Review
"The title, 'From Bullied to Brilliant' says it all. It's all about resilience and becoming the best person that you can be. It's about moving on through the pitfalls of life. I love the positive nature of the messages in this book and Karen's own positive outlook on life and raising children is clearly evident.
The combination of referring back to the great philosophies through the ages and, as Karen calls it, some 'uncommon sense', provides valuable insights for parents struggling with how to help their children work through situations of bullying and intimidation. The strategies are sound and a breath of fresh air. I have helped young people deal with bullying issues for over 36 years and associate very closely with Karen's peaceful, non-judgmental approach. A must-read for parents and educators which should be shared with your children."
Chris Gold
Principal of St John's College
Australia
Education Consultant
"'From Bullied to Brilliant' encourages positive philosophical and practical approaches to the handling of bullying. The author offers sequential steps and a range of actions and strategies that can be implemented by parents, teachers, adults and children who are dealing with bullying. While exploring a serious contemporary issue, Karen Clarke's writing is full of empathy, insights and humour. I was thoroughly engaged from beginning to end and learnt much about myself and the behaviour of others in my life, both past and present."
Dr Steven Gration (B.Ed PhD)
Performing Arts, Education and Community Researcher, Writer and Consultant
"The collection of first-hand stories Karen has collected in 'From Bullied to Brilliant', coupled with her seven-step process to help people overcome adversity, are a guide for any and all ages to read. Families should talk openly together about this global issue so that if and when bullying, fear, intimidation or mental abuse enters their lives, they feel confident discussing it. I hope From Bullied To Brilliant reaches millions and whether it's the stories like mine or the comprehensive process that Karen outlines to transcend the negative effects of bullying, as long one person sees the light and realises their true potential, that alone makes the effort worthwhile."
Michael Schwandt
Stage Director / Choreographer
"The people who are different, eccentric, who don't fit the mould - are the people who, because of their non-conformity, have the ability to think outside the box and do things differently. Unfortunately, this asset also makes them a target. 'From Bullied to Brilliant' is a wonderful tool to help those people both understand and deal with bullies, and embrace their own potential for brilliance."
Matthew Mitcham
Olympian
"I was born during World War 2, when unchecked bullying produced two psychotic mass murderers, Hitler and Stalin, who slaughtered 50 million people. They were empowered by compliant, obedient citizens who invested their own life-force in the bullies; pleading 'I was only following orders'. Later in life I met a psychologist, Dr John Bieshon, who dealt with bullying at work. He brought the bullies, the victims, their colleagues and managers together and to their senses. He accentuated the positive to eliminate the negative to make the organisation and the world a better place. Those were adults, whose psyches were formed and fixed.
Karen's important book shines bold, bright clear light into the dark corners where bullying and fearful compliance take root and grow, in families, nurseries, schools, recreations and relationships. And she guides us on how to intelligently confront the syndrome as early as possible, to counter it and liberate all the players to enjoy their lives. Karen's greatest gift to her readers is her exemplary courage in revealing her own battles and vulnerabilities. This is not a Do As I Say - but a creative Do As I Do book - from which we may all draw inspiration, courage, wisdom and strength."
Noel Hodson, Author
AD 2516 - After Global Warming
"I have worked with Karen in children's workshops over several years, and I have watched 'From Bullied to Brilliant' grow from strategies based on her own experiences to a concept that can change a worldwide pattern of bullying. The book Karen has created is easy to understand and use for teachers, students, bullies and victims. I am so proud to have been close enough to watch the book grow and next I will watch it change the world."
Hayley Green
Director
Ausfunk
"Those of us who are dreamers and misfits often find ourselves with a bulls-eye painted on our backs. We can feel like our uniqueness is something to be ashamed of, rather than a gift to be embraced. 'From Bullied to Brilliant' helps those of us who have been through, are going through, or may one day experience bullying - and sends the important message that we are not alone by sharing encouraging stories from those who have made it through to the other side."
Ed Francis
Executive Director/Co-Founder, Rhythm Workshops
Master Drum Coach/Founder, Round Rock Drums
"I loved reading 'From Bullied to Brilliant' for both personal and business reasons.
