Success from the Inside Out: Power to Rise from the Past to a Fulfilling Future

by Nona Jones, Christine Caine (Foreword)

Join corporate executive and leadership speaker Nona Jones as she takes you on a personal journey of healing from the past so you can move forward with freedom and hope. Many of us aspire to achieve status, wealth, and notability in the hopes that those things will erase the pain of our past. But for those who have experienced trauma, like Nona Jones, success requires more than a changed mindset--it requires repairing a broken spirit. Nona was appointed to an executive role with a Fortune 100 company at only 23 years old. Since then, she has led award-winning initiatives in public affairs, brokered multimillion-dollar business deals, addressed the United Nations, and championed juvenile justice and education policy reform in the halls of Congress--all before she turned 35. Then, in one of the biggest wake-up calls of her life, Nona realized that her past battles were waging a present war. Though she tried to push away the memories, her childhood trauma continued to affect her emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically--until she made a pivotal decision. Success from the Inside Out charts the course of Nona's breakthrough--a course that can also lead you out of the storms of your past or present. Through her own remarkable story and insights, Nona helps Praise for Success from the Inside Out : "Nona Jones's transparency and insight into her most painful experiences will undoubtedly help readers overcome their darkest experiences so they can experience all the goodness and success that is waiting for them on the path to redemption and empowerment!" --Laila Ali, author, TV host, champion boxer, and CEO "In Success from the Inside Out , Nona Jones shows us that God's grace is strong enough to lift us up when we have no strength left with which to stand. This book is for anyone who needs freedom from their past to fully embrace their future." --Bishop T. D. Jakes, New York Times bestselling author and senior pastor of The Potter's House of Dallas

Genres: Leadership, Christian, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published January 21, 2020

About the author

Nona Jones is considered a global thought-leader at the intersection of faith and technology and has also served as a voice of hope and healing to victims of trauma due to her own history as a survivor of physical and sexual abuse. Her highly anticipated books are equipping church leaders and individuals to harness their potential toward realizing their purpose.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got to see this amazing woman speak on her book tour and got a signed copy of her book. Even got to hug her 💗
Her book is incredible and shows you the way to take trauma, ego, and your past to find God’s glory. What’s keeping you from realizing his purpose? What plan needs to be in place? She’s going to help you and I loved her book!

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read/listen! I listened to Nona’s interview on Jamie Ivey’s happy hour podcast and knew I had to read her book. She’s raw, honest and vulnerable about her story and journey towards leaning on God.

I listened to the audiobook version and was pleasantly surprised that she’s an engaging storyteller and narrator. It was well-written and thoughtful.

I kept thinking, “me too,” and felt like this was the first time I heard someone tell a story so similar to my own. Thank you for helping me feel less alone, Nona! I feel more empowered to lean on God and share my own story with those I trust. It was a great read.

Note: I do think that everyone should understand the reality and prevalence of abuse. That said, this book may be a bit uncomfortable for those who have never experienced abuse or toxic relationships. It could also be a potentially triggering for those who have experienced abuse or sexual assault. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the read and felt more empowered after reading this! Definitely recommending this!

[Adrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Nona demonstrates how past trauma affects our professional success emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Reading this was like going to therapy sessions in a book. There were quite a few times where I had a me too moment with Nona. The book was so well written and narrated that I felt like she was speaking directly to me. Nona uses her writing to help us discover the difference between success that empties and success that fills you as you claim for yourself: Success from the Inside Out".

[Mike Sr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nona's story will stretch you. She's been through quite a bit and achieved great success, but it all came with a high price tag. She's an inspiration. Her story hurts in places and she's very transparent. At the same time, her life challenges you to make the most of your circumstances and to make a positive difference in response to everything that happens. This book will get your attention in every area where you might think of yourself as a victim. Highly recommended.

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first introduction to Nona Jones. What an unbelievable story from her life arising from the devastation of neglect, sexual, physical and verbal abuse growing up. As she relates the reason why she is so transparent about her journey is to show that you can overcome with the victory that Jesus can bring into your life. But it will not be easy and there are many pitfalls along the way as she describes. Our author makes so many great points that I bookmarked many including: "The hurt within us is the filter for everything around us; forgiveness is never about the offender; forgiveness is the gift we give ourselves by no longer allowing our past to control our future; what people think about you is your reputation, but who you are on the inside is your character; and finally we can only understand why we were created by looking to our Creator." There are many more nuggets throughout the book as she tells her story along with others that have overcome extreme circumstances and odds to bring purpose into their life. There is a moment or two where maybe she tries to draw an application from scripture that I think distracts from the context of the Biblical narrative, but overall, she gives you a roadmap to get through whatever has brought you down in the past. This is certainly a self-help book but a good one in so many ways.

