Welcome to the author interview with Nicole Fronek as she shares about her book, Corporate Coach Approach!
Blurb
In the modern corporate environment, career advancement does not typically occur by chance, but rather through intentional action. Corporate Coach Approach – A Systematic Guide to Career Development was created to help individuals shape their career path while navigating the complexities of the workplace.
Recent graduates to seasoned professionals can benefit from real-world perspectives paired with relatable narratives that bring each concept to life. Case studies throughout the book illustrate the development of tried-and-tested methods, offering practical insights on topics such as personal branding, stakeholder engagement, and taking action to drive productivity.
Whether preparing for a promotion, pivoting industries, or retooling an established career, this book provides access to the ‘best of the best’ practices on demand, reinforced by concise summaries and key takeaways.
In short, Corporate Coach Approach is an all-purpose manual for a range of industries and skill levels, delivering guidance when it matters most — the moment it’s needed.
Ready to learn more about Corporate Coach Approach and the author behind it? Keep reading for our interview with author Nicole Fronek!
Author Fronek, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with Scribbles about your book, Corporate Coach Approach!
Q: Author Fronek, what inspired you to write Corporate Coach Approach? You mention in your introduction feedback concerning other publications was that part of what pushed you to write this book?
Author Fronek: That is correct – a single source of consolidated information on various topics within the area of career development was not found. Based on a pattern of similar questions asked by colleagues and friends, I decided it was the ideal time to write a book that could be shared both with and beyond my immediate network.
Sounds you like you chose your most opportune moment to strike and put a book out there that would be beneficial to people! It was very astute of you to notice the need for your book Corporate Coach Approach and take steps to get it out there when you did!
Q: While your cover isn’t the most eye-catching, it does make one pause and give it a second glance with the way that it is structured. What was the decision-making process when it came to your cover?
Author Fronek: The pause as a result of the first glance is what makes the cover distinct – a significant amount of information made possible by one resource. It is polished, unexpected, and often leads to a satisfied smirk – the combination of which not often found on the shelves of career advancement materials. As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover, however in the case of my book Corporate Coach Approach, you absolutely should.
Very true. All an author needs really is a potential reader to take that moment to give a book a second glance and then stop to really dig a little deeper. You’ll be surprised at what you discover when you pick this book up fellow readers.
(a) Was there another cover that you were considering when you chose this one? Or did you know that this is exactly what you were looking for cover wise?
Author Fronek: There was no other concept in consideration – I was immediately drawn to the idea that came to life as you see on the cover today. While a few versions due to minor edits ensued, the process was enjoyable as a collaborative effort between myself, my editor, and a local artist here in The Black Hills, Danial James. He is a good friend and one of the first three artists licensed by Harley Davidson. Each of us added a different angle to the various elements achieving the end result, which we are highly proud of.
That is honestly pretty surprising that you were so quickly drawn to the idea that became the concept for you book cover! But that’s pretty amazing that you just knew exactly what you wanted and were looking for just the same!
It’s good to know that the collab process was enjoyable for you and the local artist you worked with, Danial James! You all should absolutely be proud of your work since it came together so flawlessly with three different people contributing to it! We would have never known!
Q: Corporate Coach Approach presents as a book targeted towards a highly specific audience being the corporate business sector. If someone not in that specifically targeted audience were to consider picking up your book, what would you point to encourage them to pick it up?
Author Fronek: Many life lessons are shared in the book which can be adapted to a range of industries. Success is success regardless of corporate roles or blue collar. I like to encourage individuals to increase their knowledge base by learning from a range of experts and resources. While concepts or techniques within my book may be familiar, the angle or perception shared likely offers a new twist not previously considered.
That is a very sensible way of putting it and reminding all of us not to pigeon-hole ourselves or a book simply because we immediately think it won’t apply to us! Thank you for that reminder author Fronek!
