SUE HAWKES helps CEOs and their leadership teams succeed. As a bestselling author, keynote speaker, Certified EOS Implementer, Certified Business Coach, WPO Chapter Chair, and globally recognized, award-winning seminar leader, Sue brings over twenty-five years of experience to her clients. She is CEO of YESS! and has designed and delivered dynamic, transformational programs for thousands of people. Sue has received numerous awards including the Dream Keeper award recognized by the Governor’s Council for her leadership program, the Regional U.S. Small Business Administration Women in Business Champion of the Year award, the Exemplary Woman of the Community award, and WomenVenture’s Unsung Hero award. Sue's passion is helping people design and live successful, fulfilling lives through powerful leadership, effective communication, no nonsense coaching, and healthy teamwork.

"Chasing Perfection is written with an undeniably energizing and authentic voice, and delves deep into the psychology of what it means to be an entrepreneur. The beauty of this book is that it can be customized to your own personal trajectory, and no matter who you are, how much experience you have, or what field you're in, this book will help you get out of your own way, embrace your power, and grow as a leader." –Maya Penn, CEO of Maya’s Ideas

• ACKNOWLEDGMENTS INTRODUCTION UNMASKING YOUR SUPERHERO This chapter explores the self-doubt many leaders experience, also known as imposter syndrome. Vulnerability is explored in this chapter, along with practices focusing on leading with vulnerability and asking for help. BALANCE IS BULLSHIT This chapter explores the myth of balance and the many roles leaders are pulled into: business owner, confidant, mentor, leader, manager, spouse, teammate, friend—the list goes on. It includes practices for managing these roles and assessing when you are misaligned with your own values. We explore the cost of saying yes, how to say no effectively, and how to delegate, without guilt, things that aren’t the highest and best use of your time. PUT ON YOUR OXYGEN MASK FIRST This chapter discusses self-care and provides healthy practices to change your thinking and overcome the habit of putting yourself last. Do you take care of everyone else around you at your own expense? It’s time to stop. As a leader, you can better serve others when you first take care of yourself. We highlight leaders who have overcome challenging issues such as addiction and anxiety as they pursue the path to a healthier self. CONQUERING CATASTROPHE This chapter explores when the events of your business and life are occurring at such a fast pace and on such a life-altering scale that nothing would have prepared you for them. As a leader, how do you dig deep to find the energy, commitment, and drive to continue moving forward amidst overwhelming circumstances? INTUITION IS YOUR SUPERPOWER This chapter explores using your intuition as a strategic influence in your business and life. As a leader, how do you lead with, and follow, your intuition—especially amidst “logical” counterarguments? The emphasis is on quieting your limiting self-talk and learning to trust yourself. GAME CHANGERS AND TRAILBLAZERS This chapter highlights leaders who changed the business world by paving the way for others. How do we learn from these game changers and lead without apologizing? How do we forge new trails while eliminating the barriers that don’t serve us and bring others along for the ride? BACKWARD AND IN HEELS This chapter explores the excellence and mastery it takes to become an exceptional business leader. Women leaders must be willing to go the extra mile, deliver what’s possible, and work to always improve, regardless of limits or what may seem reasonable to others. POURING GAS ON THE FIRE This chapter explores how to identify what triggers your optimal performance. For many leaders, the ultimate driver is having a positive impact on the world. The emphasis is on discovering your purpose and designing practices to align them with your business goals. UNLEARNING TO LEARN This chapter explores the connection between lifelong learning and success. Unlearning those habits that hinder you allows you to be coachable, humble, and creative. We explain how success can be a learning disability and identify the practices to unleash your maximum potential. ENTITLED TO ENLIGHTENED This chapter explores how to simplify working effectively between generations. Belief in generational stereotypes limits your ability to harness the best from everyone at the table. Learn how to unlock potential from all generations by engaging everyone around shared values. The emphasis is on gracefully communicating through the tough stuff. CONCLUSION LEADERS IN THIS BOOK WAYS TO REACH US REFERENCES

