There Is No Safe Way to Be Bold with Zana Goic Petricevic [S5 E17]

Welcome to another engaging episode of Business Book Bites! Today, host Karen Williams is joined by the inspiring Zana Goic Petricevic, bestselling author, leadership transformation expert, and global speaker. Zana’s journey began in February 2020 when she boldly decided to write her first book—just as the world was on the brink of the pandemic. Instead of playing it safe, Zana leaned into the uncertainty, publishing Bold Reinvented and later Leading on the Edge, each work not only transforming her business but also her own life and worldview. In this episode, Karen and Zana dive deep into how writing and publishing can change who we are, why embracing risk is crucial for true impact, and the power of bold storytelling in leadership and authorship. If you’re wondering why so many people with extraordinary potential hold back from making a real impact—or how you can find and amplify your own voice as an author—this conversation is full of wisdom, honest vulnerability, and practical tips to help you step into your own boldness. You can listen to our earlier episode (S2, Ep 12) via www.librotas.com/podcast or https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-personal-and-professional-growth/id1705020493?i=1000655750145. ** Upcoming Events ** If you’d like to find out more about how we can support you with your book, come along to one of our free monthly online networking events, the Coffee and Connect Café, held on the first Tuesday of each month. You’ll get learning, ideas, and the chance to connect with other authors. We also run an annual writing retreat, and our next retreat in Spain is from 25 April to 2 May 2026. Join us for a week in the sun writing your book! You can find out more about all our upcoming events at https://www.librotas.com/librotasevents. Or contact Karen Williams to find out how she can help you via www.librotas.com. Key Takeaways Embrace Vulnerability: True impact comes when you’re willing to take risks and share your authentic story—even (and especially) when it feels uncomfortable. As Zana says, "There’s no safe way to take bold steps." Invest in Support: Don’t go it alone. A mentor can not only structure your story but push you past your doubts, helping you evolve into the author (and leader) you’re meant to be. Envision Your Future Self: Imagine how your life and voice will grow post-publication. Let that future pull you forward, guiding the bold moves you make in your writing and your leadership. Bio Zana Goic Petricevic is a leadership transformation expert, bold leadership coach for C-suite leaders, speaker and best-selling author of Bold Reinvented and Leading on the Edge, helping organisations to embrace change, adopt a bold mindset and take decisive risks to thrive. Zana’s mission is to empower leaders to lead on the edge, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and creating impactful change. With a university degree in languages and a master’s degree in economics, Zana transitioned from a dynamic career in corporate communications and marketing within the oil and gas and pharmaceutical industries to focus on leadership development. She now inspires organisations across the globe with her compelling talks and cutting-edge leadership programmes. As the founder of Bold Leadership Culture, a boutique leadership development consultancy based in Croatia and the UK with a global presence across the EU, USA and APAC, Zana is a recognised expert in coaching and leadership development. Her SOUL Framework®, featured in Bold Reinvented, forms the foundation of her company’s global offerings, transforming how leaders engage with courage, consciousness and conviction. Zana has coached and trained hundreds of leaders, partnering with global giants in diverse industries, including big tech, banking, pharmaceuticals, the Big Four, engineering and more. Her impressive client list includes PwC, Capgemini, UniCredit Bank, TikTok, Amazon, Sandoz and EU institutions, among others. Living in Zagreb, Croatia, with her husband and son, Zana travels the world pursuing her passion – transforming leadership on a global scale. Website: www.boldleadership-culture.com Book link: https://a.co/d/095auXWc and https://a.co/d/0iW6oXZY Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zanagoicpetricevic Time stamped overview: 00:00 Books Open Doors to Connections04:26 Writing Books and Bold Leadership08:59 Bold Writing Requires Vulnerability12:32 Risks of Sharing Ideas16:15 Prioritizing Reader Engagement in Books17:57 Work with a Book Mentor20:44 Embracing Growth and Purpose Keywords: leadership transformation, book writing journey, Bold Reinvented, Leading on the Edge, author vulnerability, business transformation, global leadership, coaching, training business, book publishing, personal growth, identity evolution, thought leadership, organizational change, cultural diversity, storytelling, book mentoring...