my passion on the subject and the joy I got from writing always got me through the more difficult moments.

How Did It Feel Seeing Your Book In Real Life For The 1st Time? Well I must admit that I had fallen out of love with it. I finished the book in November 2010 and under-estimated the time and effort that I would have to commit to the publishing process. however, when I received my first copy I was pleased. I'm not the kind of person that dwells on success or in personal glory but I admit to feeling just a little proud. It gave me the boost I needed to continue writing and to spread the Ethiconomics message.

Do You Have Any Tips For Our Budding Authors? Do it, stick at it and be yourself. The more of 'you' that is in the book the better. Do not compromise yourself or your message. Write what you think and feel and do not attempt to follow any other person's 'style'. Oh, and do not expect to top the Best Seller listings - do it for you and write it with passion.

What's Next For You? I have another business book to follow this one - Applied Ethiconomics - which I intend to release later this year. I also have a personal book - of a journey/journal style - near completion and I am hopeful that this too will make the publishing market. I am also organising Ethiconomics workshops and training courses and will be delivering all my books across various media - DVD, audio, application and such like. I am also looking forward to speaking events to get the message to as many people as possible.