What Comes After ‘Doing It All’? Whatever I Choose.

This Thursday is my last working day at the university. Technically I finish at the end of August, but this is the real line in the sand.

It hasn’t come from crisis. I’m not burning out. I’m choosing me and the direction my life is taking me.

For years I’ve been juggling titles: publisher, consultant, strategist, ghostwriter, senior lecturer. Depending on the day, I might be leading a module, fixing a marketing mess, building a publishing plan or editing a manuscript. Sometimes all of it. In one day.

But when you’re doing everything, it’s hard to hear yourself think.

And somewhere in that noise, I realised I’d stopped asking what I wanted.

To be honest, I’ve never been one thing. I’ve always built, always worked hard, it’s in my DNA. And it’s paid off. Chronos and FCM Publishing are growing steadily, they’re winning awards year on year. They’re proof that doing things differently works, and that the best way doesn’t always mean traditional!

My ghostwriting work has brought incredible business owners into my orbit. It’s demanding, and it’s worth it. It’s the most personal and high-trust work I’ve ever done. I’ve found myself working with exceptional people who want to tell their stories properly.

NovoBooks is coming to life. What started as a conversation is now becoming a platform that will change the way publishing works. I can’t tell you how excited I am and how I can’t wait to show the world my dream.

And through all of this, I’ve found my people. Women who aren’t here to play small. Smart, straight-talking, done with being overlooked. A quiet nod to the #NONO group – you know who you are. Being 54 doesn’t mean I need to put the breaks on, it means I have the knowledge. experience and drive to take everything up a level - and that’s what I’m doing.

So what now?

Now I pick my pace (obviously it won’t be slowing down any time!!). I choose the projects. I decide who gets my time.

I’m still all the things I was – a multitasker, a multi-entrepreneur – and that’s not changing.

If you’re building something brilliant and want someone in your corner who gets it, you know where I am.