ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I FIRST MET Matthew Holt, a patient, straight-talking publisher at John Wiley & Sons, Inc. at a speakers' conference in Cancun, Mexico. Somehow, in that crowded convention hall, my husband Tom found me refilling my cup with healthy green tea. He took my hand and led me away, telling me, “Skip your next session; there's someone you must meet.” That someone turned out to be Matt. With Matt, who published my first book with Wiley, and editor Lauren Murphy, I am blessed to be in expert hands.

Of course, Wicked Success Is Inside Every Woman started well before that sunny winter day I met Matt. Everything in this book, everything I know and everything I love about being a woman comes from the amazing women and men in my life—starting with my mom and dad, Marise and Sal, my grandmother MaMa Pearl, and my sister Karen. My best women friends continue to teach me the power of fusion. My great teachers and mentors, especially my second mom, Blanche, all gave me models that I can only aspire to emulate.

Thanks to the Female Fusion women—Blanche, Chris, Evie, Jan, Leigh, Maggie, Martha and Susan—who inspired the Fusion, and inspire me to attain the impossible.

I'd also like to thank the entire team at Vickie Milazzo Institute, for their passion and for helping me create a business and story to write about, and the thousands of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants, who have inspired me to live my 5 Promises as I help them to live theirs.

The following people helped me bring this book to life: Leigh Owen and Chris Rogers—you gave time, patience and massive amounts of red ink in teaching me everything you know about bringing words to paper. You are not only terrific mentors but awesome friends. I thank you both from the bottom of my heart. Jennifer Tyson, thank you for creating a design for the book that matched my vision exactly. Megan McCready, thank you for all of your marketing expertise and spreading the word to women everywhere.

Most important is Tom Ziemba, who gives me daily inspiration, is always there when my computer isn't, and constantly helps me rediscover some of the stories I'd almost forgotten.