AFM: Your book “Life Above & Beyond the Rim” is about overcoming obstacles to get to the life one really wants. Can you tell us how this inspiration came to you?

JC: I’ve wanted to write this type of book for some time, but wasn’t ready. The inspiration evolved over time. Through my journey in life, I’ve experienced challenges that I had to overcome, but for a while I thought my challenges were just mine. [However] through significant experiences such as leading people while operated my companies, having to rebuild my life after the economy crash, and personally coaching and speaking to people in business, I noticed there was a consistent theme that limited people from reaching their goals and desires. Because I had experienced those same limits but broke through and experienced transformation in my own life, the answers were clear. So I made the choice to document the process, [one] that me and so many of the top coaches and successful people I’ve had the pleasure of learning from have used. That was the birth of “Life Above & Beyond the Rim.”

AFM: Why is this an important book to read?

JC: It is important for people to read this book because there is an element of transformation in the book that will expose what’s holding them back, and unlock their power from within to achieve. There are also step-by-step exercises that will assist them through the process.

AFM: Can you tell us some of your favorite parts about the book? Things you feel will resonate with readers?

JC: There are many parts that will connect with people. Firstly, most people have forgotten how to dream. They have forgotten their true desires and passions in life; in the book I show them how to identify and reconnect with those desires. This is important because in order to experience true happiness, you have to connect with your passion and what drives you as a human being.

Secondly, we all have a glass ceiling in life that I call our “rim.” This exists amongst everyone at one level or another, and limits us. I identify how to acknowledge it, “expose the thief” that’s stealing our success, and break through the glass ceiling so that we can go above our “rim” in life. Finally, in the last chapter the true meaning of success is revealed and I breakdown how to complete the cycle of success and leave a legacy to be proud of.

AFM: How is writing a book different than playing professional basketball, or running a successful design-and-build company?

JC: The book was different in that unlike sports and the building industry, where you’re on the move and [being] physical, writing is mental and requires you to be in complete quietness and connect with the message you are delivering. It is similar in that hard work, focus, accountability and dedication are what it takes to be successful.

AFM: What was your favorite part about it, and what was the most challenging?

JC: It was an amazing process and I will cherish it forever. My favorite part about it was receiving the first copy of the book—feeling it in amazement; that all my hard work and vision had paid off. Then hitting bestseller [status] in the first five hours of the launch, and finally breaking the top five bestselling books in the world under the Business and Money category was overwhelming.

The most challenging part was the editorial process. Since I speak and train on breaking through barriers, I wanted the process to be as real and authentic as possible. I wrote every word and one of the top editorial boards in the world took me through a very tedious and thorough process. I was about to pull my little hair out at times, but it paid off. The book received the prestigious Editor’s Choice and Rising Star award, which is only awarded to the top 15 percent of all books submitted to the publisher.

AFM: What comes next for Joe Courtney? What plans can we look forward to hearing about in your future?

JC: For the past few years I have been speaking for companies, groups, colleges and organizations, and will be holding success seminars called “Life Above the Rim.” My mission is to empower as many people as possible through the process. To make it easier for people to have this information at their fingertips, I have an audio series that will be launched at the beginning of August. People can find out more and get a signed copy of the book at http://www.joecourtneysbook.com.

AFM: And finally, what is something readers don’t know about you, and you’d like us to? A personal trait, fun hobby you enjoy maybe?

JC: I love creating art and design, and love to cuddle up with my family on Sunday nights to watch the latest release on Apple TV.

Arizona Foothills Magazine wants to congratulate Joe Courtney on the release of his inspirational book, “Life Above & Beyond the Rim,” and announce his book signing, held this Thursday, July 24, at Ganem Jewelers from 6 to 8 p.m.

The address for Ganem Jewelers is 18560 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 190, Phoenix, AZ 85054.

For more information on Joe and his book, go to: http://www.joecourtneysbook.com, and to book him for speaking engagements call:

1.855.5THERIM (1.855.584.3746) or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .