Dr Bex Bell
Author of Inner Critic to Inner Coach

For Dr Bex Bell, a high-performance coach, consultant and speaker, writing a book was about more than just a career move. In fact, the idea of becoming an author was inspired by the people around her – those who saw the potential of her work and wanted to see it grow to a new scale.

So when a representative from Upstart Press reached out and encouraged her to pursue a book, Bex started seriously considering the process. With her expertise in imposter syndrome – a topic she knew resonated with many – she felt a responsibility to share her insights in an accessible way. 

“It almost felt like my duty,” Bex shares, reflecting on her specialisation in wellbeing, high performance strategy, and helping keep the ‘inner critic’ at bay. The idea of a book emerged as the vehicle to compile her knowledge and experiences for a broader audience, while at the same time, the visibility of a book would hugely benefit her coaching business.

Through joining the Better Book Project (BBP), Bex was not just able to conceptualise her book, but also finish writing and editing her full manuscript. Two years later, Inner Coach to Inner Critic has been met with national and critical acclaim and helped bring in countless new connections and work to her business.

Here’s how it all unfolded.

Finding focus and facing doubts

Bex’s business was thriving in certain ways, but it lacked direction. She describes her work then as “a bit scattered,” moving from project to project without a clear strategy. Writing a book seemed like a potential solution, and a way to focus her business around a specific identity. 

The only problem was knowing where to start. Bex was filled with overwhelming questions about how to formulate her book concept, navigating the writing process, what’s involved with publishing, creative control, and understanding legalities. Bex admitted she’d been avoiding committing fully to a large project due to her own recurring ‘imposter syndrome’ – the very same cycle of hesitation that she helped clients overcome.

After learning about the Better Book Project, Bex quickly saw the opportunity as both a challenge and a chance to finally move past her self-doubt. “I’d be mad not to take this,” she reflects, acknowledging that her tendency to “figure things out on her own” often slowed her down. 

“Sometimes in business, you have to spend money to make money,” she said, recognising the BBP as a solid investment in her growth, and not just as a business owner but also as a thought leader. When she connected with Christina, it became clear – this was the “authentic and supportive person and community I wanted to be part of.”

Community, accountability, and growth

The Better Book Project provided exactly the support Bex needed to transform her vision into reality. One of the greatest advantages of the program was the network of peers who quickly became her cheerleaders, sounding boards, and accountability partners. 

“Writing a book is so big, and sometimes you just need others around to break it down, to help reflect things back to you,” Bex explains. With their guidance, tasks that once seemed daunting became manageable. She came to understand that consistent, daily effort was essential – a lesson that not only shaped her approach to writing but to all aspects of her business.

Intelligent Ink’s structured process helped Bex stay on track. The resources, deadlines, and one-on-one support systems were game-changers. “If I had to go it alone, it would have taken ten times longer,” she confesses. With each milestone, Bex’s confidence grew, supported by regular feedback from editors who provided both the validation and reflection she needed to push past moments of uncertainty. 

“It’s so easy to get stuck in unhelpful mindsets when you don’t have a frame of reference,” she says, noting how the BBP team helped her navigate the complex world of publishing and even edit her final manuscript.

A transformation in perspective and practice

The experience of writing her book led to profound changes in Bex’s thinking and business. By the time she had distilled her ideas into her COACH acronym (a five-stage process to heal your Inner Critic, end self-sabotage, and own your greatness), she had achieved a new level of focus and clarity that translated into her coaching practice. The book forced her to consolidate her thoughts and articulate the actionable strategies she wanted to share. As she puts it, “The process of writing the book truly does make you an expert because you have to be clear about what you’re trying to say.”

Through the BBP, Bex also realised the importance of self-belief and perseverance. “If you’re passionate, willing to learn, and consistently show up, anyone can write a book,” she reflects. This belief – backed by her own experience – became a central message in her coaching work, reinforcing her personal mission to empower others.

Since publishing her book, Bex has seen a powerful ripple effect in her personal and professional life. 

Beyond the direct benefits of increased coaching clients and elevated confidence as a speaker, Bex has been moved by readers’ reactions. “The coolest feedback is when people say, ‘I feel like you’re talking directly to me,’” she shares. Messages from readers, who call her book a “survival manual,” affirm the impact she hoped to achieve.

Advice for aspiring thought leadership authors

Reflecting on her experience, Bex’s advice to those considering the Better Book Project is simple: “Do it. Even if you’re worried about the investment, it will absolutely pay off.” 

She stresses that the BBP is more than just a programme for writing a book; it’s a broader investment in your business and life. The friendships she formed with other participants, the personal growth she experienced, and the pride she now feels holding her book has made every bit of effort worth it in the end.

And the hardest part? To Bex, that’s getting started and staying the course – especially for those who feel that others have already covered their topic. She learned that her unique perspective and voice were what made her book special. “Nobody has written this book in my voice, from my perspective” – a reminder to future authors that every story offers something distinct. 

In the end, the Better Book Project didn’t just help Bex write her book – it brought her clarity, confidence, and a lasting community of other thought leaders. Now, it’s all about leveraging her incredible piece of work and continuing to build an impact for people confronting imposter syndrome.