You're invited! Many of you have been following along on the journey of writing my first book, and I'm so excited to finally share it with the world. (And yes, preorders are now available!)

This book is for anyone who knows they're ready for a change but isn't quite sure where to begin. It explores my family's history, the experiences that shaped me, and my journey of climbing the corporate ladder. Along the way, I discovered that success isn't about following someone else's path… it's about recognizing your unique strengths, taking an honest look at your life and goals, and having the courage to pursue what truly matters.

Today, I have the privilege of helping others do exactly that, and this book is an extension of that work. I know everyone's journey looks different, and I wanted this book to be more than just something you read… I wanted it to be something that truly helps you move forward.

That's why each chapter ends with a reflection and a "check-in" section, giving the book a mini-workbook feel. My hope is that you'll pause, reflect, and begin taking meaningful steps toward your own path.

And if you know me, you won't be surprised to hear that I'm already hard at work on the Don't Follow the Recipe Workbook! Stay tuned...

To celebrate its launch, we'd love for you to join us for a one-hour virtual book launch event! Throughout July, we’re hosting four live virtual events where you can celebrate the launch with us, hear the story behind the book, and connect with the publishing team.

Plus, if you are local to the Hendersonville/Asheville area, consider joining us this August for a special in-person celebration, where we celebrate this exciting milestone.

I hope you'll be able to join one of the book launches. I can't wait to celebrate this memorable event with you.

-Louise Bijesse

If you're a fellow business owner, professional, or friend, I'd love for you to join me for my book signing and reception!

You're invited to an evening of great conversation, a light buffet, and the chance to connect with fellow professionals. I’ll share the story behind the book, read a few passages, answer your questions, and, of course, sign copies.

Whether you come to celebrate, reconnect with friends, meet new people, or simply enjoy the evening, I'd love to see you there.

“You are not behind. You are not too late. You are not too old, too specialized, too far into the wrong career, too settled, too scared, or too anything else. The years that felt like detours were never detours. Everything you have learned in every room you have ever been in belongs to you, completely and permanently, and it is worth more than you are currently charging for it.”

“That is not strength in the way we usually talk about strength. It is not inspiring or photogenic or the kind of thing that fits neatly on a motivational poster. It is just the quiet, relentless refusal to stop. I have never been able to stop. It is the thing that has cost me sometimes, and it is the thing that has saved me every single time.”

“When you have spent thirteen years at an organization staying ahead of the technology, ahead of the strategy, ahead of what the business would need before it knew it needed it, there is very little you haven't already built or tested or solved. My past wasn't nostalgic. It was the foundation the department was standing on.”