2025
An Empowering Journey Through the Cortisol Labyrinth in My Life Decades ago, I was stuck in a cycle of poor health, mental distress, and stubborn belly fat. I did not realize that the root cause of my challenges was a single, powerful hormone: cortisol, which also made my body insulin-resistant. What began as theoretical knowledge from my training as a postdoctoral researcher in cognitive science and my work as an executive technology consultant in the healthcare sector became a deeply personal research journey. My academic understanding turned into lived experience, and the lessons I learned reshaped my understanding of this master hormone from multiple angles. In this guide, I share my personal journey, rigorous research, and collaborative efforts in simple language. After a thorough review of the scientific literature since the 1980s, I obtained insights from several endocrinologists specializing in cortisol''s role in weight loss, stress management, and chronic health conditions. Their expertise shaped the practical solutions and strategies presented in this guide. I condensed these interviews into Q&A with actionable guides. I verified every detail with the help of a retired endocrinologist friend who reviewed the accuracy of this guide as a line editor. To make this book accessible, relatable, and useful, I wrote the first section for the public at a Grade 7 reading level and the second for professional health coaches at a Grade 9 level. I ensured clarity and simplicity using Hemingway Editor after completing the line edit process. For most of my life, I explored health and wellness as an academic and corporate-level researcher in ethnographic settings. I studied how the brain, mind, behavior, and the overall body interact, focusing on how stress and related hormones shape human performance. I gave talks about resilience and consulted organizations on reducing employee burnout. Despite my professional insights in the 1980s, I became my own case study. Over time, the demands of work, parenting, and personal ambition escalated, and my symptoms worsened. I experienced chronic joint pain, muscle loss, and digestive issues. My mind felt foggy, and my once-boundless energy was replaced by exhaustion. No matter how many miles I ran around the beach, how carefully I counted calories, or how much coffee I consumed, nothing improved. In hindsight, the irony is clear. I was helping others recognize the dangers of chronic stress while ignoring my own body''s cries for help. Cortisol, the very hormone I often explained to others, had taken control of my physical and mental health. But I successfully reversed in my thirties and gained six-pack abs in my 50th birthday with normalized cortisol. What You Will Learn in This Book I designed this book to provide a clear, practical, and comprehensive understanding of cortisol--the stress hormone influencing nearly every aspect of your health. Based on decades of research, personal experience reversing cortisol-related challenges, and expert insights from endocrinologists, this guide offers the tools and knowledge you need to take charge of your health. Here is what you will learn: The Signs and Symptoms of Imbalance Questions Addressed by Experts Practical and Evidence-Based Strategies for Managing Cortisol Guidance for Healthcare Professionals The Role of Endocrinologists The Broader Implications of Cortisol on the Mind, Brain, and Body An Empowering Perspective on Health This book is a roadmap to understanding your body''s signals and regaining control over your well-being. It aims to empower you with the confidence to make informed decisions about your health. By the end of this book, you will have a clear understanding of cortisol, practical tools to manage its effects, and the inspiration to welcome meaningful changes in your life.
