I am a maximizer. It’s my superpower. I love doing more and doing better. Why settle for 100% when you can give 150%? But this superpower can also be my curse. My to-do lists never end, and there are so many big goals that it often feels like nothing has been accomplished or achieved yet. However, I am learning to slow down. Did you know that the Estonian word aeglustama (to slow down) contains the word lust (joy)? I didn’t! I’m learning to look at what has already been done with gratitude—gratitude for all the amazing people around me and gratitude for myself.
This is why I wanted to take a trip back in time and share some thoughts and feelings about this journey. In December 2019, Evelin and I published our first book, Bränd Nimega Sina (The Brand Named You ). We wrote it, published it, marketed it, and sold it our ourselves. We published it also in English and got Amazon best-seller in international marketing category during the first week. Looking back, I am so incredibly proud! A perfect example of how, when two very passionate people come together, anything is possible.
As two recovering perfectionists, our shared mantra became: Better done than perfect. And we really accomplished a lot: a book, the Personal Branding Online Academy, 100LIVE sessions with inspiring people, countless training sessions and workshops all over Estonia. From our personal branding trainings, brand ambassador programs emerged, and of course, being maximizers, we immediately thought, “Why not write another book?”
While creating the first book felt like a quick sprint, writing the second book was more like an exhausting, never-ending marathon. Many times, there was a real risk that the book would remain in a drawer, never seeing the light of day. But I am so grateful that we didn’t give up and made it happen. I am thankful to everyone who contributed to the book and to all who gave feedback. Marika Raiski, senior manager, professional coach (PCC) Liina Hindremäe Helo Tamme, MA, EHRS Kersti Vannas Helena Laus Irene Metsis Eha Täht Liis Veersalu Kristel Kruustuk Ester Eomois Ingrid Viinapuu Kadri Ratas Oksana Boiko Sandra Linde Kairi Kreek Marvi Roosaar Ragne Maasel Annika Ploom Kristiina Vahesalu Hanni Tomingas 🇪🇪 Berit Vals Kadi Poll Kristi Suits Eha Täht Joole Kuljus-Triik Evelin Ausmees Mika Sucksdorff Triin Ploom-Niitra Piret Pihlak Janek Saareoja
396 pages of very practical strategies, tools and case studies—done! This time, we partnered with a strong team. Thank you, Äripäev , and Eva Kinkar !
But hey, why stop at one book when you can make two? That’s how the summer plan to release a new and updated edition of Bränd Nimega Sina came to life. Thank you, Rahva Raamat , and Dea Oldekivi, for making the book even better! I’ve learned so much on this journey (perhaps I’ll write more about it someday), but one of the most important lessons has been PARTNERSHIP. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with people who are not only highly skilled but also deeply passionate about what they do. That’s when truly amazing things happen—with plenty of joy and fun along the way.
The book launch event on Thursday was a beautiful moment of celebration with the dearest people. Thank you, Anu Tähemaa – Corporate Maestro , for agreeing to moderate our event! When Anu asked what I wanted to happen at the event, I simply said, “I want it to be MEGA-AWESOME.” And it was! It’s unbelievable how Anu creates such extraordinary experiences. If you want an experience, not just an event, call Anu.
And of course, none of this would have been half as amazing without Monika Kuzmina and the Good News team. The best PR team in Estonia—truly! Fast, professional, and simply incredible people. It always feels so good and supported working with you. Thank you!
A huge thank you also goes to my dear husband Marko Saue , who has supported and stood by me throughout this journey. I have the best man in the world.
And of course, above all, thank you, Evelin Org , for all the joy and creativity we’ve shared together.
Check out the short aftermovie of what happened on Thursday! And if you want to watch the full event, the video is HERE 😊
https://youtu.be/wAbkQk4RbNM?si=tEVNfYsKaFlO636x SHORT AFTER-MOVIE.
