From Idea to Impact: The Author's Journey
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
By Naseem Rochette
Is my story really more interesting or valuable than the mountain of content that already exists? Hasn’t it all been said already? That was what I kept ruminating on as I started my author’s journey.
In this world where we are often drowning in data and digital noise, the act of an author turning a personal story into a book that can create a lasting impact seems like a daunting task with an unlikely outcome. Yet I knew from so many stories that came before mine, there is a power in an author's vulnerability and a ripple effect of finding a shared truth.
I knew firsthand that when authors choose to lay bare their deepest struggles and the hard-won insights gained from them, they forge a connection with readers - people - that can transcend a private struggle into a public source of strength and inspiration. For me, this was the ultimate prize when I embarked on the unexpected and often intimidating road of writing - and independently publishing - my memoir.
The process began, as many profound transformations do, with a singular, life-altering experience. On May 21, 2018, my life was irrevocably changed when I was hit and run over by a car three times in a pedestrian crosswalk. This trauma, while leaving me physically and mentally broken, planted a "seed of responsibility and a seed of possibility" in my mind. At first, I resisted the burden of "paying it forward" that the medical staff - who were in disbelief that I survived - would so eagerly place upon me. “You must have been saved for a reason” they all said. I was in too much pain, too disfigured, too broken to feel grateful for life. However, a conscious decision began to form: I would not let this catastrophic event define me as a tragedy. Instead, I would find a way to make it a happy story.
This decision led to the birth of "Unbreakable Day," a holiday my family and I created to celebrate what we had survived and to honor those who supported us through the darkest moments. This concept, rooted in my personal transformation, became the core of my message. But simply having the idea was not enough. To truly have an impact, I needed to share it. Sharing it felt daunting and thinking my life was interesting enough for a book - often felt silly, boastful, and deeply uncomfortable.
Turning this raw concept into The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over was never my initial plan. I had a simpler goal: share the ten lessons I learned. I thought a "sermon" of key takeaways would suffice. However, I soon realized that to make the lessons truly meaningful and authentic, I needed to provide the context—the full story and the background of my transformation. This required a deep dive into personal details, some of which I had rarely, if ever, spoken aloud. This act of vulnerability, of sharing the raw vulnerability of my healing process, became the key to building credibility and trust with readers. The book became more than a collection of lessons; it became a tool for people to feel acknowledged and normal in their own struggles, a mirror showing them that they were not alone.
The impact of the book has extended far beyond my initial expectations. It has been a constant surprise to see how widely it has resonated with a diverse audience, from an 80-year-old grandmother in Florida to a teenager battling social anxiety.
For me, this reach has underscored how a personal story, framed not as a tragedy but as a journey, can offer an inspiring message of hope. My own journey became a living example that forward movement and positive energy is always possible, no matter the challenge. By openly sharing my "cracks"—my challenges and struggles—I learned that showing vulnerability is actually a dimension of strength that deepens relationships and fosters trust, whether in personal life or in a corporate setting.
The lesson for me from both journeys - the book and the accident - is very clear: when we are willing to share the struggle, we give others permission to be vulnerable, and we empower them to celebrate their own milestones and recognize their own resilience, creating a beautiful ripple effect of positive energy and connection. So if you have a story in you, a personal journey you want to share, a book you are aching to write - take the risk. You just might pay it forward in ways you never could have imagined.
About the Author
Naseem Rochette is a force of nature, seamlessly blending resilience, intellect, and compassion. As the bestselling, award-winning author of The Unexpected Benefits of Being Run Over, she has captivated audiences with her extraordinary story of survival and transformation. Currently, she excels as a Strategic Account Executive at Databricks, having previously held similar roles at Google and Microsoft. Her motivational talks have inspired students and executives at prestigious institutions like Google, KPMG, Georgetown, and Rutgers.
Naseem’s thirst for self-improvement and knowledge is insatiable. She holds a master’s in journalism from Columbia University and an MBA from Rutgers, complemented by numerous certifications in leadership development, technology, and AI. Despite her demanding career, she is also a devoted mother to three children, four cats, and two dogs, and is cherished as an attentive and caring friend.
In May 2018, her journey took a dramatic turn when she was hit and run over by a car three times, resulting in life-altering changes, most notably a traumatic brain injury. This harrowing experience forced her to redefine her understanding of strength and resilience. Through her recovery, Naseem discovered a profound inner strength that has transformed her into an even more effective leader, colleague, and human being.
Naseem’s unique ability to turn adversity into opportunity sets her apart. She leads corporate presentations that weave together compelling narratives, leadership insights, and her powerful personal story, guiding teams towards authenticity, vulnerability, and a positive outlook on life and work. Her unparalleled journey and unwavering spirit make her a truly remarkable and inspiring figure.
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