Books and Publications
Offering insight to leaders and interested individuals alike, I have written and contributed to a number of books which explore aspects of the human condition and relationships - based on over thirty years of professional experience facilitating and mentoring in a wide range of organisations and sectors.
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Assertiveness and Diversity (2007) explores the relationship between being able to be truly oneself and being assertive. The case studies and personal stories illustrate how individuals, teams, and organisations can make a difference - making it possible for everyone to be valued for who they are and respected for what they do. Published by Palgrave Macmillan London.
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Children Growing up with Religion: Ten Narratives Explored (2012). Contributors recall memories and draw conclusions about how religious influences have shaped their adult selves in ten autobiographical accounts from Peter Gubi, Catherine Hand, John McCourt, John Rowan, Jane Simmonds, Sharon Stinson, Anni Townend, Wendy Weston, Lucy Birtwistle, and Lindsay Smith.
Book Feedback & Reviews:
“A powerful and engaging book that combines straightforward practicality with a rare wisdom and insight into human relationships – a must-read for leaders, coaches and change agents.”
— David Birch, Business Director, Ashridge Business School
“Anni Townend truly lives the values and beliefs of assertiveness and diversity which makes this book a convincing and contemporary treasure-trove of both theory and best practice for all individuals in organisations who aspire to be their 'best selves.''
— Stephanie Parry, Managing Director, Wexford Executive Coaching
“As a trainee counsellor, I found this book incredibly useful. It highlighted that although a religious upbringing isn't always a presenting issue in therapy, it can be deeply embedded into a person's self-concept, and due to its often subtle presentation, its significance can be overlooked. I was struck by the raw honesty of the contributors, and found this book refreshingly balanced. Highly recommend for both personal and professional reference.”
— Amazon Reviews
"Passionate engagement, exceptional clinical experience and case studies make this an impressive book which should be required reading for therapists, educationalists and politicians. It may also prove a life-saver for many boarding school 'survivors'."
-Brian Thorne, Emeritus Professor of Counselling, University of East Anglia
I contributed to the book Trauma, Abandonment and Privilege: A guide to therapeutic work with boarding school survivors written by Nick Duffell and Thurstine Basset. This book explores the effect on adults of being sent away to board in childhood through case studies, diagrams and exercises. The complexity and struggles for ex-boarders have only recently been acknowledged by mainstream mental health professionals. Trauma, Abandonment and Privilege will be of interest to therapists, counsellors and mental health workers.
I was also delighted to speak to Thurstine Basset about the detrimental impact 0f boarding school and why opening up the conversation will help other boarding school survivors on my podcast, Leaders In Conversation with Anni Townend.
Edited by Anni Townend
There are very few books that do what they say they do. This book does. A powerful guide to anyone who wants more from their life, I encourage you to read it!
Being Extraordinary: How to Live Life on Purpose by Ian Lock (2013) This book is a superb guide to living life on purpose with meaning and freedom. Ian takes you on an exploration into what matters to you and how you can get more of what you care about.
I was also delighted to speak to Ian on my podcast, Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend. In episode 2, Ian talks about his own ethics, the ethics of those he wishes to work with, and the impact they could make together in creating a fairer society - valuing individuals over profit and taking responsibility for being part of achieving that.