Q&A with Caoimhe Duggan - Author of The Book You Never Knew You Needed

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Author Caoimhe Duggan and her book The Book You Never Knew You NeededPhoto byBookBuzz

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Caoimhe Duggan is a visionary dedicated to making mentorship accessible to everyone. Recognizing the profound impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth, she founded tenmentors—a revolutionary up and coming product and platform designed to democratize mentorship and level the playing field for aspiring individuals worldwide. Through her writing and the tenmentors platform, Duggan is spearheading a mentorship revolution, empowering people from all walks of life to realize their full potential and achieve greatness.

Author Q&A

What inspired you to write your first book?

The inspiration for my first book stemmed from an observation I made on my very first year at work after graduation: some people received mentoring while others did not. In law firms, for instance, secretaries and administrative staff received little to no mentoring, apart from occasional training sessions. As a young professional, this disparity was disheartening, making me feel as if certain roles, including my own, were undervalued. Over the next 17 years, I witnessed this same trend in every country I worked in, and little has changed since.

Statistics show that 76% of people find mentoring extremely important, yet only 30% ever have a mentor. This inequality became glaringly evident when I was helping startups expand into Asia. One day, a colleague's simple question shattered my complacency: Why were support staff not receiving the same training and mentoring as the sales team? Did we not see mentorship and guidance as critical for their career development, too?

Her question really got to me, and I couldn't shake it. Over the years, I had many ideas, but this issue held a powerful grip on me. Creating a great workplace culture involves inclusivity, and I realized then it was my calling to address this imbalance. When something nags at you long enough, you know you must pursue and solve the problem.

Driven by this newfound purpose, I began to build a product that can make a difference. I started writing, determined to create a solution that can bring mentoring opportunities to everyone, regardless of their role. This journey has been about more than just a business venture—it's about ensuring that every person feels valued and supported in their professional growth. It's about narrowing the gap between the haves and the have nots.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Yes, I do have a specific writing style. My writing tends to be clear and concise, focusing on making complex ideas accessible and engaging. I aim to evoke emotions and connect with readers on a personal level while maintaining simplicity and directness. My style often includes vivid descriptions and thoughtful reflections to draw readers into the narrative, ensuring that the message is both impactful and easy to understand.

Incorporating the art of storytelling is a key element of my approach. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can transform simple facts into memorable and relatable experiences. Being Irish, I'm inspired by the rich tradition of Irish storytelling. The Irish have a unique gift for telling tales that captivate the listener, filled with emotion, wit, and wisdom. This cultural backdrop influences my writing, helping me create stories that resonate deeply with readers and bring a touch of magic to even the most straightforward topics.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

Absolutely. In a world full of self-help books, many overlook the real sacrifices needed to achieve greatness. My book dives deep into the reality of success, revealing the real time, effort, and countless failures it truly takes. Embrace failure—it's a crucial part of the journey.

Another vital message is the need to honor and support motherhood far more than we do. Simplistic advice like "just get up and work" ignores the complex realities of our lives. True equality remains a distant goal, with 70% of women shouldering most childcare responsibilities. Parenthood is a monumental task, its greater than climbing Everest or winning any world medal. So for mothers juggling personal and professional goals, they deserve profound respect and robust support.

That support of course, must go beyond words. It means practical help—assisting with household chores, childcare, technological aids, or financial backing. With the right support, balancing household management, childcare, and personal aspirations becomes not only achievable but transformative.

My book sheds light on these truths, advocating for real support and acknowledgment of our struggles to create a world where everyone has the chance to succeed.

How much of the book is realistic?

Nearly all of the book is drawn from real-life events, with just a few names changed to protect privacy. The stories are authentic, capturing the true essence of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs people experience on their journey through life.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Yes, many of the lessons and stories in my book come from people I know or from my own experiences. One particularly powerful lesson is about resilience, inspired by my mother. She raised twelve children, and endured the heartbreaking loss of four. Writing her story brought me to tears, reminding me of her incredible perseverance. As the matriarch of the Duggan family, she shaped who I am today. She is my biggest hero, having endured so much and never giving up. Through her, I learned that often, our greatest heroes are those closest to us.

What are your current projects?

