Name:
Joanne Sonenshine
Book Title:
ChangeSeekers: Finding Your Path to Impact
Your book’s Amazon purchase link:
ChangeSeekers: Finding Your Path to Impact
What is your book about?
The book is about my journey towards finding fulfillment, particularly after September 11, when everything changed around how I saw my life and role in the world. The book also includes stories of leaders that have taken risks and sought a new path toward making their mark on the world. The result is ChangeSeekers, a call to everyone who wants to make a difference and find their path to impact. The message: always question where you are headed and why. Take risks, explore creativity, find new ways of adding experience and relationships to your life. Question authority. Be curious, be brave, and find your passion.
What inspired you to write your book?
I have had so many people ask me about my journey, wondering how I ended up starting my own company, making my way from being an investment banker in London, to working in development with the most impoverished communities. When a friend of mine suggested I write down my story, and provide inspiration for others, I thought I’d give it a shot. The opportunity presented itself—the time was right. I also thought the benefit would be recording my inspiration for my kids, so when they are older they can understand my sense of priority and how important it is to make a difference in the world.
Can you describe your writing process? It was relatively easy in that my editor encouraged me to spend a good chunk of time on the initial outline. That was probably the hardest part. Once I had an outline well thought out, and articulated, the writing of the actual book flowed quite well. I’ve always been intimidated by writing an outline. My editor coached me through the process, so I felt supported and well prepped.
How did you come to do what you’re doing today?
If I told you that, you wouldn’t go read my book!
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
I am woken up by my 7-year-old around 6 or 6:30. After making my kids breakfast and getting them to school, I settle into my work day, which runs from about 8 until 3, when I have to pick up my kids. I work from my home office, but spend one or two days in meetings downtown in DC with clients and partners. After my kids get home from school, we have homework, sports, and activities, and then when my husband gets home we try and have some family time before bed. I enjoy getting back to my computer after my kids go to bed to do some focused work. I travel a lot for work, so when I’m traveling I do feel like I have a bit more time to focus on work and even a few activities to feed my soul, which I need more time to focus on, frankly!
What do you most enjoy about what you do?
Knowing that my small contribution to our planet is adding love, positivity, and happiness, perhaps, where there is none.
Are there any people and/or books that have inspired you along your journey?
I’m inspired by so many writers, thinkers, and intellectuals. I speak about many of them in my book, actually.
Can you share something that people may be surprised to learn about you?
I can barely breathe around bugs.
What’s next for you?
I am working on a ChangeSeekers podcast, where, together with my friend Jan, we’ll be interviewing individuals who meet the ChangeSeeker persona, and sharing their stories. We will likely create a ChangeSeekers blog as well.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
You can learn a lot more about what I do at connectiveimpact.com.
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