The Smart Women Publish team is proud to work with these talented and enterprising people as they generously share their wisdom, expertise, and value by independently publishing their books.
(Above, from left: Helen Nan, Sonia McDonald, Dolores Cummins, Dr Cathryn Lloyd, Dr Monica Beedles, Jessica Schubert, Angela Raspass, Fiori Giovanni)
Jane Langof – ‘Feng Shui: A Homeowner’s Guide to Abundance’
In Feng Shui: A Homeowner’s Guide to Abundance, Jane Langof, a multi-award-winning Feng Shui master and designer, reveals a modern approach to the ancient art of Feng Shui. This definitive guide demystifies the ancient practice, offering you a clear path to a home that is not just a place to live, but a sanctuary of abundance. Jane’s experience and knowledge have seen her working with innovative design professionals and luxury property owners worldwide since opening her practice, Feng Shui Concepts in 2008. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the interplay between space and energy, Jane has created a guide that is as practical as it is inspirational. (Book production services managed by Bev Ryan. Edited by Lu Sexton.)
Dianne Lee – ‘shelter from the storm’
Dianne Lee, a compassionate psychologist and nurse, draws from her time navigating the intricate landscapes of her patients’ emotions to weave a tapestry of poignant stories, seamlessly intertwined with the melodic backdrop of her own musical experiences. In this soul-stirring collection, Dianne’s wisdom and warmth cast a powerful light on the suffering and confusion that often accompany the human condition, offering a way to inner peace and emotional resilience. Through her keen insights and reflective prose, she guides us toward the shelter that exists within.
(Book production services provided by Bev Ryan.)
Sally Foley-Lewis – ‘The Middle Matters’
Written by leadership expert, Sally Foley-Lewis, The Middle Matters is a must-read for CEOs and senior executives who want to take their mid-level managers’ leadership skills to the next level. Sally has worked with thousands of managers and leaders from medium-sized to global organisations around the world, and is driven to skill managers and boost their productivity and self-leadership. She has extensive qualifications, and an ability to engage and inspire while making people feel at ease. Other books include Spark, Successful Feedback, Delegate, and The Productive Leader. (Author’s cover design concept. Book production services managed by Bev Ryan.)
Hannah Schuhmann – ‘Confessions of a Woman in Real Estate’
Confessions of a Woman in Real Estate is Hannah Schuhmann’s captivating memoir and entrepreneurial guide, blending her German wit with humour and adventure. From her sometimes rebellious early life and career in Europe, to arriving in Australia as a backpacker, to becoming Brisbane’s real estate powerhouse, Hannah’s journey unfolds with determination and her trademark zest for life. In addition to her business acumen, Hannah is also adding coaching skills, and is passionate about her next career chapter where she will support the advancement of women’s equality in all industries, after choosing to close her real estate business at the end of 2022. (Book coaching & book production services provided by Bev Ryan.)
Dr Penny Burns – ‘The Story of Asset Management: Infrastructure. We can afford to buy it. Can we afford to keep it?’
The Story of Asset Management, authored by Dr. Penny Burns, offers a detailed account of the gradual emergence of asset management practices, spanning a decade of development. While discussions about government reforms often take center stage, the behind-the-scenes processes of problem-solving and innovation remain less documented.
Dr. Burns found herself uniquely positioned at the intersection of economics and engineering in 1982. Building on her foundation in experimental economics, she embarked on reshaping the field, and has captured those early years in this engrossing story. Today, Dr. Penny Burns stands as the Chair of the Talking Infrastructure Association, envisioning the future of asset management and the imperative of developing ‘future-fit’ assets. (Full book production services managed by Bev Ryan.)
Khuraman Armstrong – ‘TROLLED – From Victim to Victor’
In Trolled – From Victim to Victor, you follow the incredible journey of Khuraman Armstrong, a resilient Australian entrepreneur who refused to be silenced by the malicious online forces that attacked her, en masse, with the single intent of destroying her personal reputation and that of her Enjoy Dark Chocolate business. Khuraman’s inspiring story of life, culture, and conflict serves as a beacon of hope for victims of cyberbullying, reminding us that we have the power to reclaim our lives and emerge stronger from even the darkest of battles. (Full book production services managed by Bev Ryan.)
