"From Fear to Freedom: Dr. Joan T. Randall on Building a Legacy in Publishing"

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today! Could you share with our readers a bit about who you are and what you do?

I’m Dr. Joan T. Randall, founder of Victorious You Press—a premier boutique partnership publishing services company. We empower individuals to craft and publish best-selling books that drive meaningful impact and amplify their influence. Beyond publishing, we help them transform their books into multiple income streams, unlocking their full potential for success and legacy.

Now we all know that being a woman in business is tough and comes with hard decisions. What is the most courageous decision you have made in your career, business, or personal life, and how did it shape your path today?

Legacy

Moreover, it’s about legacy-building—supporting current authors and paving the way for the next generation through resources, education, and opportunities.

The most courageous decision I made was retiring from my corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship. I thought I had everything figured out, assuming that my corporate experience would seamlessly translate into the entrepreneurial world. But I quickly realized that I was the sole person responsible for everything right from the start. It was a real wake-up call! With no prior business experience, I found myself overwhelmed, doing everything wrong, and had to turn things around. The great thing is I never gave up. That resilience and the hard lessons learned shaped the path I am on today.

Fear and self-doubt can be crippling and hold us back. Can you share a time when you overcame a major setback or fear in your journey, and what that experience taught you about yourself?

In 2019, I faced a significant setback in both my life and business. It’s crucial to recognize that personal experiences deeply affect our professional lives; if life isn’t going well, the business will inevitably suffer. I found myself in a depression that impacted my mindset and how I showed up for my business.

I hit a wall, questioning whether I should abandon entrepreneurship altogether and return to the workforce. But I was in my late fifties, and I feared that I wouldn’t get the compensation I wanted, plus I had no idea where to even begin looking. The fear and uncertainty after three years in business took a toll on my confidence. I began to wonder if I was cut out for this and if I was truly walking in my purpose.

In that moment of despair, I delved deep into my identity and leaned on my faith. I remember going for a walk and surrendering everything to the Father, realizing I needed to stop making decisions on my own. That deep introspection allowed me to refocus on my gifts, skills, and experiences. I shifted my mindset and pivoted my business model, which led to incredible growth.

As a woman in your field, what has been the most challenging barrier you have faced, and how have you used your strengths to turn that challenge into an opportunity?

The most challenging barrier has been saturation in the publishing industry—hybrid, independent, traditional, and self-publishing. My strength lies in helping authors turn their books into businesses. I deeply understood that strategy because I have successfully implemented it myself. So, I trademarked the phrase Books2Business&Beyond® and used it as my differentiator.

I discovered an untapped space in the industry and claimed the title ‘The Author's Midwife’ to set myself apart. This allowed me to create a premier boutique publishing model focused on the clients, turning a challenge into a win-win opportunity.

How do you define success, and what message do you want to leave for other women striving to create their own fulfilling lives and careers?

Success looks different for everyone. For me, it’s not just about publishing books; it is about the transformation that occurs when individuals find their voice and share their messages. It is about helping aspiring authors become best-sellers and seeing the ripple effect of their influence in the world.

Moreover, it’s about legacy-building—supporting current authors and paving the way for the next generation through resources, education, and opportunities.

Success is personal; it’s about finding what truly matters to you and pursuing it wholeheartedly. As women, we hold the power to choose what truly matters. You have the freedom to pursue what brings you joy and fulfillment, and through that passion, you can make a lasting impact.

In closing, what advice would you give to women who are hesitant to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their biggest dreams?

My advice is simple: START, ANYWAY!

Start Anyway!

You don’t have to wait until you feel fully prepared or confident; courage often comes through action. The comfort zone may feel safe, but it’s also where dreams go unfulfilled. When you pursue your biggest dreams, you take a decisive step toward unlocking your true potential.

Surround yourself with uplifting and inspiring individuals. Never underestimate the greatness within you. Embrace the journey, face challenges head-on, and remember that every step forward—no matter how small—is a step toward a future filled with purpose, passion, and endless possibilities.

Ready to bring your words to life! Connect with Dr. Randall and start building your legacy today!

On the web: https://www.victoriousyoupress.com/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joantrandall

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriousyoupress/

Watch on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@VICTORIOUSYOUPRESS