Personally as someone who allowed myself to be bullied until my mid-30s, the book was a wonderful confirmation of just how far I have come, especially in regards to taking responsibility of my own world. I won't lie to you; the book triggered several past emotions and, a few regrets that it had not been published 20 years earlier. It was very much worth the journey though.
As a counsellor I found myself reading the book from a therapeutic perspective. 'From Bullied to Brilliant' contains many gems for anyone who works with bullied clients. I believe it to be a must-have for those who work with children, including teachers. The book goes beyond what we learn in the textbooks or what we see on the surface. The sharing of stories gives us a deeper look into the world of the bullied and the bully. Maybe if we could gain a deeper understanding to pass on to our children at an early age, some future trauma could be avoided.
What I particularly loved was the lack of judgment, the practical tools for all parties, the compassion for all sides, and the allowed space for healing."
Kama Frankling
Slow Down and Play Therapist
"'From Bullied to Brilliant' offers deep-reaching strategies and techniques for overcoming bullying. The book provides great insight and understanding into a world which is too often swept under the carpet or dealt with behind closed doors. In a corporate environment, bullying is an important issue in ethics policy. As such, this book not only offers individuals solutions, it also offers corporations relevant and realistic tools to help deal with those being bullied, as well as those doing the bullying."
Rachael Handley (MSc, PGCE)
Corporate Training Manager
Dubai
"Karen Clarke takes a clear look at bullying and presents her message in a straight-talking, practical yet compassionate way. She tells it like she sees it, and through her honesty and empathy, she hands over the keys of healing to anyone who has experienced bullying first hand or knows someone who is experiencing bullying. Two of the many empowering messages in 'From Bullied to Brilliant' are that bullying is not a new phenomenon - it's been part of the social and human experience since time immemorial - only the shape it takes has changed in some instances. The other is that anyone can handle a bullying situation, no matter how 'weak' or submissive they see themselves as being. With a firm hand and an open heart, Karen Clarke walks with you through this clear-sighted and courageous book."
Jill Chivers
Conscious Consumption Writer and Advocate
From the Author
"Let him that would move the world first move himself"SocratesWhy is this book different? Primarily it is because the concepts to support people who are facing bullying and intimidation have been written as a result of both professional and profoundly painful personal experience. It is my belief that we need to add some creative thinking to the current conventional wisdom. We need to instil some uncommon sense into a domain that has largely been ignored as a serious problem, and in which many of the tools and techniques we are encouraged to use, simply don't work. The world needs a little more oomph to overcome and move beyond bullying. Both this book and my coaching practice support those who wish to find immediate, practical solutions to the bullying problem. The solutions I have discovered have largely not been a result of the current systems we have in place, ergo the systems have room for improvement and consequently, room for this book.When focusing on problems associated with bullying and intimidation, I know exactly what it's like to feel embarrassed, isolated, insecure and alone. I was aggressively ostracised by my peer group in primary school, teased mercilessly throughout my early years and moved to West Africa aged 15, where I experienced a hellish year in a hot, humid and hostile French-speaking school. I grew up as the only girl in a family of seven children, feeling shy, gangly, gauche, unattractive, physically inept and insignificant. I know distinctly what it feels like to not fit in, to feel rejected, unwanted, unimportant and lacking in personal power. Perhaps ironically, I also have known what it feels like inadvertently to bully, or to hurt others. If we were all truly honest with ourselves, haven't we all at some point caused another pain, either intentionally or otherwise?Thankfully I have managed to move well beyond the uncomfortable sleep of victimhood and the never-ending spiral of hurt that accompanies it. Through my work I have been fortunate enough to assist many parents or carers and children to move beyond the bully/victim cycle, and as a result have pinpointed key elements that speed up the process and help people move into their natural and intrinsic state of confidence and self-esteem. My training, professional expertise and life experience have provided me with unique and valuable tools which help me understand how to shift focus from the problem to a very immediate solution and, if you are willing to read on and take action, so will you. As you will learn through this journey, I also have a clear understanding of how it feels to be under the impression that you are isolated, bullied and without support. I hope that, through the sharing of these stories and the offering of transformative steps to confidence and self-esteem, you will see that you are truly not alone, never were, never will be. You will learn that many, many great people throughout history and in the present day have walked in your shoes, been used and abused by friend and enemy alike, and used their hardship and in some cases severe trauma and pain as a springboard to boost them in the direction of their dreams. "Listen to everything, forget much, correct little"Pope John XXIII
From the Inside Flap
"The title, 'From Bullied to Brilliant' says it all. It's all about resilience and becoming the best person that you can be. It's about moving on through the pitfalls of life. I love the positive nature of the messages in this book and Karen's own positive outlook on life and raising children is clearly evident.
