Behind the Scenes:  Writing The Mirror Effect

How facing my own fears, insecurities, and doubts (FIDS) led to a book that’s been 25 years in the making

“You should write a book.”

I’d heard those words countless times over the years. From mentees who’d reached  breakthrough moments through our conversations. From fellow executives who’d watched me navigate complex leadership challenges. From board members who’d seen me turn around toxic cultures and build thriving teams. From the brilliant women in the Biotech CEO Sisterhood who’d experienced their own transformations through our community.

Each time someone said it, I’d smile and nod. “Maybe someday,” I’d say. But deep down, my FIDS—fears, insecurities, and doubts—were louder than any encouragement.

Who am I to write a book? What if I don’t have anything new to say? What if no one reads it? What if I’m not a good enough writer?

Sound familiar?

For years, I carried this idea around like a secret. I’d had the concept brewing since my early days of mentoring and sponsoring underrepresented leaders—watching brilliant people struggle with the same patterns I’d seen in myself. The imposter syndrome. The perfectionism. The exhausting effort to fit into environments that weren’t designed for us.

I saw how transformative it could be when these leaders found their “mirrors”—people who reflected their brilliance back to them instead of making them feel diminished. I witnessed breakthrough after breakthrough when someone finally understood that the problem wasn’t them; it was often the environment or the limiting beliefs they’d internalized over years of being told they weren’t enough.

The idea for The Mirror Effect had been percolating for over a decade, but other stuff kept getting in the way. 

The Turning Point

Everything changed when I realized I was modeling the exact behavior I’d been trying to help others overcome. Here I was, encouraging other leaders to step into their power, to share their voices, to stop hiding their brilliance—while I was doing the exact opposite with my own knowledge and experience.

It hit me during a mentoring session with a young biotech executive. She was struggling with whether to speak up about a toxic situation at her company. “I keep thinking, who am I to say anything?” she confided.

As I heard my own words coming back to me through her doubt, I knew I had to practice what I preached. If I truly believed that our individual rise contributes to collective progress—that every time we advocate for ourselves, we make it easier for someone else to do the same—then I had to get this book out into the world.

My desire to share this information finally overrode all the reasons not to do it.

Facing FIDS

The process took over four years, and every step of the way, my FIDS showed up to the party uninvited.

But something powerful happened as I wrote: I found myself applying the very principles I was sharing in the book. When my inner critic got loud, I practiced self-compassion. When I felt overwhelmed, I reminded myself that I already had everything I needed to succeed. When I doubted whether anyone would connect with these ideas, I thought about all the conversations I’d had with leaders who desperately needed to hear this message.

The TEDx Talk: A Mirror Moment

Partway through the writing process, I had the opportunity to give a TEDx talk. I decided to share the core concept of “The Mirror Effect”—the idea that instead of focusing solely on breaking glass ceilings, we should surround ourselves with mirrors who reflect our potential.

Standing on that stage, looking out at the audience, I felt the power of this message in a way I never had before. The response was immediate and overwhelming. People approached me afterward with tears in their eyes, sharing how the concept had already shifted something fundamental in how they saw themselves and their leadership journey.

That talk became a mirror for me—reflecting back the impact this work could have. It drove home how desperately needed this message was in the world. You can watch it here, and I hope it resonates with you the way it has with so many others.

More Than Just a Book

As “The Mirror Effect” took shape, it became clear that readers would need more than just concepts—they’d need practical tools to implement these ideas in their daily lives. That’s why I created The Mirror Effect Workbook & Journal,  a companion resource that provides structure for readers to translate insights into action through daily reflections and exercises.

The workbook helps readers integrate everything they’ve discovered and commit to their boldest vision for the future. Because transformation doesn’t happen from reading alone; it happens through consistent, intentional practice.

What’s Next

I can’t wait to share this book with you (preorder it here). The Mirror Effect represents everything I wish I’d known when I was starting my leadership journey. As Mel Robbins generously wrote, “If you’ve ever twisted yourself into knots just to be taken seriously, you need to read this book.” 

But this is just the beginning. If you’re not already subscribed to my newsletter, I encourage you to [sign up now](newsletter link). Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes content, announcing my book tour and speaking dates, and providing exclusive insights about the book and what it means to be the best leader you can be—on your own terms.

This has been a labor of love, and I’m excited to finally get it into the hands of the leaders who need it most.

The world is waiting for the fully expressed version of you. It’s time to shine.