We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Shelly Cameron and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Shelly, how do you think about risk?
I smile as I reflect on this question. All who know me can attest to my willingness to try new things. I go against the odds which forges my sense of innovation fueled by my innate ability to take risks. I once did a sky-dive, one of the most daredevil things I have ever done–16,000 ft. in the air. Though that has nothing to do with my business, it provides the perfect opportunity to share my journey. As I pondered that very risky step, I searched and found the perfect place in Ocean City, with no record of failure (yikes!). On arrival, I signed so many papers about liability. That alone would discourage the brave from going through with the feat. But I did it and soared above the clouds high in the air while my youngest watched, too scared to do it herself. I apply this sense of adventure to my entrepreneurship endeavor. Armed with the technical knowledge to help organizations through my international experience, I took the leap years ago to help businesses and individuals going through change. Managing your own business comes with its fair share of ups and downs. But as I did with the tandem jump, fear has never stopped me. I keep going and stick to my mission to help others grow and develop their best possible self through my books, writings, and coaching. Today my greatest joy is when a new author births his/her book for the first time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career spans the role of Organizational Development/HR. But years ago I left success to follow my passion. That passion drove me to my inner drive, as a writer. Here I take the opportunity to share the evolution of this journey.

My writing journey began when I was 10 years old doing an important entrance exam to enter high school. I wrote a fiction story and was so engulfed that I did not realize I was doing an exam. Suffice it to say, I excelled. I went on to write policies and procedures in the Pharmaceutical and healthcare industries in my International Career as OD/Human Resource Leadership.
Finding Meaning 
My journey found meaning during my dissertation writing process as I pondered what to do for a 3-year writing project to meet the requirements for my doctoral studies. I wanted to do something that would make a difference to society. After deciding on researching the topics of Leadership and Success, my dissertation received outstanding recognition after being published in the Journal of Academic Academy of Business Cambridge (JAABC).
Challenges Along The Way 
I was thrilled to have achieved my personal goal and published my first book from my dissertation title: Success Strategies of Leaders. The book shared how the leaders defined success as well as the challenges they overcame along the way. Suffice it to say that the writing process to convert the research into a book was longer than anticipated. It was challenging because it involved transforming the research from academic writing to a general form in anticipation of public readership. As many inquired about how to achieve success, I wrote a Success Strategies Workbook to show them how. I was then recognized by the University for writing books based on my research as an example to other doctoral students. I was later invited to advise Doctoral students on the process I followed.
Community Leadership Initiatives
Along the way, I got involved with the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington DC doing work within our community, and was appointed as a Chief Judge for the 30 Under-30 Millennial Change-makers. It was an initiative held at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) annually.
Same Goal–Different Paths
I subsequently published Books on Motivation to encourage New Entrepreneurs and individuals along their Career Success Journey. A few years later, I went on a slightly different path and published GreenLight, a book which contains stories of encouragement, inspiration, and exhortation. In response to reader request, I obliged and converted GreenLight into my first Audiobook. A different path but the process was enlightening and boosted my creativity.
Book Writing Coach
As my writing journey progressed, aspiring new and longtime authors reached out asking for help. It transformed my role as coach for organizational Managers, employees, and Career Changers into my most enthusiastic role as Book Writing Coach as I responded to private and public calls for help. I also became a member of the writers community of South Florida for Authors of Color.
Satisfaction From New Authors 
It brings me great joy and satisfaction as new writers experience novel personal growth when their first book is released. My greatest pride is having worked closely with Reggae Music Matriarch Patricia Chin as she wrote to leave her legacy of a lifetime contribution, initially working close to Music Icons like Bob Marley while nurturing the careers of artists, Maxi Priest, Shaggy, Beenie Man, Sean Paul and more. Her book will be released November, 2020.
Personally, books on the horizon include “Your Career-Ditch it! Switch It!“, and “My Safe Place”. With that my Writing and Book Coaching journey continues.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I must confess that my love of nature transcends everything. It provides inspiration and a peace that boosts my writing prowess. That said, a friend visiting town for a 5-Day-visit, I would suggest going away to the island that captivates. None other than Captiva Island in Sunny Florida. It is a place I getaway to whenever I feel the need to relax and unwind. When you get to Captiva Island, it feels like you are away from all the worries and cares of the world. Indeed the perfect distraction. The rooms overlook the bay or garden, their choice dependent on their budget. Once I hosted a group business session at the end of the year to this ideal place. The goal was to reflect about plans for the new year with entrepreneurs and career changers. Suffice it to say, the two-day retreat and planning session went well … with participants so relaxed that it provided the right spot to add a bit of future gazing.

Back to the visiting friend and the ideal getaway place for her. Not only is she guaranteed to relax all week, there is no doubt the time would go by in a flash through this envious plan.
5-Day Itinerary 
Day 1: Road trip to Captiva Lunch at Wicked Wings, a low-keyed hole in the wall pub that satisfies starving travelers before hitting the road to their final destination
Day 2: Relax in the Sun, Sand, Sea engulfed in a delightful adventure riding the waves
Day 3: Spa Day – Body massage, Facial, Mani and Pedi, a sure rejuvenation for the exhausted
Day 4: Shopping and Late dinner at the HarborSide Bar and Grill
Day 5: Early morning beach wet, late breakfast followed by reluctant afternoon ride back to the fast life

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A firm believer in collaboration, four persons deserve recognition: Nordia, Ffaceit – Celebrity Makeup Artist, Karlene Wright of Wright Touch, Bridget King, Captiva Design Home Stagers and Christine Stephens, Décor Spaces International. These are all women entrepreneurs who have made a difference in my life at one point or other, and who themselves continue to forge entrepreneurship paths as they provide distinct services far and wide.

Website: www.shellycameron.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshellyc_success/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrshellymcameron/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrShellyC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrShellyCameron
Other: Blog: www.successfulleaders.net

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