The combination of referring back to the great philosophies through the ages and, as Karen calls it, some 'uncommon sense', provides valuable insights for parents struggling with how to help their children work through situations of bullying and intimidation. The strategies are sound and a breath of fresh air. I have helped young people deal with bullying issues for over 36 years and associate very closely with Karen's peaceful, non-judgmental approach. A must-read for parents and educators which should be shared with your children."
Chris Gold
Principal of St John's College
Australia
Education Consultant
z
"'From Bullied to Brilliant' encourages positive philosophical and practical approaches to the handling of bullying. The author offers sequential steps and a range of actions and strategies that can be implemented by parents, teachers, adults and children who are dealing with bullying. While exploring a serious contemporary issue, Karen Clarke's writing is full of empathy, insights and humour. I was thoroughly engaged from beginning to end and learnt much about myself and the behaviour of others in my life, both past and present."
Dr Steven Gration (B.Ed PhD)
Performing Arts, Education and Community Researcher, Writer and Consultant
z
"The collection of first-hand stories Karen has collected in 'From Bullied to Brilliant', coupled with her seven-step process to help people overcome adversity, are a guide for any and all ages to read. Families should talk openly together about this global issue so that if and when bullying, fear, intimidation or mental abuse enters their lives, they feel confident discussing it. I hope From Bullied To Brilliant reaches millions and whether it's the stories like mine or the comprehensive process that Karen outlines to transcend the negative effects of bullying, as long one person sees the light and realises their true potential, that alone makes the effort worthwhile."
Michael Schwandt
Stage Director / Choreographer
z
"The people who are different, eccentric, who don't fit the mould - are the people who, because of their non-conformity, have the ability to think outside the box and do things differently. Unfortunately, this asset also makes them a target. 'From Bullied to Brilliant' is a wonderful tool to help those people both understand and deal with bullies, and embrace their own potential for brilliance."
Matthew Mitcham
Olympian
z
"I was born during World War 2, when unchecked bullying produced two psychotic mass murderers, Hitler and Stalin, who slaughtered 50 million people. They were empowered by compliant, obedient citizens who invested their own life-force in the bullies; pleading 'I was only following orders'. Later in life I met a psychologist, Dr John Bieshon, who dealt with bullying at work. He brought the bullies, the victims, their colleagues and managers together and to their senses. He accentuated the positive to eliminate the negative to make the organisation and the world a better place. Those were adults, whose psyches were formed and fixed.
Karen's important book shines bold, bright clear light into the dark corners where bullying and fearful compliance take root and grow, in families, nurseries, schools, recreations and relationships. And she guides us on how to intelligently confront the syndrome as early as possible, to counter it and liberate all the players to enjoy their lives. Karen's greatest gift to her readers is her exemplary courage in revealing her own battles and vulnerabilities. This is not a Do As I Say - but a creative Do As I Do book - from which we may all draw inspiration, courage, wisdom and strength."
Noel Hodson, Author
AD 2516 - After Global Warming
z
"I have worked with Karen in children's workshops over several years, and I have watched 'From Bullied to Brilliant' grow from strategies based on her own experiences to a concept that can change a worldwide pattern of bullying. The book Karen has created is easy to understand and use for teachers, students, bullies and victims. I am so proud to have been close enough to watch the book grow and next I will watch it change the world."
Hayley Green
Director
Ausfunk
z
"Those of us who are dreamers and misfits often find ourselves with a bulls-eye painted on our backs. We can feel like our uniqueness is something to be ashamed of, rather than a gift to be embraced. 'From Bullied to Brilliant' helps those of us who have been through, are going through, or may one day experience bullying - and sends the important message that we are not alone by sharing encouraging stories from those who have made it through to the other side."
Ed Francis
Executive Director/Co-Founder, Rhythm Workshops
Master Drum Coach/Founder, Round Rock Drums
z
"I loved reading 'From Bullied to Brilliant' for both personal and business reasons.
