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book review
November 2009 
Leading Raspberry Jam Visions
Posted on Oct 1st, 2009
by 
Laurie
Laurie
Leading Raspberry Jam Visions Women's Way - An Inside Track for Women Leaders by Terrill Welch
I recently had the privilege to savor the delicious book of Gaia's own Terrill Welch. Here are my thoughts:
The genre of this book as stated on the back cover is "business/career." I see it as having a much wider brushstroke. From my perspective, this is a book on women's leadership in life. This is a brave book that is written by a woman whose goal is to "create social change which will transform power imbalances." It is written with wisdom and compassion from the trenches; the voice of first-hand experience.
I have a tremendous appreciation for the written word. One of the first things that struck me about "Leading Raspberry Jam Visions Women's Way - An Inside Track for Women Leaders" is that it is written from an action -- rather than descriptive -- perspective. Enticing verbs that jump off the page include collaboration, appreciation, rigorous practice, accountability, give and take, living purposefully, work on creating, take the lead, and lean into the winds of resistance.
With clarity at the helm, this book helps women leaders to navigate with tangible and measurable action steps. Terrill Welch does not merely set goals. Rather, she provides a concrete formula to follow. The central principle of the book -- dare to be audacious enough to state what you really want, and then find the support to help you broaden the idea and make it a reality. I came away understanding that successful women's leadership is a process, not a product. The author's straight-forward language and encouragement -- with an emphasis on divergent thinking -- are far and away worthwhile!
I recently had the privilege to savor the delicious book of Gaia's own Terrill Welch. Here are my thoughts:
The genre of this book as stated on the back cover is "business/career." I see it as having a much wider brushstroke. From my perspective, this is a book on women's leadership in life. This is a brave book that is written by a woman whose goal is to "create social change which will transform power imbalances." It is written with wisdom and compassion from the trenches; the voice of first-hand experience.
I have a tremendous appreciation for the written word. One of the first things that struck me about "Leading Raspberry Jam Visions Women's Way - An Inside Track for Women Leaders" is that it is written from an action -- rather than descriptive -- perspective. Enticing verbs that jump off the page include collaboration, appreciation, rigorous practice, accountability, give and take, living purposefully, work on creating, take the lead, and lean into the winds of resistance.
With clarity at the helm, this book helps women leaders to navigate with tangible and measurable action steps. Terrill Welch does not merely set goals. Rather, she provides a concrete formula to follow. The central principle of the book -- dare to be audacious enough to state what you really want, and then find the support to help you broaden the idea and make it a reality. I came away understanding that successful women's leadership is a process, not a product. The author's straight-forward language and encouragement -- with an emphasis on divergent thinking -- are far and away worthwhile!
To purchase this book, simply click on this LINK. If you would like to receive a signed copy, please email Terrill directly at tawelch@shaw.ca.
Listen with your heart,
- Laurie
Access: PublicTagged with: Women, Leadership, Terrill Welch, Leading Raspberry Jam Visions Women's Way, Book Review
Laurie,
Thanks for inviting me to your blog. As happens so often in my life, no matter what I think I am doing in a concrete sense, the multiple layers of my living bring all kinds of information to me, through many different channels, that all fit together.
Just this morning, I had an hour long, weekly conference with my personal coach, who is primarily in my life to help me get control of the business aspects of my life (my supportive role with my husband in his business - though we are partners, it is a bit more complex, for I began as an employee and it remains in some very real sense “his” business, though I have been instrumental at various points in shifting it's direction - especially in moving us from conventional office furniture to recycled materials manufacture).
I have to admit that having shepherded my in-laws through the dying process and giving birth to a second family (the last at age 50), that I am a burned out from living my life so much for other's needs. In my conversation with my coach today, this popped out “Everybody wants something from me, and they gobble up my life, so there's no time left for me.” She suggested I begin writing these instances down - wow, it really is true - in the last 5 hrs, it has been almost entirely about giving to others. I am a giving person, true, but …
There is something of my own that I want to do. To do that, I want to fulfill my responsibilities, there is no intention to abandon our business and I am grateful to have meaningful work but … I want to find a way to delegate the lion's share of the daily grind, while remaining responsible for seeing it's done correctly and perhaps do some customer out-reach/marketing for the business.
Oh, it's a long, still unfolding story but I sense you brought this book to my attention because I should read it and so, I will order it and get it signed. Always, I've been supportive of books, cds and T-shirts offered by Gaians.
Thanks !
Deb
Deb - Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your “heartprints” as ~KES would say. I sincerely appreciate your comments. “Oh, it's a long, still unfolding story …” I am absolutely confident that the ending is going to be fantastic! Thank you, too, for
listening with your heart
Thanks for inviting me to your beautiful blog, Laurie.
Congratulations to Terrill!
this is a book on women's leadership in life.
It's wondrous mission to encourage leadership in woman.
Great job, Terrill.
Many Blessings!
Ladybear
Ladybear - I'm tickled that you stopped by and left comments. Thank you so much for joining the party!
