About Chadd Ciccarelli:
I’m Chadd Ciccarelli—author, strategist, and former Amazon executive. Originally from Pittsburgh and a graduate of Carnegie Mellon, I’ve spent my career building programs, leading teams, and scaling ideas across tech, music, and startups. I spent over 12 years at Amazon, where I helped launch global initiatives and shaped hiring as a Bar Raiser by doing over 1,000+ interviews. Now based in Sydney, I continue to write, advise, and support the next generation of builders and creators.
What inspires you to write?
What inspires me to write is the mix of lived experience, global perspective, and a drive to make sense of the chaos.
I’ve traveled to over 60 countries and led teams across North America, Europe, and Australia. Those experiences—different cultures, different systems, different ways of thinking—taught me to see patterns where others see noise. Writing is how I process all of that. It’s how I take what I’ve learned from the road, from business, from life—and turn it into something useful, something clear.
At its core, writing is my way of connecting—of making meaning out of complexity and sharing it with people who are trying to build, grow, or just figure it out along the way.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
Some of my favorite authors are the ones who hit hard and don’t waste words. I’ve always been drawn to voices that challenge the norm and cut through the noise—Albert Camus, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Charles Bukowski, and Hunter S. Thompson are high on that list. Their work is raw, reflective, and unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths.
On the philosophy and critical thinking side, Thomas Kuhn and Clark Glymour had a major influence on how I see the world—especially their work around systems, logic, and the structure of how change actually happens.
Whether it’s existential fiction, sharp nonfiction, or philosophical deep dives, I’m pulled toward anything that forces you to question, think, and see things differently.
Tell us about your writing process.
My writing process is all about rhythm, environment, and momentum. I can’t write at home—I need to change my surroundings to shift my mindset. Coffee shops, libraries, anywhere with just enough background noise to keep me sharp. On the way there, I reset—usually with a bit of old Sternthology or something that gets me laughing and out of my head.
I start with a yellow legal pad—no screens, no distractions—just raw ideas. Once I’m in the zone, it’s all about the soundtrack. I rotate between instrumental music—Animals As Leaders, Pat Martino, Plini—so I can stay focused without getting pulled out by lyrics.
For me, writing isn’t about waiting for inspiration—it’s about creating the conditions to show up and get the work done. Every session’s a reset. Every page is progress.
What advice would you give other writers?
The advice I’d give to writers is simple: start before you’re ready, and write like no one’s coming to save you.
No one’s going to give you permission. No perfect moment is coming. You either sit down and do the work, or you don’t. Writers write—that’s the whole deal. Clarity, skill, and momentum come from showing up, especially when it’s uncomfortable.
And when it comes to feedback? Treat it like a gift. Even the rough stuff. That’s how you grow. I’m still learning every time I hit the page. Writing isn’t about waiting for inspiration—it’s about building the discipline to keep going until the work speaks for itself.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
How did I decide to publish my book? I made the call to do it independently—and I haven’t looked back.
With platforms like Amazon Publishing, the tools are finally in the hands of the writer. You don’t need to wait for a gatekeeper to give you the green light. If you’ve got something to say and the discipline to get it done, you can bring it to the world on your terms. That felt empowering.
For me, the decision wasn’t just about control—it was about speed, ownership, and making sure the message stayed sharp. Independent publishing lets you move fast, stay honest, and get your work out without watering it down. That’s exactly what I wanted.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
The future of publishing is already here—and it’s in the hands of the writers.
With platforms like Amazon Publishing leveling the playing field, the old gatekeepers don’t hold the keys anymore. You don’t need a publisher to validate your voice. You need clarity, discipline, and the willingness to put your work out there.
Independent publishing empowers writers to move fast, keep creative control, and reach a global audience without compromise. That’s the shift—and it’s only gaining momentum. The writers who win in this new era aren’t the ones waiting for permission—they’re the ones building, shipping, and iterating in real time.
It’s not just a new model. It’s a new mindset.
What genres do you write?: Business Ethics
What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print, Both eBook and Print, Audiobook
Website(s)
Chadd Ciccarelli Home Page Link
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
