Coaching for Resilience
Leadership / Self-Help / Health / Business
Date Published: April 29. 2026
Publisher: Serapis Bey Publishing, Arizona, USA
This empowering book launches the new Cancer Compass; an essential self-leadership resource for people facing cancer. It extends its reach to caregivers, healthcare professionals, and organisations committed to offering meaningful support to anyone in their workforce dealing with cancer. It encourages us to see cancer not solely as a medical challenge, but as a profound moment to honour the resilience of our human spirit, embrace growth, and reclaim control of our lives for a brighter future.
Teresa Ferreiro-Vilariño challenges her readers to shift their perspective, prioritising personal empowerment, connection and purposeful living. Her insights about resilience coaching and each person’s human potential are uplifting. Her book is deeply rooted in practical application, including thoughtful exercises and tools that prompt us to access our inner resources, engage in self-discovery and cultivate our secure bases. These unique gifts guide us to align our decisions with our values and goals, helping us chart a path forward with choice, clarity and confidence.
Interview with Teresa Ferreiro Vilariño
Author of Navigate Cancer
Do you have a routine or something you do to get you in the mood to write?
Yes. I write in the morning, when my mind feels fresh and focused. I like to know I have at least two uninterrupted hours ahead of me. Before I start, I make myself a cup of tea and settle into a quiet space. Having that small ritual helps me transition into writing mode.
Do you have a special song, drink, or food you enjoy while you are writing?
Tea is my constant companion while I write. I usually write in silence, as I find it easier to listen to my own thoughts that way.
How do you know what to write?
That's a great question. Before I begin writing, I spend a lot of time creating the structure. I start with the table of contents and then develop bullet points for each chapter or section. Once I have that roadmap, writing becomes much easier because I know exactly where I am going. Each day, I choose one section and focus on bringing those ideas to life. I aim to write at least five pages a day.
What does a typical writing day look like for you?
My writing days start early. I practice yoga, walk my son to school with our dog, and then return home to make a cup of tea and begin writing. Mornings are when I feel most creative and focused, so I reserve them for deep work, including coaching sessions. After lunch, I usually switch to other activities related to my work that require less concentration.
Do you do anything special to celebrate after writing “the end”?
Yes. I usually go out for lunch with my family. For me, the celebration is less about what we do and more about taking a moment to acknowledge the achievement. Writing a book is a long journey, and I believe it is important to pause, reflect, and celebrate before moving on to the next challenge.
How long does it take you to write a book?
It varies enormously. My first book took only four months to write. Navigate Cancer – Coaching for Resilience was very different. It took me about three years to write, but it was built on five years of doctoral research and many more years of personal and professional experience. In some ways, I had been writing that book long before I ever sat down at my desk.
What is the most difficult part of writing a book?
For me, the most difficult part is knowing when to stop. Writing is a creative process, but learning never ends. As an author, you keep discovering new ideas, insights, and stories that could make the book even better.
With Navigate Cancer, there were at least three occasions when I thought I had the final manuscript, only to have a new idea emerge that significantly enriched the content and led me back to rewriting parts of it. At some point, you have to accept that the book is ready to leave your hands and begin its journey with readers.
That takes a different kind of courage than writing the first draft.
About the Author
At the age of 36, a breast cancer diagnosis marked a turning point in her life, redirecting her focus toward empowering people living with cancer. In the years that followed, she authored her first book, I Have Breast Cancer–What Now?, recognised for its inspirational and practical guidance, embraced motherhood, and founded a charitable initiative supporting young women navigating motherhood after cancer. She later earned a PhD focused on applying professional coaching methodologies to the specific needs of people facing serious health challenges. In recognition of her commitment to patient advocacy, she was honoured with the European Patient Champion Award by EyeforPharma in 2019.
Teresa is also an executive coach and coaches across multiple programs at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, including the flagship High-Performance Leadership (HPL) Program, supporting leaders in developing resilience, clarity, and sustainable performance.
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