The Global Rockstar Album – 21 Verses to Find Your Tact as an Inclusive Leader

With “The Global Rockstar Album – 21 Verses to Find Your Tact as an Inclusive Leader” launching around the corner, I thought I would talk briefly about my journey of completing this book. Every book project is a massive team effort. I realized in June that it would be easy just to quit the project, so I forced myself a little. I used what I call the “people approach to managing projects.” Often when I am confronted with my inner corrupters and I find a way to get over myself I feel like sharing this with you. Here are my learnings from this fourth book launch.

1 – Tell the World Before You Are Ready

“The “People Approach to Managing Projects” has several steps. First, you visualize the result and paint a detailed picture of it. Second, you add post-it notes of people you see connected to this end vision. Third, you consider which role they will play in your end vision. Fourth, you reach out to them and let them know that you need their help. Then, you engage them for a job in your project, and finally, you find two commitment buddies who will check in with you on your success and report to them every week. It is also vital to tell the world about your project.”

It would help to hire a team of professionals and also tell as many people as possible about my upcoming book launch. Book launches are generally happening before the Frankfurt Book Fair and we wanted our current Academic Intern Kamila Banak, to be with us for the launch party. Hence we fixed a date (26 September) and worked backwards from there.

2 – Set a Hard Deadline

With that date in the diary, it was straightforward to move forward. After having spent so long on the book, I was asked how I approached revisions with a fresh perspective. When I started writing “The Global Rockstar” in 2017 on Lake Orta, I had a different outlook on my life and career. I was still debating whether I should return to a full-time role as a Global Mobility Manager. I even tried to work part-time in Global Mobility for a while during the Pandemic. 

Still, my inner artist felt so neglected during this phase that even though I made a lot of money when many entrepreneurs had to shut down their businesses, I did not feel inspired. I could not finalize the book for at least two years. It lingered in a digital drawer and made me feel like a victim whenever I looked at it. Something had not felt right about it. I could not put my finger on it until I finally got back in the zone. A fresh perspective comes from readers, the feedback of learners, and the experience of working on the book. We ran a pilot with readers and asked them for their views and where they got stuck. We asked them how the book helped them, and I felt encouraged to move on as the testers reported their results.

3 – Let the Band Play (even when the Singer leaves the Stage)

Each team member brings in a new perspective. One team member is responsible for English language edits, another one helps with captivating titles, and one member handles promotions on social media platforms. I want to thank all my team members for working so diligently. They helped turn the project into a work of art. I do not enjoy the nitty gritty part of the process as much as the creative part, so I tried to give as much responsibility as possible to the “band.” I let them play and wanted to be involved in crucial content or marketing decisions. By the end of August, I left the stage as the lead singer and let the band play. It helps to let go.

4 – Follow a Proven Template

It is also essential to work in a structured manner and trust that every team member will do their best. Once the edits were done, I did not look at the content anymore, only verifying that logic and structure matched. I use the templates and steps from the last book launches and continue to refine them. I document every step of the process so I have it easier the next time. I even worked with the invitee lists from the last launch. 

I care about details such as words, spelling, grammar, structure, typos, logistics, and my guests!  I am also involved in significant production, digital marketing, and launch decisions. And while I have enjoyed every part of it, I also have clients, family, and friends to care for. I wake up at 6 AM on the weekend thinking about the book launch.

5 – Cut out the Noise

This is my fourth book launch, and by now, I know how my inner corruptors feel. I understand that many artists fear showing their work to the world. In mid-August, I returned from a long-awaited journey to Pakistan and noticed we only had six weeks to go to the book launch. I was getting anxious and started to micro-manage more than usual. I found one mistake in the manuscript that triggered a lot of anxiety. 

I had received four raving reviews from senior interculturalists at that point, but one remark from a friend almost made me stop everything. I knew it was time to drop the imposter syndrome and put the inner critic to valuable work. I am not sure if I have ever done this before but I printed the whole manuscript and went through it on paper again. Working on paper at this stage also helped me to get off the Internet and WhatsApp. As my friend D. said, “Cut out the noise and keep your focus.” 

Check out this Podcast Episode of Berliner Zinner for more: