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Lonnie Pacelli is an internationally recognized author and is president of Leading on the Edge International (leadingonedge.com). Lonnie has over 20 years leadership expertise as an executive, project manager, developer, tester, analyst, trainer, consultant, and business owner. During his 11 years at Accenture he built leadership expertise consulting with many Fortune 500 companies including Motorola, Hughes Electronics, and Northrop-Grumman.

During his nine years at Microsoft he continued building leadership expertise through development of some of Microsoft’s internal systems, led their Corporate Procurement group, managed their Corporate Planning group, and led company-wide initiatives on Continuous Fiscal Improvement and Training Process Optimization. He has successfully implemented projects ranging from complex IT systems to process re-engineering to business strategies.
 
Thank you Lonnie for answering some questions for us! To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.
 
My latest project is a series I am launching called Six-Word Lessons.  The series is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s six-word story For sale:  baby shoes, never worn. My first book in the series is called Six-Word Lessons For Project Managers. I am currently working with three aspiring authors to write and publish their own Six-Word Lessons books.
 
Have you received any awards for your work?
 
Only in my mind J.
 
Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?
 
Yes. I regularly speak to project management and leadership groups and organizations.
 
How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your profession?
 
I like to think of my writing and profession as symbiotic.  My profession helps me to write on more relevant topics for my readers and my writing helps me to sharpen my thoughts to better help my clients.
 
What kind of other works have you had published?
 
I have written a number of books in the business space on www.project-management-books.com
 
Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?
 
Virtually every aspect of my profession gets me better in touch with my readers.  I do a weekly newsletter to my subscribers and regularly talk with many project managers and leaders about their struggles and challenges.
 
What will your next project be?
 
I am very focused on building the Six-word lessons brand and partnering with other subject matter experts to publish more Six-word lessons books.
 
Who inspires you on a personal or business level?
 
I am first and foremost inspired by my faith.  My wife and kids also do a great job of keeping me real and reminding me that the most important things I do include me being a husband and father.
 
What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?
 
That which I have helped a client or colleague solve a difficult issue and they are somehow better off because of my advice.
 
What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?
 
Know who your target reader is and give them what they want.  Talk to a lot of people in your target market and know what makes them tick.  Also don’t expect to be the next Grisham or Gladwell.  If it happens let it be a pleasant surprise.
 
How did you get started as a writer?
 
I decided to write a book during a sabbatical that I took back in 2003.  I found that I had a knack for writing and have been doing so ever since.
 
Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?
 
Flight of the Buffalo by James Belasco and The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman.
 
What does a typical work day look like for you?
 
My days are a combination of writing, coaching, and consulting.  Each day has a different face.
 
Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?
 
Nope, came from within.
 
Who is your favorite writer/author?
 
Probably Stephen Covey. His work was very influential in my life.
 
Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself? :)
 
I’m not sure; it’s too tough to distinguish between the voices in my head and the voices which escape through my mouth.

Thank you Lonnie! We wish you great success with your Six-Word Lessons series!