SUE HAWKES helps CEOs and their leadership teams succeed. As a bestselling author, keynote speaker, Certified EOS Implementer, Certified Business Coach, WPO Chapter Chair, and globally recognized, award-winning seminar leader, Sue brings over twenty-five years of experience to her clients. She is CEO of YESS! and has designed and delivered dynamic, transformational programs for thousands of people. Sue has received numerous awards including the Dream Keeper award recognized by the Governor’s Council for her leadership program, the Regional U.S. Small Business Administration Women in Business Champion of the Year award, the Exemplary Woman of the Community award, and WomenVenture’s Unsung Hero award. Sue's passion is helping people design and live successful, fulfilling lives through powerful leadership, effective communication, no nonsense coaching, and healthy teamwork.

"Chasing Perfection is written with an undeniably energizing and authentic voice, and delves deep into the psychology of what it means to be an entrepreneur. The beauty of this book is that it can be customized to your own personal trajectory, and no matter who you are, how much experience you have, or what field you're in, this book will help you get out of your own way, embrace your power, and grow as a leader." –Maya Penn, CEO of Maya’s Ideas

• ACKNOWLEDGMENTS INTRODUCTION UNMASKING YOUR SUPERHERO This chapter explores the self-doubt many leaders experience, also known as imposter syndrome. Vulnerability is explored in this chapter, along with practices focusing on leading with vulnerability and asking for help. BALANCE IS BULLSHIT This chapter explores the myth of balance and the many roles leaders are pulled into: business owner, confidant, mentor, leader, manager, spouse, teammate, friend—the list goes on. It includes practices for managing these roles and assessing when you are misaligned with your own values. We explore the cost of saying yes, how to say no effectively, and how to delegate, without guilt, things that aren’t the highest and best use of your time. PUT ON YOUR OXYGEN MASK FIRST This chapter discusses self-care and provides healthy practices to change your thinking and overcome the habit of putting yourself last. Do you take care of everyone else around you at your own expense? It’s time to stop. As a leader, you can better serve others when you first take care of yourself. We highlight leaders who have overcome challenging issues such as addiction and anxiety as they pursue the path to a healthier self. CONQUERING CATASTROPHE This chapter explores when the events of your business and life are occurring at such a fast pace and on such a life-altering scale that nothing would have prepared you for them. As a leader, how do you dig deep to find the energy, commitment, and drive to continue moving forward amidst overwhelming circumstances? INTUITION IS YOUR SUPERPOWER This chapter explores using your intuition as a strategic influence in your business and life. As a leader, how do you lead with, and follow, your intuition—especially amidst “logical” counterarguments? The emphasis is on quieting your limiting self-talk and learning to trust yourself. GAME CHANGERS AND TRAILBLAZERS This chapter highlights leaders who changed the business world by paving the way for others. How do we learn from these game changers and lead without apologizing? How do we forge new trails while eliminating the barriers that don’t serve us and bring others along for the ride? BACKWARD AND IN HEELS This chapter explores the excellence and mastery it takes to become an exceptional business leader. Women leaders must be willing to go the extra mile, deliver what’s possible, and work to always improve, regardless of limits or what may seem reasonable to others. POURING GAS ON THE FIRE This chapter explores how to identify what triggers your optimal performance. For many leaders, the ultimate driver is having a positive impact on the world. The emphasis is on discovering your purpose and designing practices to align them with your business goals. UNLEARNING TO LEARN This chapter explores the connection between lifelong learning and success. Unlearning those habits that hinder you allows you to be coachable, humble, and creative. We explain how success can be a learning disability and identify the practices to unleash your maximum potential. ENTITLED TO ENLIGHTENED This chapter explores how to simplify working effectively between generations. Belief in generational stereotypes limits your ability to harness the best from everyone at the table. Learn how to unlock potential from all generations by engaging everyone around shared values. The emphasis is on gracefully communicating through the tough stuff. CONCLUSION LEADERS IN THIS BOOK WAYS TO REACH US REFERENCES