Meet Leslie J Cottrell

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leslie J Cottrell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Leslie J, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Challenging personal and professional periods have served to hone my resilience. Resilience comes from a deep-rooted sense of purpose, faith, and the desire to meaningfully impact the people around me. It’s not just that I’ve overcome obstacles that have felt insurmountable. It is about seeing those obstacles as personal and spiritual growth opportunities. My faith, a cornerstone of my resilience, reminds me that no matter the hardship, I am never alone. I draw strength from knowing that every setback is one aspect of a much bigger picture, preparing me to become stronger and more solid in my faith. Past setbacks have helped me achieve my goal of empowering others to tell their story and leave a written legacy. My family, personal, and professional community remind me daily that resilience is not a solo effort, but a collective one.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a faith-based book coach and a nonfiction publishing expert, I am deeply passionate about guiding individuals, particularly business owners, thought-leaders, and entrepreneurs, to share their stories in a way that leaves a lasting impact. I help writers craft powerful nonfiction books that inform, inspire, and transform. The most thrilling part of my work is witnessing the transformation of my clients—from feeling stuck in their writing journey to becoming confident authors who are ready to share their knowledge and wisdom with the world.

My work is gratifying because it’s more than just about writing; it’s about helping others find their voice, overcome obstacles, and create books that truly make a difference in people’s lives. It’s an honor to be part of that transformative process. What sets me apart is my focus on legacy-building. I believe that every author has a message that can change the world, and I aim to help them bring that message to life in a way that leaves a lasting legacy.

In addition to coaching, I offer services like developmental editing and nonfiction writing courses. Currently, I’m working on expanding my coaching offerings with a brand-new opportunity for an additional source of revenue for authors and editors. It’s an exciting time as I’m actively growing my community of authors and coaches, and I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes me!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resilience: Life and business are full of difficulties. Even when tempted to give up, my faith kept me moving forward. That unwavering faith was not just a belief, but a powerful force that kept me resilient and strengthened my sense of purpose. I understand that not everyone may share this faith. Still, the principle remains the same- clearly understanding your ‘why’ is crucial. My faith has been a significant part of that understanding. Knowing that each challenge is an opportunity for growth has kept me going, even in the most uncertain times. My advice to those starting out would be to build a strong ‘why’ that anchors you so that when things get tough, you can rely on that foundation to keep going.

Commitment to lifelong learning: The world is constantly changing and being open to new ideas and strategies has been crucial for me. Whether reading books, attending workshops, or simply listening to others who have walked the path before me, this commitment to learning has opened many doors. I’ve learned that wisdom often comes from unexpected sources, and being open to learning from others has been a humbling yet enriching experience. For those early in their journey, I’d encourage you to invest in your formal or informal education and remain curious. The more you learn, the more equipped you’ll be to handle challenges and grow your business or passion. There is rarely a week that I am not enrolled in some continuing education. But don’t let learning stop you from moving forward in your business! Knowledge and implementation go hand-in-hand.

A deep sense of purpose: Having a clear vision and purpose has been the compass that has guided me. Knowing why you do what you do gives you direction and empowers you to make decisions, overcome challenges, and stay true to your goals. For someone just starting out, I’d recommend taking the time to clearly define your purpose. What impact do you want to make? When your purpose is clear, the path to achieving it will become much more focused and actionable. Your purpose is not just a destination, but a source of empowerment that will guide you through your journey.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I firmly believe in going all in on your strengths, but with a balanced perspective. We all have areas where we naturally excel, and often, within these strengths, we can make the greatest impact. That said, I also think there’s value in developing complementary skills—especially in areas that can support or enhance our core strengths. The key is not to get distracted by trying to be everything to everyone but to focus on what makes you unique and impactful.

For instance, my strength is helping others write and craft stories—particularly in the nonfiction space. I’ve spent time refining this skill and developing a deep understanding of what it takes to create a book that leaves a legacy. However, earlier in my career, I pursued my other loves; cooking and events. At that stage of my career, I enjoyed some great successes. My previous career skills greatly benefit my book coaching.

That’s the beauty of combining your core strengths with a willingness to learn and grow in other areas.
But here’s the thing—if you’re going to go “all in,” it’s because you’re committed to your story, your message, and the impact you want to make. I encourage every aspiring author to be clear on your “why” if you wish to write a book to share your personal journey, or expertise. When you’re fueled by a clear purpose and vision, your book isn’t just about writing words—it’s about telling your story in a way that can change lives.

There’s a saying: “If you don’t tell your story, someone else will.” The world needs your unique perspective, whether through your personal experiences or professional insights. Your book can be the vehicle that expresses your passion and provides value to others. I’ve worked with many clients who initially doubted their writing ability or didn’t think their story mattered. But they found a new sense of purpose when they took the leap and poured their heart into their book. They created something that inspired others to take action, change their lives, or even start their own businesses.

If you’re thinking about starting a business through your book, ask yourself: What’s the legacy I want to leave? Your strengths are your foundation, but your story is the bridge connecting you to others. So, don’t hold back whether you’re writing for impact, influence, or income. Trust in your strengths, invest in the skills that support your journey, and, most importantly, share your message with the world.

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