Donna Groves – ‘SHINE’
Donna Groves is a seasoned business owner and professional, with over 25 years in infrastructure, natural resources/energy, and governance projects. Her diverse academic background encompasses psychology, planning and government, communications, and Aboriginal studies. In her compelling debut book, ‘SHINE’, Donna fearlessly opens up about her own personal struggles, sharing her authentic voice and offering a transformative journey to empower women on their quest for personal growth and purpose. With her profound understanding of human dynamics, she imparts actionable wisdom that catalyses lasting change. (Full book production services managed by Bev Ryan.)
Michael Givoni – ‘Uncommon Sense’
This book, ‘Uncommon Sense – The Roadmap to a Great Business Board’, details how private and family-owned businesses can best instigate and sustain highly effective boards which add enormous value through critical phases in the life cycle of their business. With a track record of driving profitable business growth, author Michael Givoni is an experienced board chairman and big-picture thinker who unites people to solve problems and work towards clear end goals. (Book editing, design and production managed by Bev Ryan.)
Nicholas Mathiou – ‘The University Imperative’
In ‘The University Imperative: Delivering Socio–Economic Benefits for Our World’, Nicholas Mathiou brings two decades of experience forged through establishing and leading innovation-intensive, high-growth businesses from within and outside the confines of large organisations, to assist universities to calibrate their operations so that the tremendous socio-economic benefits they provide us all continue well into the future. (Book editing, design and production managed by Bev Ryan.)
Jessica Schubert – ‘Lead The Future’
Jessica Schubert, leadership development specialist, works with hundreds of leaders across the world, and knows it’s not just about leading change anymore. In her new book, Lead the Future, she shares the 12 skills leaders must embrace. Released in September 2021: click the link below to find out more. (Book layout and production managed by Bev at Smart Women Publish. Book cover by Celine David.)
Dr Monique Beedles – ‘Leadership Assets’
In Leadership Assets, internationally recognised thought leader, bestselling author and leadership coach Dr Monique Beedles shares the smarts you need to create a whole-of-life plan for your asset management career. Drawing on more than twenty years of experience as a board director and advisor to senior leaders, Monique has written Leadership Assets especially for asset managers who want to realise their leadership potential, and for leaders who want to empower their teams. Released in October 2021 – click the link below to find out more. (Book design and production managed by Bev at Smart Women Publish.)
Angela Raspass – ‘Your Next Chapter’
Angela Raspass is a business and life mentor, speaker, podcaster, and founder of the Self-Worth Institute. Angela believes that life is too short not to be doing the work in the world you’re here for, so supports women to create their best life. Her book, Your Next Chapter – Ditch your doubt, own your worth and design the business you really want, released in November 2020, captures her story and generously shares all she knows about creating your best next chapter. (Bev Ryan managed the editing, design and production of Angela’s book.)
Helen Nan – ‘Your Best Life’
Helen Nan has been a financial adviser since 2011, helping hundreds of clients achieve their lifestyle goals and aspirations. She is passionate about providing clear and straightforward guidance, and her book, ‘Your Best Life – Live the life you want with the money you have’, helps demystify the planning process, helping readers make the best decisions for their life, regardless of where they are in their journey. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Midja Fisher – ‘Take Off The Cape’
Midja is the author of three books Take Off the Cape; Unshakeable Confidence; and Great Lawyer to Great Leader. As a corporate facilitator and mentor, Midja helps leaders to be their true authentic selves and to build confidence, trust and commitment. (Bev Ryan managed the final editing and page layout of ‘Take Off The Cape’, and set up all three of Midja’s books for online distribution.)
Sonia McDonald – ‘First Comes Courage’
The world is crying out for kind and courageous leadership. In First Comes Courage, Sonia McDonald explores the power of leading with courage, and offers you great insights and tools to develop, nurture and grow courage within you and your teams. As the CEO of LeadershipHQ, Sonia is also the author of Leadership Attitude and Just Rock It!, and in 2020 founded the Outstanding Leadership Awards program in Australia. (Bev Ryan has produced Sonia’s three books.)
Warren James – ‘Further Faster’
Warren wrote Further Faster – The Ultimate Guide To Accelerating Your Career for young professionals to encourage them to work smarter, not harder. Warren is a coach and mentor helping career-focussed people accelerate their own personal journey. He does this by providing online mentoring, coaching and training to some of Australia’s most talented graduates and employees throughout their careers. (Bev Ryan produced this book – and yes, we do work with men.)
