Hello, everyone,
This month’s newsletter will be more concise than usual. I’ve been hard at work finalizing both of my upcoming books with Taylor & Francis, and it has been a time-intensive process. When I first set out to write these books, I underestimated how much would go into it, but things are going well and I have some exciting updates to share.
My first book, The Next Healthcare Leader, will be published on April 29, which is coming up soon. It is currently available to order on Amazon, and pre-orders will open on April 8 through Routledge/Taylor & Francis. As many of you know, it’s a values-based career guide offering 50 actionable lessons to help students and early-career professionals navigate their first decade with clarity and confidence.
My second book, The Christian Healthcare Leader, is a faith-centered exploration of leadership rooted in courage, calling, and spiritual discernment. I’m happy to share that it now has a publication date: September 1, 2026. I’ve also received notice that the copyediting process will begin soon, and the cover design should be finalized in the near future. As updates roll out, you’ll start to see more details appear on bookseller sites like Amazon and Routledge.
I also want to share that the copyediting process for my first book went extremely well. In a previous newsletter, I mentioned some nerves about that stage, but the experience was excellent. The team did a fantastic job, and I was able to make final revisions I feel really good about. After that, I reviewed the final proofs, so the book is now completely finished and just awaiting publication.
It’s been an incredible and at times exhausting journey, from researching publishers and developing proposals to writing, submitting, revising, and moving through each stage of the publishing process. Now, we’re approaching the point where these books will finally be out in the world.
That’s a vulnerable place to be. After working on something for so long, letting it go, especially with perfectionist tendencies, can feel uncomfortable. But I’m proud of the work, and I hope it makes a meaningful difference in a world that can feel heavy at times. A common thread in both books is the belief that we can all contribute to a more hopeful future and that we are never alone in that effort.
What I’m Sharing This Month
What I am reading: Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry & Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry is a historical fiction novel about a college student, Megs, who seeks out C.S. Lewis in 1950s Oxford to discover the origins of Narnia for her terminally ill younger brother. As a longtime fan of the Narnia series, I found this book to be a delight. The research into Lewis’s life and writing really comes through. It’s a compelling and heartfelt read that I highly recommend.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is a classic I had long intended to read. It explores core beliefs shared across Christian traditions. I’ve been enjoying it overall. While the opening chapters felt a bit dense and occasionally made quick logical jumps, it becomes much more accessible as it progresses.
A Quote on My Mind: “Give up yourself, and you will find your real self.” — C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Letting go is rarely comfortable, especially when something has required so much time, effort, and care. But surrender is often where deeper clarity begins. In releasing our grip on the outcome, we make space for something more lasting than control: growth, purpose, and a clearer sense of who we are becoming.
A Practice That Helped Me:
A simple reminder: do the work, then release it.
When we’ve invested time and care into something meaningful, it’s natural to hold on tightly, wanting to shape how it’s received or what comes next. But I’ve found there is a moment when the work is no longer mine to control. Letting go isn’t neglect; it’s trust. It’s choosing to release the outcome and remain grounded in the purpose behind the work.
Until next month,
Wishing you clarity, courage, and progress.
Matthew