2013 Gold Medal Winner Axiom Business Book Awards
The author is a recovering cynic whose own professional growth is detailed based on lessons learned in over twenty years in a business environment. Tom’s experience in the corporate world proves that only a small number of leaders rise to the top. The experiences shared will teach the reader to work smarter–not harder–to thrive in corporate chaos where the current economic conditions have taught the employed and unemployed alike to simply try to survive. Everyone has room to grow. The target audience of corporate leaders, stagnant or disengaged employees, prospective employees, or simply individuals wanting to reach higher goals, is reinforced with tips ranging from common mistakes made in the workplace to techniques every leader should possess. The messages are simple and relate to anyone who has ever been in the work force. This book will strengthen the employee and employer relationship into an engaged and inspired partnership driving the business together, while re-energizing individuals to become self-aware of their own accountability to take action to grow. The evolution will inspire increased success and satisfaction levels, while expediting the climb up the corporate ladder. With the current global economy on the brink of recovery, opportunities are abound. The information will provide a competitive edge to individuals to effectively and quickly adapt to the changing professional landscape while differentiating themselves from the masses. The reader will learn how to build a solid foundation and stand out amongst others. The growth opportunities go beyond the realm of the professional and corporate world. Personal and professional success is a combined entity that can be transformed as you take this journey. Ambitious leaders striving to get ahead, or stationary individuals looking to make a move, will be inspired to start taking action to reach his or her full potential. The goal for all readers is to build confidence and shape attitudes to become better people and enriched professionals.
How did you decide to create a trailer and what was your experience?
YouTube is a great medium to get the word out. It brings the context alive beyond a title and summary. The experience was interesting in discussing how it went from a concept to an actual edited piece. Although I differed in opinions with the filmmaker, we landed in a great spot.
What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
Over the past five years, I’ve thrived in the business world after an inconsistent first eighteen years to reach executive level in one of the largest financial institutions in the Unites States. Most of my success occurred in the midst of a down-turned economy. I found that my success was based on my ability to differentiate myself from my peers. My professional development became critical to teach to others for a variety of reasons. First, when I taught people how to develop themselves professionally, I found I was actually learning more. Second, I stopped competing with my peers and found we could all flourish by sharing best practices, playing to our strengths, and working on our weaknesses. There was a big enough piece of pie for everyone, if you believed it. The book is based on almost twenty years of lessons learned. The vulnerability shared was therapy for me, but becomes solid and tangible examples that the reader can grab hold of to grow.
Author Bio:
Tom has more than 23 years of experience in the financial industry in management and leadership roles, and runs his own business, Thomas Dowd Professional Development & Coaching, LLC. As a speaker, author, trainer and coach, he helps people creatively find ways to differentiate themselves in the workplace and to find their individual paths toward success. The company tagline is: “Transform into who you really want to be professionally.”
Starting in 2008, Tom was the vice president of education for Dirigo Toastmasters Club in Belfast. He is now a member of the Kennebec Valley Toastmasters Club. Toastmasters International is a supportive learning environment of more than 270,000 members worldwide looking to improve communication and leadership skills. Tom holds advanced communication and advanced leadership certifications with Toastmasters International, including High Performance Leadership certification. In November 2011, Tom was selected as the District 45 Toastmaster of Year, which represents more than 100 clubs in the states of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and the three Eastern Canadian Provinces of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Tom has also exhibited consistent success when competing at the division (state level equivalent) and district levels in Toastmasters speech contests, which include humorous, inspirational, impromptu and evaluation events. He is the two-time reigning Table Topics (Impromptu) District 45 Champion (2012 & 2013).
Tom developed a series of management presentations into a speaking program called “Powerful Professional Transformation: Unleashing Leadership.” The speaking engagements turned into his first two books. Published in September 2012, both books have since garnered recognition in the business field. “The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World,” a book detailing Tom’s own professional growth based on lessons learned in his career, received honorable mention in the business category at the 2012 New England Book Festival (available in softcover, e-Book), while “From Fear to Success: a Practical Public Speaking Guide” received the Gold Medal in the Business Reference category at the 2013 Axiom Book Awards, Honorable Mention at the 2013 New York Book Festival, and Honorable Mention at the 2013 Paris Book Festival. “Fear” is available in softcover, e-Book, and audiobook.
Tom graduated from the University of Delaware in 1990 with a Communication degree, concentrating on interpersonal and organizational communication.
Website(s)
Author Home Page Link
Link To Book On Amazon
Social Media:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6869656.Thomas_B_Dowd
https://www.facebook.com/ThomasDowdProfessionalDevelopment
https://twitter.com/TomDowd4
http://www.pinterest.com/tomdowd4/
Leave a Reply