Amid a truly disruptive and disorienting moment in history, one thing is clear: everything has changed ... the way we work, shop, hire, lead, educate our children, socialize with friends, manage our health, and so much more. Our expectations regarding “normal” activities or status quo interactions, in the workplaces and socially, have changed forever. And the very concept of change – for most of us – feels unsettling and scary. But change agent and change “survivor” Michelle Wyatt assures us that we can not only navigate change successfully but embrace and leverage it to put ourselves back in the driver’s seats of our lives and careers. Practical Lessons, Candid Stories Change is the perhaps the only constant and, yet, we fear it, avoid it, resist it, and even grieve in the wake of it. It makes us anxious and hypervigilant. But what if we could see change as an opportunity? An asset? A leg up? A silver lining? What if we could plan for and manage change in a way that helped us live our best lives? Join Michelle Wyatt on an emotional and intellectual road trip through the nuances of personal and professional change, exploring how changes – of any size, at work or at home – can impact so very much, and why they require our honest and focused attention. Michelle offers stories from her own childhood and from her own major (and wildly successful!) career change from elementary school teacher to corporate trainer. Today, as a workplace trainer for business professionals in every area of functional expertise (from IT and marketing, to accounting and operations) in industries as diverse as financial services, hospitality, retail and personal services, Michelle sees – every day – how corporate change trickles down to impact us all. She has discovered that different approaches, attitudes and circumstances surrounding change can make a vital difference in the personal and professional results we experience. And she’s developed fresh ways for you to turn those insights into a kind of modern-day competitive edge. A Matter of Choice, Courage, and Conviction Using the analogy of driving a car (complete with backseat drivers, distractions, traffic, detours, breakdowns, road rage, pit stops, and beautiful destinations), Michelle teaches us to make deliberate choices, to develop new skills and courage, and to stay committed to getting where we’re headed. With stories that will inspire you and make you feel less alone on the journey, Buckle Up, Buttercup! How to Drive Success by Embracing the Power of Change is the new go-to navigator to get you where you’re going. Complete with end-of-chapter exercises you can use today to make the change that’s before you – whether it’s unavoidable and in your lane, or off on a distant horizon – a little less scary and a whole lot more successful. So, Buckle Up, Buttercup! This book is about to change your life. A portion of the proceeds from book sales made during the pre-order phase will be donated to help with the revitalization of small businesses Western Kentucky’s Caldwell County. "I have always believed that life is about choices. As was once said to me many years ago, 'Everything in life can make you bitter or better it is up to you to choose.' For many years, I have given the advice to my own children and other young people, 'Be prepared to change on anything and everything -- except your principles and values.' Because in my own life I have observed that the happiest and most successful folks are the ones who truly embrace change but stick to their core values. Michelle's book provides a roadmap for how to reflect and make changes in your own life so you can maximize and have a life well lived. I have had the privilege of working with Michelle, a very gifted lady, for many years and have watched her use her life to help others deal with challenges and make changes that are needed to live life to the fullest." --James P. Rousey, CEO of First Southern Bancorp, and President of UTG Insurance "In times of uncertainty, one thing is certain. Change. As a woman entrepreneur, when I decided what mattered most was me, my biggest fear became fear of not taking the greatest risks. In her remarkable book, Buckle Up, Buttercup! , Michelle Wyatt beautifully takes us through her own personal journey of life's twists and turns and she provides a framework of tools to understanding the incredible lessons change can give us. This book is for all of us who have found ourselves at a crossroads in life and are looking for a simple and powerful approach to getting comfortable with the uncomfortable ... so that we can love the lives we live." --Janel Dyan, Founder & CEO of Janel Dyan, Inc., Speaker and Author of Story. Style. Brand.: Why Corporate Results Are a Matter of Personal Style. "Life can be a bumpy road, full of potholes and unexpected twists and turns. Michelle Wyatt takes the reader on this wild journey, providing insights for how to make the most of change -- both personal a