About Dr. Phyllis Pobee:
I’m Dr. Phyllis Pobee, a triple-board-certified genetic weight loss physician, author, and founder of GeneLean360°, a program dedicated to helping women over 30 achieve sustainable weight loss through personalized, science-backed strategies. My work is inspired by my own 100-pound weight loss journey, which completely transformed my health, confidence, and approach to wellness.
Raised in Canada as the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants, I learned the values of resilience, hard work, and self-belief early on—qualities that I now bring to my writing and coaching. I’m passionate about empowering women to break free from the cycle of diets and find solutions tailored to their unique needs. Through my writing, I aim to make science relatable, actionable, and deeply personal, creating a space where readers feel seen, understood, and inspired to take control of their health.
When I’m not writing or coaching, I’m spending time with my husband and two young children, experimenting with healthy recipes, or diving into personal development books. My mission is to help others discover their own breakthroughs, one step at a time. Writing gives me the chance to connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impact on the lives of my readers.
What inspires you to write?
What inspires me to write is the opportunity to empower and connect with women who feel stuck, defeated, or overwhelmed by their weight loss journeys. Having experienced the frustration of trying countless diets and solutions that didn’t work, I know firsthand how isolating and discouraging that can be. My own 100-pound weight loss transformation, guided by the science of genetics, was life-changing, and I want to share that hope and clarity with others.
I’m inspired by the stories of the women I serve—busy mothers, professionals, and caregivers who have sacrificed so much for others and now need someone to remind them that they deserve to prioritize their own health and happiness. I write for them, weaving together relatable stories, actionable steps, and science-backed strategies to create a guide that feels as personal as it is practical.
Above all, I’m inspired by the belief that transformation is possible for everyone. Writing allows me to share my journey and the tools I’ve developed, so others can break free from the cycle of diets and discover a path that works for their unique lives and bodies. That’s what keeps me motivated and passionate about writing.
What authors do you read when you aren’t writing?
I have a deep appreciation for authors who inspire action and transformation, especially in the realms of personal development and health science. Some of my favorite authors include:
1. James Clear (Atomic Habits): His practical and science-backed approach to building habits resonates with me as I help others create lasting change in their health and lives.
2. Maxwell Maltz (Psycho-Cybernetics): This book transformed my understanding of how mindset and self-image impact success. It’s a foundational read for anyone looking to reframe their approach to life.
3. Jen Sincero (You Are a Badass): Her conversational tone and empowering message remind me to write in a way that feels relatable and motivational.
4. Dr. Jason Fung (The Obesity Code): His work on the science of weight loss aligns with my passion for bringing clarity and personalization to the weight loss journey.
When I’m not writing, I gravitate toward books that combine practical insights with inspirational storytelling. Whether it’s a deep dive into behavioral science, a memoir about overcoming challenges, or even a fresh perspective on health, I’m always looking for books that challenge me to think differently and grow. These authors and their works continually shape how I write, teach, and connect with my readers.
Tell us about your writing process.
My writing process is a blend of structure and flow, but I’m definitely an outliner at heart. I like to start with a clear roadmap so I can see the big picture and ensure my message is cohesive and impactful. For my book Lean Genes, I created a detailed outline using a combination of digital tools like Google Docs and old-fashioned pen and paper. I mapped out the chapters, key points, and the flow of ideas, always keeping my readers’ transformation journey in mind.
I view each chapter as a conversation with my audience, so I use personal stories and case studies to make the science relatable and engaging. These elements are planned in advance but often evolve as I write, allowing room for inspiration and new ideas.
While my work doesn’t involve character sketches, I think of my ideal reader—someone who feels stuck and overwhelmed but is ready to take control of their health. I keep her in mind throughout the process, asking myself, “How can I make this clear, actionable, and empowering for her?”
Once the outline is in place, I write in layers. I start with rough drafts to get my thoughts down, then revisit them to refine the language, add depth, and ensure everything aligns with my vision. Editing is a big part of my process, and I see it as an opportunity to polish and strengthen my message.
