Judy Piatkus - Ahead of Her Time: How a One-Woman Startup Became a Global Publishing Brand

A fantastic and engaging rollercoaster ride through Judys life, especially as the entrepreneurial and brilliant publisher she became. In these pages lie inspiration, encouragement, overcoming tragic events and, ultimately, well-earned success. A powerful memoir from a woman who stormed into the world of publishing and put her indelible stamp on it.

Malcolm Stern, Psychotherapist, Author and Co-founder of Alternatives

An inspirational read especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Judy shares her experiences with candour, and her tenacity and persistence lead to a fantastic exit. A must-read.

Charlotte Mason, INSEAD Start-up Bootcamp Director and Venture Partner @ Antler

An inspiring book, especially for anyone who has dreamed of building a rewarding business, but thought it impossible. Judy Piatkus takes you step by step from her first job as a secretary with poor typing skills to the sale of her enormously successful Piatkus Books, without neglecting the painful and joyful milestones in her personal life. The implicit message is if I can do it, so can you!

Dr Dina Glouberman, Author, Psychotherapist and Co-Founder of Skyros Holidays

This book is bursting with entrepreneurial energy, wisdom and life experience. Having been at primary and secondary school through the 80s and 90s when the majority of this book is set, I found it utterly fascinating to read about the intricacies and day-to-day details of doing business at this time. The author also gives great insight into the world of publishing as an added bonus to an already very informative and engaging book. You wont fail to be inspired and uplifted by this book.

Lucy Mullins, Entrepreneurship Expert with the Entrepreneurship Centre at the Sad Business School, University of Oxford, Co-Founder of StepLadder and Co-Founder of #RideTheWave Professional Coaching.

If you found yourself talking about mindfulness, reincarnation, astrology or feng shui at a dinner party recently, it was probably because of a Piatkus book (even if you didnt know it). This is Judys honest, gossipy, fascinating story of how she created a multi-million selling book brand that sent the New Age mainstream. I loved it.

Jessica Adams, Astrologer and Author

Judy Piatkus truly does have a passion for books, but equally for helping others to achieve their own real potential, allied to a zest for living and overcoming obstacles, that will inspire many women to become the best they can be, in any field. Few women were forging careers when Judy set out on this journey and yet, indomitable in the face of setbacks, and learning as she went along, she succeeded in setting up her own publishing house. In sharing her experiences here, she will enable a whole new generation of female entrepreneurs to follow their dream of setting up a business of their own.

Trisha Ashley, Sunday Times Bestselling Author

Judy is a publishing legend who has written a riveting memoir. Graceful and witty, it opens a fascinating window on the entrepreneurial life. A brilliant read.

Julia Hobsbawm OBE, Entrepreneur and Broadcaster

Truly amazing story of courage and following your dreams. Extraordinary life, extraordinary women and a wonderful book. The name Piatkus will always be synonymous with pioneering Mind, Body, Spirit books. I first met Judy, sitting in her office discussing my first book, so to have an opportunity to read this memoir that gives a peek into what it takes to succeed as a woman in publishing is pure gold. This book will inspire and support all those still dreaming of living a meaningful and conscious life. Thank you, Judy.

Caroline Shola Arewa, Coach, Speaker, Trainer, Author of Opening to Spirit and Energy 4 Life

Ahead of Her Time provides amazing insight into the journey and achievements of an extraordinary woman. In this candid, honest and often deeply touching story, Judy Piatkus generously shares the innate wisdom, insights and foresights that enabled her to journey from being a secretary and mother of three with a vision, to becoming a respected and greatly revered world class publisher. This inspirational book is an absolute must-read!

Maryon Stewart, BEM, Wellbeing Coach, Author and Broadcaster

"I have known Judy for many years and this lovely memoir is the story of her extraordinary life, bringing up her family while, at the same time, growing a market-leading business. It is interesting to discover how the history of publishing in the UK has developed and how she was constantly adapting her business to meet the changing needs of her readers. The book also explores Judys personal journey of self-discovery. As her readers changed, so did she. Her realism and optimism shine throughout the book and reading it will be an inspiration to anyone juggling business and family life."

Oonagh Harpur, Building trust and integrity in the boardroom

Audiobooks by the same author:

Grow Your Business to Survive and Thrive During Challenging Times

How Trendspotting Can Help Your Business Take Off

How to Grow a Great Business

The Entrepreneurial Experience: Managing Your Business through Tough Times

How to Find Your Perfect Partner

Writing as Judy Ashberg:

Little Book of Womens Wisdom

Wisdom for Lovers

This edition first published in the UK and USA in 2021 by

Watkins, an imprint of Watkins Media Limited

Unit 11, Shepperton House

89-93 Shepperton Road

London

N1 3DF

Design and typography copyright Watkins Media Limited 2021

Text copyright Judy Piatkus 2021

Judy Piatkus has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in writing from the Publishers.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Typeset by Lapiz

Printed and bound in the UK by TJ Books Ltd

A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN: 978-1-78678-531-2 (Hardback)

ISBN: 978-1-78678-567-1 (ebook)

www.watkinspublishing.com

For every woman who has the courage to follow her dreams

CONTENTS

by Anna Sofat

FOREWORD

In 2008, I founded Addidi Wealth to help women create, invest and enjoy their wealth, and in 2009 I launched the Addidi Inspiration Awards. I wanted to celebrate ordinary women, past and present, who like Judy Piatkus led amazing lives that we dont always hear about. I wanted to acknowledge women who had created wealth, or who devoted their lives to their professions or community for the greater good, or who had simply made us happy! Judy embodies the spirit of all these: she has created significant wealth, she is generous and she always has a smile on her face.

For me, Judys book is a hit on so many levels. Its a story I can relate to personally, as someone who founded and sold my own business and also as a woman balancing work, family and me-time. Its the story of an ordinary woman who created an extraordinary life for herself and her family. Like so many women I have had the privilege of working with, Judy had the quiet determination, the focus and the sheer willpower to keep going, day in and day out, as she created a successful business while balancing her family life and work life as best she could.