Joy Fitzgerald (aka Speaking Joy) is an author, speaker, and life coach who has dedicated her life to motivating and igniting joy into every aspect of a person’s life. Her power is in her courageous voice and desire to develop and grow people. She is known as a highly sought-after transformational leader and executive coach, who helps take people from where they are to where they aspire to be.
She has served on boards for several organizations and was named by Diversity Journal as a “Woman Worth Watching,” by Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association as a “Rising Star,” and by Black Enterprise as a Top Executive in Corporate Diversity.
A global leader in talent management, as well as diversity and inclusion, Fitzgerald has dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals, one person at a time. Fitzgerald currently serves as the SVP, Chief DE&I Officer for a major healthcare group, where she partners with Human Resources and business leaders to support the company’s objective to attract and develop talent, build future leaders at all levels and improve diversity and inclusion across the company. She earned a master’s degree in strategic leadership and a bachelor’s degree in organizational development from the University of Memphis in Memphis, TN.
The Title of Your Book
Finding Authentic Rhythm: How to Win on YOUR Terms in Corporate America
Why did you write the book?
Finding Authentic Rhythm will share principles, tools, and methodologies I have created throughout my career and experience to help others navigate and thrive. I will reveal many of the secrets to success in breaking barriers, dismantling concrete ceilings, building relationships that count, and achieving sponsorship to accelerate one’s career. I wrote this book to share the strategies and tool I wish I had known about earlier in my career.
I will share stories of my journey as a little Black girl growing up in the South and my experiences navigating corporate America. I will share my mistakes, successes, and learnings as I’ve climbed the corporate ladder. Today, I occupy an executive leadership role at a Fortune 5 company, and I am still learning, growing, and evolving.
The tools and techniques shared in this book offer a unique perspective on raw and real topics sharing truths few want to discuss as we navigate through our careers. Topics will include stifled authenticity, hardships, racism, biases, cultural disconnections, the unwritten rules of success and so much more as I found my authentic rhythm.
What was your biggest surprise or aha moment when writing your book?
When writing the book, I was surprised by how much content I had and wanted to write. There were so many things that I wanted to talk about and share. One of the hardest things was to prioritize and figure out what to keep in the book and what content topics I should remove.
Who is your ideal audience for the book?
This book is for anyone who has ever felt stuck in their career or personal life. Ideally, I would like to reach women and other underrepresented demographics in Corporate America. I want to ignite a fire in readers to know that they are powerless but yet powerful in reaching fulfillment in their careers.
Tell us, how do you deal with fear?
I choose to live now, this day, in a way that feels nourishing. This is how I conquer my fears and achieve my desired aspirations. Once you free yourself from limiting beliefs, don’t revisit them or allow them to invade your thoughts. When you liberate yourself, you can never entirely return to how things were. Liberation is a journey of being awakened and embracing truth and knowledge in a way that’s freeing. It requires mental clarity and the ownership of your truth. The mind and psyche are powerful. Affirmations can be the fuel and catalyst for eradicating long-held fears and beliefs that debilitate progress in success. Let’s start with this powerful affirmation: SIS, You Got This! Read this statement over and over again, and now say it out loud. SIS, You Got This! Start a new habit today. Every day, wake up and look in the mirror, and state out loud, SIS, You Got This!
Tell us, how do you deal with rejection?
Rejection is a necessary experience in life. It reminds you of the diversity of the world. Not everyone will like you or believe in what you are trying to accomplish. It’s ok. In fact, rejection helps guide you away from and to different things. Don’t take rejection as an indication that something is wrong with you. Instead, rejection can help to validate and lead you to what is RIGHT for you.
Tell us two concepts or ideas you want the reader to takeaway?
Finding Authentic Rhythm will help women take back their power, maximize their potential, win the promotion they desire, and live authentically. For any woman who has ever lost her way or feels stuck in her career, this book will provide a fail-proof recipe to win with the authentic version of herself, no matter the age or stage.
Name one of the biggest challenges you have faced writing your book and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced writing the book was managing my time. I have an amazing career and full-time role as an executive in diversity, equity and inclusion. I approached writing this book as a second job. I gave up my Saturdays and most Sundays to write, write, write and write. My husband was a tremendous supporter in helping to take on many of the weekend tasks so that I could be dedicated and focused to writing the book.
What’s a personal self-talk, mantra, affirmation, or self-belief that contributes
I want to live a life that makes my future generations proud of their heritage. They will also know that greatness is in their blood and they too can achieve their dreams.
How can people contact you?
Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/
