A Founder, A Doctor, And The Unexpected Power Of A Good Book
If you've built something meaningful in your life, there's a good chance people will want to read ... More what you have to say.
One built a multibillion-dollar restaurant empire. The other is a physician on a mission to transform how we talk about mental health.
On the surface, the late Kent Taylor, founder of Texas Roadhouse, and Dr. Shahana Alibhai could not be more different. But they each made a bold decision: They put their ideas down on paper and wrote a book. And in doing so, they changed more than their careers. Taylor captured the legacy of a company. Alibhai sparked a movement and expanded her influence far beyond the clinic.
'Kent wrote the world a book,' said Texas Roadhouse CEO Jerry Morgan, 'but he left our company a blueprint for our future. We encourage our Partners to read Made From Scratch (Simon & Schuster, 2021) to better understand our history, values, and principles.'
That's the power of storytelling. It's more than a marketing tool, it's how leaders distill their values and vision and their lived experience into something that is lasting; something others can pick up and carry forward.
And while we do live in a world of TikTok, YouTube, and podcasts, books are far from irrelevant. They are where we go to explore deep ideas, not just quick concepts. They signal credibility and depth of thought in a way few other formats can. My colleague Tasha Eurich recently sold more than 15,000 copies of her latest book, Shatterproof, in its first week of launch, a strong sign that people are absolutely still buying books … good ones, that is.
Dr. Alibhai, a family doctor and mental health expert from British Columbia, calls her first book, 'a game changer.' It is titled Feel Better: How Understanding Your Emotional Palette Can Keep You From Getting Swept Away (Throne Publishing, 2024).
'The way I think about it,' she said, 'it is the world's best business card. It allows you to gift something meaningful to someone and share a small glimpse into your inner world, even with a complete stranger.'
Since publishing last September, Dr. Alibhai's book has received praise from luminaries such as Mel Robbins and Marshall Goldsmith, and also led her to be invited to speak on stages around the world, including the Million Dollar Round Table in Macau. It's not just about the spotlight for the physician, but about starting a better conversation. 'When people read the book,' she says, 'they don't just hear my story. They start to reflect on their own.'
And, she says, it's become a vehicle for giving back, enabling her to raise funds for mental health causes that matter deeply to her.
In short, Taylor's book became part of his legacy, Alibhai's became a launchpad. Both created ripple effects.
That's the real power of authorship. For business leaders and other experts, publishing shouldn't be about chasing bestseller lists but about clarifying what you stand for: your beliefs, your approach, your unique way of solving problems.
Of course, that doesn't stop people from asking me, 'So, how do I hit a bestseller list?'
I usually start here: 'Write a really good book.' (I know, groundbreaking advice.) But it's true: when the book is well-crafted and genuinely useful, it can unlock doors to all the things they want, like media coverage, keynote stages, and yes, more clients. A badly written book? That's just an expensive paperweight.
Here are three things I've seen make the biggest difference when leaders set out to write their story:
1. First, Clarify Your Purpose
Before you write a word, get clear on the 'job' you want your book to do for readers. Is it meant to spark personal transformation? Help future leaders understand your company's values and culture (like Taylor did with Made From Scratch)? Or will it provide practical guidance for businesspeople facing challenges similar to yours?
When you focus on the difference the book can make for others, you clarify your message and make it far more powerful. When you write with the reader in mind, your message becomes sharper and your impact greater.
Also, once you're clear on your objective and audience, you can make smarter decisions about what the book can do for you--perhaps build your business or leave a legacy. And it will help you set tone, structure, and publishing path. A well-known business founder writing a values-based leadership memoir will take a very different approach from an executive coach aiming to share her philosophy and grow a practice. Both can be highly effective, but only when their purpose is clear from the start.
2. Think Long-Term, Not Just Launch
The most successful authors treat their books as a long-term asset. A splashy launch week is nice, but more effective is planning to use the book to support your work over the next five, 10, or 20 years.
