Jemma Roedel Interview Published on: 25, Nov 2024

I’ve definitely experienced some pretty bad leadership in previous roles, which pushed me to be the exact opposite of what I had gone through. Seeing how women can be treated especially in male-dominated industries, when they’re just as skilled, opened my eyes to the need for change. And I’m not alone—so many women have shared similar experiences with me. Environments like that can really chip away at your confidence if you’re not careful. These experiences motivated me to create spaces where women can thrive and not have to constantly prove themselves or feel diminished. I knew I wanted to be a voice for them, showing that there’s a different way to lead and lifting others along the way.

Confidence and communication are huge, but I think imposter syndrome takes the top spot. Women often feel they have to be 200% prepared for any role, doubting themselves even when they’re completely qualified. They end up downplaying their achievements or staying quiet because they don’t want to appear too assertive. Overcoming this starts with realizing that no one is 100% confident all the time—it’s normal to have doubts. Building confidence through small wins, putting yourself out there, and learning to value your unique perspective are essential steps. And it helps to remember: leadership isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress.

Writing for adults is definitely a different ballgame—it’s a deeper, more research-heavy process that requires a lot of focus. My first book was written during the pandemic, when I had a little more time to really dive in. Writing for kids, on the other hand, feels like a breath of fresh air! It's a lighter, more playful process, and it’s so much fun to make these big ideas accessible to young minds. Plus, since having my baby, I’ve naturally gravitated toward children’s books. “Baby brain” struck hard, and I ended up creating books that I’d want my own child to read. Now that I’m about four months postpartum, I’m slowly getting back into a routine. (Like answering these questions during nap time) For 2025, my New Year’s resolution is to complete an adult-focused project I started before pregnancy and pick up where I left off!

I want kids to have the same ambition and curiosity I was lucky enough to grow up with. I was always creative and entrepreneurial, but back then, there weren’t a lot of resources for kids with big ideas. My children’s books are all about giving young readers the confidence to explore their interests and find fun ways to learn about business. I would have loved to have these kinds of books when I was younger, especially my activity book range. My hope is that these lessons show kids they can start small and make things happen at any age.

It’s not easy—balancing everything feels like a swinging pendulum. I’ve learned to accept that I can’t be 100% focused on everything all at once. So I let one business take the spotlight for a while, while the other hums along in the background. It’s all about accepting that progress doesn’t always happen on my ideal timeline, but as long as I’m moving forward, I’m happy. The main thing is to keep going, even if it's one small step at a time.

When I wrote my first leadership book, I faced a lot of criticism, even from people close to me who didn’t think I was “qualified” to speak on the topic. I felt like I was stepping into unknown territory, but I knew I had something to say. I speak to women in new roles, and I talk about the struggles we all know deep down, but that we don’t always have the confidence to voice. Writing this book was my way of telling other women, “You can do this too.” I didn’t need a fancy title or degree to write a book—I just compiled what I felt was valuable, and it resonated. Nearly 100,000 copies sold later, I’m incredibly grateful that I pushed through.

Mentors are huge. They’ve been through what you’re going through, and they have the advice that can help you skip a lot of the trial-and-error. Having someone who’s been there and done that can save you so much time and energy. I always tell women to look within their industry or even in professional groups for someone who inspires them, and to be open to learning from others' experiences. The right mentor can be a game-changer, not just in your career but in your confidence and vision, too.

I’m big on reflection. Take a moment to look back on how far you’ve come—even if it’s just a year ago—and celebrate that progress. Especially now with a baby, juggling everything can feel overwhelming, but setting small, achievable goals each day and acknowledging each success makes a world of difference. Little wins add up, and they’re a reminder that progress is happening, even if it’s slower than I’d like.

Female leadership often includes a strong focus on empathy, resilience, and collaboration. Women bring a unique approach that balances strength with understanding, and I think it’s something we should embrace. When women lead, they often create environments where people feel heard, valued, and motivated to do their best work. I encourage women to tap into these natural strengths and use them to create positive, inclusive spaces.

Start small if you’re not sure where to begin—sometimes breaking it down makes all the difference. For writing a book, I genuinely believe anyone can do non-fiction if they take it step-by-step. First, think about your topic, then create a basic outline by listing the chapters. From there, take each chapter and break it down further. Editors are incredibly helpful when it comes to refining the tone and flow, so don’t worry about perfection; just focus on getting your ideas down.

When it comes to starting a business, lean into the skills and passions you already have. Let’s say you work in finance but love events—try helping a friend plan an event and build on that experience. Take pictures, document your work, and build a little portfolio. Help someone else, maybe even for free, to build your confidence and credibility. With each step, you’re gaining real experience and creating a base for your first paying client. Start by working on projects alongside your main job; these small steps can get you closer to turning that passion into something full-time. Slow and steady progress is still progress, and that foundation will give you the momentum to go further.

For children’s books, I include some themes I remember from my own childhood—like earning pocket money through little jobs. My siblings and I would make leaflets to hand out, advertising our car-washing and ironing services. That early sense of entrepreneurship started with questions like, “How can I earn more allowance?” That mindset of finding creative ways to earn has been with me ever since, and I hope it inspires kids today to explore their own ideas.

Honestly, getting emails and messages from real people who read my books is what keeps me going. It’s easy to forget that actual people are reading my work since so much of it is online, and sometimes it feels like a task on my to-do list. But when I get those messages, it’s like everything comes to life—I’m reminded that my words have reached people, and that’s pretty incredible.

It’s also the rapport I have with my clients that keeps me grounded and inspired in my business. Their appreciation and support mean the world to me, and many have become friends along the way. When we chat, it brings me back to why I love this work, and it always opens up new avenues to explore and learn about. These relationships remind me that my work isn’t just about business; it’s about real connections and mutual growth. Seeing my books spark discussions, bring women together, and support others in their journeys keeps me passionate and motivated to keep writing, working, and connecting.

Bad leadership in my last role was a big push for me. I just couldn’t believe how toxic the environment was, and I felt compelled to write something that showed a better way. I wanted to lift women up, especially those who felt their confidence had been knocked down. When it became a bestseller, it was incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed the need for this message. It showed me I wasn’t alone in these experiences, and that was powerful.

Lately, I’ve been rethinking what “success” really means to me, and I’ve realized it’s all about freedom and balance. My focus now is actually working toward doing “less”—less busy work and more meaningful, fulfilling projects. I want to enjoy the freedom to travel, spend quality time with my family, and still stay financially secure while doing work I genuinely love.

There’s a big trend right now toward online courses, but honestly, that’s not my style. I’m extroverted in person but more reserved online, so video content just isn’t my comfort zone. Recording myself can be a whole ordeal, whereas my partner can do it in 30 seconds! Writing, on the other hand, feels natural and allows me to work at my own pace. I’ve found that a balance between writing and my other business—where I get to connect face-to-face with clients—keeps me grounded and inspired. If I can keep creating books, stay somewhat behind the scenes, and maintain a flexible, part-time schedule with my clients, then that’s my ideal.

So, for now, my main goal is to finish my next adult book for 2025. And if time allows, I’d love to add another children’s book to my collection—thanks to my amazing illustrator who brings my ideas to life! For me, the goal is the freedom to take a road trip with my family for a month, working remotely and enjoying the journey along the way.

I discovered AllAuthor while exploring new ways to promote my work. It’s a fantastic platform for connecting with readers on a personal level, and I’ve enjoyed its features. I’d love to explore it more in the future to maximize its potential.