.png)
Have you ever considered writing a book but weren't quite sure where to start? Meet Judith Cartwright, the Founder and Managing Director of Black Coral Consulting, who not only dreamed about it, but successfully made it a reality. In her new e-book, 10 Success Factors for Asset Management with a Commercial Lens, Judith draws from her extensive experience in the hospitality industry to offer Topline Optimisation Tactics for Asset Owners, Managers, and Hoteliers.
Whether you're an aspiring author or a professional looking to share your industry expertise, Judith’s offers candid advice on the writing process and discusses how this book has not only strengthened her personal brand but also enhanced the credibility of her business. Lets jump into it!
What inspired you to write a book?
My deep passion for revenue optimisation inspired me to write this book. It’s so much more than just crunching numbers, but an art form, especially in the world of hospitality. Managing revenue today means juggling multiple income streams and viewing asset management through a commercial lens. I wanted to demystify this often misunderstood field and share my knowledge in a way that's both practical and impactful. This book is my way of giving back to the industry, helping others unlock the full potential of their business. It is available online, with my
How did you approach the project?
I broke the project down into clear, manageable sections, focusing on no more than two pages per topic to keep the content engaging and digestible. I also collaborated with industry experts and thought leaders, testing ideas and refining my approach through thought leadership pieces on LinkedIn. To make sure the book was as polished as possible, I enlisted content and design experts with industry knowledge and publishing experience, ensuring my e-book reflected my work ethic and the high standards I set out to achieve.
How long did it take you versus how long did you think it would take you?
It took me two years, which was longer than I initially expected, I thought I'd wrap it up in less than a year, but when you're striving to create something truly valuable, you realise that rushing isn’t an option. Getting it right takes time, and I’m glad I allowed the process to unfold naturally.
Now that you have written a book, how do you hope it will help you in your career?
The feedback has been incredible; far better than I anticipated, in fact. Writing this book has significantly boosted the credibility of Black Coral Consulting, providing a holistic overview of our services and expertise. Transitioning from my role as Senior Vice President of Revenue Optimisation and Distribution at Kerzner International, where I had the backing of strong brands like Atlantis and One&Only, I knew I needed to build my own brand from the ground up. This book has been instrumental in doing just that, earning me speaking invitations at conferences and further establishing trust in my new venture.
What is the BEST advice you would give to any herteliers that have aspirations to author a book?
Focus on what you know inside and out but remember that others might not grasp it as easily. Identify the key topics you want to clarify for your audience. If needed, don’t hesitate to collaborate with a strong content creator who can translate your expertise into language that resonates with readers. Don’t overthink it – just put pen to paper, because when you get the ball rolling, the rest will follow. I had my doubts about who would actually read my book, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive, so much so that I’d do it all again!
Thanks, Judith!