unsuccessfully
successful

For more than 30 years, Donna Star was unsuccessfully successful at climbing the proverbial corporate ladder—moving from entry-level to executive leadership positions. But like more than 60% of people, she was unhappy with her job. It wasn’t until her youngest child graduated from college that she finally quit and found her true calling.

Now, her mission is to help other professionals feel more fulfilled and connected to themselves.

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About the Author

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summary

Lessons from a Workaholic Corporate Exec Single Mother’s Journey to a Life of Balance

Despite giving her notice five times and leaving and returning twice throughout her career—to the same company—Donna Star finally decided to leave Corporate America for good when her youngest child graduated from college. Donna had no plan until she found coaching.

It was everything she’d been looking for and more. Donna hadn’t realized how many of her corporate struggles were avoidable, including her workaholism. Her body was so completely out of whack that she could no longer tolerate eating salads. She ignored the signals all around her.

There are way too many unsatisfied people in the workforce. More than 60% of people say they are unhappy with their jobs. Are you one of them? This has to change.

Now, Donna’s mission is to help other professionals feel more fulfilled and connected to themselves.

It doesn’t have to be so hard; she promises you that.

Do you have all the external trappings of success? Are you as Unsuccessfully Successful as I was? Do you feel differently on the inside than you portray on the outside? It is exhausting, right? Take the fun, and quick quiz below to find out.

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Early praise

for

unsuccessfully successful

Bruce D. Schneider

Founder, iPEC Coaching and author, Energy Leadership and Uncovering the Life of Your Dreams

Rated 5 out of 5

"If you’re struggling with being “unsuccessfully successful,” this timely and inspiring book will inspire you to make the changes you desire. Donna’s relatable and compelling story shows the value of coaching and learning how to intentionally create the life you want."

Tracy Litt

CEO & Founder of The Litt Factor

Rated 5 out of 5

"This book needs to be required reading for every professional, everywhere. Donna Star powerfully and vulnerably shares raw, real stories that will resonate deeply and shine a long-overdue light on the need for a new way of leading, and a new way of being. Unsuccessfully Successful is shifting paradigms, contributing to a more progressive, compassionate, and conscious Corporate America."

Beth S.

CFO, tech industry

Rated 5 out of 5

"An important and heavy concept, lightened by simplicity and honesty. Donna’s words resonate in my heart. They whisper encouragingly that I am enough if I want to be and better if I so desire."

Ellen N.

Head of HR, Financial Services

Rated 5 out of 5

"This book is honest, genuine, and heartfelt, as well as thought-provoking and relatable with the stories Donna shares. Working professionals will learn so much from her wisdom. As she states in the book, 'it doesn’t need to be so hard.'"

Nicky M.

Social Media Manager and Voice Over Actor

Rated 5 out of 5

"If you’re feeling burnt out from non-stop hustling and have thought to yourself, there’s got to be more to life than this, well, you’re right, and the person who is going to tell you what’s what is Donna Star. I’ve had the pleasure of watching this book come to life and Donna’s insight will help you make the change you need to live your dream life."

Andrea Ellen

CMO Senior Luxury Housing

Rated 5 out of 5

"Raw, relevant, brave and vulnerable. Hits close to home for working moms trying to do it all. Reading Donna's journey through "successful" adulthood balancing a demanding corporate career, parenthood, adult relationships, and family only to eventually walk away from it all shows that vulnerability is not weakness. This story is brutally honest and liberating. Feels familiar yet bold and guiding."

About

Donna Star

After a successful thirty-year career in corporate America, Donna Star is a highly sought-after certified executive coach, professional speaker, and author.

Her ability to connect with people deeply and meaningfully is at the heart of Donna’s success. She is smart, funny, intuitive, and says it like it is. Donna has always been intuitive, but she received formal training from a forensic medium and taps into this skill to help bring her clients even greater clarity.

Donna is a proud Bostonian with two amazing adult children. And, yes, she loves Boston sports. It is in her DNA. In her spare time, you can find Donna reading, traveling, walking, playing word games of any kind—except Wordle—and spending quality time with close family and friends.