[Laura A · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely brilliant book which has been wonderfully written. It has been written with pain and honesty, yet not written with any resentment- a trait that can only come from God.
A successful lady who does not shy away from admitting she has been successful - but gives God the glory.
I was literally reading about Nona’s leap of faith when she resigned from her job with no other job on the table, when an email pinged on my phone with a bill I’m not sure our new business can afford. It made me pray. Committing it to God just like Nona done.
I really enjoyed this. Examples of other successful people scattered throughout as well as scripture. Beautiful - thank you Nona!

[JJ | Casa de Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

What was all the hype about this woman named Nona Jones? I was curious, as I kept seeing her name and face in the media. I think I understand now. Not what I expected from a "how-to-be-successful" book - and I've read my share of them. She shares wisdom beyond her age. I purchased this book without looking at any reviews, just hoping I'd like it. I don't usually do that. I'm so glad I didn't put it back on the shelf!

[Joelle Meristal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in awe!

This is literally one of the best books I have ever read. Her transparency, wisdom, and experience has forever left a mark on me. Nona, you’re really a mentor in my head now!!! I recommend this book to everyone!!!!! Ministry leaders, entrepreneurs, anyone who desires to not only have public victories but private ones as well!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to dive back in! Nona Jones is brilliant, gifted, inspiring and such a pleasure to read. I am so grateful for the work she has done in her life and the work she has put into her books. We all have a past but that doesn't have to be our mirror or our lens. If you are looking to be inspired, motivated and have a shift in perspective, Nona really brings it.

[Annette Ridenour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly what I was expecting but a well written sharing of her story. I was hoping for more lessons from the business part of her life, which she did share a good portion of in the last few chapters, but the majority of the book was about her overcoming struggles and external forces of abuse in her life.

[Stacy Brunner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved getting to know Nona through her story. So many female Christian authors are hard for me to connect to as I work in a professional role. We need more women of this caliber in leadership! I'm inspired all over again to serve through my work.

[Susan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith, Hope and a Future!!!

This book highlights hope from a broken past through Christ's redemptive power. It is easy to read, relatable and provides some great tools for success focused on Christ, prioritizes loving people and is based on Nona's experience. Bravo to Ms Jones!!!

[Yvette Shields]

Wow! That about sums up how this book affected me. Her story is heartbreaking but also shows how to triumph over circumstances that are thrust upon you. I identify a lot with this book and am encouraged that life can be much sweeter in the end than the bitter beginnings.

[Barbara Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring! Jones uses her own heart-breaking story to inspire others to overcome their past and become successful, as well as defining what true success is. Her spiritual journey is at the center of her success, as it should be. Highly recommended.

[Jean Sommerdyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am moved by Nona’s candour about her history of sexual trauma, physical and emotional abuse, and her ultimate road to healing and success. She shares her experience of finding God’s grace and how He has guided her throughout her life. An amazing testimony of God’s power to change a broken life.

[Susan Coward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

Well done Nona, for not allowing the trauma of your past to limit your achievements. Success from the inside out reminds me that although we may look at the outward appearance of individuals, God looks at their heart.

[Jeannie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!!!

[Rona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. Potent. Persuasive.
This book surpassed my expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with Biblical principles. Easy read.

[Janine Phelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great voice to bring a fresh perspective.

[Becky Colaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories of peoples' lives. This one did not disappoint. It was a hard bio to read, but it had a great message.

[Barbara Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book! The most inspiring book I have read in a long time.

[Wendy Velasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story and a must read!

[C.S. Areson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I felt this book was written more for women. I was encouraged by the words and the life of Nona Jones.

[Aimee Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great inspiring read. The author seemed to be speaking directly to me at so many point during the book. This is a book I will read again at some point because I enjoyed it so much.

[Karla Dobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love her! Such an amazing testimony.

[Sarah Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what I was getting into. And it started out super heavy with Nona's story. But wow! This was a great book and really challenged me!

[Pudensiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In Christ we have the grace to start over again, starting from the inside out.”

[Challia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this book and it hit as powerfully as the first time I read it.

I must say that the first section of the book was a bit triggering for me as sexual abuse is mentioned so the second time around I skipped to the second section.

The book explores the essential role of inner healing, self-awareness, and forgiveness in achieving true success. It delves into how past pain can influence present perceptions and highlights the importance of understanding one's purpose through a relationship with God.

It emphasizes the significance of gratitude, character development, and continuous learning, while cautioning against the dangers of ego-driven decision-making and comparison.

Ultimately, there is a difference between success and good success, where the latter is a choice rooted in faith, personal growth, and aligning actions with God's will, rather than seeking external validation.

Great read! 🔥