Q: In your book, Corporate Coach Approach, you encourage your readers to seek “digital advice from chatbots and AI.” Why did you decide to include this particular encouragement in your book?
Author Fronek: Chatbots can act as a second set of eyes with regards to grammar and flow increasing overall comprehension. Use of available resources in general is a good practice in and of itself.
That is very true concerning AI! AI has it’s uses, just don’t become dependent on it people! LOL! A light touch and you should be fine.
Q: At the end of each chapter in
, you construct a list of “best practices.” How did you decide on what “best practices” made the list?
Author Fronek: Best practice lists formed from the mindset of ‘what I wish someone would have shared with me’ early in my career. Ideally, readers can find immediate benefit from these listings. An overarching goal in the design of the book was to organize material in a consistent format allowing quick assessment and comprehension. Guidance when it matters most – the moment it’s needed is the reasoning behind each list. I’m glad to know the lists do in fact stand out as a helpful feature.
So very true! The best practices lists definitely a helpful asset in this book. We feel that they will help draw readers back to the book for more information or just for good counsel if they have a question.
You definitely checked the box for your overarching goal! The list is easy to understand and a good reflection point for readers.
Q: What challenges did you face/struggle with while you were working to write Corporate Coach Approach? How did you overcome them?
Author Fronek: Thinking ahead to the process of publishing and marketing which was new territory. Pages filled quickly as I had much to share from my 20 years of experience, but bringing my product to market continues to be highly educational. Speaking to others who have more experience than I do in this area is a continuous effort to gain information on next best steps. Also, my commitment to quality audience engagement allows additional potential for increased readership. Podcast guest appearances, book signings, and interviews occur monthly as possible.
Wow! We never really thought about all of that! Sounds like you have taken an educational approach to getting your book out there as well! It’s great that you’re learning so much from the publishing process, while also helping readers with your book! Talk about a win-win!
Q: If you had to select one specific chapter for a reader to read if they didn’t read any other part of your book, which chapter would it be and why?
Author Fronek: Chapter 1 – Personal Branding. Written to be read in any order, but this topic sets the tone for all aspects of career development. Chapter 1 presents insight on this very important subject that should not be considered a luxury or ‘nice to consider if time allows’ exercise. Personal branding requires a daily commitment, but does not need to be exhaustive, just consistently represented.
We couldn’t agree more! Personal Branding, especially in this day and age is truly important for everyone to accomplish, and that particular chapter has some truly helpful pointers!
Q: In Corporate Coach Approach you mention that you shifted from interior design to project management. What was that like and why did you choose to make such a dynamic shift?
Author Fronek: A move abroad was the catalyst; however, with the exception of the personality types of those I worked with, and the overall environment, the work itself was not much different. In Interior Design, I spent a significant amount of time on project management related activities and associated stakeholder engagement. The steps to execute to stated requirements has a very foundational quality that translates to many functional roles regardless of industry. Because of my strength of organization, it was a seamless transition that served me well and continues to do so.
Q: Throughout Corporate Coach Approach, you touch on experiences that you have had, but you don’t always go in-depth as to how you dealt with the various situations and how you overcame them. Why did you choose handle your book in this manner? In the moments where you give your readers more of your own personal story, we found them quite fascinating.
Author Fronek: Chapter design is highly intentional allowing readers to gain immediate value and applicable to their particular role or assignment. The experiences shared were to add context as to the importance of the chapter topic. I am pleased to hear my experiences were enjoyed. Something to keep in mind for future book projects.
Okay, we can understand the rationale behind doing Corporate Coach Approach the way that you did.
We would absolutely love to hear more about your experiences in future book projects!
(a) Did you think that the book needed to maintain a strict focus on the specific subject at hand?
Author Fronek: Topics as the focus supported my objective of offering a consolidated resource. That being the case, the format was intentionally structured to add credibility to my message, but not overshadow the educational component of the topic itself.
Okay! We can 100% understand your reasoning behind your decisions.