Thank you for inviting me Laurie!
how wonderful! Terrill must be tickled pink that she is the feature of this wonderful blog :) hooray for womans' leadership!
Well hello there, Suni! I'm so glad that you stopped by and left a comment. YOU, my friend – are a vital part of the future of women's leadership!
Great stuff all round here! This Terril's book looks like a Must Read and you are doing wonderful work with your reviews
Hello Laurie,
As always you have just the right information I am looking for!!
What a timely book review for me. I am just starting my new business and I think that I will order this book. I really enjoy reading about successful women and any advice they have will surely be helpful.
I invite you to check out my first auction on my blog from yesterday Oct. 1st
Warm wishes to you.
Hummingbird - Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. You are absolutely correct that Terrill's book is a Must Read.
Jean - I'm glad this review was timely for you. Be sure to order an autographed copy from Terrill. I visited your first auction. It brought to mind personal power. For other readers who would live to see what I'm talking about, here's a LINK.
Laurie, Terrill, two amazing people. The review is so descriptive, the idea so powerful….thank you!
My dear friend, Meenakshi - thank you for stopping by and commenting. The idea is powerful, isn't it?! And I'm so grateful that Terrill chose to write about it in such a clear, concise and articulate manner. It's a dynamite book!
I am convinced that this is a must read.
Terrill is a trailblazer & leader who sets a stellar example. When I read her article with 49 responses I found that she has the secrets to all of why we are so attracted to this site at core.
Create Meaningful Community on-line - worth perusing once again to have insight into the beauty of her writing and grasp of language that brings change with each concept.
A heart-felt thank you for stopping by, Kathy. And for your comments and the wonderful link. Terrill Welch does, indeed, paint beautiful pictures with the shade and tone of her well chosen words.
Definitely one to read, have, share, pass around. I really admire and like the kind of writing style you described Laurie, and I think that practical, action-focus will help this book reach a wide audience, and have an effect helping to create the world we are moving into, the new world.
Thank you for your excellent review, Laurie, the ripples will go far wider than you can imagine. And extreme appreciation to Terrill for the time and energy put into the sharing of these approaches, these values, these visions.
Sometimes I am especially glad to be a woman, and this is one of them, thanks to you both.
Hugs and gratitude,
OM Bastet
You are Amazing Laurie:) I am humbled and appreciative for your kind words about Leading Raspberry Jam Visions: Women's Way. As many authors will tell you, once a book or piece of writing is published/released, it quickly has a life of its own - separate from that of the author. Yet, I smile as I recognize aspects of familiarity that have been captured in a specific time and space on its pages.
Thank you Deb, Suni, Ladybear, Anna, Heartbeat, Meenakshi, Kathy and and OM for adding your comments, thoughts and ideas to Laurie's review.
An extra special “thank you” to those who have already ordered their books, and if you have placed that order directly with me - your book is on its way! For those that would still like to purchase a copy, the best price is directly from me as I can include the shipping for a total price of $15.00 US for USA purchases. For other parts of the Globe, if the shipping is less than $7.00, I can provide the same offer or add on the difference to cover the additional shipping cost - plus, you will receive a signed copy.
But this book review and your comments are not really about Leading Raspberry Jam Visions: Women's Way and book sales are they? They are about community and about conversation, and about sharing and even about celebrating. In this case that sharing is about women's leadership. We want the best for each other. We want to know what others are thinking and feeling and doing. We are friends. We are comrades in the experience of living. We are colleagues sharing the challenges that skitter across our expectations - our dreams. We want to share our hopes, our successes and rally each other through our fears. If in the process a few books are sold – may it be the words between the pages that provide lasting influence…all this - and mostly, the lasting warmth from words shared between friends and the strength of community!
Thank you all again for reminding me of my work and who I am - at a time when both are distant from my daily activities as I focus primarily on helping my partner recover - a journey you (as part of my community) have also provided support and reassurance. I treasure each and everyone one of you for being who you are and for the person you are becoming.
as always - warm hugs Terrill
I'm gonna order it too! Deb, thank you for sharing your challenge. Sending supportive energies!!
Aha, I went to Terrill's website, and then went to the book's page on Amazon, whereupon I discovered your review there, Laurie, and clicked on all reviews you've done on Amazon, and what a treasure trove: http://tinyurl.com/ydo4m3d
[Open in new window]
Hugs, OM
Om & Terrill - I just returned home after a long day of errands, errands and more errands. To find you have both visited this page and left comments was like stepping into a welcoming and healing sauna – THANK YOU. More importantly …
… Namaste' - the Divine spark in me recognizes and honors the Divine spark in each of you.
Laurie … thanks for the invitation to take a peek at your review of Terrill's book. It looks like it would be a great way to spend a weekend … exploring the role of women's leadership in our shared communities. Thanks again for giving us the opportunity to experience Terrill's action-oriented book that focuses on how women can join together to make a difference.
Nancy - Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment about Terrill's book.