An Inspired Chat with MeiMei Fox of Hawaii

MeiMei Fox shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi MeiMei , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
For most of my life, I dreamed of being an entrepreneur But I was afraid I wasn’t experienced enough or didn’t have the right business savvy. In spite of having co-authored two New York Times bestsellers and contributed hundreds of articles to major publications like Forbes, I felt insecure.
And so, I just went my way as a freelance author, journalist and life coach.
Now, thirty years later, I’m finally stepping into that calling. I’ve finally founded my own company!
Through Your Bestselling Book, I coach high-performing leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs how to write and publish their books. I’m holding space for their stories, helping them find their voices, watching them transform as they put their wisdom on paper.
Before, I was afraid of being seen as an imposter. Who was I to start a company? What if I wasn’t good enough? What if I failed?
But I’ve learned that all entrepreneurs make mistakes–just like everyone else. The key is not to avoid fumbles and missteps, but rather to learn lessons and pivot.
I’m so proud that I finally overcome my fear. Now, I’ve helped dozens of leaders and changemakers birth their books into the world.
Every moment in my life has equipped me for this moment. I’m no longer afraid of not being qualified enough. I’m proud of myself for being brave.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m MeiMei Fox, a 2x New York Times bestselling author, paid Forbes contributor for nearly a decade, TEDx speaker and Stanford grad. I help high-performing leaders, executives, changemakers and entrepreneurs write TED talks and bestselling books through my company, Your Bestselling Book.
My own journey to this work has been anything but linear. After graduating with honors and distinction from Stanford University with BA and MS degrees in psychology, I started my career as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company. Not long after that, I became a ghostwriter, editor and journalist. Along the way, I’ve contributed hundreds of articles to The Huffington Post and Forbes, coauthored two New York Times bestsellers, and had two books selected for Oprah’s Book List—experiences that taught me firsthand what it takes to create books that truly resonate.
Here’s what makes my approach different: I don’t just help people write, publish and promote their books. I help them discover the stories they’re meant to tell–stories that will not only heal their own wounds, but make a lasting impact on their readers. Then I help authors take their books all the way to market.
Can you use AI to help you write your book? Sure, and I do! I believe AI is a terrific collaborator.
However, you must dig into your life experiences to share your stories. The moments that changed you. The people who inspired you. The events that shaped your soul. It is only when you do the work to write these stories that you rise above the AI slop and stand out as a heart-centered, authentic person who truly connects with your audience.
Whether you’re a C-suite executive wanting to leave a legacy, a coach looking to build your brand, or someone with an extraordinary life story ready to inspire others, we meet you where you are. We offer everything from our acclaimed 8-week live online course (capped at just 10 aspiring authors) to full VIP ghostwriting packages that take you from conception to bestseller status.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
You know what’s crazy?
When I was a child, I didn’t think I was smart enough.
And yes, I did graduate from Stanford with not one, but two degrees, and at the top of my class: Phi Beta Kappa with Honors and Distinction.
So, why didn’t I believe I was smart?
Because everyone in my life–from teachers to grandparents to friends–was constantly comparing to my big brother, Derek. Now Derek is a wonderful person. Please don’t blame him! It’s just that school came so easily for him. He didn’t even have to try to earn straight As and get perfect scores on his SATs. In comparison, I was “less than.”
It took until my early 30s for me to truly understand that it gets you nowhere in life to compare yourself to others. Derek was on his journey, and I am on mine. We’re both “smart”–certainly smart enough to get into our dream schools and pursue careers we love! My brilliant brother earned a PhD in astrophysics from MIT and now teaches at Penn State. Yeah, he’s that smart. And I’ve found my way into book coaching and writing, which fills my soul with joy.
Most importantly, we’re both kind hearted people who care about the world. That matters most of all.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
When I was in my mid-30s, I got divorced and at the same time, suffered a crisis in my family of origin. It felt like the earth had crumbled beneath me. I lost my grounding. I couldn’t sleep. I felt crushed by anxiety. Who was I, I wondered, without the image of perfect I had striven so hard to cultivate throughout my teenage years and 20s?

But the beautiful part of the journey began there, in the midst of my mess.
I went to yoga at least 3 times a week. I started working with a psychotherapist. I devoured spiritual books. I discovered poetry.

Perfection, it turns out, doesn’t exist. And maybe it isn’t even worth striving for. At my core, I didn’t need to be “all that.” Stripped of ego and identity, I felt free! Free to express my authentic self. To own my flaws. And to connect far more deeply with not just acquaintances and colleagues, but most importantly, my beloved friends and family.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
“The only thing that makes life worth living is spending time with the people we love.” – Martha Beck

The longer I live, the more I fail, the deeper I fall in love with this fragile, beautiful, broken and heart shattering world, the more I embrace this simple truth. Spending time with the people we love is the whole point. It’s why I am here. And I am grateful.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I am a storyteller who has devoted most of my career to sharing other people’s stories. I love to witness people as they find their true voice and step into their power as authors, speakers, and humans whose wisdom matters to this world. It is my life purpose. I hope I am remembered for that.

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Image Credits
Wendy K. Yalom

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