For Texas Roadhouse, Made From Scratch has become required reading for new employees, who they call Roadies. Says CEO Morgan, 'As we think about the next 30 years, we think it's important for current and future Roadies to study the early pioneers who built the foundation of our company.' For Dr. Alibhai, Feel Better has become the bridge to connect her personal story with a broader mission to destigmatize emotional health.
3. Don't Write It Alone
Many thought leaders or entrepreneurs have an incredible story or framework to share, but they get stalled for years by the enormity of writing a full-length book. That's where a collaborative writing partner or ghostwriter can be invaluable.
Dr. Alibhai is quick to acknowledge this. 'When you are trying to achieve a wildly important or seemingly impossible goal, having a coach, connector, and mentor is important. I was fortunate to have someone who helped me write as well as coach me through the process of writing. I also found someone who could connect me to others in the world of publishing and, most importantly, I was able to find someone who could serve as a sounding board along the way.'
Sometimes, you'll find all those roles in one person. More often, it might take a small team. But trying to go it alone can lead to years of delay, or worse, a book that doesn't land.
Here's what it comes down to: You don't have to be a celebrity CEO or famous influencer to write a book that matters. What you do need is the conviction that your principles are worth sharing. Don't let perfectionism or self-doubt keep your story on the shelf.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
TikToker Alex Madison Reveals She Is Pregnant, Expecting a Baby with Husband Jon Bouffard 1 Year After Pregnancy Loss
Alex Madison is pregnant and expecting a baby with her husband Jon Bouffard The couple revealed the exciting news via a TikTok video shared on June 22 Madison and Bouffard's announcement came one year after they suffered a pregnancy loss at 26 weeks in 2024Alex Madison is expanding her family! The TikTok star is pregnant and expecting a baby with her husband Jon Bouffard, one year after suffering a pregnancy loss. 'Coming soon 🤍💛,' Madison, 32, captioned a video shared on social media, in which she could be seen walking in slow motion in a flowy yellow dress before turning to reveal her baby bump. Bouffard, 37, then joins his wife, and they embrace as Madison holds up photos from an ultrasound. In the comments section, fans celebrated the couple's exciting news, with one writing, "LITERALLY SOBBING 😭 IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU TWO,' as another said, "Praying for a safe pregnancy!! Congrats!" Madison's baby news comes one year after she and Bouffard revealed that they experienced a pregnancy loss at 26 weeks in June 2024. 'We are absolutely devastated to share the news that we lost our sweet baby boy this week,' the couple said in a statement shared on Instagram and TikTok at the time. 'There are no words that can truly capture the depth of this pain. Nothing can prepare you for this. Our hearts will never be the same," they continued. Madison, for her part, added, 'I had the privilege of carrying you for 26 weeks, and we will carry you in our hearts for a lifetime. Until we meet again, Leo Grey.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alexandra Madison (@alexandramadisonn) Madison and Bouffard opened up about how they coped with their loss while appearing on Keke Palmer's podcast, Baby, This is Keke Palmer. Explaining that 'dark humor' helped them to get them through the toughest moments, Madison said, "I think for us, it was such a dark time that it felt like we truly were never gonna come up for air." "But this is our trauma, and the way that I deal with things is through comedy," she added. The pair ultimately channeled their emotions into a skit in which they attempted to withdraw from the DINKS (Dual Income No Kids) club, but their application was denied. "We can't thank you all enough for your continued outpouring of support,' they wrote in the post's caption, adding, 'And to all the couples who had their DINK memberships renewed, did you turn your nursery into a wine cellar? We haven't … just asking.' The couple continued to post skits on their social media channels in the ensuing months, many of which feature sketches about their loss. "I think the more we did it, the more it helped us," Madison told Palmer, 31, on her podcast. Read the original article on People
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Jay Z makes surprise performance during Beyoncé's final Paris show
