In a moment when the world feels increasingly divided, a new book is proving that courage, connection, and shared purpose still have the power to bring people together.
“Today is the Day. Live It!” by Jodi Hope Grinwald, unites 31 diverse changemakers from California to Uganda, each offering a powerful story of what becomes possible when you step beyond your comfort zone and into your greatest impact.
“Today is the Day. Live It!” is both a movement and a roadmap. Drawing inspiration from Grinwald’s global work as a professional coach, founder of the “Today is the Day Changemakers” podcast and creator of the International Changemakers Forum, the book highlights men and women who have confronted fear, uncertainty, adversity, and reinvention—and transformed those moments into fuel for purpose-driven leadership.
“This book is proof that one decision can create ripples you may never fully see,” Grinwald said Wednesday. “What began as my own leap into coaching, podcasting, and global community-building has now woven voices from across continents into a collective story of courage, connection, and impact.
“This project proves that even in uncertain times, our stories can bring us together. ‘Today is the Day. Live It!’ is an invitation for every reader to trust that stepping beyond your comfort zone opens doors you never imagined,” she said.
The book has already drawn praise from global leaders, including retired U.S. General Stanley McChrystal, who has called it a “great pick-me-up read.”
“Sometimes we need to be reminded what’s truly important—and what’s possible,” McChrystal said. “Noted podcaster, connection strategist, and certified professional coach Jodi Grinwald, herself an inspiration, has connected us to a group of ordinary people whose stories and insights are nothing short of extraordinary. We are in that group if only we give ourselves permission to join.”
The book amplifies voices seldom heard together in the same space: leaders with diverse backgrounds, missions, industries, and lived experiences. While each unique in their experiences and stories, each one shares a common truth: transformational change starts with the courage to begin.
Contributors include:
- Amy Delman – owner, Amy Delman Public Relations (Livingston, NJ)
- Ann Marie Baker – vice president, Design 446 (Brick, NJ)
- Catherine Curry Williams – co-founder, She Angels Foundation; founder, Shane’s
Inspiration; TEDx Speaker & Best-selling Author (Los Angeles, CA & NYC) - Cathy Hartenstein – life and leadership coach, Create More Bliss; co-host, “Women Arising” podcast; facilitator, Meditation for Leadership (Sedona, AZ)
- Mohan Metla – founder & owner, Mohan Group LLC (Brooklyn, NY)
- Charlene Gorzela – mid-life/third act coach, leadership consultant, speaker – Life Reinvention Now (Los Angeles, CA)
- Chaya Pamula – co-founder, president & CEO, PAMTEN Inc.; founder, SOFKIN &
SHETEK (Riverside, CA) - Clayton Platt – founder/principal, InnerEdge Consulting; senior facilitator and program consultant - Meditation4Leadership, host of “Magic in the Moment - Mindfulness in Real Time” podcast (Newtown Square, PA)
- Debra Rizzi – president & partner, Rizco (Wall, NJ)
- Deborah “Dee” Baker – CEO, Beyond the Uniform, LLC; U.S. Air Force Veteran; CEO
Women Operating in Overflow (Charlotte, NC) - Deborah Koenigsberger – founder & CEO Hearts of Gold Inc. & owner, Noir et Blanc (New York, NY)
- Fred C. Wasiak – president & CEO, Food Bank of South Jersey & founder/owner,
Humanics Consulting (Tabernacle, NJ) - Heather McCulloch – writer and former Reuters journalist; president, Women & Girls Education International; board member, Native American International Caucus; certified health coach (Neptune, NJ)
- Helen Archontou, CEO, YWCA Northern New Jersey (Cedar Grove, NJ)
- Janet Kotsakis – chief people officer, Food Bank of South Jersey (Cinnaminson, NJ)
- JD Wilson – founder, Lead U; Military Veteran (Manasquan, NJ)
- Jennifer Devi Chauhan – co-founder & executive director, Project Write Now (Red Bank, NJ)
- Jodi Hope Grinwald, leadership and connection strategist, founder & change agent, Today is the Day LLC; host, “Today is the Day Changemakers” podcast; founder, International Changemakers Forum and co-founder & CEO, Applaud Our Kids, (Barnegat, NJ)
- Katie Marra – student double majoring in Ecology & Entomology, Rutgers University, (Toms River, NJ)
- Lenny Dave – comedy historian, Humor Camp co-founder; speaker, author, humorist (Lake Worth, FL)
- Lisa Clark – international amateur race car driver, Ferrari Challenge Series and Endurance Racing (West Hollywood, CA)
- Nicholas Marco – entrepreneur; partner, Michael Region Enterprises; owner, Hand & Stone Massage, Drybar, Sweat 440; founder, Free Cash Flow Advisor (Asbury Park, NJ)
- Dr. Nicol Nicola, director of Economic & Demographic Research, NJDOL;
adjunct professor; leadership training facilitator (Princeton, NJ) - Sarah Jakle, founder & executive director, DemocraShe (Los Angeles, CA)
- Steven M. Cohen – author of “Leading from Within”; co-founder & chair, Meditation4Leadership (Moorestown, NJ)
- Tanya Newbould – life transformation strategist; ACC/ICF certified coach; speaker, entrepreneur, author, producer, actress; founder, DelPozzo Jewelry & SOZO Heart
(Beverly Hills, CA) - Tara Coffman – financial industry professional (Wall, NJ)
- Tara Marie Stemkovsky – creator & host, “True Crime Matters” (East Brunswick, NJ)
- Terese Rolke – executive director, Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce
(Lincroft, NJ) - Christine Namusaazi – founder, She Unit Uganda (Kampala, Uganda)
- Tisha Janigian – president & founder, SHE IS HOPE LA, broker & owner - SHE IS
HOPE Realty (Los Angeles, CA)
Readers can reserve their copy through the official website at TodayIsTheDayLiveIt.com. The book is available through major retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with additional purchasing details to be announced. Bulk orders, media inquiries, and speaking requests may be directed through the website’s contact portal or to jodi@todayisthedayliveit.com.
About the Author
Jodi Hope Grinwald, CPC, ELI-MP is a certified professional coach, podcast host, nonprofit leader, and founder of the Today is the Day movement. Her podcast has reached listeners in over 131 countries, creating a global platform for connection, awareness, and impact. Grinwald is also co-founder of the International Changemakers Forum, which uplifts and connects purpose-driven individuals across industries and continents.
