The Long Way Here

A moving collection of stories blending love, resilience, leadership, and the wisdom discovered through life’s turning points—drawn from Anne’s own life and her work coaching extraordinary leaders. Each story except one includes journaling prompts to guide reflection, growth, and leading with authenticity.

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Even the longest road leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Life rarely follows a straight path. For Anne Spoldi, it’s been a winding journey through love and sorrow, resilience and reinvention, corporate leadership and personal transformation. In The Long Way Here, she shares candid stories drawn from decades as a daughter, mother, executive, and coach—stories that illuminate the power of authenticity, courage, and hope.

More than a book of rules, this is a compass of stories and insights—for anyone navigating change, leading with heart, or seeking meaning in the twists and turns of their own journey.

You’ll discover how to:

  • Find clarity in the middle of uncertainty

  • Transform grief into resilience and renewed purpose

  • Align your work with your deepest values

  • Embrace vulnerability as a leadership strength

  • Lead yourself—and others—with authenticity and courage

Whether you are stepping into leadership, facing personal transition, or searching for meaning in life’s unexpected detours, The Long Way Here will remind you that your story is still unfolding. And that every step—no matter how winding—has something to teach you.

Testimonials

  • The Long Way Here is a powerfully personal story of growth, hope, and the journey to finding peace and purpose.  Anne Spoldi creates a space for readers to find perspective on their lives, evaluate priorities, and realign with what really matters to them. It’s a chance to create a renewed sense of purpose with clarity and compassion for yourself. Read it and reflect – it will transform your life.

    Dr. Marshall Goldsmith is the Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.

  • Anne Spoldi’s The Long Way Here is a powerful reminder that real leadership starts with integrity and self-awareness. Anne brings honesty, heart, and hard-earned lessons to every story. I saw those qualities in her at Sun Microsystems, and it’s great to see her paying it forward — helping others lead with purpose and authenticity.

    Scott McNealy
    Co-founder & Former CEO, Sun Microsystems

  • Anne Spoldi has always had a rare gift for transforming not just organizations, but the people within them. The Long Way Here captures that same spirit—inviting readers to embrace change, courage, and authenticity with grace. Her stories remind us that leadership begins with heart and grows through reflection and resilience. I’ve seen firsthand how Anne inspires lasting transformation wherever she leads, and this book is a beautiful extension of that gift. A must-read for anyone committed to leading with purpose and humanity.

    Clark Golestani
    Private Equity and Venture Capital Investor, Board Director

  • In The Long Way Here, Anne Spoldi offers a heartfelt and deeply human exploration of resilience, connection, and growth. Through her stories, she reminds us that leadership is not about titles or positions, but about the relationships and networks that shape our lives and work. Her reflections beautifully capture the power of authentic connection — something we all need more of today.

    Rob Cross, PhD
    Author of Beyond Collaboration Overload and The Microstress Effect

  • In The Long Way Here, you’ll discover how the powerful practice of Journaling helps you create the life you want to lead. Whether you journal or not, whether you have even thought about journaling or not, you will definitely want to dive in to learn how this one simple process can radically and positively impact your life in many ways.  Overcome challenges and more with this excellent guidebook for personal growth and transformation.

    Mari L. McCarthy
    Author, Journaling Power