Personally as someone who allowed myself to be bullied until my mid-30s, the book was a wonderful confirmation of just how far I have come, especially in regards to taking responsibility of my own world. I won't lie to you; the book triggered several past emotions and, a few regrets that it had not been published 20 years earlier. It was very much worth the journey though.
As a counsellor I found myself reading the book from a therapeutic perspective. 'From Bullied to Brilliant' contains many gems for anyone who works with bullied clients. I believe it to be a must-have for those who work with children, including teachers. The book goes beyond what we learn in the textbooks or what we see on the surface. The sharing of stories gives us a deeper look into the world of the bullied and the bully. Maybe if we could gain a deeper understanding to pass on to our children at an early age, some future trauma could be avoided.
What I particularly loved was the lack of judgment, the practical tools for all parties, the compassion for all sides, and the allowed space for healing."
Kama Frankling
Slow Down and Play Therapist
z
"'From Bullied to Brilliant' offers deep-reaching strategies and techniques for overcoming bullying. The book provides great insight and understanding into a world which is too often swept under the carpet or dealt with behind closed doors. In a corporate environment, bullying is an important issue in ethics policy. As such, this book not only offers individuals solutions, it also offers corporations relevant and realistic tools to help deal with those being bullied, as well as those doing the bullying.
Rachael Handley (MSc, PGCE)
Corporate Training Manager
Dubai
z
"Karen Clarke takes a clear look at bullying and presents her message in a straight-talking, practical yet compassionate way. She tells it like she sees it, and through her honesty and empathy, she hands over the keys of healing to anyone who has experienced bullying first hand or knows someone who is experiencing bullying. Two of the many empowering messages in 'From Bullied to Brilliant' are that bullying is not a new phenomenon - it's been part of the social and human experience since time immemorial - only the shape it takes has changed in some instances. The other is that anyone can handle a bullying situation, no matter how 'weak' or submissive they see themselves as being. With a firm hand and an open heart, Karen Clarke walks with you through this clear-sighted and courageous book."
Jill Chivers
Conscious Consumption Writer and Advocate
From the Back Cover
If you have ever been bullied, you know how deep the wounds can go. You know how victims often suffer in silence and feel deeply unworthy and unimportant. From Bullied to Brilliant provides a radical new way to rapidly end the cycle of dominance and intimidation. Those who have been bullied will learn how to rediscover their strength and purpose and find hope and self-acceptance.Through actual case studies and practical advice, this groundbreaking book sheds light on the causes of bullying and importantly, how to end it, including: Why bullies attack The real problem - bullies and victims explained Ending the pattern of bullying Turning your pain into your greatest gain 7 Steps to Peaceful Personal PowerKaren has a deep understanding of the bullying and social isolation facing parents and children in her coaching practice,. As a child victim of bullying and the mother of three school-aged children, Karen understands the pressures families face when bullying becomes an issue. From Bullied to Brilliant helps adults, educators, parents and victims of bullying understand how a change in thinking can end the bully-victim cycle. The questions may be complicated but perhaps the answers lie within.
About the Author
Karen Clarke is the author of From Bullied to Brilliant, trainer, Keynote Speaker, facilitator, and a confidence and performance coach. She helps individuals and organisations manage challenging relationships, develop resilience and apply the necessary life-skills to overcome with bullying.Karen has a deep understanding of bullying and social isolation from her insight as a professional coach, her profound personal experiences and from life as an expatriate in francophone West Africa. As the mother of three and one of seven, she also understands the pressures families face.As a teenager growing up in an increasingly volatile Cote D'Ivoire, Karen's experience living in an unstable and hostile environment including being robbed at gunpoint had a deep and lasting effect. The prevalence of violence, bullying, intolerance, conflict and increase in global terrorist activity clearly demonstrates the need for us to bring about effective and lasting change. Karen's book helps individuals build resilience and learn how to overcome these challenges.From Bullied to Brilliant is the result of Karen's 20-year journey of personal discovery and professional research to find a solution to feeling bullied, helpless and intimidated. Karen's advice and techniques allow adults, teenagers and educators to understand how a change in thinking and perception can end the bully-victim cycle. The world is full of questions, perhaps our answers lie within.
