We recently connected with Angela Bennett and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Angela, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Who rescued who? This bumpersticker sums up how 16+ years with my American Pitbull Terrier, Big Sil, changed my life. Sometimes, life can beat you down and you can get lost out there somewhere. In my case, Big Sil reopened the door to my heart.
American Pit Bull Terriers (APBTs) no doubt get a bad reputation. The media publishes many negative stories about this breed, which makes it more prevalent in everyone’s feed and top of mind. APBTs are powerful dogs that require responsible ownership, dedication and keen judgement. On the flip side, there are not as many stories published about how this smart, lovable and yes, cuddly yet powerful dog has saved countless lives through the connections they make with people.
Throughout our time together, Big Sil was a source of love, inspiration, comfort and endless humor, that kept me adventuring on. He inspired me to create. He inspired me to live a better life, which started with the development of The Adventures of Big Sil children’s books. These books open a child’s imagination with a window into the world of different cities across America. The books capture the adventuring spirit, curiosity and distinct personality of Big Sil, who showed me the way to new adventures and the possibilities of worlds to jump into.
The mission of the book series is to open the door to curiosity and adventure while, painting a picture of an APBT in a positive light. Proceeds from the book are donated to dog rescues, especially those that rescue American Pit Bull Terriers, who in return, help rescue humans.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have always loved being creative and after nearly 20 years of working in a fast-paced corporate environment, I had the growing urge to create something all my own, that had deep purpose and meaning. What I realized, is that my soul craved to cultivate my passions and create a new adventure in life.
So, I embarked on a passion project that would spread a message to imagine, discover and explore new adventures in life. The Adventures of Big Sil children’s books. While we may often hear this life lesson about living in the moment, we don’t always do it. We find it hard as humans. However, the one in my life that I found most able to embrace the joy of everyday life moments, was my American Pit Bull Terrier, Big Sil (short for Silvio).
The writing and creating of The Adventures of Big Sil took several years. Through those years, I sought out and collaborated with other entrepreneurial individuals who were creating their own purpose in life and sharing their passion with the world. I had the pleasure of meeting amazing illustrators, photographers, writers, self-publishers, website builders and more.
Through this adventure, I rediscovered my own talents. Big Sil’s stories represent my story. It’s a story to inspire others to ignite their own creative adventures in life, following their passion and sharing their unique talent and creations with the world.
My journey only started with the books. My work motivated me to take my adventure further to incorporate my passion for self-development and growth into my job. I moved into a role as Head of Talent, helping people in my corporate organization cultivate their talent and careers. I became a Certified Professional Coach shortly after, and started coaching others, utilizing my years of experience in corporate roles to help others navigate meaningful careers.
In 2022, I started my own practice, Beauty in Motion Coaching & Consulting. Through creative coaching, I facilitate forward momentum in people and organizations. There’s beauty in discovering new adventures in life and choosing to move forward towards a new goal. Through professional coaching, and career coaching, I help people move with intentional purpose, defining and communicating their unique skills, strengths, passions, leadership style and career goals, setting action plans and putting them in motion.
I am proud of the work I do in helping others move with purpose. It brings me joy in supporting people as they adventure on and I know I would not have found my way into this work without embracing the message of Big Sil’s books. In The Adventures of Big Sil, Little Ange opens up a book, picks out a page and Big Sil shows the magical way to jump into that world. Our lives can be this simple too. We can pick out a new page, jump in and experience a world of new adventures. Where will you be off to next?
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Throughout my life, I have been known as a genuine connector with people, with a positive spirit and a desire to help guide, wherever I can. The genuine connections I made over my 20+ year career were instrumental in helping me build my own practice. It is word of mouth referrals and the willingness of others to share their story about how my professional coaching has helped, that solidified my reputation as an executive and career coach for which trust and connection is the foundation.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
A book I often recommend to clients is Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements. This books helps us understand how we grew up and evolved to be humans that sometimes put our ownselves down and get in the way of our own dreams. The book is relevant for anyone looking to grow their business as it starts with how you face every day, every interaction, and every challenge that comes your way. The lesson of the book in 4 pillars essentially tells us:
First, we must not speak negatively about ourselves.
Second, we must not make assumptions and must remember that we never know all the circumstances behind someone else’s behavior that may be negative, or impeding or just making us feel bad.
Third, we therefore must not take anything personally.
Fourth, can you say every day, with whatever is going on in your life, that you did your best within these circumstances today? This book never fails to help people open up a new awareness for how they can turn a negative spiral around and reframe their world perspective to get on track with achieving their professional and personal goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: bigsilbooks.com
- Instagram: @bigsilbooks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelabennett-coach/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BigSil
- Other: beautyinmotioncoaching.com