Beyoncé-Knowles-Carter launched her final show in Paris, closing out the international leg of her "Cowboy Carter" tour with a bang and surprising fans with yet another special guest. This time: her husband, Jay Z. The Grammy-winning singer's third concert at Stade de France in Paris June 22 marked the last overseas show on her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour. During Sunday's show, Beyoncé shocked the entire crowd when she welcomed Jay Z to the stage as she sang their 2003 song, "Crazy in Love." The hip-hop mogul entered the stage as he rapped his part of the song, and the fans all over the stadium went wild, according to videos shared on social media. Jay Z on stage at Beyoncé's third show in ParisThe duo performed Crazy in Love, N****s in Paris, Drunk in Love & Partition #CowboyCarterTour He then continued to wow fans, performing his hit song, "N***as in Paris." Jay and Bey went to sing their 2013 hit, "Drunk In Love," for the first time on Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" tour. Watch Jay Z join Beyoncé onstage: However, the surprises didn't end there. Beyoncé continued to sing other throwback songs, also adding a snippet of her 2013 hit "Partition." JAY-Z JOINS BEYONCÉ ON STAGE & HAS TAKEN OVER THE CONCERT OH ICONIC😭😭😭😭😭 Beyoncé and Jay Z perform 'Drunk In Love' in Paris: "Give it one more time for HOV," she told the crowd at the end of the segment. And it was clear fans were thrilled with Sunday night's surprise. Beyoncé and Jay Z performing Drunk In Love right now in Paris Cardi B attends Beyoncé's Paris concert: Jay Z wasn't the only famous guest inside the stadium. Beyoncé's shows have brought out some of the biggest names in the industry, and her Paris shows were no different. Rapper Cardi B was also spotted in the crowd, donning her cowboy getup. CARDI B SITTING SICKENING AT TONIGHT'S SHOW😭🥹 Beyoncé kicked off her first show in Paris on Juneteenth, shocking fans as she brought out Miley Cyrus. The two performed their beloved duet "II Most Wanted" donning all gold ensembles, and the Grammy-winning singers held hands as they sang onstage. She first debuted her "Cowboy Carter" tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with 39 songs on the set list. Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres and most notably country music and cultural commentary. The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe, with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
Buzz Feed
4 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
35 Cheap Swaps For More Expensive Products
An exquisite tinted lip balm shockingly similar to Clinique's "Black Honey" but it doesn't cost nearly as much. This weightless, non-sticky formula glides onto your pout to give 'em a subtle polished tint of your choosing. Soon you'll be smackin' your lips all over the place, and no one can blame you when they look this good. 🤷♀️ A set of seamless "invisible" underwear you'll never wanna take off, so you'd be wise to buy a few sets *now* — thank me later. These have Victoria's Secret energy without the steeper price tag. They don't pinch, clip, OR ride up, so they're basically an underwear dream come true. Wild Iris Musk Body Wash, which is essentially the summer-y version of the TikTok-viral Baccarat Rouge 540-esque body wash so it's the perfect addition to your shower routine! This divine formula is moisturizing and has an intriguing floral scent that's a treat for the senses without being TOO strong. If you wanna smell expensive without actually breaking the bank, look no further. A pair of retro-style oval sunglasses with the cutest gold accents that make them look way more expensive than they are — you'll have another fashion accessory to choose from when getting dressed for the day *without* breaking the bank! Some reviewers even compare them to the very luxurious Miu Miu brand. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener to help revive tired eyes with a lightweight formula that delivers superb coverage in just a few swipes. This tinted concealer contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter that may also help reduce dark circles over time. Bonus: It's just like the $33 Becca version but for MUCH less! A moisturizing Mise En Scene hair serum, a K-beauty product that works just as hard as the $46 Gisou version to repair brittle locks. It's made with nourishing oils, including argan, coconut, olive, and, jojoba. Reviewers praise this serum for its ability to combat dryness! Plus, it smells downright heavenly so prepare to swoon. A pair of lightweight boxer-style shorts if you're seeking a cute, comfy alternative to the $98 Reformation pair you've been eyeballing. This wallet-friendly version