In the end, my writing process is about balancing structure with creativity, always focused on delivering content that informs, inspires, and transforms.
What advice would you give other writers?
The best advice I can give other writers is to own your story and focus on your unique voice. Nobody else has lived your experiences or sees the world quite the way you do. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, leaning into your authenticity will create a deeper connection with your audience.
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned on my writing journey:
1. Start Before You’re Ready: You don’t need all the answers or a perfect plan to begin. The act of writing itself will bring clarity and direction, so don’t let fear or perfectionism hold you back.
2. Outline with Purpose: Having a roadmap is invaluable, especially for nonfiction. It helps you stay focused and ensures your content flows logically while addressing your readers’ needs.
3. Write for One Person: Imagine your ideal reader—someone who will benefit the most from your message—and write directly to them. This keeps your writing focused and personal.
4. Embrace Feedback: Don’t shy away from constructive criticism. It’s an opportunity to grow and improve. That said, stay true to your vision and know when to trust your instincts.
5. Be Consistent: Writing is a habit, and like any habit, it requires discipline. Set aside regular time to write, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Progress builds over time.
6. Focus on Impact: Remember that your words have the power to inspire, inform, and transform. Write with the intention of serving your audience, and you’ll create something truly meaningful.
Writing is both a creative and vulnerable process, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. If you stay committed to your message and your readers, you’ll create work that matters.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I decided to self-publish my book because it gave me the freedom to stay true to my vision and message. My goal with Lean Genes was to create a resource that deeply resonated with women over 30 who feel stuck in their weight loss journeys. Self-publishing allowed me to have complete creative control over the content, design, and timeline of my book, ensuring that every element reflected the transformative experience I wanted to share.
What influenced my decision was the desire to connect directly with my audience without waiting for traditional publishing timelines. I also appreciated the entrepreneurial aspect of self-publishing—it aligns with my approach of taking ownership of my story and how I present it to the world.
For new authors, I’d advise exploring both options—traditional publishing and self-publishing—and weighing the pros and cons. Traditional publishing can provide wider distribution and validation, but self-publishing offers speed, control, and the ability to reach a niche audience directly. Consider your goals, resources, and the message you want to share. If you choose self-publishing, invest in quality editing, design, and marketing to ensure your book has the professional polish it deserves.
Ultimately, the best path is the one that aligns with your vision and values as a writer.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
The future of book publishing is exciting and increasingly dynamic. With the rise of self-publishing, audiobooks, and digital platforms, authors have more opportunities than ever to share their stories and connect with readers on their own terms. The traditional gatekeeping model is shifting, allowing voices from diverse backgrounds to reach audiences that might have been overlooked in the past.
As an author, I see self-publishing continuing to grow as a powerful option, particularly for niche topics or authors who want full creative control. The ability to use social media and other direct marketing tools gives writers unprecedented access to their readers, fostering deeper relationships and more targeted content.
From a reader’s perspective, I think we’ll see more personalized reading experiences, driven by technology and algorithms that match readers with books tailored to their interests. Audiobooks and other formats, like interactive e-books, are likely to expand as readers seek more flexible ways to consume content.
The challenge for authors will be standing out in a crowded market. This means quality, authenticity, and building a personal connection with readers will become even more important. Ultimately, the future of publishing will favor those who can adapt to change and embrace innovation while staying true to their message.
What genres do you write?: I primarily write in the nonfiction genre, focusing on health, wellness, and personal development. My work combines science-backed insights with practical strategies to empower readers, particularly women over 30, to take control of their health and transform their lives. Within nonfiction, my focus includes: Health and Wellness: Exploring topics like genetic weight loss, sustainable health strategies, and personalized medicine. Self-Help and Personal Development: Encouraging mindset shifts, resilience, and empowerment through actionable advice and inspiring stories. Lifestyle and Nutrition: Providing practical tools for improving metabolism, managing cravings, and achieving long-term wellness. My goal is to inspire and educate, offering readers the tools and knowledge to create lasting change in their health and lives.
What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print, Both eBook and Print
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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.
