After spending over two decades working in infrastructure and sustainability, I discovered an unexpected yet meaningful connection between those fields and my next chapter: publishing. Just as building infrastructure requires thoughtful planning and sustainability calls for nurturing long-term solutions, publishing demands vision, structure, and a commitment to shaping something that will endure. Founding Clover Lane Publishing wasn’t a decision I made overnight; it was the culmination of passions, values, and skills I’ve nurtured throughout my career and life. This is why I chose to transition into publishing and how Clover Lane Publishing came to life.
A passion for books and writing
Books have always been an integral part of my life. From the stories that enchanted me as a child to the shelves of my home's library filled with more than 200 books, reading has been a constant source of joy, learning, and connection. I love fiction, but over the years, I've gravitated toward non-fiction that challenges me to think differently or to see the world from the perspective of others. I am particularly fond of non-fiction works on business, science, technology, design, the environment, self-help, travel, and history.
But my love of books doesn’t stop at reading. Writing has been a cornerstone of my professional life, from developing case studies and crafting reports to teaching and sharing knowledge. I’ve always found satisfaction in translating complex ideas into accessible and engaging content, and this skill naturally lends itself to publishing. The transition felt like coming home to a part of myself I had always cherished but hadn’t yet fully embraced.
The birth of Clover Lane Publishing
Clover Lane Publishing represents more than a career pivot—it's the realization of an entrepreneurial dream. The name itself is steeped in meaning, inspired by my home in Nova Scotia, my clover-rich lawn (a nod to nature and sustainability), and my longstanding career in environmental sustainability. It symbolizes the convergence of my past experiences and my vision for the future.
Clover Lane Publishing's mission is simple yet profound: to inform, inspire, and ignite change through impactful books. Clover Lane Publishing specializes in non-fiction genres that reflect my passions. Each book published is an opportunity to share new perspectives, spark innovation, and contribute to a more informed world.
Throughout my life, I’ve embraced being a multipotentialite (a term coined by Emilie Wapnick)—a person with diverse interests and a natural curiosity that drives them to explore and develop skills in various areas. From tackling infrastructure projects to developing sustainability frameworks, teaching students and working professionals, and now writing and publishing, I’ve always found joy in pursuing new challenges. This mentality isn’t about choosing one path—it’s about integrating my varied passions into a fulfilling and meaningful life. Founding Clover Lane Publishing reflects this belief, bringing together my skills, interests, and values.
Finding community
Publishing also provides an avenue to nurture other publishers and aspiring authors. I'm part of an incredible publishing community of thousands, where we celebrate each other's success and progress, share ideas, provide guidance and coaching, and so much more. Watching people bring their ideas to life, succeed as publishers, and empower and support others is one of the most rewarding aspects of this new chapter. I must also give a shout out to my fellow publishing mastermind members James, Sharon, Remy, Dana, Carole, and Honor. We meet via Zoom every second Monday to share our journey, challenges, and successes and hold each other accountable. We're from all over—from Los Angeles to Halifax, Winnipeg to New Jersey, and Texas to Florida. Writing and publishing can be a lonely experience, so having such a supportive community means everything!
Cherishing connections
In addition to my fantastic fellow publishers, I've also come to deeply cherish my existing connections, people I've gotten to know in the sustainability, infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and regulatory sectors where I've spent much of my career to date. When I published Halifax Food Scene, followed shortly thereafter by my first full-length book, Essentials of AI for Beginners, the outpouring of support from these communities was nothing short of incredible, and many of these people directly contributed to the quality and content of the book. I feel truly and utterly blessed and grateful every single day.
The joy of teaching and simplifying complexity
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of teaching professionals and graduate students across North America and Europe. Whether I was presenting sustainability frameworks to government officials or mentoring teams on infrastructure best practices, I’ve always enjoyed breaking down complex topics into clear, actionable insights. That same passion for teaching is at the heart of my work at Clover Lane Publishing.
Publishing isn’t just about producing books—it’s about sharing knowledge in a way that resonates with a broad audience. Whether helping an author refine their manuscript or ensuring published works are accessible to readers from all walks of life, my goal is always to create a bridge between complexity and clarity.
From infrastructure to publishing: an interesting but logical next step
At first glance, moving from infrastructure to publishing might seem like a BIG leap. But in reality, the transition is rooted in the skills and values I’ve cultivated throughout my career, such as the importance of project management, attention to detail, and strategic thinking—equally critical skills in publishing. Both fields—infrastructure sustainability and publishing—require balancing creativity with structure, and both aim to leave a lasting impact.
My professional background has also given me a unique lens through which to approach publishing. Having worked in diverse sectors, from education to environmental marketing, energy, government, healthcare, real estate, and regulation, I understand how tailored solutions can meet the specific needs of different audiences. This perspective shapes how I select and develop books for publication, ensuring they solve problems and inspire meaningful change.
Valuing time and embracing entrepreneurship
One of the most personal reasons I transitioned into publishing was the opportunity to align my work with my values—particularly my value of time. After years in demanding roles, I’ve come to appreciate the critical importance of creating space for family, hobbies, and personal growth. Clover Lane Publishing allows me to build a business that reflects my priorities, giving me the freedom to focus on what matters most while pursuing a career I love.
Launching Clover Lane also satisfies my entrepreneurial spirit. I’ve always been drawn to new challenges, and building a publishing company from the ground up has been an exciting and rewarding experience. It’s a chance to create something meaningful while exploring uncharted territory.
Looking ahead
As I reflect on this journey, I’m grateful for the experiences that led me here and excited about the opportunities ahead. Clover Lane Publishing isn’t just about books—it’s about cultivating ideas, empowering others, and contributing to a brighter, more informed future. Whether publishing a book, mentoring an aspiring author, or helping readers discover new perspectives, every step is rooted in the belief that books can change lives.
This new chapter in my life feels like the perfect blend of my passions and values. It’s a way to combine my love of books, my drive to teach and simplify, and my commitment to lifelong learning. Most importantly, it’s a chance to create something lasting, meaningful, and deeply personal.
While my focus has shifted, I’m not leaving behind the other work I love so much! I'm blessed to work for and be affiliated with several organizations that support this dream. MDR Strategy Group, where I currently work as the Director of Public Engagement Strategy, leverages my interests and skills in sustainability, artificial intelligence (my first and second books are devoted to this topic), framework and course development, and stakeholder engagement while also supporting my entrepreneurial endeavors. In fact, MDR Strategy Group is hosting the first-of-its-kind AI in Licensing and Regulation conference that is coming up in just over three weeks! All delegates that attend this conference will receive a copy of Essentials of AI for Beginners as a parting gift, courtesy of MDR! (Wow, talk about support!!)
I'm also not leaving infrastructure and sustainability behind! They’re still integral to who I am and what I value. The principles I championed in those fields continue to inform my work and perspective, and I remain committed to exploring ways to contribute to a more sustainable future. I am so proud and pleased to work with Beyond21 Academy, the International Sustainable Resilience Center, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe to advance a more sustainable and resilient future through training and education, public-private partnerships, and infrastructure sustainability.
To anyone considering a career shift or pursuing a long-held dream: take the leap! You never know where it might lead—and in my case, it led to Clover Lane.