Kramers share ‘gems’ of wisdom in new book
MEGAN VERHELST Sep 21, 2015 | 7:21 pm
3 min read time
608 wordsAll Latest News, Arts and Culture, Lift IOWA
Those gems served as inspiration for the concept behind Kramer’s new book, “An Unlikely Ambassador and her Diplomatic Daughter: Stories & Recipes for the Life You Want.” Co-authored by Kramer’s daughter, Krista Kramer Hartman, the book chronicles 14 “gems” — or leadership lessons — that created opportunities for both women and how each lesson can help others, male or female, achieve their professional and personal goals.
“We’ve had this idea for many, many years,” Kramer said. “My husband finally told me to stop talking about it or write it down. Finally, we said it was time to write it down. … When we got to the gems idea – here they are, here are their definitions – the writing just poured out.”
Kramer, who lives in Greater Des Moines, is the former U.S. ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. She served as an Iowa state senator and president of the Iowa Senate. She also spent time as a nightclub piano player, public school administrator, retail personnel director, and a vice president of human resources and community relations in the insurance industry. She was inducted into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame in 2010.
Kramer Hartman, who lives in Dallas, began her career as a semi-professional golfer and, from a successful career in real estate, emerged as a serial entrepreneur who works as a life coach and business consultant.
The idea to write the book was Hartman’s, who started thinking about the “gems” in a metaphorical sense — or the lessons that created opportunities for them as individual women. At first, Kramer said her daughter suggested holding seminars, but they both decided they should write down what they know.
“A vision of the desired future is necessary, so that begs the question – how do you (create that vision?)” she said.
In fact, that vision is gem No. 2.
For each of the 14 gems found in the book, both Kramer and Kramer Hartman offer their individual perspectives and experiences, and how both helped shape their respective visions for the future. Gems range from “Give Back, Pay It Forward,” “Assertiveness is Not Optional,” and “Manage Your Time. It Does Not Manage You.” The last one is “Practice Continuous Improvement.”
Kramer called the book’s content “a framework for leadership.” It provides a template of sorts for individuals to work through goals and objectives, as well as to create a timeline to accomplish both. In addition, the book concludes with several family recipes.
“Cherishing your traditions is important, and one of ours is hospitality, so we shared some recipes” Kramer said. “It’s sort of an Iowa thing, isn’t it?”
The book was published through Amazon CreateSpace. An official launch was held last week, and a book signing will be held tonight at Beaverdale Books in Des Moines.
While the book is applicable to any gender, Kramer said she particularly enjoys coaching women.
“When women especially have a big idea they want to explore, I tell them – ‘Let’s talk about it,'” she said. “Let’s think about it and figure out where you want to go. That’s one of my favorite things to do.”
The book is available for purchase on Amazon in paperback and for Kindle. Kramer said she plans to donate a portion of the book’s proceeds to different nonprofits.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” Kramer said. “As much as I enjoy making money, this isn’t about that. I hope people will share it and that it helps them put structure where it’s most helpful.”
Trending News
