And the answer was…Yes!

In the last month, I have worked with various clients who asked for things I didn’t think they could ask for in their lives. 

Client 1 - Asked for three months off work to work on a personal creative project.  Answer =Yes.

Client 2 - Asked her partner to ‘step up’ and, within two weeks, felt reconnected and excited by the woman she had fallen in love with eight years earlier.  Answer = Yes! 

Client 3 - Asked if they could be removed from a project to look after the mental health of their teenager.  Answer = Yes

It is precisely fourteen days until I board a plane with a heart open to connection, adventure and delight as the US version of POWER launches to a new audience. 

When POWER launched in Australia, I had a very generous network of people who knew me personally and whom I could ask to read and share the book if it resonated with them.

When it came to my network in the US, it is much, much smaller. 

Over the years, I have been honoured to interview some incredible American women when they have toured Australia (in partnership with Business Chicks). Or we met as speakers at the same event or through a mutual friend. 

One thing I know about asking is that in some cases, asking can be easy, and in some cases, making the vulnerable ask feels more manageable if you prepare correctly by 1. Pairing all of your socks 2. Cleaning the toilet 3. Removing the cobwebs from ALL the windows 4. Picking the lint from all the jumpers and then, in the end, deciding it's probably better to make the ask tomorrow. Or is that just me? 

And yet, what I know for sure, without a shadow of a doubt, is that one will never get what one needs, wants, or desires without asking for it. 

So, once my important domestic tasks had been done -  I asked. 

I asked my small but mighty US network if they would consider supporting my work and my words. 

Some said I support you 100%, but with my current projects and commitments, I have to decline your ask.

Some said not this time around, but do ask me again.

I have yet to receive a response from some. 

And some said Yes. 

The words below are some of what came back to me. 

"This is a book about finding the power within you, no matter who you are or what may have happened to you. In an act of generous grace, Kemi Nevkapil demonstrates this process by sharing the way in which she tapped the great river of power that is her own soul. In Power, Kemi somehow manages to be blunt but gentle, galvanising but calm, serious but hilarious, vulnerable but immensely strong. Reading this book will pull you into the flow of power we all share, to find the source that springs uniquely from your own life." 

- Martha Beck / Author of The Way of Integrity

 "When I encountered Kemi in person, I was immediately captivated by this strong and beautiful woman, who emanated kindness, intelligence, grace, wit, and—yes—power. I believe Power is a miraculous event—a divine gift, an act of creative generosity, and a rare treasure. Read it with an open mind and a brave heart, and watch your limitations fall away before your eyes." (extract from the foreword) 

- Elizabeth Gilbert / NY Times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love

 "This is an exceptionally POWERFUL book! Kemi is a powerful and unapologetic representation of what it means to be a FIERCE representative of LOVE. In this book, she creates a space for you to be the same through powerful storytelling, challenging your long-held beliefs and creating a safe space for self-reflection. This book is a divine gift to the world." 

- Koya Webb / Author of Let Your Fears Make You Fierce

 "Kemi shows us how we can claim our true power and agency without losing our hearts. Power is a beautiful call to action to live a more purpose-filled life."

- Marie Forleo / Author of the #1 NY Times bestseller Everything is Figureoutable

 And the generous words of Elizabeth Lesser, Susan David and Jean Olwang here. 

You never know what will come your way unless you ask – You are worthy of the ask. 

As always, I would love to hear your insights, thoughts or musings.

I wish you a weekend of asking for what you want, need or desire. Expect magic.