I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates! My latest venture, tenmentors, is on the verge of launching, and I can't wait for the world to see it. This innovative product is set to revolutionize the workplace and mentoring sector, offering a new way for people to grow, learn and thrive. It's designed to be particularly beneficial for startups and small to medium-sized businesses, as well as for parents who want to gift it to their children upon graduation.

Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely! For me, writing isn't just a career—it's a calling, a passion, and a mission all rolled into one. My ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone has access to the transformative power of mentorship. So, I see writing not only as a means of expression but also as a tool to spread this vital message far and wide.

But I won't stop there. I'm committed to breaking down barriers, reaching diverse audiences across the globe. That's why I'm dedicated to translating my work into different languages, ensuring that the message of mentorship resonates with people from all walks of life, no matter where they are. So, yes, writing is not just a career—it's a lifeline, a bridge to connect, inspire, and empower individuals worldwide.

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

Something that might surprise my readers is that I meditate and visualize my life every day for about 30 minutes. This practice has become essential for me in taking control of my career and personal life. Initially, I thought it was nonsense, but after discovering that many successful people swear by it, I decided to give it a try—and it truly works. Harnessing the power of imagination and learning to engineer the mind has been a game-changer. When you focus on yourself and your talents, life significantly improves. I've dedicated two chapters in my book to this topic, detailing how to achieve it.

Which famous person, living or dead, would you like to meet and why?

If I could meet any famous person, living or departed, my list would undoubtedly include Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King. Their interview during the COVID era left an indelible mark on me. They spoke about how the pandemic profoundly shifted their perspective on people in menial jobs, highlighting the invaluable contributions of those often overlooked by society. This struck a chord with me, reinforcing my mission to ensure everyone feels valued and appreciated. Plus, Oprah's inspiring journey, coupled with the guidance of her great mentor Maya Angelou, resonates deeply with me.

Another person I'd love to meet is Conor McGregor. His journey from state welfare to MMA stardom is incredibly inspiring. His resilience and work ethic are qualities I greatly admire. Meeting him would be a chance to learn from his remarkable story and understand the mindset that propelled him to success.

What is your favorite word, and why?

"Ten." It holds a special place in my heart for its symbolism and significance. Ten represents perfection, the pursuit of excellence, and the relentless drive to improve. It's not just a number; it's a beacon of ambition and aspiration. Plus, it's a fitting representation of my business tenmentors—a testament to my obsession with reaching the highest standards. So, whenever I hear or see "ten," it serves as a reminder of my commitment to excellence in all aspects of life.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

They can follow me @tenmentors on the gram for daily inspiration and great topics

How do you relax?

When it's time to unwind and relax, you'll find me wandering through the forests of Sweden, on a quest for the prized golden chanterelle mushroom. It's not just a hobby; it's a passion that took me years to master. In Sweden, mushroom picking is like a secret club—they keep their favorite spots guarded tight. I also have a whippet dog who needs regular walks, so we just love going to the forest. Interestingly, this is when my best ideas often emerge, as if nature itself unlocks my creativity. There's something about the serenity and the simple joy of being in the forest that makes it the perfect setting for relaxation and inspiration.

What is your favorite movie and why?

If I had to narrow it down, "NYAD" would definitely take the spotlight. This film is an absolute powerhouse, delivering an inspiring message about the sheer power of persistence. It tells the incredible true story of Diane Nyad, a name I hadn't even heard of before stumbling upon this gem. It should have won an Oscar.

What makes "NYAD" stand out is its ability to captivate and motivate. Whenever I need a reminder of what persistence truly means, her story will always come to the front of my mind. It's a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the incredible feats we can achieve when we refuse to give up. So, if you're ever in need of a dose of inspiration, "NYAD" is the movie to turn to.

How do you think being a writer has helped you as a person?

Being a writer has been transformative for me on a personal level. Every day, I'm amazed by the new things I learn through my writing journey. It's like opening a door to a world of endless discovery, where each word penned leaves a small but meaningful mark on the world. Through writing, I'm not just sharing stories; I'm also uncovering hidden truths and gaining insights that enrich my understanding of life too. It's a fascinating journey of self-discovery and growth, one that has shaped me in ways I never imagined possible.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Angela Duckworth for Grit and Robert Greene for Mastery.

What is your favorite quote?

"Life is all about constantly bettering ourselves and making a difference. That's how we find real happiness."

Transform your life with The Book You Never Knew You Needed, available now on Amazon.

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