Dodging Coconuts: How to Survive the Storm and Rebuild Your Life

Sylvia offers a blueprint for success out of crisis. Her journey is profound and her message heartwarming and uplifting. --Brian Wright Brian Wright ConsultingA wonderful reminder to proactively and thoughtfully manage our personal and business reputations.--Linda Hollembaek Vice President Global Services Operations Lexmark International Inc.A book about career and personal do-oversIn 2008 I lost everything: my career my health and my peace of mind. I was the CEO of a multi-million dollar organization when in less than twelve months I was forced into retirement suffered a shattered femur and several weeks later a pulmonary embolism. My professional fall was chronicled on the front pages of local and regional newspapers--the details stored permanently on the Internet. The coconuts of a 24-hour news cycle Google indie bloggers and zealot reporters is something every business person in a leadership role may face at some point in their career. This book is about how to avoid that moment or be prepared for it and how to recover if and when it happens. Dodging Coconuts: How to Survive the Storm and Rebuild Your Life examines my process through this coconut storm. I believe sharing my story will help others learn from my mistakes and live better more balanced livesWhat You Will Learn: The real story of a former CEO of a multi-million dollar organization that became the focus of intense media scrutiny How to handle the flying coconuts when they comeHow to prepare and fight backThe critical elements of true leadershipThe art of overcomingWho Should Read This Book? Professionals who have suffered reputational disasters and need inspirationYoung professionals in mid-level managementLeaders who are responsible for decisions on behalf of their communityNon-profit and NGO leaders who want to learn how to avoid media and PR misstepsBaby boomers who want to reinvent and revitalize the third act of their lives