is made of a breathable material *and* it has pockets with an elasticized waist so you can kiss leggings and jeans goodbye for the summer. A dainty gold-plated station necklace from the popular jewelry brand Pavoi — it'll work with just about any 'fit that requires a hint of ~quiet luxury~ but for cheap! Heart eyes much?? It's super similar to the real diamond versions from high-end brands like Quince and Dorsey, which go for $400+, btw. Physicians Formula Butter Glow & Go Stick you'll keep on you at all times after seeing just how similar it is to the $46 Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick. This version delivers a radiant glow in the form of a buttery-smooth, dual-sided contour stick that's easy to use in many different ways — this baby can replace your contour, bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, AND lip color! It's compact enough to fit in your makeup bag when you're on the go. An Anthropologie-inspired reversible quilted throw blanket made of 100% cotton so you can add some character to any bland bedroom or living room in a flash! It's machine washable and comes in larger sizes in case you wanna use it as your main bed blanket — it's just that beautiful and cozy. A Skims-esque square-neck compressive body suit with a seamless, stretchy fabric that may seem too good to be true because it's stylish and it won't bleed you dry financially. Not to mention that you can create sooo many looks with this piece, so it's more than worth the money you'll spend. Yep, you're in love. A lash-extending E.l.f. Cosmetics tubing mascara because your lashes deserve the best and you don't wanna waste your time with dry, clumpy (expensive) formulas that leave you full of regret. This one is perfect for thin, delicate lashes. The lightweight tubing technology wraps around your eyelashes for a smudge-proof lift that looks natural. Plus, it's easy to take off at the end of the day without tons of harsh scrubbing. A TikTok-beloved "Soft" perfume rollerball for a sweet, warm scent that rolls on easily and isn't too overpowering. There's a reason reviewers can't stop raving about the captivating scent, with some comparing it to lemon pound cake. YUM! It's basically the affordable version of Pink Sugar, which goes for $65. A cult-fave luxury-scented candle — it'll upgrade your space with an upscale feel at an affordable price. The delightful scent features a blend of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood that'll carry you away to a paradise where everything is this amazing *and* affordable. E.l.f. Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen because when did sunscreen become one of the most expensive items in your daily routine? Enter this affordable find that offers SPF 35, goes on smooth and clear, and doesn't leave any white cast. It works well as a blurring primer to create the perf base for makeup too! TLDR; it's the more version of Supergoop. A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment with collagen ingredients and protein extracts when your goal is to restore over-processed hair. Dull, dry strands are about to go POOF — and you won't even have to spend quadruple the cost on Olaplex, which is enough of a reason to swoon but the results will seal the deal. A dazzling cubic zirconia ring you can pair with just about any 'fit you plan to wear this summer because it's *just* that versatile and elegant. Most importantly, it looks exactly like the Cartier Love Ring that costs more than your rent. 👀 Essence's Drop of Sunshine Bronzing Drops — this sheer, buildable formula is a great $6 alternative to Drunk Elephant's version that goes for a whopping $39! Not only will this stuff leave you with a perfect sun-kissed glow, but it also contains glycerin to hydrate the skin barrier and vitamin E to soften the skin and smooth texture! High-waisted running shorts that have built-in briefs to keep you comfy all day long, just like the Lululemon version, but for a lot less $$$. Whether you're actually running or just lounging, these are super lightweight and made of a quick-dry material that can do it all. Plus, they come in so many vibrant colors so you might end up snagging a few. A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones with the same sleek, shiny shell design of AirPods Max. These have pretty decent noise cancellation, a built-in mic to answer calls, and they feel super comfy on your ears with their extra padding. For only $20, they're a much safer (and cheaper!) purchase if you're hesitant to splurge on the Apple version — they are over $500, after all...