Gold Medal Winner for motivational nonfiction, Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards TURN OBSTACLES INTO FUEL FOR FULFILLMENT AND SUCCESS What does it mean to become the fire ? It means not allowing yourself to be in the fire of life’s challenges, getting burned, but instead using the fire to ignite your motivation and drive, passion and grit. It means not focusing on what you don’t have or can’t do, but instead leveraging what you do have and can do . It means using your differences to your advantage and seeing life’s chaos as fuel to propel your success. Using her own story of entrepreneurial success as well as interviews with ten diverse and successful women, Elisa Schmitz presents ten actionable lessons for putting your personal power to work, with unstoppable results. “Curates the best advice from some of the world’s top female leaders. . . . Whether you are just starting your career, are trying to advance, or are an established leader seeking to improve, Become the Fire will inspire you.” — from the foreword by Mary Dillon, former CEO and executive chair of Ulta Beauty “What if every challenge you faced was fuel, or fire, to make you better in business and in life? Become the Fire is a motivating read that will help anyone overcome their hurdles and chase their ambitions. It’s a great read for those searching for inspiration and proof that dreams can come true.” — Kara Goldin, founder and former CEO of Hint, Inc., and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Undaunted “Elisa Schmitz knows what it takes not only to overcome life’s fire but also to let it forge the inner strength, vision, authenticity, and resilience needed to turn challenges into success. By sharing real-life lessons learned by her and other courageous women leaders, Elisa shows that success is something you can define and create for yourself, no matter your circumstances. In fact, as Elisa shares, it’s the failures that you think of as fatal, and the differences that make you, you, that can be the superpowers you need in order to succeed. The book’s interactive component enables you to apply the lessons so that you, too, can make a difference and ‘become the fire.’ An engaging read that will inspire you to make, or expand, your own mark in the world!” — Kaira Rouda, USA TODAY bestselling author of Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs “Elisa Schmitz has that rare ability to write with intelligence, heart, and confidence without veering into ego. And without making unrealistic promises. Every chapter in Become the Fire takes you deep into the thought processes and decision-making of elite, proven, and highly relatable women. You’ll want to have a pen and notepad handy, as this book will ignite a wealth of your best ideas. I have always looked for role models to inspire my daughter. This exceptional book, fueled by Elisa’s enthusiasm, is among the best I have read.” — Daniel Joshua Rubin, author of 27 Essential Principles of Story “Elisa Schmitz’s Become the Fire takes you on inspirational journeys of women who seized the fire within them to achieve remarkable success. Every pathway has many twists and turns, but they prove that being true to your vision at every turn ignites the fire within.” — Kay Koplovitz, founder and former CEO of USA Networks and chairman of Springboard Enterprises “I moved to Hollywood with no connections or knowledge of how to ‘make it’ — but I know now, and frankly, it’s all in this book. As Elisa Schmitz so eloquently encourages readers: be courageous, embrace your differences, use failure to your advantage, persevere, and — the most important rule of Hollywood — good lord, read the room . But this book isn’t about Hollywood, and anyone looking to have a successful and, more importantly, fulfilling career should read Become the Fire !” — Janae Bakken, Emmy-nominated executive producer and TV writer of Scrubs , Baby Daddy , Anger Management , and other shows “Elisa Schmitz’s own story is one of resiliency in the face of personal and professional obstacles. In Become the Fire , she pairs her firsthand experience with stories and advice from ten inspirational women who were willing to be brave, gritty, and uncomfortable to pursue their dreams and impact the world. It’s essential reading at a time when so many capable women are leaving the workforce and silencing their voices.” — Alexandra Levit, Wall Street Journal columnist and internationally bestselling author of Humanity Works “Elisa Schmitz’s Become the Fire is an engaging and informative look at the stories of women, including herself, who were trailblazers and pathmakers. Readers will find the answer to the all-important question ‘How can I do it?’ ” — Christie Hefner, former chairman and CEO of Playboy Enterprises “Elisa Schmitz’s special gift to the world has been to spark imagination into possibility. Now she’s given us the tool