Please tell us what inspired you to be part of this book?
A life shift, in late 2019, inspired me to express myself in writing. It was cathartic to tune into the world, listen, and then channel those messages as an article, poem, or simply a post on social media. In this same time, my mantra was formed: Know your value, live your values. When there is a misalignment in your feelings of being valued and/or your personal values, the contradictions can be challenging.
In early 2022, Dominick reached out and we had a couple conversations about books, and the possibility of potentially doing a book together someday. He supported a few of our mutual connections with their books, and we had even celebrated a launch party together. Later that year, Char Murphy reached out to share her desire to compile an anthology with stories of overcoming adversity. It felt like a natural first step towards one day writing a book of my own, or at a minimum, an opportunity to “stretch my legs” as an author to see if this was an avenue I would want to pursue one day.
Who is your biggest influence and why?
In this phase of life, my biggest influences are my husband and four adult children. No matter what challenges or joys life throws our way, we know we have one another to talk to, brainstorm with, and as a source of love and support to help navigate the course ahead. They are wise, kind, compassionate souls who I learn from as they share the world from their viewpoint.
Tell us something we don’t know about you?
I haven’t shared a lot about my work experience on LinkedIn, but that’s about to change with some of the newer projects I’m working on. In addition, when I was younger I was an avid volleyball player, especially on the doubles court.
Since we try to share inspiration at Motivation Champs can you share your favorite inspirational quote?
I don’t necessarily have a favorite quote, but do appreciate the essence of this one: “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.”
― Leo Buscaglia
What was your favorite book as a child?
I loved to read as a child and would bring stacks of books home from the library. The rhymes of Dr. Seuss were fun to read aloud (they still are), and the open lessons from Judy Blume were eye-opening as an adolescent.
What is your favorite activity to do with the family?
My favorite activity is to just be together with my family, whether at the kitchen table or hiking together on vacation.
What do you hope the reader gets from this book?
Hope is one the values that can help ‘keep your head above water’ when life feels difficult. My hope and intention, by contributing a chapter to this book, was to share my experiences in a way that would allow others to know they are not alone in their own feelings. There is no one right way to do things, other than to honor who you actually are, and to live in accordance with your values.
Are you working on any other projects?
As a consultant, I work on several projects that help companies align their mission, vision and values with their teams to cultivate a creative, collaborative culture. One of my partners has inspired me to work on another compilation book to integrate some of the work we are doing with other business professionals who seek to have an impact in this area as well. It will leverage decades of business experience, offer ways to impact culture, and share few tales of values-centric teamwork.
I also have an organic collaboration through LinkedIn with an artist in South Africa. We would like to compile our works into a medium that highlights our expression and give it the space to breathe and grow with other artists. The focus has been on values, naturally.
Where can we get in touch with you?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-leplae-miller/
Website: https://www.piecesofi.com/