ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Mark Francis sits down with his own publisher, Brenda Dempsey, founder of Book Brilliance Publishing, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to write a book that lasts. Brenda brings over 25 years in education, a coaching background, and hard-won life experience including raising four children alone while homeless in her final year of university to a publishing approach that is anything but surface level. She talks about the moment she stepped into her businesswoman identity, why owning your numbers matters as much as owning your story, and what separates books that leave a legacy from books that gather dust.
For anyone who has ever thought about writing a book but doesn't know where to start, this episode is the conversation to hear. Brenda breaks down her holistic, values-led process from deep foundation work and purpose-setting before a single word is written, to the role of storytelling, structure, and editorial precision in producing something that genuinely sounds like you. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or simply someone with a story worth telling, Brenda makes a compelling case for why your voice matters and why the world needs to hear it.
Key takeaways:
Start with your why before you write a single word purpose and values are the foundation of every great book
Know your numbers: passion alone doesn't build a business, financial literacy is non-negotiable
Writing a book builds credibility, authority, and legacy that no LinkedIn profile or CV can replicate
Your values aren't a head exercise they come from the gut, and they run through every page of your book
Show don't tell applies in non-fiction too take your reader on a journey, don't just dump what you know
A book is five or more years of re-purposable content hiding in plain sight
You don't need a degree or perfect credentials to write a book you need lived experience and the lessons from it
It's never too late: Brenda launched Book Brilliance Publishing at 62
The byproduct of writing a book is clarity, confidence, and a deeper connection to your own purpose
"I can" are the two most powerful words on the planet and the best books are built on that belief
Connect with Brenda Dempsey:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendadempsey
Website: bookbrilliancepublishing.com
Ready to write your book? Visit bookbrilliancepublishing.com to find out how Book Brilliance Publishing can take you from idea to published author.
I hope you enjoy this episode! Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly.
– Mark and the Who's Your Captain podcast team
Connect with Mark Francis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-francis-78b3061/
Visit The Uspire Partnership website here: https://theuspirepartnership.com
Preview Mark's book here: https://www.book2look.com/book/5PLGQaM16K
Listen to Who's Your Captain on the following Platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/097OvlL7btd8f7bplgIfv0
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whos-your-captain/id1875226706
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6109160-6448-4d95-9850-07456d5adbca/who's-your-captain
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Hosted by Mark Francis, founder of The Uspire Partnership and former senior leader at Burberry and Tesco, this podcast provokes fresh thinking, energises purpose, and transforms how leaders perform. With over 25 years of experience in learning and development, organisational change, and executive coaching, Mark brings deep insight to every conversation. He's worked across retail, FMCG, logistics, and professional services, helping leaders and organisations unlock potential and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or navigating your own path, you'll discover practical wisdom and inspiration from those who know what it takes to steer the ship.
If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your leadership, find inspiration from great mentors, or understand what drives transformational performance, this podcast will give you the insights and energy to chart your own course with confidence.
