Meet Bridget Cook-burch

We were lucky to catch up with Bridget Cook-burch recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bridget, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Before I was able to move fully into the career I love, revolving around bringing forward world-changing stories and leadership, I was living one of my own. I was the owner of a trucking company–yes a trucking company!

This often shocked people in that they looked at me and thought I’d definitely choose an easier role than this male-dominated industry. My husband wasn’t an owner, and people made all kinds of assumptions, like my trucking company partner and I must somehow be romantically involved.

The truth was, we were very good friends and wanted to make the world – and this industry – a much better place.

One very poignant day, I was invited to the Governor’s breakfast. He was there to speak to trucking company owners in the state of Utah. I first noticed the looks of surprise on the registrars faces – even though I was dressed in a classy suit – to find I was not a secretary or administrative assistant but the owner. Then when I walked into the room, there were over 400 male owners…and me. It was a daunting moment, but a proud moment.

I loved refuting stereotypes, and in the work I’m doing now through storytelling, I especially love to refute stereotypes through stories, that help us to bust out of our preconceived notions of what any human can do! My favorite people to work with are those who have burst the bubbles of family, cultural and religious norms or oppression to create a better world. I have seen firsthand just how powerful that is!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Clients call me “The Book Whisperer”. I’m a New York Times & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, mentor, publisher and speaker known for riveting stories of transformation. My work has been showcased on Oprah, Dateline, Netflix, GMA, NPR, among others. I had a near-death experience that transformed my life – and the story I was telling myself. This set me on the path to discover other extraordinary stories.

As the CEO and Founder of Your Inspired Story and Inspired Legacy Publishing, I host the renowned “Inspired Writers Retreat” twice a year, have a writers’ community membership, and provide book mentoring and coaching, all held in a safe space, with deep, experiential learning to honor your story, your experiences and your legacy. I’m a passionate humanitarian as co-founder of SHEROES United and currently hold a prominent role on the Executive Committee for the Statue of Responsibility. It is my greatest passion to help you discover the importance of your story, by becoming a bestselling author and a leader in your own community, and worldwide. It excites me when more leaders get their messages out into the world so we can become a stronger community nation.

Learn more about me and my services at www.YourInspiredStory.com.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

One, the love of storytelling and the recognition of how stories play a role in our lives. Second, learning how to listen to other people and what their goals and dreams are, and to honor their stories. Third, is to be service-oriented and recognizing that when we choose to do something to be of service, that it becomes something greater, and a place where miracles and magic begins to appear in our lives.

My advice would be to recognize the stories that you tell yourself, and if they are stories of limitation or possibility. Whenever feasible, always choose possibility. Learn how to listen to your own intuition. It will help guide you to serve others in a remarkable way that also advances your career or your purpose or both.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

I pay attention to what’s going on in the world, in terms of personal development, self-mastery and leadership, and I have learned some valuable tools and skills through the years. Most of that has to do with breathing and then focusing on the greater good, the highest good for all involved. When I’m working with high stress clients who are overwhelmed by their story or overwhelmed by their schedule, and they just don’t know how to how to tackle it, I love to break down that elephant to one bite at a time. Focus on one step, then the next step and the next.

In our business, when navigating writing and publishing and launching, it can feel really overwhelming. By having smaller steps and a clear intention and vision of where you want to go, it alleviates so much anxiety. It’s important to know where you are going, so that your brain has a way to create those goals. It is also important to be gentle with yourself along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yourinspiredstory.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgetcookburch/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgetcookburch
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbridgetcookburch/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inspiredlegacypublishing
• Other: https://inspiredwritersretreat.com/