Viti Kay Simmons – ‘Hikoi of Discovery’
Viti’s fascinating journey of discovery began in 2001, as she travelled with her father, Robert (Bob) Diamond, and recorded his memoirs to gain an understanding of his mother Keita Diamond (nee Leaf/Maning) and her maternal Maori ascendants from the Hokianga in North Island, New Zealand. The significance of the birth of Keita, referred to as “beginning another mighty limb” by J Nicholson in his book, ‘White Chief’ (2006), strengthened as Keita emerges from the mists of time as the centre of five generations in this book. (Book design and production managed by Bev at Smart Women Publish.)
Rabekah Scott-Heart – ‘Light on Adoption’
‘I want to encourage more adoptees—people who understand life through the particular lens of birth trauma and adoption—to come together and support each other to talk about our individual adoption experiences. By telling our truth-full stories we can effect positive change—for ourselves, our communities, and a more compassionate society. When we rise and shine, and collectively contribute the wisdom of our lived experience, we will cast light on the significance of early infant attachment.’ (Book editing, design and production managed by Bev at Smart Women Publish.)
Dr Cathryn Lloyd – ‘Seriously Playful Creativity’
Seriously Playful Creativity: an A to Z of creative action and reflection is an interactive book that let’s you imagine, play, plan and take action. Author, Dr Cathryn Lloyd, is Founder and Director of Maverick Minds Pty Ltd. Cathryn facilitates and coaches powerful and flexible learning experiences to help people and teams shift thinking, gain new perspectives and create positive long-term change. (Bev Ryan assisted with self-publishing guidance and editing.)
Margit Radcliffe – ‘Light Between the Lines’
For almost 40 years, Margit has been in communication with the hidden world of Love behind the veil, has felt lovingly guided and held. She kept a journal of these conversations and insights and assumed that they were just for her own support and guidance. Turns out, they are meant for you as well. ‘Light Between the Lines’ offers you a way to feel yourself into your own communication to that world. It will help you remember. (Bev Ryan guided Margit & edited this book.)
Miriam Everett-Jones – ‘Resilience’
Miriam Everett-Jones, counsellor, coach and founder of Empowered Choices, has been intensely private about the tough stuff in her life until now, and does not share her heart easily. ‘Resilience – A Journey Empowered by Hope’ is the story of Miriam’s struggle to build a good life for herself and her family. It offers hope and inspiration to anyone who has suffered through a broken marriage, or endured financial loss, a broken heart, threats to family security, the loss of possessions, and broken dreams. Miriam has written this book for those amongst us who are longing to regain our Lion hearts and Lioness spirits once more, so we can create the life we deserve. (Final book editing, design and production managed by Bev Ryan.)
Amanda Stokes – ‘Raising Strong Daughters’
Amanda Stokes, author of ‘The Tween Mother’s Tool Book: Raising Strong Daughters’ is a mother of three, and author of ‘Mirror Mirror On My Wall’, a powerful guide for mothers wanting to reflect health and positive body image for their daughters. Amanda is also a presenter and long-time educator, with counselling qualifications as a foundation. Her passion for parenting has spanned more than 20 years and it was with great delight she brought you her second book in September 2020. (Bev Ryan has produced Amanda’s books.)
Caroline Jean-Baptiste – ‘Buy That House’
Caroline Jean-Baptiste is an award-winning mortgage broker and entrepreneur, who is driven to help women be financially empowered and secure through property ownership. Her book ‘Buy That House’ sets out a MONEY strategy – a clear and simple process toward buying that home. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Fiori Giovanni – ‘Defy Your Destiny’
Born in Africa, at the age of twelve Fiori Giovanni’s marriage was already arranged. By fourteen, she was recruited into the Eritrean army. Her destiny, like that of so many girls in Third World countries, had been dictated, defined and determined. It was yet, though, to be defied. ‘Defy Your Destiny’ traces her story from Africa to a successful life as a speaker, coach and author in Australia. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Kathryn Maggs – ‘Better Questions’
With over 20 years’ experience working with individuals, leaders and teams as a mentor, coach, facilitator and speaker, Kathryn Mags generates sustainable change through connection, clarity, confidence and creating a new path forward. Kathryn’s book, ‘Better Questions’, is a collection of her own photographs and powerful coaching questions. (Book produced by Bev Ryan.)
