Who is Monica?

Monica McGurk is a dedicated mother of three, a devoted wife for 25 years, and a proud dog owner. Throughout her career, she has been an enthusiastic supporter of innovation and the safety of our global food systems. Her unique strength lies in nurturing and mentoring individuals. Writing is another passion she pursues alongside her main career.

What is Her Writing Focus?

Initially, Monica concentrated on business and professional writing. Now, she channels her creativity into fiction, predominantly within the Young Adult genre, though her audience often includes adults. Her literary works feature a Paranormal Romance trilogy titled "The Archangel Prophecies," which blends elements of Dan Brown and Twilight, and "The Norwood Nanny Chronicles," a fusion of Mary Poppins, James Bond, and Harry Potter. The second book in this series, "The Handler," is set to be released on March 26th.

Where Does She Write?

Monica writes wherever inspiration strikes! While she has an office in her Chicagoland home, her travels often lead her to write on sunny porches or kitchen tables around the world, as well as during flights.

When Does She Find Time to Write?

Balancing her responsibilities as CEO, Monica has learned to be adaptable with her writing schedule. She usually dedicates early morning hours on weekends and during vacations to writing. With her children being young adults and teenagers, their late mornings provide her with quiet time to create.

Why Does She Write?

After experiencing what she describes as a "mini-midlife crisis" over ten years ago, Monica faced severe burnout. While she devoted herself wholeheartedly to being a mother and a partner at her firm, she realized that she had neglected her own joy. To rejuvenate her spirit, she turned to writing, which offered a new creative outlet that she could pursue anywhere. This choice has enriched her life, enhancing her performance in all areas and allowing her to discover new passions, including advocacy against child trafficking.

How Does She Tackle Writer’s Block?

Monica employs two strategies to overcome writer’s block. First, she engages in "go see" expeditions, exploring the world with her notebook and phone to capture inspiration, which can then fuel her writing. Second, she believes in the power of momentum; sometimes, simply sitting down to write—regardless of the subject—can help her regain her creative flow. With multiple projects in various stages, she often switches between them to maintain her writing rhythm.

Bonus: What Are Her Hobbies Beyond Writing?

When she's not writing, Monica enjoys traveling with family and friends, exploring various culinary traditions, and cooking at home. She is passionate about mentoring others and tackling complex social and business challenges.

I extend my gratitude to Monica McGurk for sharing her story with us.

In this engaging podcast episode, CEO Monica McGurk discusses innovation and her fresh perspectives on leadership at Tropicana.