Q: Frequently throughout your book, we notice that you advocate quite often for the usage of AI tools. Why do you feel that AI tools are such an important element in today’s corporate world?
Author Fronek: A statement I have heard more than once is that AI might not take your job, but someone who uses AI will. Large Language Models, or LLMs, continue to increase in sophistication, and AI proficiency should be part of your career development efforts. As skillsets are assessed and enhanced, adjusting your mindset to the fact that AI is here to stay could set you apart in a very competitive employment market.
That is a good point! We never even thought about that! So, there you go fellow readers! Some useful insight that you’ll more than likely want to start implementing into your skillsets!
Q: When it comes to chapter 3 – Write Like a Journalist, what courses or books would you recommend readers pick up or take in order to improve their writing specifically where it relates to their job prospects?
Author Fronek: From a technical angle, The Elements of Style by Strunk & White is a gold standard. From a more creative stance, and with details on the process of writing well, I recommend On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. Both have been in production for some time and as such can be found at libraries as well as various versions and anniversary editions online.
Awesome! Sounds like some good resources for readers and aspiring writers to check out!
Q: Getting noticed in the corporate world can be quite the feat with many looking to stand out and rise in the ranks. Do you think that your book Corporate Coach Approach can help readers gain any semblance of an edge over others who don’t/haven’t read your book?
Author Fronek: Learning from those who have had the role you wish to fill is advantageous. You never know where and at what point something that you hear today can be of benefit tomorrow. Had this book been available to me when I begin my career in corporate, I would have been much better off, so yes, I would say the quick read is worth the time of those interested in starting a corporate career or advance within.
Q: In Appendix 1 how did you decide which key concepts would be included and which ones would be excluded compared to the “best practices” at the end of each chapter?
Author Fronek: Sentences that stood out as key items I wish I would have known, or taken into consideration early on, formed the basis of the key concepts. Best practices aligned with this approach as well. When writing and in my review, items that I physically shook my head to when reading felt important to highlight.
Q: If after reading your book, a reader wanted to go deeper and further in their career development what book(s) would you recommend they pick up to continue their journey?
Author Fronek: Atomic Habits by James Clear and When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink. Both are resources I have enjoyed and read more than once.
Okay fellow readers! There are a couple more books for you to check out if you’re looking for specific pieces to help you in your career path!
Q: Is there anything that you’re currently working on for readers to look forward to in the future?
Author Fronek: Book promotion efforts continue into the summer and I really enjoy meeting readers at in-store meet and greets. Also, I routinely join podcasts as a guest and post links across social media and on my company website.
Q: What book would you recommend readers pick up after reading “Corporate Coach Approach”?
Author Fronek: The Vibe: The Missing Ingredient that Changes Everything by Kelly Cardenas who I recently met at a day-long conference on career and personal development. He is a powerhouse of enthusiasm – contagiously so! A warm, caring personality who has cracked the code on remaining true to your own unique vibe.
Q: Is there anything that you’d like to share with our readers before you go?
Author Fronek: Please follow my socials where book promotion efforts are shared weekly. I would enjoy meeting those who read my book or are interested in learning more about and from ‘The Coach’!
www.instagram.com/corporatecoachapproach
www.instagram.com/twohorseproductions605
www.facebook.com/people/TwoHorseProductions
Author Nicole Fronek, we appreciate you taking the time to share with us here at Scribbles and our readers about your book, Corporate Coach Approach. We look forward to reading more of your work in the future! Thank you so much for your time today!
We enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to read and review Corporate Coach Approach and you can check out the review here.
About the Author:
Nicole Fronek, known as “The Coach” has supported Fortune 100 firms inclusive of CBRE, Chevron, HP, Citigroup, and Marriott International. With two decades of experience in project delivery and client services, she has built her career on a foundation of helping others achieve their goals.
Nicole holds a BA in Communications from California State University, Fullerton, and an MSc in Project Management from The University of Liverpool.
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