1)Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I am a CEO, Author, and Entrepreneur, well-respected leader in business communities that extends from the US, to Canada, and the United Kingdom.  In 25 years, I’ve consulted with more than 1000 companies, including startups, midsize, and Fortune 1000 companies, to build sustainable, revenue generating strategies. In 2009, I founded Junction Creative, an award-winning strategic marketing agency, combining the intellectual capital of a business consulting firm with the creative execution of an advertising agency.  As the author of Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, I share the right blend of personal anecdotes and professional advice makes it a valuable read for those looking to gain insights into the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of resilience in achieving success. 

Writing has always been a passion of mine. I’ve kept a personal journal from the time I was a teenager until now.  Writing has provided me with an outlet to reflect on my journey, whether documenting my gratitude or working through difficult situations.

I’ve aspired to be an author since I was a child, and at 45 years of age, I dared to become one.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

After reaching 13 years in business, I felt the immense weight of the decisions I faced every day to keep moving the business forward.  After reaching the milestones I had set for the business, I realized that I wasn’t sure what was next.

I sifted through my journals, revisiting my teenage years, 20s, and 30s. As I poured through the pages, I realized just how far I’d come.   The lessons I had learned, the challenges I’d overcome, and the dreams realized motivated me to write Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office.

It was looking back that I found my way forward and the words to write this book.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Within each chapter, I leave the reader with important details regarding how to start a business, fund a business, overcome challenges, manage a multi-generational workforce, develop a management style, and many more insights on what it takes to be successful in business.  I also wanted to inspire others to keep moving forward and find comfort in knowing that while our journeys to success might look different, we are all experiencing similar challenges and triumphs along the way.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Anyone who knows me would agree that I love to tell great stories. Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office is just that, a prescriptive bio, full of insights and stories that detail the journey from being a waitress to building a successful business.  It felt natural to write in this style.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I utilize LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to communicate with my readership.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Writing a book has been one of my personal and professional goals. I initially thought that writing the book would be the most difficult part.  It turns out the writing was the easiest part of this process.  For others, starting the book might be the biggest challenge.

I would encourage any new author to be patient with the process.  Start with an outline and let the framework of the book take shape.  And when you hit a writer’s block, take a break from the keyboard.   Don’t rush the process.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

If I only had a crystal ball! The future is looking bright.  I have two other book outlines that I am working on as I have more stories to share.  I will also continue to consult with companies, business owners, and entrepreneurs, whether inspiring change or being a catalyst for success.

About the Author

Julie is a CEO, Author, and entrepreneur.  Julie is a respected and trusted leader in business communities that extend from the Northeast (Philadelphia, New York City, and D.C.) to the Southeast (including the Greater Atlanta region and Charleston, South Carolina.) and that includes CEOs and entrepreneurs of small to midsize businesses as well as the Fortune 1000. In her 25 years career, she has consulted with more than 1000 companies to build sustainable, revenue generating strategies. Her first book Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, hit shelves Worldwide on September 1 and details her journey working for her parents’ restaurant to building a successful agency. 

Julie Cropp Gareleck

CEO | Author | Entrepreneur

Website: www.juliecroppgareleck.com

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Read My Book: Dare to Become

Listen to My Podcast: Aspire to Be