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Gayle Gregory is the author of just released Workplace Evolution, Common Sense for Uncommon Times and a co-author of The Grand Experiment, an Expedition of Self-Discovery .  She is a former senior manager with two Fortune 500 companies and the founder of Pure Possibility, a coaching and mentoring program that works with individuals and within the Oregon State Corrections system. Most recently she co-founded Workplace Evolution (WE), a resource bank of leading edge consultants whose mission is to catalyze organizational potential and nurture innovative workplaces. WE provides integrated solutions that benefit the organization, its individuals, and society as a whole. Gayle is a sought-after success coach, a veteran of radio talk shows, and an inspiring and provocative speaker.

Thank you Gayle for answering some questions for us!  Please tell us about your latest project.
 
My latest project is Workplace Evolution, Common Sense for Uncommon Times, a book that Jackie Barretta, CIO of Con-way said, “…causes us to reexamine the way we do business, including practices we have taken for granted that no longer serve people, the bottom line, or the planet. It provides original and straight-forward, yet practical solutions that breathe new life into ethics, community and sustainable profitability." 
 
Have you received any awards for your work?
 
Yes. Workplace Evolution, Common Sense for Uncommon Times, was honored as a finalist in the USA Book News, ‘Best Books 2009’ book awards in the Business: Management & Leadership category. usabooknews.com/2009bestbooksawards.html
 
Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?
 
Yes. I am a take-no-prisoners speaker … rather provocative. I am also a facilitator and do seminars, etc., basically anything the client needs to become more grounded in radical honesty.
 
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?
 
The education that helped the most was my personal self-discovery.  As I understood my own motivations I grew to understand others. I have spent the last 12 years becoming fearless. That education was essential to who I am and how I present myself both in the spoken and written word. 
 
What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?
 
The Grand Experiment, an Expedition of Self Discovery … a book about 7 myths that determine our experience of life. I wrote it with two others with one typewriter around one table. What an experience. Talk about pushing all of my buttons. It was an amazing process.
 
Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?
 
I do organizational coaching and consulting as well as personal coaching. I am always directly in touch with my readers. I also write articles and respond to questions. The feedback I get from my articles tells me the degree to which I hit the mark or not.
 
What will your next project be?
 
Oh please not yet … grin … articles, articles, articles and speaking engagements to spread the message about Workplace Evolution.
 
Who inspires you on a personal or business level?
 
Everyone I meet.  I look into each person’s eyes and see the glint of potential just clamoring to get out and am inspired to be of service.
 
What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?
 
Speaking and writing about my passion … freedom from fear and clear decision-making that is aware of unintended consequences.
 
What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?
 
Persistence, self-belief, and to never, never give up … regardless of how tough it gets.  You will be challenged. You will be tested. Believe in your voice and that there is value in you speaking what is true for you.
 
How did you get started as a writer?
 
How does one answer that question?  It would be easier to answer how did I get started as a human?
 
Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?
 
Too many to respond.
 
What does a typical work day look like for you?
 
Sitting in front of the computer and listening to my inner voice that points me in a specific direction. I rarely know which project I will work on until I sit down in the morning.
 
Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?
 
My spiritual teacher is my mentor. Two days after I started my last book she called and said that I needed to start a new book. We laughed. She also mentioned a magazine I would be creating soon. Haven’t seen it yet, but I suspect it is on its way. 
 
Who is your favorite writer/author?
 
Any one who is radically honest regardless of what they have to say.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)
 
Beloved by Ashana.

Thank you Gayle for a great interview! We wish you great success with your latest book Workplace Evolution, Common Sense for Uncommon Times!