Anne Galloway – ‘Cattlemen in Pearls’
Anne Galloway, and husband Ian, published ‘Cattlemen in Pearls’, a collection of stories presenting a cross-section of Australian women varying in age and stage in life, including stud and commercial breeders big and small, beef marketers and organic beef producers. Stories authored by Paula Heenan, Annabelle Brayley, Claire McTaggart, Tracey Hartmann, Amanda Salisbury. (Bev Ryan edited this book. Cover design by Plash Creative.)
Sarah Godfrey – ‘Life Works When’
Blending psychology and coaching, Sarah Godfrey is an author, blogger, speaker, coach and psychologist. She is also the Chairperson of Griefline, and is often a media spokesperson in her field. Her book, ‘Life Works When’ helps people develop a fertile emotional ground for happiness to grow. Illustrations are by her sister, Carol Gray. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Dolores Cummins & Barbara Baikie – ‘Altitude’
In ‘Altitude: Two women’s journey on Mount Kilimanjaro’, Barbara Baikie and Dolores Cummins – executive educators and friends – provide raw insight into their experience and mindset as they pushed their bodies and minds to the limit during their nine-day trek climbing the world’s highest free standing mountain, Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro. (Bev Ryan coached these authors through the writing & self-publishing process.)
Felicity Hamilton – ‘Accreditation Ready’
Felicity Hamilton is co-founder and CEO of OneVault Governance and Accreditation Ready Software, servicing aged care, disability and health care providers to streamline their clinical governance to save up to 76% of their current spend and become 24/7 accreditation ready. Her book shares the processes and challenges to get organisations accreditation ready in the most efficient way possible. (This book was produced by Bev Ryan.)
Belinda Shaw – ‘The Becoming of Wisdom’
Belinda Shaw is a resilience expert who works with individuals, business owners and upper level management, to gain clarity and direction for their business. Belinda’s book, ‘The Becoming of Wisdom’ Belinda shares what she has learned, and invites you to join her there so you too can achieve more, with less drama. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Sonia McDonald – ‘Leadership Attitude’ and ‘Just Rock It!’
Sonia is an award-winning writer and author, global keynote speaker and leadership coach. She wrote her books because “I’m so freaking over hearing people claim a lack of self-confidence, watching people sabotage themselves and seeing others put people down. I am truly over the fact that we live in a culture and society today where it’s frowned upon if we advocate for and believe in ourselves.” (Bev Ryan produced both of Sonia’s books.)
Nicky Mackie – ‘GenNorm™’
Nicky Mackie is a thought leader in human resources and executive coaching, and her book helps organisations tap into their multi-generational workplace potential, to accelerate growth. Whether partnering with SMEs or corporate giants, Nicky tackles the minefield of HR with exceptional strategic skills, and inspires business leaders to stretch beyond their boundaries and confront challenges head on. (Bev Ryan produced this book. Cover by Confetti Design.)
Christine Franklin – ‘The Extra Mile’
Christine Franklin is a psychologist with twenty years’ experience. Based in Townsville, Qld, she leads a team of psychologists who deliver programmes across Australia to help build strong foundations for health and education professionals, and achieve excellence in service delivery for rural and remote communities. Her book ‘Extra Mile’ is an ‘essential guide for health professionals going bush’. (This book was produced by Bev Ryan.)
Dr Maria Boulton – ‘Mum’s Guide to Pregnancy’
Wanting to deliver health services better, Dr Maria Boulton and her business partner set up their own practice in Brisbane. In 2017 their new business model won the prestigious Telstra Queensland Business of the Year Award. Maria’s book provides quality practical advice to help women and their partners to navigate the mysteries and anxieties of impending parenthood. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Chris Vidal – ‘Power of Women in our Sixties’
Chris Vidal brims with energy and enthusiasm when speaking about being in her sixties, and espousing the potential for all women of that decade. She established an online community for like-minded women, which is flourishing, and her book ‘Power of Women in our Sixties’ gives confidence and inspiration to readers. (Bev Ryan edited this book.)
Bronwyn Reid – ‘Small Company Big Business’
Bronwyn is a small business owner and serial entrepreneur whose driver is small business success, particularly in regional areas. She has successfully started and run award-winning businesses from regional Queensland, and Small Company Big Business is her third. Bronwyn is best known for her strong business and community engagement expertise as a speaker, mentor and collaborator. (Bev Ryan edited this book.)
