Today’s guest blog post is written by my friend,  Sonia Di Maulo and celebrates the launch of the hard-copy edition of her book, The Apple in the Orchard: A story about finding the courage to emerge. The story provides a vision for the new world of work and was endorsed by Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and Great Leaders Grow.

I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.  ― Billy Joel

I listen to the latest tunes on the radio when I drive. I listen to relaxing music when I work.  What touches me the most about music is how few words together with melody can inspire.  I cry/sing/smile when I drive, and I am focused when I work… all because of music.

 “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” ― C.S. Lewis

 When I started reading to my children, I realized that I kept choosing books with simple powerful messages that I enjoyed even more than my children.  What touches me the most about children’s literature is how few words together with vibrant illustrations can inspire, both children and adults. So on my travels around the world, I collect children’s books that inspired me.  My favorite is Zero by Kathryn Otoshi.  Through her books, I was driven to action.

  “There are some themes, some subjects, too large for adult fiction; they can only be dealt with adequately in a children’s book.” ― Philip Pullman

And so began by quest to write my own book… a book with a powerful message that could be understood by both children and adults and most importantly that would inspire them to action. I wanted to use few words from my two greatest inspirations (music and children’s literature) and I wanted the illustrations to inspire and connect just like music does.  Over the past two years, I worked hard to get the words right, partnered with an incredibly talented illustrator, Constantina Kalimeris, and connected with so many people who share the story of The Apple in the Orchard: A story about finding the courage to emerge.

The book shares a LIVING vision for the new world of work and offers a glimpse into the power of living systems as models for sustainability, collaboration, and growth.

It’s an opportunity to rediscover what we have lost.

We are living systems and we interact with other living systems, all the time. Yet we have lost our natural ability to work in a meaningful way, to work together towards a common passion, and to connect in a way that honors the connection and creates something new along our learning journey.

The book calls emerging leaders (of all ages) to connect with yourself first, and then deeply with your environment.  It’s amazing what you will start to see that you never saw before. It also invites leaders in organizations to listen to emerging leaders, for it’s their ideas that will get us through.

What are you ready for?

Sonia Di Maulo is a remarkable, warm, creative and talented woman. Her book, The Apple in the Orchard, reflects all of that and genuinely touched my heart. (And I have the feeling it may touch yours as well.) It’s a tender story about listening to and following one’s heart, demonstrating courage and conviction, and ‘going for it’ on a profound level.  This inspiring book with its charming illustrations is destined to quickly become a beloved classic.