Something powerfully written has the capacity to inspire, motivate, and transform lives, minds, and even history. Those that use writing as a creative tool do so to express their creativity, thoughts, ideas, and feelings, as well as to assist others in learning or doing something, or just to write. Top that with a story that your readers can relate to and you create an influential message that inspires and even change the readers’ lives. This is what’s been like for our guest today, Michael J. Coles.

Michael is an American entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and politician. Coles was the co-founder of Great American Cookie Company and former CEO of Caribou Coffee. He was the 1996 Democratic nominee for the house of representatives in the Sixth District of Georgia and the 1998 Democratic nominee for the U.S senate. In 1994 Kennesaw State University named its school of business the Coles College of Business. This is going to be another value-bomb episode! Let’s get right to it.

[00:00-07:36]  Opening Segment

• This podcast is brought to you by Execuwright. Visit https://execuwright.com to see how we can help you get that book out of your head and onto paper!  
• Michael’s story: Growing up in a poor family to being a successful author, entrepreneur
• How Cookies Coffee and a Crash Led to Success in Business and Life: 25 years in the making

[07:37-24:45] Overcoming Your Goliath

• Overcoming failures and persevering amidst adversities
• Build a better life. Take risks
• How his tragic motor accident turned into a triumph
• Understanding and experiencing the true meaning of bankruptcy at a young age
• What Michael gains by writing a book
• Michael's commitment to supporting veterans and how his book contributes to the foundation

[24:46-41:03] Wrapping Up!

• What’s next for Michael and his advocacy
• How you could help the foundation (link below.)
• The writing process that works for Michael
• Michael’s recommended books

Key Quotes

“The difference between success and failure is always how you deal with the unexpected.” - Michael J. Coles

Resources Mentioned

The Reckoning by David Halberstam

Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn!

Do you have a book idea in your head, but you haven’t put it to paper because you don’t know where to start? 

Visit https://execuwright.com to see how we can help you get that book out of your head and onto paper!

Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferwrightexecuwright/ 

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