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Meet Judith Briles

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Judith Briles.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In general — my first career was a MOM, with three kids by the time I was 20. Evolving, I became a secretary, than a stockbroker’s assistant, and eventually one of the first women stockbrokers with EF Hutton in 1972. That delivered financial independence and I began doing workshops for women in financial planning before it was called financial planning–my second career.

At the same time, my entrepreneurial side grew, eventually leaving EFH and starting my own firm. When a female partner embezzled over a million dollars, I went back to school, earned my doctorate in business administration–the topic was on Ethics-Do Women Undermine Other Women? The book that came from my research, Woman to Woman-From Sabotage to Support, is the pioneer work on the topic. My third career came into play as a Professional Speaker–taking me to 12 countries and all 50 states; being featured on more than 1,000 radio and TV shows–from Oprah to Good Morning America; from People, Time, Newsweek, the Wall Street Journal … even the National Enquirer.

From the embezzlement, my speaking and publishing impacted millions. My expertise was the “toxic workplace”–what to be aware of and how to confront disruptive behavior and attitudes that could and would in turn, cost an organization significant amounts of money if not dealt with immediately. For many groups, especially healthcare, I was known as the Conflict Doctor.

For publishing …My first book was published in 1981. A friend who had published sat me down with a “listen my friend, and you will hear … you will learn” about the marketing of a book once it was published. Those three hours changed the outcome of my book–The Woman’s Guide to Financial Savvy … three printings in three weeks! From that day forward, I started paying it forward. Any author who was thinking of publishing, I supported them, introducing them to my agents if I felt a fit. Always available with an open ear and advice if it was sought.

In the early 2000s, the millions of miles that I had racked up traveling took its toll. I didn’t want to be in a dozen states a month. The Book Shepherd was birthed. Now, authors and would-be authors consult with me around the world as I work with them to create a book they never regret.

To me … my life is like a rose–amazing colors, fantastic aromas, and some awful thorns. I have a rich life and I love what I do.

 

Has it been a smooth road?
NOPE … my latest book, When God Says NO–Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present is my life story. It opens on the death of my 19-year-old son. It reveals that my infant son also died … that I’ve had cancer, was paralyzed for three months, lost everything (from the embezzlement, was homeless, and had to start over twice. Yet, as I said, I have a good life; an incredible tapestry of experiences; and I love working with the variety of authors I get to do today. With the recent creation of the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame (the first in the country), I’m thrilled with the power of words and what we authors can do to help so many. It’s a gift.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
As The Book Shepherd, I’ve published 37 books … who knows what’s to come. I’m known for being blunt and butt-kicking. If you want your book written, published, and successful–it’s not going to happen overnight. It takes work and commitment. And a plan. That’s what I do–create the plan–of course, the author must have the desire to implement it … but I can show them the path to make their success opportunity soar.

Unique– I’ve been successfully published via New York and traditional publishers. But I feel my true success as an author, publisher, and publishing expert has come from the school of hard knocks. I learned publishing and understand the business of publishing. (REFER BACK TO SHORT BIO I SHARED in earlier section).

I do workshops LIVE and face-to-face, known as Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, Judith Briles Book Marketing Unplugged, Judith Briles Speaking Unplugged plus AuthorYOU Extravaganzas. In addition, I do monthly webinars around publishing and book marketing, a weekly podcast–AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing, monthly live programs for authors, and a monthly Salon–a pick my brain in my home who wants to ask questions … they will get answers.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What’s not to like. I moved to the Denver area 30 years ago. We have everything here but the ocean. I can book a week or two there and come back home.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
single photo of me with purple outfit — Ashlee Bratton – Ashography

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