👀 A retro-style baguette purse if you've officially sworn off massive, pricey bags and are proudly entering your petite, inexpensive purse era. Now you can channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw (aka *the* model of Fendi's baguette bag) and feel smitten knowing how much you saved. NYX setting spray to complete your fierce makeup look with a much-needed BANG! A spritz or two of this stuff will help lock in your product with a matte finish so it lasts for hours without constant reapplying *and* without overspending on Urban Decay's version. A long-lasting glow without the shine? Don't mind if I do. A set of internet-famous Mellanni sheets, which will make it hard for you to get out of bed in the best way. It'll also be hard to believe they don't cost hundreds of dollars, which is what you would spend on Cozy Earth or Egyptian cotton sheets These are made with wonderfully soft moisture-wicking microfiber fabric that actually lasts. And these silky satin pillowcases so your bedroom will look and feel more luxurious for a fraction of the price of high-end brands like Blissy. These have a cooling effect that's sooo soft on the skin. It also creates less friction for your hair. Faux leather slip-ons you'll wear all season long because they'll be kind to your feet *and* you'll relish in all the inquiries about whether they're from Hermès — that version runs for a solid $800, btw. You can dress up or down with these and feel assured your feet won't suffer thanks to the cushioned memory foam insole. L'Oréal Paris BB Cream, an anti-redness and fast-acting moisturizer that can help correct skin color for an even complexion. Reviewers swear by it as a base so their skin is perfectly primed and ready for makeup! It's also a great alternative to the popular (expensive) Dr Jart+ Cicapair Color Correcting Cream. A ribbed button-up tank top, which might remind you of the Abercrombie & Fitch one, but it won't set you back nearly as much. This versatile top was made for a day at the office but could just as easily carry you through a fancy dinner afterward — we love a piece with tons of range. E.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm because you don't have to spend a fortune on Laneige, Summer Fridays, or other expensive brands to get the lippie look of your dreams. These tinted, moisturizing balms are similar to those buttery, buildable glosses you know and love — but at a much more affordable price that'll still leave your lips lookin' *and* feelin' fab. 💋 A gorgeous laptop tote bag with high-end vibes you'll probably want to carry everywhere, even when you don't need your computer. It can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches and other essentials, like your phone, makeup bag, iPad, etc. You'll also be totally enamored with the fact that you didn't shell out $100+ on the pricey Béis Work Tote. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 Cleansing Balm to gently and effectively remove all traces of makeup without aggressive scrubbing that leaves your face red and irritated. Say what?? It contains just 10 simple ingredients to dissolve makeup while moisturizing the skin. Reviewers compare it to the Elemis Cleansing Balm, which is almost $70!! A ~sweet~ cherry bag charm because a new purse isn't always in the budget, but you can certainly give your existing one a delicious upgrade. Did I mention it looks just like the Coach version that retails for nearly $100?? Attach it to your keys, clutch, or handbag and it'll fill you with joy whenever you see it. A stylish pair of machine-washable pointed-toe flats — these probably look eerily familiar because they're just as cute as the ones from Rothy's and Vivaia, but these will be much kinder to your wallet. The breathable material helps prevent sweating and the stretchy knit upper keeps you comfy all day long! You'll never run out of reasons to gush about 'em. A set of chic cylindrical wineglasses so you can feel like absolute royalty without spending an ungodly amount of cash. These are just as glamorous as the Crate & Barrel version but each sip won't be a reminder of how much money you wasted. A set of aesthetic wrist and ankle weights that will make you forget all about the spendy Bala Bangles. These work the same — they easily attach with Velcro straps and have a waterproof design so bring on the sweat! Plus, the skin-friendly silicone material won't cause irritation while you work out. A surprisingly affordable *and* chic wide leg petal pant, which checks so many boxes (pockets, elasticized waist, breathable, versatile), you might think you're hallucinating at first. These are more reasonably priced than the high-end versions, and you can wear 'em to lounge, run errands, or for an impromptu coffee date!