2025
2024
In 2019, after extensive conversations with clients, students, and protégés, I decided to write a book with an emphasis on enterprise modernization and digital transformation. My goal was simple yet profound: to provide essential guidance, innovative ideas, and actionable insights for Enterprise Architects managing the complexities of enterprise modernization initiatives. These initiatives aim to transform chaos into coherence, enabling organizations to thrive in an ever-evolving business and technology landscape. Fast forward five years, and it is clear that the landscape has shifted dramatically. The principles of enterprise architecture have evolved to embrace more rigor and agility, reflecting the rapid pace of change within our industry. Now serving as a consulting enterprise architect I reflect on my decades of experience with more agility and adaptability. This is not your typical theoretical book filled with dense descriptions and academic jargon. There are countless volumes that dive deep into the intricacies of enterprise architecture, but my focus is different. Here, I aim to highlight the critical success factors and reflect on valuable lessons learned from real-world experiences. As a practicing senior and consulting Enterprise Architect with over two decades in the field, I have immersed myself in hundreds of books, research papers, and industry articles. While they laid the foundation for my career, they often fell short in providing concise, practical guidance that reveals novel approaches and insights drawn from hands-on experience. I longed for a resource that offered clarity in navigating modernization and transformation programs--something I wish had existed when I first embarked on this journey. The most significant lesson I have learned revolves around the true business outcomes of enterprise modernization. What truly matters in today''s economic climate is the return on investment (ROI) of enterprise architecture and its ability to monetize capabilities. In an era where executives are increasingly cautious of non-profitable ventures, The truth is, we cannot afford to ignore this perspective; it is the world we operate in. This book addresses those realities head-on, eschewing theoretical perfection for practical applicability. In this streamlined and accessible guide, I will explore the significant pain points and critical considerations for successful enterprise modernization; all presented through a structured approach. While architectural rigor remains vital, we must strike a delicate balance between maintaining quality, delivering business value, and achieving speed to market. My experiences in leading various substantial transformation initiatives have shown me the power of an iterative, incremental approach to modernization--an approach that encompasses people, processes, tools, and technologies. Starting with a high-level overview of enterprise architecture to set the stage, I will introduce a dozen distinct chapters that delve into the factors that can genuinely make a difference in addressing complexity and driving effective modernization initiatives. Unlike traditional textbooks that can stretch to 1,000 pages, this guide is concise and digestible, ensuring trained architects can grasp its insights without feeling overwhelmed. It complements existing training programs, like Zachman. Additionally, this book targets aspiring architects who wish to transition into Enterprise Architecture and engage in transformation initiatives within complex environments and large organizations. IT executives--CTOs, CDOs, CIOs, CDOs, and Heads of Enterprise Technologies--responsible for substantial modernization and digital transformation programs will find this book enlightening. Students studying Enterprise Architecture and related disciplines can use this book as an educational resource to understand the practical aspects of the discipline.
2024
2024
Dear Freelance Writers and Content Entrepreneurs, Welcome to a journey of growth and transformation to find the best version of yourself as a content creator and serve from your higher self. In this book, 23 Ways to Skyrocket Your Substack Newsletter in Less Than a Year and Build a Solid Audience, I am excited to share insights and strategies designed specifically for those of you who are ready to elevate your writing and connect more deeply with your readers. This powerful toolkit was born out of my desire to support intermediate and advanced writers like you who have taken the courageous step of launching a newsletter and finding readers for your valuable content. Building on the foundational knowledge presented in my previous work, Substack Mastery, this book delves into the next phase of your journey. If you have started your Substack, gained some followers, or even attracted a handful of paid subscribers, you are already on the right track. Now it's time to scale your writing business thoughtfully and effectively. I have penned this robust toolkit based on my own experiences and on the success stories of bestselling Substack authors. These strategies and tactics have proven to amplify growth, engagement, and reader loyalty. Each strategy and tactic I present in this nuanced and memorable book is a reflection of my journey--what I've applied, refined, and learned over the years as I nurtured an engaged audience and built a recognizable brand. This book does not just provide a list of strategies; it offers a roadmap forged through real-world experience. With over 40 years in content development and strategy within large organizations, I've witnessed firsthand the power of connecting authentically with our audiences. Many of my protégés have seen their subscriber counts soar, often exceeding a thousand in just a year. I firmly believe that with the right tools, crafted with care and passion, anyone can achieve similar success on Substack or other similar platforms. If you're ready to commit to growing your audience and creating a sustainable writing business, this book is your companion for accelerated learning. The ideas I offer are not just for one year; they are principles that, once turned into habits, will serve you for a lifetime. You may even find that these skills can be transferred to new platforms--ones we can only dream about today. Let's start this transformative journey together with an open mind and passion. Your voice deserves to be heard, and your stories have the power to inspire and change lives for better. Here's to your success! Warmest regards, Dr Mehmet Yildiz
2024
