365 Days of Burning the Boats and Taking Names

Valentine's Day marks one year since my book Burn the Boats was published (it was literally a labor of love), and what an incredible year it has been.  

When I first sat down to write Burn the Boats, in the throes of the pandemic, I wanted to pull back the curtain on the metaphorical boats that hold us back: anxiety, shame, imposter syndrome, the list goes on. I set out to write a modern manifesto for those who struggle with risk, who self-select out of ambition because of the mistaken belief that the die is already cast. 

I wanted to model what overcoming failure really looks like, not through empty platitudes we find in sunny Instagram posts, but real honest storytelling and vulnerability. I included many personal (sometimes cringey) details in the book about my own personal trials to make the point that most success happens in spite of our baggage, not solely because of our gifts. 

My book is meant to be an advocate for the self, a mirror to an untapped reservoir of human potential crying out to be unleashed.

Among the countless amazing messages across social media, one story stood out that perfectly exemplified why I wrote Burn the Boats. 

Back in 2023, Isabella was a young analyst at a large investment bank, armed with a safety net of reputation and security. Despite her dream job as a first generation American, Isabella was faced with an inflection point in her career - and her life. 

After reading Burn the Boats, Isabella messaged me - to say she just quit her job! For a long time, she harbored a dream of launching a business to help people form meaningful connections in a lonely city. But when she voiced her dream, she was often met with skepticism, lending credence to the self doubt she had already internalized. Isabella's mom gave her a copy of my book, and from the moment she put it down, Isabella said she was done heeding the naysayers, and never looked back. 

Together with her team, Isabella is about to reveal Kndrd to the world. And she won't be on this journey alone; I am an advisor, and soon, an investor.   

Isabella’s story was the exact outcome I dreamt of when writing Burn the Boats.  The book is not meant to be the genesis of a great idea (that's on the reader) but it does have the power to be the catalyst you needed to fully commit to Plan A. 

Thank you to all the Boat Burners who have shared their story over the past year. I’m so humbled to play a small role in the realization of your dreams. Nothing has been more gratifying in my professional career than watching all of you use this book as a spark to light the fire of your life’s passion. 

If you have read Burn the Boats, please leave a review on Amazon. If you haven't, get your copy on Amazon today!