Alisse Bradley – ‘Millionaire Feng Shui’
Alisse Bradley is the CEO and founder of Alisse Bradley International, and inspires women to embrace the science of business magnetism. She combines energy-based modalities and universal principles with savvy western business techniques for fast and effective outcomes. Her book shares the proven business science of Feng Shui, with shortcuts to help you build a successful business. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Denise Gibbons – ‘Women as Leaders’
Denise Gibbons is dedicated to empowering women so that we build stronger communities and thus improve quality of life for everyone. She wrote this book as a practical guide about leadership for young women, to provide some tools to crack and even shatter any glass barrier that exists for them – any barrier that keeps them from being part of the power decisions of the world. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Kris Barrett – ‘High Thrive Me!’
Kris Barrett implemented dietary and biomedical interventions that successfully transformed her once severely autistic son, Tim, into a thriving, happy and healthy boy – now a fully adjusted teenager. She is now a certified Nutrition Coach, certified GAPS Practitioner and certified Bioindividual Nutrition Practitioner. Her book and work helps transform the lives of families living with Autism Spectrum Disorders. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Kathryn Hodges – ‘Who Gets the Dog?’
Kathryn is a family lawyer working with couples going through separation who are committed to staying out of Court. Her decision to worry a lot less about what she thought a lawyer “should” or “shouldn’t” do, and focus more on how she could truly help people was a career turning-point. Her book helps families reduce conflict and allows more people to flourish. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Sally Thibault – ‘Reclaim You’
As a leading authority in helping women reclaim their body and their life, Sally Thibault has spent over three decades working in the field of health, wellness, counselling, personal development and coaching. Her book, ‘Reclaim You’ has been pivotal in her success helping women transform their lives through her transformational VIP Coaching Days and six-month mentoring program. (Bev Ryan provided editing and page layout. Cover by Rebecca Giovenco.)
Philippa Spork – ‘Rules of Social Engagement’
Philippa Spork is a marketing strategist with 25-plus years’ experience in key account management and sales leadership within the Australian advertising and media industry. She published ‘Rules of Social Engagement’ in 2016, and soon after that she won international book awards and a major business award. Her book also helped lead to her new role in corporate Australia, as Director of Marketing Operations with Accenture. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Lee O’Connor – ‘We Did It Our Way’
Artist Lee O’Connor, and engineer husband Paul, have found adventure on their motorbikes in all corners of the world for over 40 years. In March 2015 they flew their KTM 990 motorcycles to Kuala Lumpur and began a round-the-world adventure that took them a year, riding 80,000 kilometres on spectacular roads through forty countries. Lee captured that journey beautifully in ‘We Did It Our Way’. (Bev Ryan guided the author through the self-publishing process.)
Emily Martin – ‘The Gift’
During a cool early morning cycle in the summer of 2015, Emily was in a serious accident. It left her with an acquired brain injury, and her well-oiled life imploded, affecting everyone near and dear to her. A year later Emily wrote and published her book, ‘The Gift – Finding strength within when you need it most’, as a way to thank all who supported her and her young family through that time, and to raise awareness of brain injuries and the recovery process. (Bev Ryan produced this book.)
Viti Simmons – ‘Bearing Fruit: Microfinance’
Viti Simmons is the founding director of Bear Fruit, and is a social change facilitator with a passion for integrating social development with business innovation. Her books, ‘A tree needs water to bear fruit: Enterprising women creating reservoirs for poverty alleviation’ (2013) and ‘Bearing Fruit: Microfinance – Empowering women, families and communities’ (2016) provide important insights, funding and exposure for developing and developed world contributors. (Bev Ryan designed the cover & layout of this book.)
Amanda Bigelow – ‘Powered By Health’
Amanda Bigelow became a Food as Medicine Practitioner after her own serious health crisis, forcing her to give up her career as an environmental professional. Today she works with clients to find the root cause of problems, and guides them to systematically transform their health and lives. Her book, ‘Powered By Health’ is written for high achieving women who want to regain ‘health, vitality, and a new life full of possibilities’. (Bev Ryan edited this book.)
Helen Lock – ‘101 ways to Treat Your Itch’
Helen Lock is known for developing and branding iconic Australian-made skincare products. Her brands include Aviation Hydration moisturiser, XMA Skin Therapy, and Spot On Spot Off. Helen is also the author of ‘101 Ways to Treat your Itch’, which contains 101 old and new natural treatments for skin conditions. (Bev Ryan provided editing & page layout. Cover by Michael Hanrahan Publishing.)
