A book written by Welsh entrepreneur Lucy Cohen has defied the odds and become a surprise hit; out-ranking business heavyweights like Tony Robbins (motivational speaker), Anne Boden (CEO of Starling Bank), and even international bestseller Eric Ries, author of the famous book The Lean Startup. It seems that Cohen’s book, Forget the First Million, has resonated with small businesses across the world, bagging the number 1 Amazon bestseller status in five different categories on 18th February 2022.
Cohen, Co-Founder of Accounting firm Mazuma Money, released her book in January 2022 and wanted to shine the light on building a business that creates happiness for the founder, rather than just cold hard cash.
“In the 15 years I have been in business, I have seen an obsessive focus on making money at all costs,” says Cohen.
“Never mind the toll it takes on your mental health, your physical health, and your relationships, if you’ve got money then you’ve made it.
“I’m calling time on being miserable running a business,” she says.
“Let’s focus on creating sustainable happiness, and the rest will follow.”
Despite the focus on creating happiness over cash, the book itself is jam-packed with practical business advice. Having worked with small and micro businesses for over 15 years, it’s no doubt that Cohen is the expert when it comes to running a small business.
When asked about her journey she jokes about how, when she first started Mazuma Money, she’d dread going for meetings in coffee shops.
“I couldn’t afford to buy anyone a coffee”, she says. “I was so embarrassed”.
But 15 years later, and after surviving life-threatening blood clots in 2021, Cohen is focused on living a life centered around fulfillment, purpose, and happiness.
“If you’re not happy, then what’s the point?” she shrugs.
“I love what I do and the balance it brings me in life, so I wanted to share what I had learned with other small businesses. The old business books lied to you. It’s not about the hustle and the grind, it’s about having a purpose.”
Lucy’s book, Forget the First Million, is available in paperback and kindle on Amazon and most online book retailers.
